Solicitor Apprenticeship 2026

Travers Smith is the firm of choice for ambitious organisations navigating complex, high-stakes legal challenges—both in the UK and globally. Our approach is built on deep expertise, independence, and genuine partnership: we treat our clients’ goals as our own, providing tailored solutions by truly understanding their needs and the rapid changes in the business world. We focus on three core areas—transactions, disputes & investigations, and complex advisory matters—which allows us to deliver premium, bespoke advice and help our clients stay ahead.

What truly sets us apart is our collaborative and inclusive culture. We deliberately invest in our people, offering outstanding training and development, and we put long-term success—yours and the firm’s—above short-term targets. Our supportive, close-knit environment means you can bring your whole self to work, share ideas across levels, and be part of a team that values diversity of thought and real teamwork. There are no chargeable hour targets, fewer silos, and more chances to get involved, connect, and grow alongside talented colleagues.

When you join Travers Smith, you join a firm that is confident, dynamic, and different by design—not just another City law firm. Here, you’ll gain responsibility early, work on exciting international matters, and benefit from a learning culture that values your wellbeing and ambitions as much as your expertise. If you want to start your legal career in a place where quality, culture, and personal growth truly matter, Travers Smith is where you belong.

What we do
Our business spans four key areas across advisory, contentious, regulatory and transactional focuses, comprising of the following main practice areas: Competition, Corporate M&A and ECM, Dispute Resolution, Derivatives & Structures Products, Employment, Finance, Financial Services & Markets, Funds, Incentives & Remuneration, Operational Risk & Environment, Pensions, Private Equity & Financial Sponsors, Real Estate, Regulatory Investigations and Tax, and Technology & Commercial Transactions.

What we look for
At Travers Smith, you’ll be trusted with real responsibility from day one—speaking to clients, joining meetings, and managing your own work, all with plenty of support and guidance. That’s why we look for people who match academic strength with clear-headed judgement and practical sense; who are determined, communicative, and quick-thinking; who are motivated and bring a positive, down-to-earth attitude to their work, alongside a healthy sense of humour.
A law degree is not a necessity – over 45% of our trainees have non-law backgrounds.

Solicitor apprenticeships
At Travers Smith, we believe in nurturing future talent through a challenging and rewarding journey. Our Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship is a six-year programme designed to launch outstanding legal careers—offering real responsibility, tailored support, and unrivalled learning every step of the way. You’ll be a valued member of our collaborative and inclusive environment, benefiting from one-to-one mentorship, meaningful guidance, and continuous professional growth.

For four days each week, you’ll work within one of our core fee-earning teams, sitting alongside and learning from our experienced lawyers. Across six years, you’ll rotate through eight different market-leading departments, gaining deep exposure to a wide range of legal work and an eclectic mix of clients. Throughout, you’ll be empowered to contribute fully to your teams and develop as both a professional and a person.
One day a week, you’ll study with BPP University, progressing toward both an LLB in Law and completing your Solicitors Qualifying Exam. Your studies will cover tutor-led seminars, independent work and portfolio assessments—all with course fees fully funded by Travers Smith.

On completion of the six years, you’ll qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales and be eligible to apply for a newly qualified associate role here at Travers Smith, all while earning a salary and building a future to be proud of.

How to apply
Applications open at midday on 3 November 2025 and will close at midday on 14 January 2026.

Our application process is formed of three stages. The initial stage is an online application, which includes some basic CV information, and an opportunity for you to demonstrate your motivations for applying for the Travers Smith apprenticeship programme, and why you want to train with us.

After we have screened your application, you will be invited to complete our online Legal High Potential Assessment. This assessment is designed to give us a well-rounded view of the capabilities of our applicants and will include different types of scenario-based numerical and verbal questions, as well as a short video interview.

As the final stage in the process, a small number of candidates will be invited to participate in a Solicitor Apprentice Recruitment Day, comprised of a written exercise, a commercial discussion exercise and a face-to-face interview. This final stage of the process will take place in person in our London offices.

For more information please visit our website or follow us on Instagram and TikTok.

DEI
At Travers Smith, we know diversity and inclusion are about much more than box-ticking—they are essential to who we are and to the quality of our work. We actively celebrate the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that everyone brings, because we believe they help us thrive and drive better outcomes for our clients and our people. Our culture of allyship, visible role models, and genuine respect empowers everyone to bring their authentic selves to work and fulfil their potential.
We back up this commitment with action. Our six professional networks, each led by a partner, provide support, connection, and strategic input across the firm. These networks—REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage), LGBTQ+, Faith Resources, Gender Balance, Enable (focusing on accessibility needs), and the Social Mobility Group—reflect our belief in fostering community, encouraging dialogue, and ensuring everyone’s voice is heard at Travers Smith.