Spring Forward Programme 2026

An inclusive and diverse workforce is critical to our firm’s success and we seek the brightest minds to join us. Our clients work with us because they know that they can access exceptional talent.

Data from the Law Society shows that lawyers from ethnic minority or lower socio-economic backgrounds are underrepresented in law firms compared to the undergraduate population at UK universities. In our search for the best talent, we want to improve access to the profession for undergraduates from underrepresented backgrounds.

If you are a first-year law student from a lower socio-economic and/or ethnic minority background, our Spring Forward programme has been designed to give you an insight into life as a lawyer at Slaughter and May. This programme aims to develop your understanding of the work and culture of the firm and to provide information and experience for when you make decisions about applying for summer work experience schemes and training contracts in your penultimate year.

The programme includes:

• A one-week in-person work experience scheme in April 2026. During the one-week scheme, your time will be split between working alongside an associate and taking part in training sessions and skills workshops to help you develop your understanding of our work and build your commercial awareness.

• Ongoing support including an ongoing ‘buddy’ relationship following the scheme to provide support with the summer scheme application/interview process in your penultimate year.

Our 2026 Spring Forward programme will be taking place in our London office from Monday 13 April – Friday 17 April 2026.

Who can apply?

Our Spring Forward programme is for first year law students (and second year law students on a four-year degree) who are from a lower socio-economic and/or ethnic minority background.

How to apply

To apply, you will be asked to complete an online application form and attach a CV and responses to three questions. You can find out more about the application process here.

Applications will close on Wednesday 7 January 2026.

About Slaughter and May

Slaughter and May is a leading international law firm, recognised for our exceptional legal service and our commitment to clients. The firm is a trusted adviser to some of the largest companies in the world, advising on high-profile, complex and often ground-breaking transactions. Our forward thinking, innovative approach to legal services complements the best-in-class advice on which our reputation is built. Excellence is deeply ingrained in our culture and absolutely central to everything we do at the firm.

We thrive on original thinking and novel approaches. Our inclusive culture gives rise to a unique diversity of thinking, which is critical to our success and helps maintain our position as a true market leader.

Our practice areas

We are a full-service law firm and have leading practitioners across a wide range of areas including Mergers and Acquisitions, Corporate and Commercial, Financing, Tax, Competition, Disputes and Investigations, Real Estate, Pensions and Employment, Financial Regulation, and Technology, Digital, Data and Intellectual Property.

A world of difference

There are clear differences between Slaughter and May and other global law firms:

• We train each of our lawyers to be a multi-specialist, equipped to advise on a broad range of legal matters which at other firms would be handled by a number of different lawyers. This is hard work, but our lawyers say it makes for a far more fulfilling career. It provides challenge and interest, while allowing lawyers to develop deeper relationships with clients, because they get to know their businesses better.

• Much of our work has an international element and we work with the very best law firms across the globe, hand-picked to meet the needs of each matter, to support our clients. On average we work with more than 200 law firms across 100 countries annually. We never compromise on the quality and consistency for which we are widely recognised.

• Our inclusive culture is built on intentional collaboration and support. With no set billing targets, our lawyers are free to share expertise and knowledge, allowing them to focus on what truly matters – delivering exceptional work and outstanding client service.

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and Inclusion is an integral part of how we do things as a firm. We believe that a supportive and inclusive workplace drives collaboration and enhances business performance. We are looking to employ the brightest minds regardless of what or where they studied. Traditional approaches to D&I are often skewed towards initiatives helping diverse individuals to “fit in” and succeed; we focus on examining and adjusting the system for greater acceptance of different leadership styles and ways of working.