Summer Vacation Scheme 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.

Summer Vacation Schemes 2026:
Our Vacation Schemes take place twice in the year in the form of two 2-week schemes in the Summer.
Vacation Scheme students will be paid £750 for completing each week.
The scheme will follow our internal programme, which includes a number of talks, workshops, and a negotiating exercise. There will also be department insights and close contact with trainees. The week is designed specifically for students to be given an authentic taste of a City lawyer's work. There are also working lunches and informal evening events.

The exact dates of each scheme are:

15 June to 26 June 2026, and 29 June to 10 July 2026

When and how to apply:
This year we will largely recruit for our Training Contract from our Summer Vacation Schemes.
Applications for our Summer Vacation Schemes opened on 3 November 2025 (Midday) and will close on 14 January 2026 (Midday). Interviews will only be allocated once all applications have been processed.

Please note our interview process will be held virtually and run by a senior member of our Early Careers Panel.

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.