Training Contract - March 2027

We are delighted to announce that applications for Travers Smith’s Training Contract are open, for a  March 2027 start date.

If you've been considering a career in law, have been studying the SQE or LPC (or are about to complete it) and are looking for a firm that offers genuinely high-quality work, unrivalled training, and a culture that is truly different by design, now is the time to get your application ready.

This is a focused recruitment process with a limited number of places available – reflecting the firm's deliberate commitment to investing deeply in the people it brings on board. We would encourage anyone who is seriously interested to prepare their application now.

If you have completed, or are currently finishing, the SQE or LPC, we would love to hear from you!

Entry requirement:

- On track for a 2:1 (but taking into acount mitigating circumstances)

This is a focused recruitment process with a limited number of places available – reflecting the firm's deliberate commitment to investing deeply in the people it brings on board, rather than simply growing headcount. We would encourage anyone who is seriously interested to  prepare their application now.

Applications opened on Monday 11 May and close on Friday 29 May.

Apply online via our website at Early Careers | Travers Smith.

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About Travers Smith

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.

Training Programme

Our training is hands-on and wide-ranging, giving you the chance to work directly with Partners and Associates on real client matters from day one. There is responsibility that goes with this, but you won't be alone. All trainees sit with Partners and Associates through our room sharing system, which ensures a refreshing lack of hierarchy and unparallelled opportunities to learn by osmosis.

You’ll rotate through four different departments over two years – with all trainees spending one of those rotations in one of our Corporate departments, and the rest in a spread of other departments. This means you gain exposure to a variety of legal work, all within a supportive, non-hierarchical environment where learning from experienced lawyers is part of daily life.

At Travers Smith, collaboration and respect are at the heart of our culture, so you’re always encouraged to be yourself while building close relationships and skills that will shape your future.

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.