Covington & Burling LLP |

Covington & Burling LLP was founded in Washington, DC a century ago. Today, Covington has more than 1,400 lawyers and advisers across our offices in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States.

We offer services across a wide range of practice areas, advising clients on their most challenging and complex matters. Most of the work has an international element, and all our practice groups operate across borders. Our distinctively collaborative culture allows us to be truly one team globally, drawing on the diverse experience of lawyers across the firm.

At Covington, you will have an opportunity to work on cutting-edge deals for international and UK corporates such as Microsoft, Astra Zeneca and Facebook, Fortune 100 businesses and leading technology, life sciences and media companies. We have represented Facebook, Inc in its US$22 billion acquisition of WhatsApp and its US$1 billion acquisition of Instagram. We also advised Illumina on a four-year project that will map genomes for breakthroughs into cancer and rare diseases. Most recently we have advised on a deal in which Pfizer & BioNTech have agreed to work together to develop a covid-19 vaccine.

As a trainee at Covington you will have early responsibility and exposure. Working within small teams and playing a significant role in complex substantive work, our trainees work closely with senior lawyers and partners and have a chance to make a real impact on work that matters.

We offer trainees the opportunity to work on complex, high-profile matters for clients such as Microsoft, AstraZeneca, and Meta, while also playing meaningful roles in significant pro bono work. Our teams advise global technology and pharmaceutical companies on cutting-edge developments in AI, drug development, and personalized medicine; support global hyperscalers on landmark data centre projects; and counsel leading energy companies on some of the largest renewable energy developments in the Middle East. We have also represented Ukraine in proceedings against the Russian Federation before the International Court of Justice.

Vacation Schemes: 

Our Winter and Summer vacation schemes are a great way for students to really learn about the firm, its people and decide if a career at Covington is for them.

Over our two-week Vacation Schemes, students have the opportunity to become integrated into the London office and gain an insight into the work of a Covington lawyer.

Students have the opportunity to participate in:

• a series of interactive presentations from practice groups and international offices;
• a group activity;
• networking sessions with trainees, associates, and partners;
• an independent research project focusing on a practice area of interest; and
• social events to help you get to know the firm.

Candidates are eligible from their final year of a non-law degree or penultimate year of a law degree. We also welcome applications from graduates and career changers.

Key Dates

• Summer Scheme – Applications open from: 28 August 2026 – 15 January 2027. The Summer Scheme will take place from 28 June 2027 – 9 July 2027.

Successful applicants will be invited to an assessment day, involving an interview with two senior lawyers and a group activity.

We recruit trainees exclusively through our vacation schemes. All vacation scheme attendees will be interviewed and assessed for a Training Contract/QWE.

CovInsights: 

Our CovInsights programme is aimed at first year law students and second year non-law students who are still researching their legal careers.

This two day interactive programme provides a valuable insight into the firm, its practice areas, and the skills you will need to develop to become a successful lawyer. The programme is the perfect opportunity for candidates who are not yet eligible to apply for our vacation schemes.

The CovInsights programme includes:

• an introduction to our key practice areas;
• a group exercise;
• an application skills workshop; and
• networking with trainees, associates and partners.

Key Dates

• Applications open from 28 August 2026 – 12 March 2027.
• The programme will run from 7-8 April 2027.

Mentoring Programme: 

Our mentoring programme is designed to help talented socially mobile students step into the legal world with confidence, clarity, and connections.

Whether you are the first in your family to attend university, have overcome significant challenges, or simply do not see many people like you in the profession, we are here to help you thrive.

Why Apply?

The programme is not just about advice, it is about building a relationship with someone who is invested in your growth and in helping build your skills, confidence and experience.
You will receive:

• Personalised support from a Covington lawyer or trainee who will guide you throughout the duration of the programme.
• Practical skills through interactive sessions led by the Professional Development team and Covington lawyers.
• Confidence and clarity around pursuing a commercial law career.

As one mentee said:

The skills sessions were “highly interactive… this was coupled with the support of my mentor, who was immensely supportive and quick to dispel any concerns I had about my suitability for a legal career.”

Eligibility

We welcome applications from students who:

• From their second year of a law degree and from their final year of a non-law degree.
• Are on track for a 2.1 degree and have achieved ABB at A Level (we will consider mitigating circumstances).
• Socially mobile students, who have the drive and potential to succeed in commercial law.
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in becoming a commercial solicitor.
• Are not already participating in another mentoring programme or holding a vacation scheme or training contract offer.

You do not need prior legal experience, just a genuine interest in becoming a commercial solicitor and a willingness to make the most of the programme.

Programme Highlights

• Launch event in our London office, this is an opportunity to meet your mentor and network with your peers.
• Six in-person, skills sessions to develop the mindset and abilities of a successful lawyer.
• One-to-one mentoring with a lawyer or trainee throughout the programme.

Key Dates

• Applications open: 28 August 2026 – 16 October 2026
• Programme launch: 5 November 2026

Our previous mentees had the following to say about their experiences:

“Covington’s mentoring programme exceeded all my expectations… Having the opportunity to visit the office of such a highly respected law firm monthly has been a catalyst for my growth.”

“An invaluable experience — one I’d highly recommend in order to learn the skills needed to excel in law.”

Get “ready to challenge yourself, expand your network, and gain a mentor who’s invested in your future.”

Covington: Behind the Scenes: 

Join our virtual programme designed to widen access to legal skills for all students, while offering a unique insight into a career at Covington.

From September to November 2026, you will take part in a five-part series delivered live and virtually by Covington lawyers and professionals. Each interactive one-hour session will immerse you in the work of our London office and give you the chance to develop your legal knowledge and skills.

You will explore our core practice areas, Commercial, Contentious, and Regulatory, alongside an opening session introducing the programme and a closing session focused on building your professional skills. Through practical, trainee style tasks, you will gain first-hand experience of the work our lawyers do.

On completion, you will receive a certificate of participation demonstrating the legal skills developed through the programme.

Applications are open to all students and graduates —register below to secure your place.

Registration 28 August Onwards

Legal Horizons

The Covington Legal Horizons programme offers a unique opportunity to gain first hand exposure to some of our core practices within our London office. This exclusive opportunity is designed to equip you with the skills, insights, and connections needed to thrive as a commercial lawyer.

Choose Your Stream

• Legal Horizons: Litigation, Arbitration, White Collar Investigations
• Legal Horizons: Corporate & Commercial
• Legal Horizons: Competition & Antitrust

Each one-day programme comprising of interactive workshops, panel discussions and networking opportunities, all tailored to help you start building a successful career in law.

Eligibility Criteria

• You should be on track for a 2:1 degree and have achieved ABB at A Level (or equivalent).
• Applications are open to university students from any discipline, from their second year

Key Dates

• Applications open: 28 August 2026 – 9 October 2026
• Programme date: 20 October 2026

What We Look For: 

There is no set mould for a Covington trainee, our trainees are enthusiastic about the law, hardworking and keen to be part of our collaborative culture.

The candidates we choose are sharp, articulate, and quick thinking. They have confidence and composure, but also honesty and humour. We look for candidates to be on track for a 2.1 degree with a strong academic record.

We also like to see:

• energy and enthusiasm
• team spirit
• a range of interests outside of the law (extra-curricular activities, voluntary or paid work)
• independent thought
• communication and influencing skills
• commercial awareness
• resolve and judgement
• a creative approach to problem solving
• resilience under pressure
• a good sense of humour

Seats

During your two years as a trainee solicitor, you will spend time in a variety of practice areas (seats).

To ensure you get the best experience from your time our Professional Development team will work closely with you to design a training programme which best suits your preferences (and the business needs).

All trainees complete a transactional,contentious and regulatory seat. 

Trainees are able to sit within the following specialist areas:

• Corporate
• Competition
• Dispute Resolution
• Employment
• Life Sciences Regulatory
• Technology Regulatory
• Project Development and Finance
• Life Sciences Transactional
• Secondments

As part of your onboarding you will be invited to a live discussion (Seat Spotlight) to give you further information on the seats available. During each seat you will share an office with a partner or an associate (supervisor) and you will also have an additional supervisor on hand to help guide you through your time and your work in the relevant practice group. You will receive regular informal feedback as well as a formal mid-seat and end of seat review.

Secondments

As a trainee you will also have the chance to apply for an international or client secondment, which is an excellent opportunity to develop an understanding of the global nature of our work and to experience working in a different cultural environment. Our client secondments offer the opportunity to deepen relationships and to really develop an understanding of what clients want from their lawyers. Secondments are not compulsory and there may be visa restrictions.

• Brussels Secondment

A secondment to Covington’s Brussels office provides an opportunity to work in our EU Competition law practice group. Ranked among the top antitrust and competition firms in the world, the team advises clients on a range of issues - cartels, abuse of dominance, mergers, and State aid, and represents them in front of the European Court, the European Commission, national competition authorities, and national courts.

• Dubai Secondment

A secondment to Covington's Dubai office provides an opportunity to work with Covington's project finance, corporate, global dispute resolution, government affairs and public policy, and regulatory practices across the firm in a challenging and rapidly evolving market. Our lawyers in Dubai provide advice to business entities, government agencies, sovereign wealth funds and private investors in the Middle East and those based outside of the region to navigate a wide array of business opportunities and respond to complex legal challenges throughout the Gulf.

• Client Secondment

Opportunities are provided to trainees to undertake a six-month client secondment, which typically takes place in the second year of their training contract.

Qualification

During your final seat (if not before) we will open up discussions with you regarding your qualification preferences. We are happy to say that most of our trainees stay with us upon qualification. Our Professional Development team will support you on your journey to becoming a newly qualified solicitor and you will also participate in the Newly Qualified Solicitors’ Transition Programme.

Training: 

SQE

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) requires a qualified solicitor to have a degree qualification (or equivalent), pass the SQE1 and SQE2, undertake two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), and pass the character and suitability requirements.

We work with BPP to deliver a comprehensive SQE preparation programme prior to the start of your QWE. The SQE is designed to prepare you for the academic challenges of the examinations, as well as the fundamental skills, technical excellence and commercial awareness required for your role as a lawyer at Covington & Burling.

You will need to complete the SQE1 which tests your legal knowledge and the SQE2 which assesses practical legal skills. You must pass each stage of the SQE before moving onto the next.

For more information on the SQE, visit BPP.

Trainee Induction

Upon joining trainees participate in our induction programme which is a mix of skills programmes, legal fundamentals and resilience sessions.

You will be well prepared for life with your practice groups and at the firm.

Learning and Development

Alongside your seat rotations, the Trainee Induction and Fundamentals, you’ll take part in a tailored skills training programme (CovAcademy) which will equip you with a broad range of technical and business skills, to progress your understanding of business issues for your future development. The sessions within this learning programme are a hybrid of online and in-person, and internal and external speakers and training facilitators. You’ll put this learning into context as you rotate around different departments throughout your time as a trainee.

You’ll receive regular feedback from your supervisors and the Professional Development team, to provide you with meaningful support and guidance to progress in your career at Covington.

Mentoring

Mentoring provides a valuable source of support, networking and opportunities to discuss professional goals. As a firm we are committed to mentoring and all trainees are matched with a “Buddy” upon joining and then a mentor. Trainees can also participate in external mentoring initiatives, acting as mentors to students as part of the firm’s Inclusion work.

Compensation and Benefits: 

Successful candidates will receive:

• Comprehensive financial support for the Law Foundations Course (PGDL), and a maintenance grant of up to £15,000, and SQE tuition fees and maintenance grant of up to £20,000.
• A trainee salary of £60,000 in the first year and £65,000 in the second year.
• Upon qualification, a current starting salary of £165,000.
• A full benefits package including: pension scheme, health insurance, life assurance, independent financial advice, 25 days’ annual leave, an employee assistance programme, child care vouchers, a dental plan, emergency care cover, and interest-free season ticket loans.
• Invitations to regular office social events and sports activities.
• A dedicated trainee social budget to organise their own events.

Gaining first hand exposure to the firm is the best way you can determine whether a career at Covington is for you.

Details of our programmes can be found here. We are also attending the following events over the course of the year, we would love to meet you.

University Name	Date
University of Bristol	1 October 2026
Durham University	7 October 2026
London School of Economics	8 October 2026
University of Oxford	10 October 2026
The University of Edinburgh	14 October 2026
University of Leeds	19 October 2026
Imperial University/Kings College London	26 October 2025
Kings College London	27 October 2026
The University of Cambridge	4 November 2026
Cardiff University	4 November 2026
University College London	4 November 2026
University of Birmingham	11 November 2026
University of Exeter	18 November 2026
The University of Manchester	19 November 2026

Tailor your application

Do your research to gain an understanding of what trainee life at Covington would be like. Attend some of our events, and search the website to gain an understanding of what makes Covington unique and why this appeals to you. We want to hear about you, so make sure to tell us about both your legal and non-legal experience and how those transferable skills would make you a great trainee at the firm.

Show us you can write like a lawyer

Demonstrate strong written communication skills throughout your application form. As a lawyer you will need to communicate complex ideas clearly and succinctly, show us that you are already developing those skills throughout your application form.

Get the basics right

Do not copy and paste from one application to the next, and make sure that you proof read your application before submission. Small spelling and grammatical mistakes can let down an otherwise strong application.

Be a team player

Our trainee intakes are small so you will play a significant role in teams from early on and will be relied upon to deliver.  Show us throughout the application process that you have the ability to work well in a team and can work towards a common goal.

Be yourself

We look for trainees who are well rounded, so don’t be afraid to let your personality and passions shine throughout the application process. Our trainees are all different, feel free to discuss your life experiences and interests to make yourself stand out.

Our Values

At Covington, we recognize the differences among us as an asset and a source of strength. Covington lawyers bring a wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences to our practice, and this contributes to the firm's ability to provide excellence in the practice of law. By recruiting, retaining, developing, and promoting a widely diverse group of lawyers, we advance the interests of our clients, our practice, and our entire profession. 

Billable Credit Hours

At Covington, we support and encourage all colleagues to participate in programming focused on advancing our values, including contributing to our efforts to be a diverse and inclusive firm. Associates and counsel may count up to 50 hours toward bonus eligibility for these activities. 

Office DEI Committees and Firm Resource Groups 

DEI committees in each of our Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and Asia offices are focused on local and regional efforts to foster inclusion among their colleagues. 

All colleagues are invited to join Covington’s Firm Resource Groups. These groups facilitate community-building and member connections, promote firm education and awareness on the experiences of their members, and advance practices that enrich our inclusive culture.

Feedback Opportunities

Covington integrates insights from surveys, listening sessions, and town halls to directly inform the firm’s inclusion initiatives, programs, and policies. Notably, Firm Resource Group dialogues with leadership have been instrumental in improving collaboration, strengthening connections, and cultivating trust among firm colleagues.

Inclusive Leader Workshops

We offer interactive workshops that help senior leaders strengthen inclusive leadership practices within their teams. Through real-world scenarios and discussion, participants examine the impact of inclusive leadership, develop key behaviours, and learn practical strategies to help expand fair access to opportunities for all colleagues. 

Trainee Program

Covington prioritizes the career development of its lawyers from the first day they join the firm. We offer a trainee program that provides an introduction to the firm, helping to prepare participants for success in their respective practice groups. The program includes a mix of skills programs, legal fundamentals, and resilience sessions, and offers the opportunity to work on complex projects for key clients and engage in cutting-edge pro bono matters.

Awards & Honors

We have been recognized for our efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive firm through the following awards, honors, and pledges:

• Law.com International UK A-List—This list recognizes law firms based on factors including revenue per lawyer, pro bono commitment, associate satisfaction, racial diversity, and gender diversity (the percentage of equity partners who are women). Covington has ranked 1st among the 20 firms listed since 2024.
• We are a founding member of the Legal Diversity & Inclusion Alliance (LDIA), a collective effort by several law firms in Belgium that supports creating a diverse and inclusive work environment by exchanging good practices on diversity and inclusion and raising awareness of non-discrimination and diversity issues
• Signed the Social Mobility Pledge, representing our commitment to providing outreach, access, and recruitment opportunities to promote equality of opportunity
• Covington’s Frankfurt office signed the Charta der Vielfalt, affirming our commitment to fostering a working environment that is free of prejudice and where all our colleagues feel valued

We are a founding member of the Legal Diversity & Inclusion Alliance (LDIA), a collective effort by several law firms in Belgium that supports creating a diverse and inclusive work environment by exchanging good practices on diversity and inclusion and raising awareness of non-discrimination and diversity issues

• Seramount’s 100 Best Companies – The list recognizes companies that set the standard by providing inclusive benefits for families, including paid parental and caregiver leave, subsidized childcare, increased mental health benefits and more.