Gowling WLG |

At Gowling WLG, we’re more than just a law firm — we’re a place where your ambitions can grow. With 1,500 legal professionals across seven countries, we provide opportunities for aspiring lawyers to work with world-class experts across a wide range of practice areas. Whether you’re joining us through a vacation scheme or applying directly for a training contract, you’ll be empowered to thrive in an inclusive, innovative, and dynamic environment. 

General Info 

• Training Contracts Available: 25 
• Offices: 19 
• Countries: 7 
• Minimum A-Level Requirement: No minimum 
• Minimum Degree Requirement: No minimum 

At Gowling WLG, we believe in your potential, not just your qualifications. That’s why we have no minimum A-level or degree requirements for applying to our training contracts. We are looking for talented, driven individuals who are passionate about law and eager to learn, regardless of academic background. 

Gowling WLG at a glance 

• 1,500 legal professionals in seven countries 
• 138 individual rankings in Chambers & Partners 
• 109 individual rankings in The Legal 500 
• 10,000+ pro bono hours in 2023 

These numbers reflect our commitment to excellence, client service, and making a difference in our communities through pro bono work. When you join Gowling WLG, you’re joining a team recognised for its expertise and dedication. 

A People-First Culture 

At Gowling WLG, the key to our success is our people. We believe that when our people grow and thrive, our business does too. Our non-hierarchical, inclusive culture ensures that every team member, no matter their seniority or location, is valued and respected. We’re not a traditional, stuffy law firm—our management style encourages creativity, collaboration, and enthusiasm. We recruit individuals who are not only dedicated to delivering exceptional client service but who bring energy, build strong relationships, and want to make a real impact. 

Seats and Practice Areas 

Gowling WLG offers a wide variety of seats and practice areas, allowing you to gain in-depth experience across different fields of law during your training contract. As a trainee, you will rotate through four seats over two years, gaining valuable exposure to key areas such as: 

• Commercial Development & Investment 
• Property Litigation 
• Specialist Real Estate Services 
• Housing Development & Regeneration 
• Planning 
• Commercial Litigation 
• Intellectual Property (IP) UK 
• EU Law 
• Trade & Competition 
• Construction & Engineering 
• Commercial IT & Outsourcing 
• Pensions 
• Employment 
• Projects & Infrastructure 
• Corporate 
• Banking & Finance 

These seats provide hands-on experience and equip you with the broad skill set needed for a successful legal career. 

Training Contracts 

We offer 25 training contracts per year, giving you the chance to be part of a dynamic and supportive environment where you’ll receive mentoring and guidance from experienced lawyers. Our training contract is designed to give you comprehensive exposure to various areas of law, with opportunities to specialise in the fields that interest you most. 

• Birmingham: Trainee solicitors start at £33,000 in their first year, rising to £36,000 in their second year, and £64,000 upon qualification. 
• London: Trainee solicitors earn £48,500 in their first year, £53,500 in their second year, and £98,000 upon qualification. 

We also provide PGDL and SQE grants of £7,000 in London and £5,500 in Birmingham. 

Vacation Scheme – Birmingham 

• Dates: 7 – 11 April 2025 
• Applications open: 3 October 2024 
• Applications close: 20 November 2024 

Direct Training Contract – Birmingham 

• Applications open: 3 October 2024 
• Applications close: 20 November 2024 

Direct Training Contract – London 

• Applications open: 3 October 2024 
• Applications close: 20 November 2024 

You can apply for either the vacation scheme or a direct training contract, but not both. If you apply to the vacation scheme, you will be assessed for a training contract while on the scheme.