Gowling WLG gives opportunities for aspiring lawyers to work with experts across a range of practice areas.
Gowling WLG: A Global Legal Leader
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.
Why Start Your Career with Us?
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.
Application Deadlines
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.
A Workplace Where Everyone Belongs
At Gowling WLG, we celebrate diversity. Our
Inclusion for All
strategy ensures every individual feels welcome, valued, and empowered. We recruit talent from all backgrounds and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive. Through our employee networks and mentorship programs, we promote a culture of inclusion, ensuring that every voice is heard.
Our Commitment to Corporate Responsibility
We don’t just do law – we do good. Our
Corporate Responsibility
program is focused on making a difference in our communities through pro bono work, volunteering, and charitable giving. We also take our role in social mobility seriously, offering opportunities such as work placements and insight days for students from underrepresented backgrounds to help them access a career in law.
Sustainability at Gowling WLG
We’re committed to creating a sustainable future through our
PLANET+
strategy, which focuses on minimising our environmental impact. We’re not just talking about it—we’re taking action, from reducing carbon emissions to promoting biodiversity.
Podcasts: Listen & Learn
We know that sustainability is important to the future of law and business. Tune in to our
"Listen Up"
podcast series to hear how we’re driving sustainable practices across various sectors. These episodes explore real-world examples of how businesses are innovating to meet sustainability goals:
Award-Winning Culture
: We’re known for our inclusive, dynamic work environment that fosters teamwork and personal growth.
Diversity & Inclusion
: Our
Inclusion for All
strategy ensures we attract and retain diverse talent, allowing everyone to succeed.
Your Success, Our Priority
: Whether it’s through our vacation scheme, training contracts, or mentoring programs, we’re committed to helping you achieve your career goals.
Ready to Apply?
Your journey to becoming a solicitor starts here. Apply for our vacation scheme or training contract and take the first step towards a rewarding legal career with Gowling WLG.