K&L Gates LLP |

K&L Gates is one of the largest law firms in the world, with offices across key capital cities and major commercial and financial centers. Our clients benefit from our deep local market knowledge and seamless access to both national and international capabilities. 

At K&L Gates, we foster an inclusive and collaborative environment across our fully integrated global platform that enables us to diligently combine the knowledge and expertise of our lawyers and policy professionals to create teams that provide exceptional client solutions. In our pursuit of excellence, we go beyond conventional boundaries marrying action with vision, success with dedication, method with passion and innovation with creativity.

This holistic approach is not just a strategy; it’s our commitment to providing an unparalleled client experience.

K&L Gates is active in the areas of corporate/M&A, capital markets, private equity, restructuring and insolvency, banking and asset finance, structured finance, derivatives, aviation, debt capital markets, Islamic finance, funds, financial services regulation, antitrust, competition and trade regulation, public policy, real estate, planning and environment, intellectual property, technology transactions, construction, energy, infrastructure and resources, insurance coverage, regulatory, tax, employment, litigation, international arbitration, investigations, enforcement and white collar crime plus other forms of dispute resolution.

We are looking for highly motivated, intellectually curious individuals with an interest in commercial law, looking for comprehensive training. Our training programme provides early responsibility and client contact as well as involvement through pro bono and corporate social responsibility activities. 

London Legal Work Placement Scheme 2027

Our Legal Work Placement is your opportunity for an inside view of what it is like to work at K&L Gates. It will also provide a general insight into the work of a contemporary, international law firm. During the scheme, you will spend time with our lawyers and trainees, gaining first-hand experience of the work we do and the clients we work with. 

You will have the opportunity to undertake real work and take on meaningful tasks, giving you a practical understanding of life as a trainee at the firm. You will also participate in a programme of events and social outings.

The scheme gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and potential while also allowing you to decide whether K&L Gates is the right firm for you.

Recruitment Process

Our London Legal Work Placement Scheme forms an important part of our recruitment process for future trainees. The application process will involve online testing, full assessment centre and an interview. 

Application period:

• 2027 Summer Legal Work Placement Scheme:
  
  • Application open: 1 November 2026
  • Application deadline:  31 January 2027

Vacation Scheme dates:

• 28June 2027 – 9 July 2027

London Training Contract Programme 2029

We seek candidates who have an impressive academic record with, ideally, 128 UCAS points and a predicted or achieved 2:1 degree (or the relevant academic equivalent).

We offer up to eight Periods of Qualifying Work Experience each year and try to retain the majority of new qualifiers (although this is not guaranteed) at the end of their Period of Qualifying Work Experience. As competition is intense, the sections of our application form that focus on your drive, initiative, and achievements are of particular importance.

Successful applicants will be invited to attend an assessment centre at our offices. During that day you will also have the opportunity to meet with existing trainees. Following this, you may be invited back for a final stage interview.

Our online application process will be open from 1 November 2026 and closes on 31 July 2027.

SQE sponsorship - fee's paid and grants offered.

Artificial intelligence is transforming how legal services are delivered, how organizations manage risk, and how our clients evaluate value, efficiency, and innovation. Through our firmwide AI Forward℠ ethos, we are focused on responsible AI adoption, innovation, and client solutions. We are applying artificial intelligence thoughtfully, securely, and practically across our global platform.

We are embracing a new way of thinking about the delivery of legal services. Prioritizing client needs remains the compass. From there, we create outcome-driven workflows and solutions that capture value for our clients. Rather than treating AI as a standalone technology initiative, we view technology as a tool to support better outcomes, not as an end in itself. By aligning the right technology, processes, staffing models, and professional supervision, we help clients realize the benefits of innovation while maintaining the quality, accountability, and judgment they expect from their legal advisers.

We believe meaningful differentiation in AI comes not from the technology itself, but from how it is applied to solve real client challenges.

Our commitment to a culture of excellence where we understand and value the vibrancy of our community is a core value that motivates and inspires our team. 

As a global law firm with offices around the world, we have built a workplace whose success lies in the skills and talents of its people and their unique experiences that help to foster a robust community where everyone has the opportunity to contribute value. One of our greatest strengths is that these individuals encompass a variety of globe-spanning cultural backgrounds, as well as different lived and learned experiences that allow us to develop truly meaningful relationships with our clients and across our firm, beautifully marrying experience and the ability to provide excellent, well-rounded service. We believe we build better teams, forge better client relationships, and provide better service because of our collaborative team of professionals who possess a vast array of perspectives and ideas that lead to greater depth and creativity of thought and innovation. 

We will continue to listen, learn, and work together to build a culture where everyone is welcome, included, and has the opportunity to demonstrate their skills.

Leading By Example

A firm’s culture is directly influenced by its leadership. Our leadership remains committed to fostering a culture of excellence, where different perspectives and ideas contribute to deeper levels of thought and understanding that help to provide positive outcomes for our clients and within our firm community.

This commitment to pro bono work has been ingrained in K&L Gates culture since our early years, dating back to the legacy firms that gave root to what we are today.

Our lawyers actively engage in a variety of pro bono efforts and work on hundreds of pro bono matters each year. We litigate civil rights cases, advise nonprofit organizations, help veterans, advance disability rights, plan and participate in legal clinics, and represent the indigent in consumer, landlord-tenant, adoption, estate planning, domestic violence, immigration, and other matters. In addition to providing legal assistance directly to individuals who have limited means but substantial legal needs, we provide legal counsel and public policy advocacy to help organizations advance their public service programs, work to advance the rule of law around the world, and accept court appointments to provide pro bono counsel. We are also working to responsibly deploy technology and artificial intelligence to increase access to justice.