Mayer Brown International LLP |

Mayer Brown is an international law firm positioned to represent the world’s major corporations, funds and financial institutions in their most important and complex transactions and disputes.

We are international leaders, and for that we serve some of the world’s leading investment banks and insurance companies, major corporations, energy companies and hedge funds. We represent our clients on both local and multi-jurisdictional matters, working closely with them to ensure growth and global success. We take pride in what we do, and our teams work hard to keep the business world turning.

Working with some of the most influential names in business and finance, our talented lawyers advise on complex local, regional and international legal matters.

With offices in 27 cities around the globe, we are the only integrated law firm in the world with approximately 200 lawyers in each of the world’s three largest financial centres — New York, London and Hong Kong.

When we’re recruiting, we aren’t just looking for trainees - we’re looking for future partners. That means that as well as a strong legal academic record, you’ll have an entrepreneurial mindset, outstanding interpersonal skills and excellent written and verbal abilities.

There’s no particular type of trainee at Mayer Brown. Diversity is critical to our success as a law firm, so we always try to ensure that our training pool is representative of our international team.

To deliver the results that our clients around the globe need, some of our recruitment requirements may differ by region. To find out more, please refer to the details about the role you’re interested in.

Our training programmes gives you the skills and the confidence you’ll need to kick-start your law career. The breadth of experience you’ll get from hands-on work alongside our talented lawyers will set you up for success.

We’ll support you to make the most of each day, preparing you to deliver great results in the boardroom and encouraging you to pursue your aspirations - inside and outside the office.

Whatever stage you’re at in your law career, we’ll give you all the tools you’ll need to succeed.

Vacation Scheme (UK)

On our Vacation Scheme, you will get first-hand experience of life at a global law firm. Based in London, you’ll get hands-on experience by assisting associates with real deals, and you’ll get to know your potential future colleagues during social activities and skills sessions.

All of our interns gain invaluable experience of how our global law firm operates. From our practice areas and business functions to our infrastructure and culture, you’ll get an inside perspective on our work. And with so many opportunities to develop a network and establish professional relationships with our people, we can ensure you a practical, fulfilling internship.

Training Contract (UK)

A Training Contract is your opportunity to put your knowledge to use in a professional setting. Over two years, London trainees can tailor their Training Contracts to include a range of seats.

During your Training Contract, you’ll attend legal training and workshops specific to each practice area you’re working in and participate in practice group meetings where recent legal developments and updates are discussed. You’ll also be invited to attend briefing sessions given by professional support lawyers on key legal developments and in-house databases.

Solicitor Apprenticeship Program (UK)

The Trailblazer Solicitor Apprenticeship is an award-winning Route to Qualification program that offers aspiring solicitors an alternative path into the legal profession.

As an apprentice, you’ll develop professional judgement and the ability to conduct legal work within the ethical and regulatory framework required to work as a solicitor. You’ll also be encouraged to explore different areas of law and practice in depth, including tort law, land law, business law and contract law.

Secondments

Trainees are given the opportunity to complete a secondment during their Training Contract.

A secondment could take you to one of our international offices (these vary; however, we tend to second trainees to Hong Kong). If you don’t want to stray too far, we also have client secondments in London too.

Life is putting people at the heart of what you do.

It’s not about who you are or where you’re from but what you make with the opportunities you’re offered. If you’ve got the talent, drive and potential to achieve greatness, we want to hear from you.

At Mayer Brown, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment that offers every member of our team the opportunity and support to succeed. First, it’s the right thing to do. Second, it enables us to serve our clients more effectively. It’s integral to our strategy to deliver the exceptional.

We share with our clients the belief that teams with diverse viewpoints and perspectives produce more innovative and robust solutions. We recruit the highest-caliber people, who bring their unique and varied talents, experiences and insights, enriching our workplace and our ability to exceed expectations.

Mayer Brown aims to create a work environment in which professional development and success are determined only by an individual’s ability and commitment; where we respect, celebrate and embrace our differences; and in which shared values of excellence and teamwork unite us—enabling us to better serve our clients.

We want to provide a platform for the success and growth of our diverse lawyers and business services professionals. That advancement could manifest in a senior global leadership position or leadership in local practices and departments or on client or industry teams or in accomplishments as superb practitioners and professionals.

A Pipeline for the Future

Our ability to attract the best talent tomorrow requires encouraging students with diverse experiences and insights to pursue a career in law today.

We offer students a conduit to opportunity and professional success through our involvement in conferences, job fairs, panel discussions and workshops at law schools, universities, colleges and secondary schools.

Our apprentice programs, scholarship programs and partnerships with organizations such as the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA), the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD), Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) London and Aspiring Solicitors (UK) also play a key role in creating a supportive, diverse workplace.

Step 1 - Begin your application

We’ll ask you to provide some personal information, including your educational background and any relevant work experience that you have. Don’t worry if you haven’t completed any legal work experience—we’re interested in any experience where you can demonstrate transferable skills. Please make sure you thoroughly check your application for any spelling or grammatical errors.

Step 2 - Online Tests

Alongside your application form you’ll need to complete two online tests - a verbal reasoning test and a situational strengths test. To progress to the next stage of the application process, you’ll need to meet or surpass our benchmark scores for each of these tests.

The verbal reasoning test measures your verbal comprehension skills with five distinct modules: dexterity, comprehension, reasoning, interpretation and adaptability. Each module has four questions, making 20 questions in total.

The situational strengths test uses a set of realistic scenario-based questions to establish how certain situations might make you feel, behave and react. Your responses will be scored in relation to traits that will help you succeed at Mayer Brown.

Step 3 - Video Interview/Job Simulation

If your application form and online tests are successful, you’ll be asked to complete either a 45-minute Mayer Brown trainee job simulation or a brief 30-minute strengths-based video interview with a member of the graduate recruitment team.

Step 4 - Assessment Days

If your interview is successful, you’ll be invited to an assessment day where you'll take part in a variety of group and individual assessments as well as an interview. Your experience at an assessment day will vary slightly depending on which position you apply for.