London Training Contract | Careers

Program Overview

A Training Contract is your opportunity to put your knowledge to use in a professional setting. Over two years, London trainees will complete four different seats to ensure they have a well-rounded Training Contract. Our graduate recruitment team will ensure that your selection meets the firm’s and the SRA’s requirements.

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Program Details

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

We provide you with the guidance and support you need throughout your two years. At the midway point and end of each seat you will have an appraisal with your supervisor to ensure your personal development and progress is tracked.

As well as completing rotations across our core practice areas, trainees may also get the chance to undertake a client or international secondment including our New York and Paris offices.

Applications Deadline

London Training Contract (2028 & 2029 intakes): Applications open from 1 September 2026 to 31 March 2027.

Ready to step into the world of commercial law?

Building the Foundations for Success

Virtual Experience Program

If you are keen to learn more about the firm, we have created a bespoke virtual work experience program to help you learn more about our Finance practice. This includes two hypothetical tasks that represent a “day in the life” of a Trainee Solicitor in our London Finance practice. This is a great way to further your research and prepare additional experiences to include in your application. You can learn about a transaction and experience typical trainee tasks.

Introduction to Finance Virtual Experience Program

PGDL and SQE 1 & 2 LLM

Our future trainees complete SQE 1 & 2 prior to the commencement of their Training Contract with BPP University, including being assigned to a current trainee as an ‘SQE buddy’. Non-law graduates will also complete the PGDL. The firm will provide those studying the PGDL with a maintenance grant of £15,000, and those studying the SQE 1 & 2 £20,000 for the year in study. Future trainees will also be eligible to request an additional £5,000 interest-free loan from the firm for additional support.

To make sure you feel like part of Mayer Brown from day one, you will have regular contact with the firm. On top of social events with your fellow SQE students, you will be invited to presentations given by partners and associates from different practice areas.

How to Apply

Get started by following the steps below.

Step 1: Start Your Application

We will ask for your education and any work experience. This does not have to be legal—any experience showing transferable skills is valuable. Please check your application carefully for errors.

Step 2: Immersive Assessment

Alongside your application, you will complete an immersive assessment with behavioral, numerical and verbal reasoning, and video response questions. These assess how you respond to scenarios, interpret information, and demonstrate your motivation and key competencies. You will receive a performance report at the end. No legal knowledge is required.

Step 3: Assessment Days

If you are successful at the Immersive Assessment, you will be invited to an assessment day where you will take part in a variety of assessments. These include a written submission, group exercise, fact-finding task, and a final interview. Your experience at an assessment day will vary slightly depending on the position for which you apply.

Contact

If you have any queries, please contact the graduate recruitment team via email grecruitment@mayerbrown.com.