Become a trainee solicitor Training Contract
Qualify as a solicitor with two-years of exceptional training to kick-start your career in law.
At Bird & Bird, your two-year training contract will give you two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). The two-year training programme will commence after university and the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE) to develop practical skills and legal knowledge. You'll experience four 'seats' in different practice areas for six-months each. You'll be supervised by experts in their field and work for stimulating clients across a range of sectors. After the end of the training contract, you'll be a qualified solicitor.
To become a trainee solicitor at Bird & Bird, you can apply by attending a vacation scheme.
Your route to qualification
Prior to admission to the Roll of Solicitors, all aspiring solicitors qualifying through the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE) route must:
- have a UK awarded degree or equivalent Level 6 qualification;
- pass both stages of the SQE assessment (SQE1 and SQE2);
- undertake two years’ full time (or equivalent) Qualifying Work Experience (QWE); and
- pass the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) character and suitability requirements.
While the SRA no longer requires aspiring solicitors to complete a law degree to be able to qualify, at Bird & Bird we still require all future trainees to either complete a law degree or the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) before commencing the LLM in Legal Practice. We partner with The University of Law to deliver a bespoke SQE training programme prior to your training contract. The SQE1 tests your legal knowledge and the SQE2 assesses your practical legal skills. You must pass each stage of the SQE before progressing onto the next. The SQE+ programme is a tailored experience for our future trainees joining Bird & Bird, designed in collaboration with The University of Law.
For more information on the SQE, visit The University of Law.
See our FAQs for more
Starting your career with us
Your relationship with us starts from the moment you secure your training contract - as a future trainee solicitor. You'll be invited to firm-wide socials, events, and be updated on firm news. Our aim is to ensure your transition into the firm is as smooth as possible. We'll also assign a Trainee Buddy to support you during this period of change, acting as a point of contact from offer letter to qualification.
Prior to starting your first seat, you'll have a comprehensive induction designed by our Learning & Development team, providing you with the basic building blocks for your personal growth and professional success as a trainee solicitor. From practical learning to insight sessions and skill-based workshops, we'll ensure that you're set up for success. We'll introduce you to all areas of the firm, from business services to fee earners, strengthening your understanding of how we operate as one seamless international, sector-focused firm.
Your training programme
At Bird & Bird, your QWE is your training contract. You'll spend time in four different departments for six-months each, known as ‘seats’, giving you a rich learning experience and development opportunities. During each seat, you'll be assigned to a dedicated supervisor who is an associate or partner.
We have eight departments: Corporate, Commercial, Dispute Resolution, Employment, Finance & Financial Regulation, Intellectual Property, Real Estate, and Tax. Within our departments, we have sector and sub-sector specialisms. You'll get exposure to different areas of law whilst working alongside an array of lawyers and clients, as you find the area you want to pursue and qualify into.
You may also experience a client secondment to further your experience by developing your commercial edge by understanding their business from the inside.
Excellence expected, shaped and delivered
Alongside your seat rotations, you'll take part in a tailored Learning & Development Curriculum which will equip you with a broad range of technical and business skills. This programme is led by a mixture of internal and external speakers in a combination of online and in-person sessions. You'll put this learning into context as you rotate around different departments throughout your training contract.
You'll receive regular feedback from your supervisors and the Early Careers team to provide you with the support and guidance fundamental to you excelling in your law career.
From induction to qualification, networking and social events will allow you to immerse you in our friendly, vibrant culture. You can also get involved in pro-bono and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, support the Early Career team with events and mentoring, or get involved in other firm-wide opportunities such as sports teams and our employee networks.
Looking ahead
At the end of your training contract, you'll qualify as a solicitor and each year we hope to retain most of our trainees in newly qualified (NQ) roles across the firm.Message from our Training Principal
I joined Bird & Bird over 12 years ago and have not looked back since. When you’ve stayed for so long, you’re frequently asked why. My answer has always been simple - it’s the people here. They create our firm’s extraordinary culture, and they bring in our great clients. To me, that sums up Bird & Bird - great people - and I have always believed that the future of Bird & Bird’s great people starts with our trainees and apprentices. They will shape our culture and bring in our clients of the future. So it means a lot to me to be part of, and be able to contribute to, our future by working with our trainees and apprentices as the training principal and supporting their journey to qualification. The best part of all this is that I get to work closely with our brilliant Early Careers team. I have seen first-hand the attention and compassion they selflessly dedicate to our trainees and apprentices. It’s a huge privilege to be part of that team and to support their amazing work in making the Bird & Bird training experience second to none.
Jae Park Partner
Bird Benefits
Our agile approach to office and remote working enables you to find the right balance to thrive at work. Supporting you, our business, and our clients in a flexible way. All Trainee Solicitors may have the opportunity to work remotely for up to 20% of the time.
Equip yourself with a broad range of technical and business skills and progress your deep understanding through our tailored learning and development curriculum.
First year salary of £48,500, second year salary of £53,500, and a newly qualified salary of £102,000.
£10,000 maintenance grant and all fees covered for the PGDL and £15,000 maintenance grant and all fees covered for SQE studies.
Opportunity to socialise and study with your cohort before starting your Training Contract, to build your legal network.
Network and socialise with colleagues through our socials and events, immersing yourself in our friendly, vibrant culture.
Tailor your learning to Bird & Bird with our bespoke SQE+ programme and one-week induction prior to starting your Training Contract.
Bespoke benefits package for your finance, including 5% pension contribution, group income protection, group life assurance, group critical illness, and will writing.
With Health and wellbeing in mind, we offer a benefits package that includes private medical insurance, health assessments, maternity and paternity leave, shared parental leave, adoption leave, gym membership, flu vaccinations, eye care, and dental insurance.
Flexible benefits package for your lifestyle, including 25 days of paid holiday annually, travel insurance, interest-free season ticket loan, computer loan, cycle to work scheme, and give as you earn charity account.
We know an inclusive culture, alongside a diverse workforce, makes us more innovative and agile.
The ability to connect the dots and leap to inspired solutions can't be underestimated. We believe it’s this pioneering approach that unlocks a world of opportunity. So, we work tirelessly to build a culture that makes it possible – possible for our people, our clients and our communities. We stay curious and work in truly international teams. It's what our clients value and it helps us to be the firm we want to be.
Global D&I UK D&IThe shift to a more sustainable way of doing business needs people who embrace change and spark innovation. We’re up for the challenge, are you?
Sustainability is a core strategic initiative for us – It’s vital to our people, our clients and our planet. We embrace the step change needed to transform our business; not just minimising our environmental impact but, as a global citizen, making a positive contribution towards a more sustainable future.
We believe that technology can be a force for good. Our work with some of the world’s most cutting edge companies gives us first-hand insight into the innovative approaches that create a new blueprint for sustainable living, so where possible we apply this to our own firm too.
We routinely manage our buildings responsibly, consider the impact of business travel, reduce waste and consumption and recycle wherever we can. More importantly, we commit to business decisions that support our sustainability pledges alongside our long-term economic growth strategies.
The ability to help isn't always enough. In today's world, more often than not, what's needed is time. We believe Pro Bono is time well spent.
For us pro bono isn’t an add on. We are passionate about making a positive difference to people’s lives, and giving back to the communities we work within.
We give pro bono our time, consideration, and full expertise. Because our culture is focused on making it possible. Possible for our people, our clients and our communities. We believe we can open up possibilities for individuals and organisations in need, by contributing the time, legal expertise, skills, and resources needed to progress their cause.
It’s all the more satisfying when we can work together, with our clients and other key stakeholders to foster and develop collaborative opportunities that have a greater positive social impact as a result.
We believe in taking an active role in supporting our communities to make a difference.
We’re an outward-looking firm. We're interested in the world, current issues and emerging trends. We work with great clients doing great things. Things that have a real impact on the way the world does business, and how we all live. So, it's not surprising that we also want to have a positive influence by supporting our local communities.
We work alongside our clients to champion initiatives that make an impact on the community around us. Our people dedicate time through volunteering and fundraising, and partner with charities across the world to truly amplify our impact.
Applying to us
If you would like to be considered for a training contract commencing in 2028, you must apply for a 2026 vacation scheme, as all vacation scheme participants will be considered for a training contract at the end of the scheme.
Spring Vacation Scheme
Monday 13 April to Friday 24 April 2026
Applications open: 15 September 2025
Applications close: 11 December 2025
Summer Vacation Scheme
Monday 15 June to Friday 26 June 2026
Applications open: 15 September 2025
Applications close: 11 December 2025
We operate rolling recruitment, which means we screen applications as they are received, rather than after our deadline. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.
To apply for a vacation scheme, you need the right to work in the UK and will need to check the conditions of your visa. If you're successful in securing a training contract after a vacation scheme, we will offer reasonable assistance with obtaining the necessary work permits and visas where required.
Entry requirements
You should have, or expect to have, AAB at A-Level and 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). We understand that you may not have received the grade you hoped for due to extenuating or mitigating circumstances. Please detail any relevant information in your application for us to take into consideration. We also use a Contextual Recruitment System (CRS) to enable us to recruit people from different backgrounds and help us understand your achievements in the context in which they were gained.
Spring/Summer Vacation Scheme 2026
You should be able to start a training contract in September 2028 or sooner. At the time of submitting your application, you must:
- be in your penultimate year, final year, or have completed a law degree.
- or be in your final year or have completed non-law degree.
- or be studying or have completed the PGDL.
- or be studying or have completed SQE1 and/or SQE2.
Please note that you must be able to attend the entire Spring or Summer Vacation Scheme to be eligible for this opportunity. To apply to our September 2028 cohort, you must apply to a vacation scheme - there is no direct application for this cohort.
Recruitment process
Spring/Summer Vacation Scheme
Stage 1 - Online application form
Stage 2 - Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking test
Stage 3 - Pre-recorded video interview
Stage 4 - Virtual assessment centre
Go to our employability hub, The Nest, to develop your legal skills and commercial awareness, learn about the recruitment process and what we look for in successful candidates, and general advice on navigating your career in law.