Training Contract Deadlines

Congratulations, you are about to start your legal career! One of the first steps that you need to take is to narrow down which law firms you want to work for. You have to know which type of firm you’d like to work at, be it a magic circle giant like Clifford Chance, an international firm like Dentons, a national firm like Irwin Mitchell, or a regional superstar like Minster Law, or a high street firm. You need to complete thorough research and get to know what each law firm is about, what perks they have, and how can they help you develop your skills as a trainee solicitor. Firms’ websites should provide you with basic research material.

It may be wise to consult this training contract deadlines calendar and make a note of when the deadlines are for your target law firms. Allow yourself ample time to complete each application. Try to submit fewer applications and focus on the quality of your responses rather than the number of applications.

Keep in mind that some law firms’ graduate recruitment departments review applications on a rolling basis, others only start after the deadline. This can play a big role as to when you need to apply to a specific firm. If law firms recruit on a rolling basis, it may be wise to apply early in the cycle. Also, remember that some firms restrict penultimate year university students from direct training contract applications and rather prefer final year students or graduates.

It is possible that law firms might change their training contract deadlines, please consult this page for up-to-date information as well as law firms’ websites.

Below you will find upcoming deadlines for law training contracts starting in 2022, 2023, and 2024. It is common practice to apply years in advance of the start date of your training contract. Although most firms accept direct training contract applications some firms strictly hire trainee solicitors from their vacation schemes. Our training contract calendar reflects both situations.

Training Contracts to Commence in 2022

Training Contracts to Commence in 2023

It is unlikely that law firms will change deadlines for the 2023 trainee solicitor intake. If you are planning to start a training contract in 2023 you need to make sure that you have completed the Legal Practice Course. It is advisable that you complete the LPC within one year of the start date of your training contract.

Training Contracts to Commence in 2024

Since the start date for these training contracts is in the near future, some law firms may change their deadlines. Check this page for the most up-to-date information. If you are planning on starting your training contract in 2024, you need to make sure that you have completed the LPC. You won’t be able to begin your training without having that qualification.