ONE OF US.

CHALLENGERS.

ACCEPTED.

Applications

Applications take time and effort. But we make it fair. Show us who you are and unleash your personality. If you think you could be a successful Dentons lawyer, we want to hear all about it.

When to Apply?

If you’re currently a year 13 student or a school leaver who isn’t going on to study a full-time degree in September 2025, we want to hear from you.

Applications for our 2025 London and Milton Keynes Solicitor Apprenticeships starting in September 2025 will open on 11 November 2024. Applications will close on 20 December 2024.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of seven GCSEs grade B/grade 6 or above (including Maths and English)

• You will need to have achieved or be predicted a minimum of ABB at A-Level or equivalent.

Putting you in context

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds, each bringing their own unique experiences and ambitions. Your individuality is what makes you stand out.

While we do consider academic and extra-curricular accomplishments, we don’t rely solely on these metrics. Every application is meticulously reviewed, considering your entire journey. We’re open to understanding any extenuating circumstances that may have shaped your path.

We’ve implemented the Rare Contextual Recruitment System to provide us with a more comprehensive understanding of your application. This system allows us to appreciate your journey within the context of your unique circumstances.

True CHALLENGERS aren’t limited by academic ability alone. We’re searching for candidates who are not only passionate but also driven. If you’re excited about joining our ambitious and innovative firm, we want to hear from you.

At Dentons, we believe in the power of diversity, individuality, and ambition. If you believe you have what it takes to make a strong application, regardless of your grades, we encourage you to connect with us. Your unique perspective and passion can contribute to our dynamic team, shaping the future of law together.

How should I use AI in the recruitment process?

We recognise the significant potential that AI holds as a tool for research and crafting high-quality applications. As the legal profession evolves, we understand that our lawyers will increasingly integrate advanced technology, such as AI, into their everyday practice to drive efficiency and innovation. We actively encourage candidates to explore AI in a way that supports their application, but we also emphasise the importance of understanding its limitations. AI can provide useful assistance, but it can offer inaccurate information and lack the necessary context for your specific application.

While AI can certainly enhance your research, our ethos at Dentons is to celebrate the unique qualities of everyone. Therefore, your application should be a true reflection of who you are—showcasing your personal experiences, attributes, and passions. We value and seek out the distinct qualities and strengths that make you stand out, so it’s important that your voice remains at the heart of your application.

AI can help refine and improve the presentation of, and serve as a starting point, for your written and verbal responses. But it should never replace your personal input. For example, AI can assist with formatting and grammar, but the essence of the application—your critical thinking, analytical skills, personal insights, and motivations should come from you. Directly copying AI-generated responses misses the opportunity to demonstrate your own analysis and opinion, as well as the skills we value, such as problem-solving and creativity.

We also understand that AI can be a useful tool for interview preparation, from generating potential questions to refining your answers. However it’s essential that your responses reflect your authentic self and are aligned with Dentons’ values. We encourage you to embrace the technology while understanding that your personal contributions are what will ultimately set you apart.

At Dentons, we want you to bring your true self to the table, showcasing your unique traits, skills, and aspirations that will resonate with us. By using AI responsibly and thoughtfully, you can ensure that your application not only benefits from technology but also remains a genuine reflection of your potential.

OUR RECRUITMENT PROCESS

A typical apprentice at Dentons doesn’t exist. We don’t want it to. Our application process allows you to show us who you really are, beyond grades, qualifications, and experience. We’ll be looking for global outlook, commercial awareness, enthusiasm, collaboration, drive, innovation, and problem solving throughout the process.

The recruitment process for our Solicitor Apprenticeship is as follows:

Application Form > Online Assessment > Video Interview > Insight Day &  Assessment Centre

We’ll be looking out for applicants who demonstrate a global outlook, drive and ambition, commercial awareness, collaboration, innovation, and enthusiasm.

Our three top tips are…

Be sure to check application deadlines – this will help you to plan your application and make the most of the opportunity. We recruit on a rolling basis, so get your application in as soon as you can to maximise your chance.

Research! We have a wealth of information here on our Challengers website which can help you to submit a well-researched application.

Attend one of our events – this will help you understand the realities of the Solicitor Apprenticeship programme.

Let’s get into the details of the process…

  • 1. Application Form addremove

    When you begin your path to Dentons, it all starts with an online form. But this is more than just a form – it’s your chance to share your education, work history, and the activities that define you.

    Here’s why it’s important.

    We’re not just looking for the basics; we’re excited to learn about what makes you unique. Your experiences and your journey are what set you apart.

    Alongside the standard questions, we’ll ask some open-ended ones. We want to understand what drives you and the qualities that make you stand out. Your story is important to us.

    We appreciate technology’s role in today’s world, but we also value your authenticity. While we embrace technology and AI at Dentons, we encourage you to be yourself. These tools are here to help, not replace who you are.

    Every applicant is unique, and that’s something we truly value. Let your true self shine in your application. That’s what makes you stand out in our eyes.

    At Dentons, we respect technology, but we respect you even more. Your application isn’t just a form; it’s a reflection of your individuality. Take this opportunity to show us who you are, and together, we’ll begin an exciting journey into the future. Your story matters to us.

    Tips

    • Pay attention to the word count: it is there for a reason. If we give you 250 words, that’s how many words we believe you need to give us a detailed enough answer.
    • Attention to detail: make sure to proofread your application. It can be easier to spot mistakes if you come back to your application with a fresh pair of eyes.
    • Research: do your Dentons research, and be specific. We want to hear what you think makes Dentons unique, and why this is something you are interested in.
    • Stand out: you’ve covered what makes Dentons unique, but we also want to know about you. What makes you different?

    For further application tips and guidance, please see our latest Application Masterclass here in collaboration with LawCareers.Net.

  • 2. Online Legal High Potential Assessment addremove

    If you meet our initial criteria in the application form, next up is our Legal High Potential Assessment.

    To ensure we get a well-rounded view of all our applicants, our Legal High Potential Assessment consists of scenario-based, numerical and verbal questions.

    To take us from largest to leading, we’re looking for our trainees to think big and see the future of law in a new way. The assessment has been designed to look for trainees who are excited to embrace the future of law and apply their intellect and creativity to a variety of work-related situations. The questions will not require any prior knowledge or experience.

    Whilst the assessment is untimed, it typically takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.

    Tips

    • Practice! A practice test, which will be a condensed version of the main assessment, will be provided to ensure you can familiarise yourself with the assessment and let us know if any adjustments are needed.
    • Keep an eye on the deadline. You will normally have a few days to complete the test. Mark this in your diary and plan this time in.
    • Find a quiet space with good internet connection where you won’t be interrupted.
    • Have a calculator, pen and paper to hand before you begin.
    • Complete the assessment in one sitting.
  • 3. Video Interview addremove

    The video interview will see you answer some short questions regarding your motivation. This interview will be looking at your past experiences and the skills you have developed through them, along with your key drivers and strengths. We will also look at why you’ve chosen to apply to a commercial law firm, and to Dentons specifically.

    A practice test will be provided to candidates who reach this stage.

    Tips

      • Use the preparation time: try to think of the best example for each question, rather than rushing in with the first one that comes to mind.
      • Be specific about your input: We want to hear what your personal contributions and actions have been, so avoid saying ‘we’ and say ‘I’ instead.
      • Use a range of examples: Successful candidates pull complex examples from a range of experiences.
      • Research: spend some time before the interview researching the firm and the apprenticeship. If you have been to one of our open days or had some interaction with Dentons, then please mention it!

    Below we have further video interview resources to help you prepare…

    Interview Preparation and Advice

    Interview Practice Questions

     

  • 4. Insight Day addremove

    The insight day is the day before the assessment centre. We invite all of our final candidates to both. This is to give you some more insight into the firm and the recruitment process. You will get the chance to ask your final questions, get to know the office and the other candidates. This is designed to make you as prepared and ready as possible to give your best at the assessment centre.

  • 5. Assessment Centre addremove

    The final stage of the application process is an assessment centre. They comprise a commercial discussion and a final interview.

    Commercial discussion

    • Think about the purpose of the exercise – what could your assessors be looking for that might relate to skills as a commercial solicitor?
    • Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or to have something re-worded
    • Remember that the assessors want you to succeed, so try your best to not let nerves get in your way.
    • Remain organised and remember that we are not looking for you to have any specific knowledge – it is not your legal technical knowledge that the assessors are testing, rather the way that you think commercially

    Final interview:

    • Take some time to think about your experiences to date that have led you to apply to this role. Why do you want to be a commercial solicitor? And why an Apprentice?
    • What skills do you have that would be important for a commercial solicitor?
    • Slow down: If you’re not sure about a question, don’t be nervous about asking for clarification or to taking a moment to think about your answer.
    • Read any instructions carefully: don’t rush into tasks without thoroughly reading instructions and asking any questions you have.