The business of law is changing, and we want you to be right there with it. 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.

Our Trainee Solicitor Programmes are designed to equip you with the skills required to be the lawyer of the future, now.

Alongside market leading support and development, you’ll have the chance to put knowledge into action and start building your legal career from day one. After all, it’s experience that makes great lawyers.

On top of our existing development programme, we have enhanced our Trainee Solicitor Programme to include three additional modules: legal project management, innovation and resilience. All designed to help you become the lawyer of the future.

Our Trainee Solicitor Programme marks the first stage in your journey from lawyer to leader.

Innovation

Here at Dentons, innovation isn’t something that sits in isolation – we believe it comes from everywhere and from everyone, and it is critical to our position as the world’s largest global law firm.

We do this by challenging ourselves to identify and implement innovation across all areas of service delivery to our clients.

We have created a highly bespoke programme for our trainees, to enhance their knowledge around legal innovation and digital transformation. At every seat rotation, each trainee will undertake an innovation project, and with the help of their designated Innovation Training Scheme supervisor, and Innovation team, will create a project based on one of the following categories: AI (Machine Learning), Document Automation, Design Thinking, RPA (Robotic Process Automation), Data Visualization or a Business Case. These projects, not only help to broaden trainees’ understanding of legal innovation, but also help us to identify and address innovation gaps within the firm.

See here for further information on how we help our clients innovate in different ways.

Resilience

On the journey from lawyer to leader, we recognise that a career in law is a constantly changing environment, providing new challenges every day.

We can help create a culture of openness and support by providing people with the tools they need to thrive and build resilience. Group workshops and one-to-one sessions are designed to support you through this transition, and open doors for you to become the lawyer of the future.

Legal Project Management

Great lawyers can understand how everything fits together, from managing projects profitably to really getting under the skin of our clients and their businesses. It’s not just about knowing; it’s understanding what they stand for and using that insight to inform your approach. In an ever more complex legal world, more is expected from the modern lawyer who needs to wear ‘two hats’ as both a lawyer and a project manager.

During the programme you will be provided with in – depth project management training which will include the principles of leadership, teamwork, quality and risk management, scope management and much more. You will also be introduced to the Legal Project Management toolkit which will equip you with the skills and resources that you need to thrive, both during your Trainee Solicitor Programme and beyond.

Following a detailed induction, and on top of our new modernised training modules, each seat comes with bespoke training and development, to give you the tools to succeed.

Alongside this trainee specific training, you’ll have access to our market leading programme of development sessions, and our online suite of virtual training courses. Whether you’d like a refresher on the basics, fine tune your networking skills, build your personal brand or improve your efficiency at work, there will be a course for you.

Our talent team will be with you throughout, helping you think of the bigger picture when it comes to your career.

Support isn’t something you’ll receive sporadically throughout your Trainee Solicitor Programme at Dentons. You’ll have a dedicated supervisor for each seat, who’ll be a constant point of guidance, helping you define your career. You’ll also have support from your trainee peers, who are led by trainee representatives, nominated from each class year.

Our trainees are also active members of our diversity networks, social committee and Pro Bono teams, forging strong professional networks right across the firm.

Finally, our award winning Early Careers team will also always be available to you, to discuss everything from seat moves and secondments, to trainee social events.

• PGDL, SQE and Diploma fees
• PGDL, SQE and Diploma maintenance grants
• Gym membership allowance
• Health insurance
• 24 annual leave days
• Pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to well-being resources
• Restaurant discounts

Salary by location:

• London: starting at £50,000 (£100,000 at qualification)
• Central Belt (Scotland): starting at £30,000  (£65,000 at qualification)
• Milton Keynes: starting at £34,000 (£70,000 at qualification)

Eligibility

London and Milton Keynes: Penultimate year law students, all final year students and graduates

Scotland: Penultimate year Scots Law students, final year Scots Law students and Scots Law graduates

Application Windows

Applications will open on 16 December 2024 and close on 6 June 2025. To access the application form, please click the ‘Apply‘ button on the top bar.

• 2027 Central Belt Trainee Solicitor Programme
• 2027 London Trainee Solicitor Programme
• 2027 Milton Keynes Trainee Solicitor Programme

Find out more about how to apply.

Please review our FAQs before you start your application, and find out our policy on the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

Not ready to apply to the direct Trainee Solicitor Programme just yet? Apply to attend one of our Open Days to get a glimpse into life at Dentons through interactions with our Partners, Associates, Trainees and Early Careers Team. Or have a look at our Vacation Schemes for a two-week work experience at one of our offices.

In the meantime, sign up to Dentons.Next Talent to gain exclusive access to webinars, workshops and receive reminders of future events and opportunities.