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.

Our Trainee Solicitor Programme has been designed to support you becoming the lawyer of the future. In addition to gaining legal experience in four six-month seats, our programme offers you the unique opportunity to gain exposure to three key streams that are integral to Dentons: connecting with our clients, innovation and resilience.

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

The Client Experience 

Our strategy at Dentons is all about being better connected – to our clients, to our global firm and to each other. Building relationships with clients is an integral part of your role as a lawyer.

At Dentons the opportunity to understand the art of connecting with a client or contact begins at the start of your career with us. During your programme, you will have the opportunity to be an integral member of an internal team dedicated to the client relationship as well attending key client meetings and pitches. You will have the opportunity to support Partners and Business Development colleagues gain a deep understanding of the client and contribute to innovative solutions and insights.

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.

Throughout your programme you will be encouraged to enrich your innovation skills and knowledge. Our trainees will participate in discovery exercises to explore how cutting-edge technology blended with Dentons knowledge can drive actionable advice for our clients. 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.

Following a detailed induction, 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.

We were awarded the Best Law Firm for Partner Approachability, which acknowledges the engagement of our Partners in our programmes. We have dedicated Partner sponsors for each practice area who are committed to providing an environment that supports our Trainees.

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 wellbeing 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.