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 two-year Trainee Solicitor programme allows candidates to rotate through four different practice areas, offering you a broad exposure to a range of legal disciplines. Throughout the programme, you will benefit from comprehensive training and development, with regular feedback and ongoing support.

You can find more about our Key UK practice areas here.

Trainees may also have the opportunity to undertake client or international secondments, gaining valuable experience and expanding their professional networks. Beyond legal work, you will be encouraged to participate in networking events, social activities, and community and client initiatives. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment, and you will have the opportunity to engage with our inclusion and diversity programmes.

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 Development and Early Careers Teams 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 £52,000 (£104,000 at qualification)
• Central Belt (Scotland): starting at £32,000  (£65,000 at qualification)
• Milton Keynes: starting at £36,100 (£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

To access the application form, please click the ‘Apply‘ button on the top bar. We will be recruiting for the following roles:

• Applications for our 2028 Scotland Trainee Solicitor Programme will open on 1 September 2025 and close on 31 March 2026
• Applications for our 2028 London Trainee Solicitor Programme will open on 1 September 2025 and close on 31 January 2026
• Applications for our 2028 Milton Keynes Trainee Solicitor Programme will open on 1 September 2025 and close on 31 January 2026

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) if you are applying to our London or Milton Keynes roles.

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.