Frequently asked questions

Careers

How to apply?

The deadline for our UK summer vacation schemes is 8 January 2024, and the deadline for our training contract applications is 31 July 2024.

Please note that you are only able to apply to one of our UK offices during a recruitment cycle. If you apply for a vacation scheme you will automatically be considered for a training contract so you don’t need to make a separate application.

For full details of our application process can be found in our brochure.

Do you accept applications from candidates who have obtained a 2:2?

Our minimum academic requirements for training contract vacancies are stipulated under the 'eligibility and selection criteria' section.

However, we realise that there may be mitigating circumstances behind why potential applicants may not have achieved the requisite grades. As such, there is a dedicated section on our application form where you can fully explain these circumstances.

This information will be taken into consideration when reviewing your application. 

Do you accept applications from candidates who need a work permit?

Yes, we have a license to sponsor students, subject to visa restrictions and Home Office rules at the time.

Does it matter where or what I study / studied for my undergraduate degree?

We believe in the benefits of having a diverse workforce and do not have any preferences in terms where or what you studied, this is entirely your decision.  All non-law students will be sponsored to complete the PgDL before starting on their SQE studies.

What are the firms plans regarding the Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQE)?

  • Our first intake of trainees on the SQE route to qualification will join the firm in September 2024. We will no longer sponsor any future trainee to undertake the LPC and all future trainees will now be sponsored to complete our SQE preparation programme with The University of Law and exams in the year before they start their Qualifying Work Experience (training contract).
  • We will sponsor non-law students to undertake the PgDL with The University of Law prior to starting the SQE preparation course and exams.
  • If a candidate has already the LPC, we will not necessarily require them to complete the SQE programme or exams. This will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Do you provide adjustments during the recruitment process?

We are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, those who are neurodivergent, and those who have long-term health conditions. We can provide adjustments throughout the process to help you perform at your best.

There is a dedicated space on the application form to let us know about any adjustments you may need. If you would prefer to speak to a member of the team and discuss what adjustments we can provide, please get in touch at Graduates@trowers.com 

Do you recruit on a rolling basis?

No, we will not assess any applications until the deadline has passed. You will hear from us as soon as we have made a decision about your initial online application.

What competencies do you assess during the recruitment process?

We are looking for candidates to demonstrate they can work effectively as part of a team or on their own. Our trainees demonstrate drive and resilience, as well as possessing strong organisation skills, initiative, and a sense of responsibility.

If I am not successful first time around, can I reapply?

Yes, if you are unsuccessful with your first application you can reapply. However, you can only apply once in every recruitment window (1 October - 31 July). 

Life at Trowers & Hamlins

How do you keep in touch with your future trainees?

We host a range of social activities for our future trainees in any given year to integrate them with the firm and to make the beginning of their training contract an easy transition. 

How much responsibility can I expect during my training contract?

During the course of your training contract, you will be given as much responsibility as possible. A team will be there to support you and work with you every step of the way. Depending on the department that you are based in, you will be given your own files to run or will work as an integral part of a team on contentious and or non-contentious matters. 

You will also find that many clients will eventually contact you directly with any questions that they may have. 

What makes Trowers & Hamlins different?

We believe that the sheer diversity of our practice, our ethos and the quality of work you will get involved in will make your training contract a challenging (yet enjoyable!) experience. Where else could you work on Middle Eastern infrastructure projects in one seat, major urban regeneration in another, and private equity deals in a third?
We are a firm that recruits to retain. We take on a sensible number of trainees every year that we can personally get to know and professionally mentor and are looking at them to contribute brightly and strongly to our long-term future.

Most importantly, we ensure that we have a strong culture to make us greater as a collective and bring us closer as a team. This means that our work, together and individually, has more impact.

What is the process for deciding where I will qualify?

Approximately five months before you are due to qualify, you will be invited to a meeting with Graduate Recruitment, who will explain the process to you. All vacancies are advertised internally to the qualifying intake and each trainee has the opportunity to apply to a couple of departments of interest. Each department will conduct their own interview process and, thereafter, offers are made.

Am I able to qualify into one of your overseas offices?

Yes, provided they have a vacancy. All overseas positions are advertised at the NQ process stage along with vacancies in the UK. It is also possible to qualify into one of our UK offices and to transfer overseas, at a later date.

What is your hybrid working policy?

Our trainees are required to work from the office for 3 days per week. Most of our trainees come into the office more than this due to the increased support, exposure and responsibility that being in the office provides.

Are international secondments available to trainees?

Yes, we currently have international secondments to our Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai and Oman offices. These may vary depending on business need and all opportunities will be communicated to trainees each seat move.

Whilst we cannot guarantee that you will be able to complete an international secondment during your training, there is a high possibility that you will be able to do so. Due to the nature of the work at the firm, you will frequently be working with your overseas colleagues regardless of your base location. 

What diversity networks are there at Trowers & Hamlins?

We have seven networks formed by the Diversity & Inclusion committee, TrowersIncludes. These are:

  • Gender, Work and Family
  • LGBTQ+ and Allies
  • Physical and Mental Wellbeing
  • Race, Ethnicity and Heritage
  • Religion and Belief
  • Social Mobility
  • Allyship