Farrer & Co has built a strong reputation of excellence. Operating from our long-established office in London, we remain committed to delivering the highest quality legal services with integrity and expertise, whilst striving to be forward thinking in our work with a diverse range of clients across numerous sectors. We are recognised as leaders in our fields of expertise and we work with trusted professionals around the world to deliver a seamless international service.

Types of work

The firm's breadth of expertise is reflected by the fact that it has an outstanding reputation in fields as diverse as matrimonial, intellectual property, sports, media, offshore tax planning, employment, estates work, charity law and defamation. It provides a range of specialist advice to private, institutional and corporate clients.

Who should apply

Trainees are expected to be highly motivated individuals with keen intellects and interesting and engaging personalities. Those applicants who appear to break the mould – as shown by their initiative for organisation, leadership, exploration or enterprise – are far more likely to get an interview than the erudite, but otherwise unimpressive student.

To find out what it is like to work at Farrer & Co LLP read the firm's Meet the Lawyer profile.

Farrer & Co runs Easter and summer vacation schemes for undergraduates considering a career in law. These will take place this year for one week each in a hybrid setting.

• 7 April – 17 April 2026: spring vacation scheme
• 15 June – 26 June 2026: first summer vacation scheme
• 29 June – 10 July 2026: second summer vacation scheme

Application forms can be completed online via the firm's website together with a well-constructed covering letter of no more than 350 words explaining why you are interested in participating in one of our vacation schemes. The deadline is 2 January 2026 for all schemes. Approximately 100 vacation scheme applicants will be invited to a virtual assessment day held in February 2026.

The training programme involves each trainee in the widest range of cases, clients and issues possible in a single law firm. This provides a broad foundation of knowledge and experience and the opportunity to make an informed choice about the area of law in which to specialise. A high degree of involvement is encouraged under the direct supervision of solicitors and partners. Trainees attend regular internal and external seminars. The training principal reviews trainees' progress at the end of each seat and extensive feedback is given. The firm has a friendly atmosphere and holds regular sporting and social events.

Our two-year training contract is divided into six seats, each lasting four months.

• First five seats: rotations through five of 15 different practice areas to provide broad legal exposure.
• Final seat: focused in the practice area where trainees will qualify, ensuring a smooth transition to the associate role.

Trainees gain a solid grounding in commercial, contentious, private client, and property law, with additional emphasis on developing essential practical skills such as drafting, negotiation, interviewing, and advocacy. Training also covers IT proficiency, legal research, and marketing expertise.

Training contract 2028 – we hire two years in advance

Opening date – 1 November 2025

The closing date for training contract applications is 27 March 2027.

We have moved away from the GDL / LPC route and require all our future trainees to do the SQE. Note that you are still eligible to apply if you have already completed your GDL / LPC. For those who have already obtained the LPC you will be required to complete the SQE2.

A solicitor apprenticeship at Farrer & Co is an exciting alternative to university, offering a unique opportunity to earn a salary while gaining practical legal experience and qualifying as a solicitor. This six-year Level 7 programme combines on-the-job training with structured academic study, equipping you with the skills and qualifications to excel in the legal profession.

Applications open: 1 November 2025

Application deadline: 13 February 2026

Virtual first interviews: March 2026

In-person assessment day: April 2026

Conditional offers made: May 2026

A-level results day: 13 August 2026

Start date: September 2026

Apply here – Solicitor Apprenticeships | Farrer & Co

Here at Farrer & Co we recognise the importance of creating an inclusive environment in which people can progress and fulfil their potential. We are committed to ensuring that all our people are employed, trained, compensated and promoted solely on the strength of their ability, qualifications, experience and merit.

We value the wellbeing of our people and pride ourselves on being a supportive employer, taking reasonable and practical steps to help them to balance their careers with other aspects of their lives. We think this is reflected in the fact that we have an exceptionally low staff turnover.

Diversity and inclusion enriches the culture of the firm and means that we are better positioned to continue to provide a first-class service to our clients.

Please see our website for more – Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at Farrer & Co

Fees for the SQE and £8,000 grant per year.

Sponsership for successful international candidates.

• Corporate
• Employment
• IP & commercial
• Banking & financial services
• Charity & community
• Commercial property
• Rural property
• Residential property
• Family
• Disputes
• Contentious trusts & estates
• Reputation management
• Private client
• Tax
• Immigration

• Corporate & Commercial
• General Commercial
• General Practice
• Niche

• London

• London

• empowerHER
• Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)
• Mary Ward Legal Advice Centre
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• Young Peoples' Cancer Services

• #10000BlackInterns
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• IntoUniversity
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