My standout moment each year is welcoming our new vacation scheme students. There’s a lot of energy and enthusiasm in the office, and it’s great seeing individuals we’ve supported through the application process experience life at the firm.

In 2026 we will host a one-week spring vacation scheme in London and a two-week summer vacation scheme in both London and Cambridge. Applications for our spring vacation scheme close on 31 October and applications for our summer vacation schemes in London and Cambridge close on 28 November. We also offer a first-year insight day in May, designed for first-year students of any degree discipline who wish to learn more about Taylor Wessing.

Our vacation scheme forms a core element of our trainee recruitment strategy. Generally, participation in the scheme is required to be considered for a training contract at Taylor Wessing, with exceptions made for internal candidates and applicants via our 10,000 Black Interns programme. Attending the scheme is just as important for candidates as it is the firm, as it offers an invaluable insight into our culture and the type of work you’d do as a trainee.

Vacation scheme students are given meaningful tasks similar to what trainees undertake, such as drafting documents, attending meetings and collaborating on group project – you may even get the opportunity to attend court. The work you do provides genuine insight into what it’s like as a trainee at the firm. In addition to this, vacation scheme students take part in a range of sessions, such as a pro bono workshop, client talks and focus on sessions with each of our practice areas.

We look for candidates from diverse backgrounds who are motivated to pursue a career in commercial law. Candidates must demonstrate strong communication skills, teamwork, commercial awareness and curiosity around law and the sectors in which our clients operate. Adaptability and authenticity are also highly valued – we encourage everyone to be themselves during the application process.

Diversity, equity and inclusion is central to our strategic vision. We’re dedicated to fostering a culture where individual differences are celebrated and everyone is empowered to thrive as their authentic selves. Our commitment is reflected in the range of internal networks designed to support our people and drive meaningful change within the firm. We also recognise that building an inclusive workplace requires collaboration beyond our own walls. That’s why we partner with organisations such as Uptree, 93% Club and 10,000 Black Interns. Through these partnerships and our targeted recruitment programmes, we actively seek to attract talent from all backgrounds and ensure that opportunity at Taylor Wessing is open to everyone.

Taylor Wessing encourages participation in firm-wide social events, volunteering opportunities, sports teams and inclusion networks to help colleagues connect outside of day-to-day work. We also have a wellbeing fund that all UK colleagues can access. The fund is designed to give colleagues the flexibility to choose benefits to help enhance personal wellbeing and work/life balance. It’s a great way to develop new or existing hobbies and one of the many perks of working at Taylor Wessing.

One of the most common ways candidates let themselves down is by submitting an application that’s generic or insufficiently tailored to the firm. Overlooking details such as proofreading or not following instructions can also detract from an otherwise strong application. 

Our approach to AI is driven by both innovation and responsibility. We permit the use of AI tools during the application stage – ultimately, the choice lies with each candidate. Integrity and authenticity are key, so we encourage candidates to be transparent about the extent to which AI tools have contributed to their application. Overreliance on AI-generated text tends to show, while personalised responses allow you to show your genuine interest and motivation for the firm.

Definitely – relevant experience is helpful, but we recognise that everyone has to start somewhere, so don't worry if you haven't worked in a law firm previously. Experience, from retail, hospitality or other sectors, is valuable if you reflect meaningfully on transferable skills such as teamwork or problem solving, which are equally relevant within legal practice. It's also important to include other experiences that demonstrate your motivation for a career in commercial law, for example attending open days and webinars.

Commercial awareness is absolutely vital for anyone considering a legal career, particularly at Taylor Wessing, where our clients operate in fast-moving and complex sectors. It means understanding how legal issues intersect with our clients’ business objectives and the wider economic environment. Candidates can showcase commercial awareness in their applications by referencing current trends or developments and commenting on their potential impact on clients or, for example, by demonstrating an understanding of how global events may affect cross-border transactions.

We host in person and virtual assessment centres between January and March for our vacation schemes, which consist of a competency-based interview and commercial exercise. Prior to this, candidates complete the written exercise online using our digital assessment centre platform.

For first years, some basic background goes a long way. Even just knowing which practice areas interest you can help to guide conversation! For second or third years considering applying soon, deeper research into recent deals/cases or culture demonstrates genuine motivation when speaking to recruiters or lawyers.

We recognise the importance of widening access to the profession and are proud to offer our solicitor apprenticeship scheme, which launched in London in 2023 and was subsequently expanded to our Liverpool office in 2024. Taylor Wessing’s solicitor apprenticeship programme is designed to provide school leavers with both practical legal experience and academic study. Apprentices spend four days each week working within a practice area, gaining exposure to real client work and developing their professional skills. The remaining day is dedicated to study with our training provider, The University of Law. The structure of the programme ensures that apprentices receive a broad foundation across key legal disciplines. During years one to four, apprentices will complete one year in four different practice areas. In years five and six, they rotate seats every six months alongside our trainee solicitors.

My key advice for anyone interested in joining Taylor Wessing is to demonstrate genuine curiosity in the firm’s specialist sectors and take time to research our work, areas of expertise, culture and values. Understanding how we support our clients and what differentiates us will help you to tailor your application effectively.

Spending time with my two French bulldogs, Biggie and Bean!