Application FAQs
Graduate and undergraduate schemes
When do applications open for the 2026 Vacation Schemes?
Applications are open for our 2026 Vacation Schemes and close on 31 October 2025. Applications for our Summer Vacation Scheme open on 1 September 2025 and close on 28 November 2025.
When are your Open Days?
As part of Taster Week, taking place between 20 to 24 October, we will be running a series of Open Days and skills sessions. To attend one of these events, you need to be in the first year of your degree or beyond. Applications open on 4 August 2025.
I am a first-year student, how can I meet the firm?
Our First Year Insight Day will take place in May 2026. To apply, you'll need to be in your first year of any degree. Applications open on 2 March 2026 and close 27 March 2026.
I didn't achieve both a 2:1 and AAB, is it worth me applying?
We do accept mitigating circumstances so if this is the case, please clearly explain why you didn't achieve the marks you were expecting so we are able to take this evidence into consideration. We'll also review your grades via Rare's Contextualised Recruitment System, which enables us to view your performance and grades in context.
We read each application form fully before making a decision, so we advise candidates who may not have performed as well as they had hoped to academically to highlight their motivation, skill set, and attitude to succeed in their application.
When do you hold your assessment centres?
We will be holding various assessment centres between January and March.
I'm a career changer, can I apply?
We welcome applications from candidates from a variety of experiences and backgrounds, from undergraduate level to those who have embarked on a career before their entry into law. Different career backgrounds bring different interests and skill sets, enhancing and diversifying the service we provide to our clients.
I am an international student, am I eligible to apply?
As an international law firm we are able to sponsor work visas.
We welcome applications from international students and appreciate that academic equivalents are not always easy to calculate.
Therefore, we advise candidates to complete the academic achievement section on the application form with as much detail as possible as this enables us to benchmark this appropriately. We pay particular attention to ensuring fairness in all our recruitment processes so we will be in touch directly with any questions we have.
Can I apply to more than one Vacation Scheme?
Please only apply to one scheme per academic year.
What are the eligibility criteria to apply for the Vacation Schemes?
To be able to apply for our Vacation Schemes, you'll need to be in the penultimate year of your degree or beyond.
Regarding academic ability, we do look for AAB at A Level and a 2:1 in any degree discipline. If you do not meet the AAB requirement but are able to demonstrate strong academic performance elsewhere and have the motivation, skill set, and attitude to succeed, please reach out to one of the team to discuss your application.
We want to recruit top talent for our relatively small intake, and we know that academics aren’t the only measure of success and appreciate diversity of experience. We do not automatically reject applications based on academics and screen the whole application form before making a decision.
Therefore, we will review your performance across all areas of the form before making a decision, for example; interests and achievements, work experience, overall communication, and answers to commercial and career-focused questions.
I don't have any legal work experience, am I at a disadvantage?
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. Ensure you include other experiences that can support your motivation to work in law, ie attending Open Days to show your commitment to a career in law.
Do you recruit on a rolling basis?
We screen applications on a rolling basis, but all of our assessment centres are organised after the deadline to ensure all applicants have the opportunity to apply. We do encourage applicants to submit their application ahead of the deadline.
When are your Vacation Schemes held?
The dates of the Schemes for 2026 are:
13 April-17 April 2026 (Spring)
8 June-19 June 2026 (Summer)
Are you able to make adjustments to the recruitment process?
We are a disability confident organisation. As part of our wider diversity and inclusion strategy, we ensure all candidates are supported and able to perform at their best throughout the recruitment process. If you require support during the recruitment process, please feel free to get in touch with the Early Talent team to discuss.
If offered a training contract, which qualification route will I follow?
All sponsored future joiners will complete the PGDL, if they do not have a law degree, and the SQE through the University of Law. This will involve the SQE 1&2 preparation courses, along with a bespoke Taylor Wessing SQE Plus programme, including a firm-specific project. We will pay for any tuition fees during this period, as well as a maintenance grant.
Can I apply for a Vacation Scheme in Cambridge?
For those seeking a training contract to commence in 2028, applications for our 2026 Cambridge Vacation Scheme open on 1 September 2025 and close on 28 November 2025.
School leaver schemes and apprenticeships
When do applications open for the 2025 Solicitor apprenticeship programme?
Applications for our 2025 Solicitor apprenticeship programme open on 5 January 2026.
The deadline for the Solicitor apprenticeship programme is 27 February 2026.
Who can apply to the Solicitor apprenticeship programme?
We look for individuals who are on track for a minimum of AAB (or equivalent) in their A levels and have a minimum of seven GCSEs at grade 6 and above, including at least a grade 7 in Maths and English.
How can I find out more about Taylor Wessing and the programme?
We'll be hosting an online Apprenticeship Open Evening in February 2026. Registration for this event opens on 1 September 2025.
I didn't achieve the minimum grade requirements, is it worth me applying?
We do accept mitigating circumstances so if this is the case, please clearly explain why you didn't achieve the grades you were expecting so we're able to take this evidence into consideration. We can also understand your grades via Rare's Contextualised Recruitment system, which enables us to view your performance and grades in context.
When does your Solicitor apprenticeship programme begin?
Our Solicitor apprenticeship programme begins in September 2026.
When do you hold your assessment centres?
We'll be holding our next assessment centres in April 2026.
Which offices do you recruit solicitor apprentices for?
We currently have solicitor apprentices in our London and Liverpool offices. You are encouraged to only apply to one office.
I have already completed my degree, can I apply?
Unfortunately not. This programme is only open to those who haven't commenced or completed an undergraduate degree.
If offered a solicitor apprenticeship, which qualification route will I follow?
All solicitor apprentices will complete the LLB (Hons) Law Degree, and the SQE through the University of Law. We'll pay for any tuition fees during this period, as well as a salary.