Find Your Future

Trainees complete four six-month seats during their Training Contract, providing exposure to a broad range of practice areas and experiences across the firm.

As part of their development, trainees take part in our bespoke training programme, which has been specifically designed to support solicitors in the first two years of their career at Wedlake Bell. Trainees are also in regular contact with the HR team and Training Principal to discuss their progress, development and career goals.

Support

From day one, trainees benefit from a strong support network. Each trainee is paired with a mentor and a Trainee Buddy to help them settle into life at the firm and provide guidance throughout their Training Contract.

For each seat, trainees are allocated a dedicated supervisor who oversees their workload, supports their development and provides regular feedback. Formal mid-seat and end-of-seat reviews help trainees reflect on their progress and identify opportunities for further growth.

Before joining the firm, future trainees are invited to take part in a series of events designed to help them prepare for life at Wedlake Bell and build connections with colleagues and fellow future trainees.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits, including private healthcare, dental cover, an annual travelcard, discounted gym membership, wellbeing resources, a Cycle to Work scheme, 25 days' annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday.

Wedlake Bell has a friendly and sociable culture, with a variety of events taking place throughout the year, including theatre trips, firm socials, an annual walking trip and ski trips. Trainees are encouraged to get involved and make the most of life at the firm.

Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)

Applicants for our 2029 Training Contract should be aware that they may be required to qualify through the SQE route.

Wedlake Bell provides financial support for future trainees undertaking the SQE. We cover the cost of SQE preparation courses and examinations, and provide a maintenance grant of £10,000. Delivered in partnership with the University of Law, the programme also includes an LLM qualification and is designed to prepare you for both the SQE assessments and your future career as a trainee solicitor at a City law firm.

Future trainees can choose which University of Law campus they wish to attend.

Candidates from a non-law background will need to complete the PGDL before starting their SQE preparation course. Where applicable, Wedlake Bell will fund the course fees and provide a maintenance grant.

Candidates who have already completed the LPC will not be required to sit the SQE.

Wedlake Bell is a full-service City law firm with a collaborative culture and a commitment to excellence. We are recognised for the quality of our training and provide a supportive environment where aspiring solicitors can develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to build a successful legal career.

As a trainee, you will rotate through a variety of practice areas, gaining exposure to high-quality work and hands-on experience across the firm. With a close-knit trainee intake of just eight each year, you will benefit from personalised support, meaningful responsibility and opportunities to learn from experienced lawyers at every stage of your Training Contract.

We are large enough to offer exposure to complex and high-profile legal matters, yet small enough for your contributions to be recognised and your development to be a genuine priority.

Alongside a strong commitment to professional development, Wedlake Bell is known for its friendly culture and positive work-life balance. We offer a wide range of social events throughout the year, providing opportunities to get to know colleagues across the firm.

Applications for our 2029 Training Contracts will open on 1 November 2026. The deadline to submit your application is 3 May 2027 at 23:59.

All applicants must have achieved (or expect to achieve) at least an upper class second for their undergraduate degree course.

To apply, you will need to:

• Complete the online application form – access the online application form and apply here.

• You will be asked to answer motivation and skills based questions as part of the application form. 

For any questions and queries, contact us via email.

If there is anything you would like to discuss, please contact Annabel Hale, Senior Early Careers Manager - ahale@wedlakebell.com

You are eligible to apply if you:

· Are studying law and are in your penultimate or final year at university;

· Have already graduated with a law degree;

· Are in the final year of a non-law degree;

· Have already graduated with a non-law degree; or

· Have started an SQE preparation course.

All applicants must have achieved (or expect to achieve) at least an upper class second for their undergraduate degree course.

All applications are reviewed and selected candidates are invited to a first interview. The next stage includes some short, written assessments, a networking lunch and a final interview.

The first-stage interviews will be conducted virtually in July 2027. We plan to host the final stage interviews in person at our offices in London.

The Early Careers team will let you know whether you have been successful as soon as possible following each stage.

The interviews for Training Contracts will be held in July 2027. If you are selected for an interview, the Early Careers team will be in contact to confirm the details.

All offers for training contracts are subject to you passing the Legal Practice Course or SQE examinations at the first attempt.

What is the closing date for applications?

The deadline to submit your application for 2029 Training Contracts is 3 May 2027 at 23:59.

Do you accept CVs in place of the application form?
No, all applications must be made by completing our online application form. Applications which are made by any other method will not be considered.

Can I add supplementary information to my application after submitting it?

If you have applied, you can’t change the application yourself after submitting. If you need to make any changes, please contact earlycareers@wedlakebell.com.

I applied last year but was unsuccessful, can I apply again?

If you submitted an application last year, you may submit a new application for this year’s position.

Will my application be acknowledged?

Yes, we acknowledge receipt of all validly completed applications received by us on or before the application deadline. If your application has not been acknowledged within two weeks, please contact us at earlycareers@wedlakebell.com.

If I am selected to attend an interview, will my travel costs be reimbursed?

Yes, Wedlake Bell will reimburse reasonable travelling expenses from within the UK and Ireland. A copy of your receipt is required, and reimbursement will be paid by payment transfer. Unfortunately, we are unable to reimburse any expenses incurred if you travel back from a holiday to attend an interview. Only public transport costs will be considered for reimbursement. If you are considering travelling by taxi, please contact the Early Careers team before starting your journey. You can email the team with any questions using earlycareers@wedlakebell.com.

Please contact the team with any questions regarding travel after you have been invited to attend an interview.

Will I get paid?

We pay our trainees in accordance with current market rates in London. These are reviewed annually.

Will my LPC fees be paid?

LPC funding may be available subject to the terms of your offer. Wedlake Bell offers a £10,000 maintenance grant for those who are yet to start or are currently completing the LPC.

However, for 2029 Training Contracts, if you have not already begun the LPC, you will be asked to complete the SQE. Further details are below.

Will I need to sit the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE)?

If you started, accepted an offer or completed the LPC or (P)GDL before 1 September 2021 you are eligible to follow the transitional arrangements and qualify under the LPC route. This is also the case if you accepted an offer for a qualifying law degree by 21 September 2021.

Please note, the firm you choose to complete your training with may require you to follow the new SQE route to qualification from a set date.

The SRA have full details of the transitional arrangements on their website.

I’m a non-law student, what will the SQE route mean for me?

If you have already completed the (P)GDL you will be eligible to continue the LPC route to qualification or you can choose to complete the SQE.

If you are a non-law student and did not start the (P)GDL before 1 September 2021 you will need to complete the SQE route to qualification.

Non-law students should review the SRA’s transitional guidance.