London Solicitor Training Programme
Gibson Dunn is delighted to offer training contracts to a selected group of exceptional students and graduates. We are looking for individuals who can take the initiative and fulfil our clients’ needs, who have strong interpersonal and organisational skills and who can rise to the challenge of working directly with partners within small, focused teams and having client contact early in their careers. You should have at least three ‘A’ levels (AAA, AAB or ABB) or equivalent, and have obtained, or expect to obtain, a 2.1 degree or better.
Trainee Solicitors experience first-rate work experience with leading lawyers in their fields, together with excellent practical training, mentoring and support within a collegial, respectful and relaxed environment. We also offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package and will provide you with the tools you need to build an exceptional career.
Having commenced in 2015, our training programme is well-established and 2026 will see our twelfth intake of trainees join the firm. Our intake numbers have grown and our training programme goes from strength to strength with regular secondment opportunities available to our international offices and to clients and the design and development of a structured, tailored suite of departmental training for trainees at the start of each seat rotation, and throughout, to complement their on-the-job learning.
Why Train At Gibson Dunn?
Gibson Dunn is one of the world’s leading law firms. Our lawyers work on some of the highest-profile deals and disputes involving cutting-edge legal issues often across multiple jurisdictions for a wide range of global industry leading clients. In this programme, you will be part of a group of intellectually bright, ambitious and high-achieving trainees, and get first-class, hands-on experience. Gibson Dunn trainees assume a high level of responsibility in each and every matter they work on. Trainees receive all the support they need, both informally through being part of a friendly, helpful and sociable team, and more formally through the firm’s mentoring and ‘buddy’ system.
The Training Programme
As a Gibson Dunn trainee, you will work alongside some of the most talented lawyers in Europe, the U.S. and Asia. Based in London, trainees frequently work on international transactions and cases with our colleagues and clients overseas. The firm is also able to offer trainee secondments to overseas firm offices, as well as with clients.
During the two-year training programme, trainees will have the opportunity to spend time in a number of different departments, including corporate, finance and restructuring, dispute resolution, employment, tax, real estate, energy, funds and antitrust/competition. Trainees typically share an office with a partner or a senior associate and work with them on their matters, as well as with other lawyers throughout the firm.
Gibson Dunn trainees also frequently work on some of the London office’s local and international pro bono activities. The firm is proud to have a strong and sustained commitment to pro bono work, and trainees are strongly encouraged to participate in this tradition.
We currently expect to offer up to nine training contracts for 2026. To secure a training contract you should first apply for our vacation scheme. Please click here or, to find out more information, please contact our London Graduate Recruitment team at [email protected] or view our graduate recruitment brochure [PDF] and FAQs [PDF].
Summer Vacation Scheme
Summer Vacation Scheme Dates: 24th June – 13 July 2024
In 2024, Gibson Dunn will host one three-week summer vacation scheme for students interested in pursuing a career with the firm. The scheme is intended for law students in their penultimate or final year of study, students of other disciplines in their final year, recent graduates (in any discipline), and those already taking a GDL, LPC and SQE course. Scheme participants have the opportunity to take part in seminars and workshops, as well as perform meaningful work on the firm’s high-profile matters. Vacation scheme students will be paid a competitive rate of £750 per week to cover expenses during the programme. Additional support towards travel and accommodation costs will be reviewed on a case by case basis and to be discussed with the Graduate Recruitment team.
The summer vacation scheme is designed for students who wish to apply for a training contract with the firm.
Applications for the 2024 summer vacation placement will be accepted from 1 September 2023, with a deadline of 16 January 2024. If you are interested in applying for a summer vacation placement please click here. Please be advised that places on our summer vacation scheme will be allocated on a rolling basis and so early application is advised.
Open Days in Our London Office
General Open Day (Virtual): 7 December 2023
Gibson Dunn offers a General Open Day to provide an insight into life at a top international law firm. The day is packed with seminars, talks and interactive workshops, including partner panel sessions introducing you to the practice areas of the firm. This year Gibson Dunn will host the open day virtually, via Zoom.
Applications are welcome from law students in their penultimate year of study, students of other disciplines in their final year of study, those who have already graduated (in any discipline) and those who are already studying on their GDL, LPC and SQE course. Priority will be given to those who are considering starting a training contract with the firm in September 2026.
To apply, please click here from 1 September 2023. The deadline for applications is Friday 17th November 2023.
First Year Insight Day: Thursday 25th April 2024
Our First Year Insight Day is packed with informative sessions to help you understand what it is like to work in a commercial law firm, including a partner panel session, a commercial awareness workshop, a Q&A with our trainees and some invaluable tips on interviews and application forms as well as how to distinguish between different law firm cultures.
Applications are welcome from law students in their first year of undergraduate study and students of other disciplines in their first or second year of study. The First Year Insight Day is designed for those at the early stages of researching a legal career.
To apply, please click here from 1 September 2023. The deadline for applications is Monday 20th March 2024.
PRIME Work Experience: 23 October – 26 October 2023
For year 12 and 13 students, our 4 day PRIME programme takes place at our London office and includes a blend of learning and development sessions and work shadowing. It is an exceptional opportunity to see how a law firm operates and participate in a range of interactive sessions and workshops, as well as attend talks and presentations from our lawyers and staff across all levels. We provide students with practical careers advice, such how to put together a CV and interview techniques, as well as the opportunity to interact and network. We are open for applications and the deadline for applications is 12 October 2024 and to be eligible to apply all students must meet the requirements of PRIME.
To apply please send your CV and cover letter to [email protected]. Your cover letter should be no more than 250 words, explaining why you would like to attend our work experience placement.