Wedlake Bell is well known for providing exceptionally high-quality training. Our approach is to recruit a small number of trainees so that each individual receives individual support and development.
Our aim is to ensure that, by the end of your training contract, you will be competent and confident newly qualified solicitors with a genuine enthusiasm for your work.
We are quick to recognise your talents and will provide you with an environment in which those talents can be utilised to their maximum potential.
We are currently recruiting for an intake of eight trainees each year, and we recruit two years in advance of the commencement of the training contract.
The role
Trainees complete four 6-month seats during their Training Contracts which will enable them to experience a large variety of work and explore different areas of Law. Wedlake Bell trainees attend the firm’s ‘Foundation’ training programme which has been specifically developed for trainee solicitors to support their development during the first two years of their career at the firm. Trainees are in regular contact with the HR team and Training Principal to discuss their progress and career development.
Support
Trainees are paired up with a mentor and a Trainee Buddy to act as an additional support and help them settle in. For each seat, trainees are allocated a dedicated supervisor who will oversee the trainee’s workload and provide feedback.
Trainees complete a mid-seat and end of seat review to further their development during the seat. Before trainees join the firm, they take part in a Future Trainee series of events to prepare them for life at the firm.
Benefits
The firm offers a range of benefits such as private healthcare and dental cover, a cycle to work scheme, wellbeing resources, annual travelcard, discounted gym memberships, 25 days of annual leave and a birthday day off.
Wedlake Bell is very sociable and regular events such as mini-golf, theatre trips, an annual walking trip and ski trips are organised – the trainees are encouraged to make the most of firm life!
Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE)
Applicants for the 2026 training contract should bear in mind that they may be asked to complete the SQE qualification route.
Wedlake Bell will offer financial support for the new qualification route, we will cover the costs of the preparation courses, exams and provide a maintenance grant of £7000. Alongside preparing you for the SQE exams, our course with the University of Law also includes an LLM qualification and will prepare you for life as a Trainee Solicitor at a City firm.
Wedlake Bell partners with the University of Law for our SQE preparation courses. Future trainees are able to select which campus they complete their studies at.
Non-law students must complete the (P)GDL/PGDIP before beginning an SQE preparation course – funding and maintenance grants will be provided if you have not already started this course.
If you have already completed the LPC you will not need to take the SQE.
Why Wedlake Bell?
Wedlake Bell is a leading City law firm. We provide exceptional training, and provide you with a supportive environment where you can reach your potential.
As a full-service law firm, you have the opportunity to rotate through a variety of different practice areas, and experience hands-on training alongside a close-knit trainee intake of eight.
We are big enough that you will experience market-leading legal matters, and small enough that you will be noticed.
In addition to this, Wedlake Bell is consistently highly-regarded as offering a good work-life balance and a strong work culture. We offer regular staff socials for you to get to know everyone at the firm, including our annual ski trip and walking trip.
How to Apply
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:
If there is anything you would like to discuss, please contact Annabel Hale, Early Careers Manager - ahale@wedlakebell.com
- Complete the online application form
- You will be asked to include a covering letter as part of the application.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a place on our scheme you must either:
- All applicants must have achieved (or expect to achieve) at least an upper class second for their undergraduate degree course.
- Be a law undergraduate (final year or penultimate year student) or graduate;
- Be a non-law final year student or graduate; or
- Have begun an SQE preparation course.
Our Selection Process
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 2024. 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 2024. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the closing date for applications?
The deadline to submit your application for 2026 Training Contracts is 23:59 on Wednesday 1 May 2024.
- 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.
- How do I add supplementary information to my application?
If you have submitted an application for this application round, you can’t change the application after submitting, however you do have access to a ‘Supplementary information’ section on your homepage where you can add additional details at any time after submission (academic and also work experience).
- 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 graduaterecruitment@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.
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 £7000 maintenance grant for those who are yet to start or are currently completing the LPC.
However, for 2026 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.
