Discover the leading graduate employers in Commercial Law

There's a vast number of opportunities for bright graduates looking to build a brilliant career in law. Here is our pick of the top law firms to look out for.

Addleshaw & Goddard

Proud to be a people business, Addleshaw Goddard dedicates itself to its clients – putting constancy, consistency and quality into every step they take. With an enjoyable and supportive culture, graduates can expect to work for exceptional clients.

Allen & Overy

As a leading Magic Circle law firm, graduates can expect first-class training and the possibility of global experience on cutting-edge deals when pursuing a career at Allen & Overy, a market-leading institution.

Ashurst

Graduates will enjoy a progressive and professional experience in both legal and non-legal opportunities at a Ashurst. It prides itself on providing rewarding and stimulating careers.

Baker & Mckenzie

Baker & McKenzie rides the crest of the pioneering law wave. They’re passionate about meeting the challenges of the global economy head-on and delivering a world-class service with clients to match.

Bird & Bird

Collaboration is key at Bird & Bird as its global team tackles complex, cross-border projects and deals seamlessly and successfully across 27 different offices around the world. They work closely with clients to deliver a high-quality service.

Browne Jacobson LLP

Complex problems – understood, explained and resolved by a single team across five offices nationally, working together in long-term partnership with their clients. Browne Jacobson offers a genuinely different approach.

Burges Salmon

Providing the highest standards of legal and business advice to customers across the UK, Burges Salmon works with clients of every size and type. Trainees flourish in the open and collaborative working culture, with opportunities to work alongside colleagues across the firm.

Clifford Chance

An evolving and innovative Magic Circle law firm, Clifford Chance offers an unparalleled experience to graduates wanting to forge careers in commercial law. Their awards speak for themselves.

Clyde & Co

With a particular focus on sectors such as aviation, energy and marine, Clyde & Co presents exciting opportunities to graduates who are looking for something a little more specialised.

CMS Cameron McKenna

Ranking in Chambers and Partners ‘Global Top 20’, CMS Cameron McKenna is a dynamic and supportive firm that values the very best talent and leadership.

Dentons

Dentons is all about realising potential. Graduates can expect opportunities both here in the UK and across the world.

DWF

At this firm, you’ll immediately see how you contribute to the bigger picture. With regular development opportunities and a comprehensive feedback process, go further at DWF.

Farrer & Co.

With one of the highest lawyer retention rates in the sector, Farrer & Co. invests in its people, equipping them with the latest legal knowledge, methods and technology to give their clients the best possible service.

Fox Williams

Offering clients clear, pragmatic advice with a responsive, personal approach. Join Fox Williams which values great client service, integrity and professionalism, building friendly and strong relationships and having open communication.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

There’s something to be said for a 250-year client relationship with the Bank of England. With a strong commitment to their values combined with a drive to be exceptional, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer opens all the doors you need to start your career at a Magic Circle firm.

Gowling WLG

Businesses around the world choose Gowling WLG to help them grow and become their best. Irrespective of seniority or geography, every team member is respected and valued for their individual contributions.

Herbert Smith Freehills

A firm of diversity and inclusion, with a conscience about its social, economic and environmental impact, Herbert Smith Freehills provides a modern approach to its global practice where new talent can flourish.

Hogan Lovells

Known for their pragmatism and proactive approach, Hogan Lovells believes in solving the problems before they appear. A broad-thinking firm with an exemplary approach to diversity in the workplace.

Jones Day

The collective drive to provide the best client care defines Jones Day, as well as its innovative non-rotational trainee system where you are given the reigns to direct your own development.

Kingsley Napley 

A leading law firm in all sectors, Kingsley Napley has protected high-profile clients for several decades. As a member of The Sunday Times ‘Best Companies to Work For’, graduates can be reassured that hard work does pay off.

Kirkland & Ellis

This US firm thrives on a reputation for exceptional service to their clients around the world. They look to hire diverse professionals who will contribute to the Kirkland & Ellis brand.

Linklaters

Work alongside some of the most talented people in law, in a dynamic and diverse environment. Linklaters will give you the opportunity to thrive and excel in the world of commercial law.

Macfarlanes

Being smaller than its immediate competitors, Macfarlanes prides itself on its personal commitment and attention to its clients and trainees. You are so much more than just a trainee at Macfarlanes.

Michelmores

Providing the environment, encouragement and opportunities for you to flourish. Build an unrivalled career and become ‘more than just lawyer’ to Michelmore's clients.

Mishcon de Reya

Famous for their involvement with high-profile individuals and businesses, Mishcon de Reya has carved out a reputation of looking after their clients with expert and professional legal guidance.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Doors are opening and opportunities abound across the Norton Rose Fulbright global platform. Alongside strong strategy and inspiring sophistication in all things, expect international exposure as part of your training and beyond.

Pinsent Masons

As ALB SE Asia’s ‘Construction & Real Estate Law Firm of the Year 2016’, Pinsent Masons makes a fantastic option for any graduate interested in building a bright future in commercial law.

PwC Legal

While they boast over 2,000 lawyers in over 80 countries – the world’s most extensive legal network – PwC Legal is never impersonal. Opportunity is at the heart of a career here and graduate lawyers will experience daily exposure to wider business skills.

Reed Smith

Reed Smith is an extensive global platform where graduates are challenged and stimulated. A client-focused ethos and famously friendly office culture make it an attractive graduate choice.

RPC

Last year’s ‘UK Law Firm of the Year’, RPC is no stranger to being the best. They put their client service at the heart of everything they do and co-founded TerraLex, one of the largest global law networks.

Shearman & Sterling

Shearman & Sterling has been involved with a range of ground-breaking deals. From complex industrial mergers to international politics, this firm has been at the forefront of some of the most challenging and exciting legal issues across the world.

Simmons & Simmons

A strong collective drive coupled with a forward-thinking approach, Simmons & Simmons can provide ambitious graduates the opportunity to excel in the world of business law.

Slaughter and May

Not only does Slaughter and May offer trainees exceptional training, but they are also afforded the rare chance to specialise in multiple areas of law. Variety and flexibility at one of the UK’s premier commercial law firms.

Squire Patton Boggs

Whatever is needed, Squire Patton Boggs is able to deliver the seamless cross-practice, cross-border and industry-specific support their client requires, whether they’re a big business, individual or national government.

Taylor Wessing

Taylor Wessing is an instinctively forward-thinking firm with an international flair. Its culture and standard of work attracts graduates looking for high-quality work among like-minded people.

Travers Smith

Smaller in size but mighty in quality. With an emphasis on a challenging yet enjoyable experience, it is no wonder Travers Smith have an outstanding employee retention rate.

Trowers & Hamlins

Independently recognised as the leading firm in the social housing sector in the UK. Trowers & Hamlins, with over 700 lawyers working around the globe, is a rapidly-growing law firm full of possibilities.

Watson Farley & Williams

A relatively young firm with roots in shipping, they are currently expanding across the globe with vigour. Watson Farley & Williams is respected for its expertise across many sectors, namely maritime, energy and infrastructure, and natural resources.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges

Established in 1996, the London branch has grown into Weil, Gotshal & Manges’ second largest office worldwide. With a recruiting strategy focused on obtaining exceptional talent at all levels, it makes for a fantastic starting block from which to build a career.

White & Case

Known as its ‘centre of gravity’ by employees, the London office is a fundamental part of the White & Case network. Creative graduates with an interest in international commercial issues will excel here.

Winckworth Sherwood

From charities to churches, Winckworth Sherwood’s expertise and advice knows no limits. Committed to ensuring a fair workplace for all, this firm’s evolution is led by its lawyers.