Whether you’re finishing school or college, commencing a university degree, or considering changing to a career in law, we have opportunities for you. From workshops, panel discussions and law fairs, to online work experience and open days, there’s so much to discover at Bird & Bird.
Bird & Bird is an international law firm with offices across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region. We’re one firm internationally, which is something our clients value because it brings consistency, collaboration, and clarity. Our vision is to be the number one law firm in the world for organisations being changed by the digital world or those leading that change. We’ve advised clients from over 120 countries within the last year, and our clients include 17 of the world’s most innovative companies according to Forbes. We have a stellar, global reputation for providing sophisticated, pragmatic advice to companies which are carving the world's digital future.
We’re interested in the world, current issues, and emerging trends. We’re an outward-looking, sector-focused firm, specialising in Automotive, Aviation & Aerospace, Defence & Security, Energy & Utilities, Financial Services, Life Sciences & Healthcare, Media, Entertainment & Sport, Retail & Consumer, and Technology & Communications. We use our sector understanding and legal expertise to unlock the issues and we take a commercial approach when applying the law.
There are different pathways to qualification as a solicitor at Bird & Bird: as a solicitor apprentice or trainee solicitor. Start your career with us and discover what's possible for you at Bird & Bird.
Become a trainee solicitor
Qualify as a solicitor with two-years of exceptional training to kick-start your career in law.
At Bird & Bird, a training contract is a two-year training programme commenced after university and the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE) to develop practical skills and legal knowledge, also known as Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). You'll experience four 'seats' in different practice areas for six-months each. You'll be supervised by experts in their field and work for stimulating clients across a range of sectors. After the end of the training contract, you'll be a qualified solicitor.
To become a trainee solicitor at Bird & Bird, you can apply to a vacation scheme, as all vacation scheme participants are assessed for a training contract commencing in 2028 or earlier.
Become a solicitor apprentice
Paving a new way to qualification. You can qualify as a solicitor by undertaking on-the-job training while studying for a law degree and the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE) over six years.
Our Solicitor Apprenticeship is a Level 7 qualification combining study with work to allow you to qualify as a solicitor without incurring student debt often associated with attending university. You'll learn on-the-job at our London office, alongside a small cohort of solicitor apprentices, while studying for one day a week at the University of Law to obtain an LLB Law degree and complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE). At the end of the apprenticeship, you'll be a qualified solicitor.
Applying to us
As a candidate, you must be prepared to showcase your skills, experience and suitability for the role, programme, or opportunity you’re applying for through different assessment styles.
Go to our employability hub, The Nest, to develop your legal skills and commercial awareness, learn about the recruitment process and what we look for in successful candidates, and general advice on navigating your career in law.
We’re a disability, neurodiversity and mental health inclusive employer and want to ensure that you have a barrier-free recruitment experience. If you need adjustments during the recruitment process or require assistance completing an application as the result of disability, you can get confidential advice from our Early Careers team at [email protected].
Live opportunities
Trainee Solicitor Open Day 2026
The opportunityDate: Wednesday 21 October 2026Our virtual open day for aspiring solicitors is an opportunity to gain an insight into what life is like as a solicitor at Bird & Bird. From insight talks, panel discussions and Q&As, to workshops and skill sessions, there’s so much to discover!Applying to usApplications open: Midday on 14 September 2026Deadline: Midday on 2 October 2026We operate rolling recruitment, which means we screen applications as they are received, rather than after our deadline. Therefore, we encourage you to apply as early as possible.To apply to our Trainee Solicitor Open Day, you must be able to start a training contract in September 2029 or sooner. At the time of submitting your application, you must:be in your final year of a non-law degree; orbe in your penultimate or final year of a law degree; orbe studying or have completed the PgDL; orbe studying or have completed SQE1 and/or SQE2.Using AI in the application processAt Bird & Bird, we are committed to maintaining the integrity of the recruitment process as well as upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct. As part of our ongoing strategy to embrace innovation, we recognise the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in various tasks, including the preparation of application forms, assessments and interviews. However, we wish to emphasise the importance of original thought and personal engagement throughout the recruitment and selection process.Original thought and personal engagement are essential to your application to Bird & Bird. We value the opportunity to understand your unique perspective and approach – what makes you, you. All responses to application questions must reflect your own thinking, reasoning, and insights. Your ability to articulate your qualifications, experiences, and motivations for a career at Bird & Bird in your own voice is critical to the assessment and evaluation process.While we acknowledge that AI tools are useful in certain contexts, such as grammar checking or assisting with language structure, we expect candidates to use AI in the application process only where appropriate and within reason. For example:AI tools may be used to proofread or enhance the clarity of your application materials.AI tools should not be used to generate content or draft responses to interview questions or assessments on your behalf. You should not copy and paste AI-generated text directly into your application form or in any other assessment.Fundamentally, AI should not be used as a substitute for your own effort, ideas, or writing.Regardless of the tools used, you are responsible for the content of your answers throughout the recruitment process from application form through to interview. We expect that all information provided by you is truthful, accurate, and genuinely reflective of your qualifications, experience, and motivations.VantagePlease note that in our application process, we collaborate with Vantage which facilitates connections with legal employers such as Bird & Bird. Owned by Rare Recruitment, Vantage functions as a comprehensive database of candidate profiles, enhancing the efficiency of the application process. Rare Recruitment initially acts as the data controller for your personal information until you submit your application to us, after which Bird & Bird assumes responsibility as the data controller. We strongly recommend reviewing Rare Recruitment's Privacy Policy, available here. For further details on how Vantage processes your personal data, including access to their Privacy Policy, please refer to the information provided below.Application deadline:9 October 2026 at 12:00 British Summer Time(i) Times are displayed in your local time zone
Virtual
Solicitor Apprentice Open Day 2026
The opportunityDate: Wednesday 28 October 2026Location: Bird & Bird London office, 12 New Fetter Ln, London EC4A 1JPOur open day for aspiring solicitor apprentices is an opportunity to gain an insight into what life is like as a solicitor apprentice at Bird & Bird. From insight talks, panel discussions and Q&As, to workshops and skill sessions, there’s so much to discover!Applying to usApplications open: Midday on 14 September 2026Deadline: Midday on 14 October 2026We operate rolling recruitment, which means we screen applications as they are received, rather than after our deadline. Therefore, we encourage you to apply as early as possible.At the time of submitting your application, you should be:in your final year of A-Levels (Year 13) or have already completed school or college (e.g., on a gap year or working);at least 18 years of age on 1 September 2027; andhave the right to work in the UK.ANDhave achieved 5 GCSEs including English and Maths at grade 9-4/A*-C; andhave achieved or be on track to AAB in your A-LevelsWe understand that you may not have received the grades you hoped for due to extenuating or mitigating circumstances. Please detail any relevant information in your application for us to take into consideration. We also use a Contextual Recruitment System (CRS) to enable us to recruit people from different backgrounds and help us understand your achievements in the context in which they were gained.Using AI in your applicationAt Bird & Bird, we are committed to maintaining the integrity of the recruitment process as well as upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct. As part of our ongoing strategy to embrace innovation, we recognise the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in various tasks, including the preparation of application forms, assessments and interviews. However, we wish to emphasise the importance of original thought and personal engagement throughout the recruitment and selection process.Original thought and personal engagement are essential to your application to Bird & Bird. We value the opportunity to understand your unique perspective and approach – what makes you, you. All responses to application questions must reflect your own thinking, reasoning, and insights. Your ability to articulate your qualifications, experiences, and motivations for a career at Bird & Bird in your own voice is critical to the assessment and evaluation process.While we acknowledge that AI tools are useful in certain contexts, such as grammar checking or assisting with language structure, we expect candidates to use AI in the application process only where appropriate and within reason. For example:AI tools may be used to proofread or enhance the clarity of your application materials.AI tools should not be used to generate content or draft responses to interview questions or assessments on your behalf. You should not copy and paste AI-generated text directly into your application form or in any other assessment.Fundamentally, AI should not be used as a substitute for your own effort, ideas, or writing.Regardless of the tools used, you are responsible for the content of your answers throughout the recruitment process from application form through to interview. We expect that all information provided by you is truthful, accurate, and genuinely reflective of your qualifications, experience, and motivations.Please note that in our application process, we collaborate with Vantage which facilitates connections with legal employers such as Bird & Bird. Owned by Rare Recruitment, Vantage functions as a comprehensive database of candidate profiles, enhancing the efficiency of the application process. Rare Recruitment initially acts as the data controller for your personal information until you submit your application to us, after which Bird & Bird assumes responsibility as the data controller. We strongly recommend reviewing Rare Recruitment's Privacy Policy, available here. For further details on how Vantage processes your personal data, including access to their Privacy Policy, please refer to the information provided below.Application deadline:14 October 2026 at 12:00 British Summer Time(i) Times are displayed in your local time zone
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