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When can I apply?

Scheme
Duration  Dates Application dates Eligible
Training Contract  2 years 2026 4 March – 7 April 2024 Finalists and Grads of all subjects
Winter Vacation Scheme 2 weeks 4 - 15 December 2023 12 September – 13 October  Penultimate year, final year and graduates (law and non-law)
Summer Vacation Scheme 1  2 weeks 10 – 21 June 2024 5 January – 4 February 2024 Penultimate year, final year and graduates (law and non-law)
Summer Vacation Scheme 2
2 weeks 15 July - 26 July 2024 5 January – 4 February 2024 Penultimate year, final year and graduates (law and non-law) 
Business & Legal Operations Graduate Scheme 2 years September 2024  6 November 2023 – 9 January 2024  Finalists and graduates of all subjects
Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme (London) 6 years September 2024  6 November – 18 February 2024  All final year A level students and school leavers (must have completed A Levels)
Paralegal Apprenticeship Programme (Newcastle) 2 years September 2024 6 November – 18 February 2024 All final year A level students and school leavers (must have completed A Levels)
Legal Services Team Paralegal
Ongoing May 2024  28 March – 18 April 2024   Graduates of all subjects 

What we’re looking for

We are looking for people with ambition and a positive attitude, who are agile and with an eagerness to learn. We are looking for thinkers, problem solvers and decision makers who can approach situations with a commercial mind-set. Whatever your background, if you can demonstrate to us that you have the foundations to navigate the complex business environment in which we operate, we want to hear from you.

In this video, Becky McLaren, Senior Early Careers Recruitment Advisor speaks to Rory Goldsmith, Future Trainee to discuss his experience on an NRF Vacation Scheme.

Video Details

“You’ve got to be curious, clever, and willing to work hard, but if you are, you can be part of a great firm and do some fascinating work in a supportive, collegiate environment.” Farmida Bi, Global Chair

Commercial awareness

You’re interested in the world around you; especially international business. You think about how today’s headlines will affect companies and our clients around the world – and maybe you also have a bit of business experience, whether it’s in a university society or a part-time customer service job.

Think Global

What do we mean by that? First, an interest in global affairs, because you’ll work with international colleagues daily. Second, a flexibility about where you work and live, because you’ll likely spend time abroad – whether it’s a drop-of-the-hat trip or a six-month secondment – and you should be ready and excited to grasp those opportunities.

Open your mind

The nature of our seats and practice areas means you’ll get involved in a lot of different work here, so you need to be ready to open your mind to where your career goes. It’s fine to have an interest in a particular field or secondment destination, but you shouldn’t be so wedded to it that you can’t consider anything else. Taking a seat in a sector you hadn’t considered may totally change the direction of you career, and that should excite you.

Be curious

A successful career here isn’t solely about working hard on what you’re given. It’s about taking the initiative to ask questions, seek new opportunities, meet new people within the firm. You’re not the kind of person to just put your head down and hide at your desk: you want to know more about the wider firm’s work, and how you can be part of it.

Strength beyond academia

An impressive academic record is valuable, but the best lawyers are more than just smart on paper. To help our clients, you need to be able to take the facts and the principles you’ve learned and apply them to real life. That takes creative spark, agility and initiative – not forgetting strong interpersonal skills as you get to know our clients and what they need.

Long-term motivation

There are so many milestones you’ll hit with us – but only if you’re committed for the long haul. You might not know exactly what field you want to go into yet, but you’ll have a long-term focus on a career in law. You want to establish lasting client relationships and build a network here among our colleagues. In short, you’re looking forward to where your career might take you with us.

Diversity, equity and inclusion

Being a leader in diversity, equity and inclusion is an integral part of our vision and strategy.  We know that our diversity is a strength that both benefits and binds our people and our clients.

By striving to create an inclusive environment where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and realise their career potential, we look for individuals who see opportunities differently.

Adjustments

If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process or have any enquiries, please contact our Graduate Recruitment team.

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