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At Dentons, you'll build your career through meaningful work, genuine responsibility and the support of people who are invested in your success. As the world's largest global law firm, we combine international reach with collaborative teams across the UK, Ireland and Middle East, giving you opportunities to learn, contribute and grow from day one.
Every conversation. Every opportunity. Every legal matter.
Whether you're exploring commercial law through an Open Day or Vacation Scheme, or beginning your career as a trainee or solicitor apprentice, you'll experience work that matters, alongside people who'll challenge, encourage and develop you. Every office has its own story, clients and community, but all are connected by a culture that's ambitious, inclusive and focused on helping you make an impact.
Make your career matter. Discover Early Careers at Dentons.
The legal profession is evolving fast, and we're at the front of it, delivering consistent, high-quality, innovative solutions as our clients' needs change. We go looking for new solutions, and we hold the same standard of value and quality across everything we do. Over 600 of us work across the UK, Ireland and Middle East, and that's where our Early Careers opportunities sit. As a trainee or solicitor apprentice, you'll take seats in all our key practice areas, with the chance to apply for client and international secondments.
Who we are
We're the world's largest global law firm. That's more than 5,900 lawyers, working across over 170 locations in more than 85 countries.
We know that a positive, inclusive and supportive environment is fundamental to how our people succeed. So we invest in wellbeing, inclusion, sustainability and the chance to make a difference, which lets everyone perform at their best, keep building their skills and grow rewarding, long-term careers. People who feel they belong, feel supported and can be themselves achieve more, for our clients, our communities and each other.
Make your impact matter
You can read more about our long history of innovation, and where we've got to most recently, here.
The practice of law is being remoulded by global and local market forces. Clients want seamless, high-quality service delivered faster and more cost-effectively than ever before. Meanwhile, globalisation and the need to protect cultural identity throws up as many obstacles as it does opportunities for law firms worldwide. Our vision is to be the law firm of the future, today. With a strategy built on growth, integration and reinvention, we're setting out to reshape the legal profession. Join us and you'll help craft that future, contributing to the strategy that defines the next generation of legal practice. Innovation is critical to who we are as the world's largest global law firm. It doesn't sit in isolation, it's encouraged at every level. And it's one of the ways we build a diverse and progressive culture rather than a single-minded one. We take the broadest possible view of innovation. It reaches well past legal technology, and past being the first law firm to launch our own version of ChatGPT, fleetAI. We're pioneering in the legal field with a focus on alternative solutions like Dentons Helix, on training that builds a culture of innovation in our teams, and on the transformative impact that culture has on our clients, in emerging areas like ESG, AI and autonomous vehicles.
Strategy and innovation
Our work comes together under four responsible business pillars.
We're committed to understanding and reducing the environmental impact of how we operate. In line with our global commitments to Business Ambition for 1.5°C and Race to Zero, we've set a science-based target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, with a near-term milestone for 2030. Everyday actions get us there. Our people work with suppliers on continuous improvement projects, cut waste and the use of natural resources, and drive emissions reductions across the business. Our Environmental Action Committee, with representatives from across the firm, keeps finding new ways to push our sustainability efforts further, including hosting more sustainable and socially responsible events.
Sustainability
Inclusion and diversity are central to our strategy, because they help us deliver better outcomes for our clients, our communities and our people. We foster an environment where everyone can thrive, through allyship, access programmes, mentoring, and events focused on equity and inclusion. Our inclusion networks build a strong sense of belonging across the firm: GLOW (LGBTQ+), Fusion (Asian Professionals), BPN (Black Professionals), Inspire (Gender Equality) and AccessAbility (people with disabilities). Many of our trainees and solicitor apprentices play active roles in them, including as co-chairs or committee members, which is a chance to build relationships, develop leadership skills and help deliver initiatives such as Pride celebrations and our annual Black History Month networking event.
Inclusion and diversity
Our Pro Bono and Community programmes give everyone here dedicated investment hours to support local communities, develop new skills and help those who need it most. We promote access to justice with free legal advice for charities, NGOs and disadvantaged individuals, and we back small charities across the UK and Ireland through the Dentons Charitable Trust. Our solicitor apprentices and trainees are actively involved in all of this, from volunteering at PopLaw, our free legal advice clinic, and serving breakfast or sorting donations at The Whitechapel Mission, to organising fundraising events through our charity committees.
Pro bono and community
Wellbeing matters to us. We're committed to an environment where people can be themselves, where wellbeing comes first, and where everyone is supported to work in a sustainable and rewarding way. We have more than 55 trained Mental Health First Aiders across our UK, Ireland and Middle East offices, including several early careers colleagues. Our Wellbeing Action Group also drives wellbeing initiatives throughout the year, with early careers colleagues playing a key role in marking important wellbeing and mental health awareness events.
Wellbeing
You can read about the UKIME highlights in our Responsible Business Impact Report 2025.
Our work is broad, international and tied closely to the way the world is changing. As a trainee, you'll explore that variety seat by seat, building your confidence, commercial awareness and legal skills as you go. Across our five divisions, Commercial, Corporate, Real Estate, Banking and Dispute Resolution, you'll see how lawyers help clients make decisions, manage risk, solve problems and move ambitious plans forward.
What we do
Our Commercial teams help clients manage change, seize opportunities and respond to risk across fast-moving industries. You could work across areas including Technology, Media and Telecommunications, Employment and Projects, supporting clients on everything from digital transformation and commercial contracts to workforce issues, infrastructure and major strategic projects. This is work that sits close to how organisations operate day to day, and how they get ready for what comes next.
Commercial
Our Corporate teams advise clients at key moments in their growth and development. You could get involved in work across Corporate, Competition and Tax, supporting mergers and acquisitions, investments, restructurings, governance, regulatory issues and the tax considerations behind major business decisions. This work gives you insight into how companies are built, bought, sold, funded and transformed.
Corporate
Our Real Estate teams work on the spaces and places where people live, work, travel, invest and connect. You could support clients on acquisitions, developments, leasing, planning, construction and investment matters across a wide range of real estate assets. It's a chance to see how legal advice turns ideas, land and capital into places with long-term value.
Real Estate
Our Banking teams help clients finance, invest, restructure and manage complex financial arrangements. You could work across Capital Markets, Restructuring and Banking, supporting lenders, borrowers, investors and institutions on transactions that keep businesses and markets moving. This work is technical and international, giving you exposure to the financial structures behind major commercial activity.
Banking
Our Dispute Resolution teams help clients navigate conflict, uncertainty and high-stakes challenges. You could work across Litigation and Regulatory & Investigations, supporting clients on commercial disputes, investigations, risk management and regulatory issues. This is work that sharpens your judgement, attention to detail and strategic thinking, as you help clients understand their position and move forward with confidence.
Dispute Resolution
Every seat gives you a new perspective. You'll learn how different teams work, how clients think and how commercial law fits together. Our teams have advised on matters involving clients such as Marks & Spencer, Morgan Stanley, KKR, bp, Newcastle United FC, John Lewis Partnership, Sainsbury's, Wizz Air, RELX and Informa. That variety is what makes training here so valuable. You could be supporting a major brand on a high-profile real estate project, helping an international business grow through acquisition, working on the financing behind global markets, digging into a live issue in a complex dispute, or collaborating with colleagues across offices and jurisdictions on a cross-border transaction. Along the way, you'll learn from people who involve you, challenge you and help you build confidence. By the end of your programme, you'll have more than technical knowledge. You'll have a broader view of commercial law, a stronger sense of where your strengths lie and a clearer idea of the lawyer you want to become.
Make your work matter
With us, you'll work on the legal questions behind business, technology, finance, real estate, infrastructure, employment, regulation and disputes.
See commercial law in action
Since launching our office in 2020, we've brought a dynamic, innovative and truly international approach to the Irish legal market. Our team is committed to creativity and forward-thinking, always looking for new ways to serve our clients and challenge traditional legal practice. What we can offer you is an unparalleled opportunity to work on some of the most complex and high-profile domestic and cross-border matters. From your first day, you'll be entrusted with meaningful responsibilities and direct client engagement. We'll encourage you to think creatively, question established norms, and develop innovative solutions for our diverse clients. Continuous training and development are integral to our culture. It's what attracts some of the most respected professionals in the industry, and what earned us the title of Dublin Law Firm of the Year in 2024. You can discover more about how our Dublin team is shaping our global growth story here.
Dublin
Office culture snapshots
Our legacy in Scotland dates back to 1871, and we're committed to the Scottish market and deeply rooted in the community. Both the Glasgow and Edinburgh offices are thriving hubs, with clients instructing us on local, national and international work, and trainees can take seats across both. Our Edinburgh Haymarket office is a gateway to one of the most creative legal environments in the UK. The city's reputation as a centre for finance, technology and government means you'll work with a genuinely diverse range of clients. Working in our Glasgow office, in the city's cultural and commercial centre, puts you at the heart of some of the most exciting legal developments in Scotland. Glasgow is known for its rich cultural heritage and its position as a major centre for commerce and industry. You'll be involved in high-profile matters that shape the legal landscape, working alongside partners renowned for their expertise and their commitment to quality. We're continuing to invest in our Scottish offices to ensure they provide an exceptional place to work. Alongside our state-of-the-art Edinburgh space, our Glasgow office is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment, creating a modern, flexible workplace designed to support collaboration, wellbeing and the way our people work today. For trainees, this means enjoying high-quality facilities while building your career in two of Scotland's leading legal hubs.
Edinburgh and Glasgow
Located in the heart of the City, our London office is a truly exciting place to start your career. With our move to 1 Liverpool Street on the horizon, it's an exciting time to join Dentons as we create a modern new home designed to bring people together, encourage collaboration and support the way we work today. You'll work alongside talented colleagues on high-quality matters for clients ranging from ambitious start-ups to global organisations. From day one, you'll have opportunities to develop your skills, build your network and get involved in learning, social and pro bono initiatives that are all part of life at Dentons.
London
For more than 25 years, we've been part of the Milton Keynes community, supporting the businesses and developments that have helped shape one of the UK's fastest-growing cities. Today, our lawyers combine that local knowledge with the reach of the world's largest law firm, working on UK and international matters while staying closely connected to the region. You'll find a collaborative and inclusive office where colleagues support one another and celebrate each other's success. From day one, you'll work on high-quality matters, take on meaningful responsibility and have genuine opportunities to develop your career, all while being part of a friendly team that's invested in your success.
Milton Keynes
Our size and distinction speak volumes in the Middle East. We're the biggest of any international law firm here, spanning the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Jordan and Lebanon. That gives us real breadth and depth of coverage and knowledge, along with the means to shape the local legal industry into something we're all proud to be part of. Our Middle East practice areas are Corporate & Commercial; Banking & Finance; Energy, Transport & Infrastructure; Construction & Dispute Resolution; and Technology, Media & Telecoms.
Middle East
Four locations. Four different journeys. One place to build a career that matters. Hear from our trainees and apprentices about the work they've been involved in, the opportunities they've embraced and the people who've helped shape their careers.
Trainees and apprentices
The people who know us best are the ones who experience us every day. Find out what they enjoy most about working here, the work they're proud of and the people who've supported them along the way.
Our People
Wherever you're starting from, you'll be supported by people who care about your development. From your application through to joining us, our Early Careers team will guide and support you every step of the way.
Support that helps you make it matter
We're proud that our commitment to developing early careers talent keeps being recognised, through a range of awards and shortlists that reflect our ongoing commitment to excellence in early careers, the quality of our programmes and the experience we want every cohort to have.
Awards and recognition
Find out more
Explore our opportunities and discover where your journey could take you.
Ready to make it matter?
No one can tell our story better than the people living it. Hear from our trainees, apprentices, supervisors, Early Careers team and partners who are making it matter every day. Explore their stories below.
Meet the people making it matter
You can find more information about our wider wins and recognition on the firm's website and on our Chambers profile.
#86 in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers 2026
#59 in Top 100 Undergraduate Employer 2026-2027 (Higherin). You can read the vacation scheme reviews behind our 4.9/5 score.
Shortlisted Excellence in careers and employability service engagement, Dentons Ireland LLP (TargetJobs Emerging Talent Award 2026)
Highly Commended
Best law firm for client secondments (Legal Cheek Awards 2025 and 2023) Best law firm for legal tech (Legal Cheek Awards 2025 and 2024) Best law firm for partner approachability (Legal Cheek 2024) Best Law Firm for Training (Legal Cheek Awards 2023)
Excellence in Human Resource Innovation (Legal Innovation Awards 2024)
Best Law Firm for Partner Approachability (Legal Cheek Awards 2023)
Want to hear more from our people?
#LifeatDentons
If you're an aspiring commercial lawyer looking to make an impact from day one, we can offer you the chance to learn from exceptional people, contribute to work that shapes industries and build a career with real purpose. This is a place where ambition is supported, potential is nurtured and every opportunity has the chance to matter.
Our opportunities
Apply here
If you're ready to build your future in commercial law, we're ready to help you make it matter. Choose your opportunity and apply today.
Future Trainee Study Support
You must hold the right to work in the location you're applying for. Because of the nature of the scheme, we can't sponsor candidates for a visa. London, Milton Keynes and Middle East: penultimate-year England and Wales LLB Law students, final-year non-law students, and all graduates. This includes those undertaking the two-year accelerated England and Wales Law LLB. Dublin: open to applicants from all degree disciplines in their penultimate year, final year, or graduated. We look for Strong academic performance in your Irish Leaving Certificate (at least 480 points) or equivalent post-16 education, and a 2:1 or higher in your undergraduate degree. Scotland: Scots Law LLB students in their penultimate year, final year, or graduated. This includes those undertaking the two-year accelerated Scots Law LLB.
What you need to know
Eligibility
Vacation Scheme Dates
Vacation Scheme participants receive £500 or €500 a week, plus a grant of £250 or €250.
Pay
Our two-week Vacation Scheme is your chance to experience life with us, combining real work with training, networking and development to help you discover where a career here could take you.
Your commercial law career starts here
From day one, you'll be part of one of our practice areas, working alongside your supervisor and team on real client work and challenging tasks that make a genuine contribution. Along the way, you'll build your commercial awareness and legal knowledge through interactive training sessions and Lunch & Learns with teams including Responsible Business, Talent Development and Pro Bono, plus firm-wide networking and social events with colleagues from across the firm.
By the end of the scheme, you'll have built valuable relationships, developed the skills and confidence to succeed, and gained a clear understanding of what building your career here is like. We'll also be assessing you for our Trainee Solicitor Programme throughout, with your performance over the two weeks and a final reflective interview forming part of the assessment process. This could be your first step towards a rewarding career in commercial law with us.
Scotland: 7 June 2027 - 18 June 2027 Dublin: 14 June 2027 - 25 June 2027 Middle East: July/August 2027
London, Milton Keynes: 5 April 2027 - 16 April 2027 Scotland: 7 June 2027 - 18 June 2027 Dublin: 14 June 2027 - 25 June 2027 Middle East: July/August 2027
Two-year training programme with four six-month seat rotations Meaningful responsibility from day one on complex, cross-border work for regional, national and global clients Structured learning, regular feedback and personalised career development Exposure to innovation, AI and legal technology, alongside the opportunity to apply for client secondments A collaborative, inclusive culture with extensive support from colleagues, partners and peers
At a glance
From your first day, you'll take on meaningful responsibility, contributing to high-quality client work while developing the legal expertise, commercial judgement and confidence to thrive.
Direct applications are open for our Middle East Trainee Solicitor Programme. To apply, you'll need the right to work in the GCC and to be either: a student in the penultimate year of an England and Wales qualifying law degree, and onwards a graduate of an England and Wales qualifying law degree a graduate currently undertaking the SQE exams Application window: 1 September 2026 to 26 February 2027.
Middle East applications
Scotland: £33,000 (£70,000 at qualification) Dublin: €45,000 Milton Keynes: £37,500 (£72,000 at qualification) Middle East: competitive, depending on location London: £54,000 (£112,500 at qualification)
Starting salary
Gym membership allowance Life assurance Health and dental insurance 24 annual leave days Pension scheme Cycle to work scheme Access to wellbeing resources Restaurant discounts
Benefits
We're no longer accepting direct applications to our Trainee Solicitor Programme for our UK and Dublin offices. The Vacation Scheme is our sole route to the programme, and candidates who apply to the scheme are assessed for a place on the Trainee Solicitor Programme.
UK and Dublin applications
No one can tell our story better than the people living it. Hear from our trainees, apprentices, supervisors, Early Careers team and partners who are making it matter every day.
Through four six-month seats, you'll build experience across a range of practice areas, working on complex, cross-border matters for leading global clients alongside colleagues who are experts in their field. Each seat broadens your experience, deepens your sector knowledge and sharpens your understanding of the commercial issues shaping our clients' industries. Structured training, regular feedback and ongoing support run throughout, as you develop your technical expertise and professional skills. As the legal profession evolves, you'll also see the innovative ways we deliver legal services, including the AI and legal technology we use to solve complex client challenges. We're proud to work so closely with our clients. As a trainee, you'll have the opportunity to apply for a client secondment, giving you first-hand insight into client organisations, different sectors and ways of working, while expanding your professional network. Alongside your legal work, you'll become part of our wider firm community through networking events, social activities, pro bono opportunities and client initiatives. We're committed to an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, and we'll encourage you to get involved in our inclusion networks and initiatives throughout your training.
Your development starts before your first seat. Our comprehensive trainee induction gives you the foundation you'll need to succeed, and every seat after that comes with ongoing technical training, tailored skills development and practical learning designed around your role. Throughout the programme, our Talent Development and Early Careers teams will work closely with you, helping you navigate your training contract and think beyond qualification to the long-term career you want to build. In every seat, you'll have a dedicated supervisor who provides regular coaching, feedback and support as you take on new challenges and continue to grow. You'll also become part of a close-knit trainee cohort, supported by trainee representatives who help foster a collaborative and connected community. Our partners play an active role in developing our trainees. We were recognised as the Best Law Firm for Partner Approachability, reflecting the time and effort our partners put into mentoring, supporting and creating opportunities for our early talent. Each practice area also has dedicated partner sponsors who are committed to helping trainees succeed. Beyond your day-to-day work, you'll have opportunities to build relationships across the firm through our inclusion networks, social committee and pro bono initiatives, creating fulfilling connections that will support you throughout your career. Our award-winning Early Careers team will be with you every step of the way. Whether you're preparing for a seat move, exploring client secondment opportunities or making the most of trainee events, you'll have dedicated support to help you get the most from your training contract.
Make your career matter from day one
If you're a non-law student and have accepted our offer for the London, Milton Keynes or Middle East Trainee Solicitor Programme, you'll need to complete the Post-Graduate Diploma in Law before completing the SQEs. The SQEs are a requirement for anyone wishing to qualify as an England and Wales solicitor, and are completed after the LLB but before the start of the Trainee Solicitor Programme. We'll pay the full fees of your PGDL and SQEs if you haven't already started the courses. All London, Milton Keynes and Middle East trainees are required to complete and pass the SQE before joining us. If you accept our offer for the Scotland Trainee Solicitor Programme before starting your Diploma in Professional Legal Practice, we'll pay the full fees of your future studies with the institution you'll be undertaking the qualification with. If you accept our offer for the Dublin Trainee Solicitor Programme, we'll retrospectively reimburse a total of eight exams per candidate, which includes one sitting per subject. We'll pay for all first-attempt exams and course fees associated with the Professional Practice Courses, and we'll also support you with your PPC application and fees. We're unable to reimburse fees for those who've already completed PGDL, SQE or Diploma postgraduate studies before our offer.
PGDL £10,000 SQE £17,000 Diploma £10,000
Maintenance grants for full-time study
If you join us as a future trainee before starting your professional legal studies, we'll support you with your course fees and provide a maintenance grant while you study. The support you receive depends on the programme you've applied for. Our preferred providers are BPP for the PGDL and SQE, and Blackhall for the PPC.
Six-year Solicitor Apprenticeship Paid role from day one Four days a week working in the firm One day a week studying with BPP University LLB Law degree with no university tuition fees Qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales
From your first day, you'll be a valued member of the team, working alongside leading lawyers on real client matters. You'll develop the confidence, commercial awareness and legal expertise to build a successful career, without paying university tuition fees.
You'll spend one day each week studying with BPP University through workshops, seminars and online learning, then put your academic studies into practice every day in the office. Alongside that, you'll be supported by a personal tutor, dedicated supervisors in every practice area, and our Early Careers team, so you have the guidance to succeed throughout your apprenticeship.
Learn while you earn
We're proud to have been one of the first law firms to launch a Solicitor Apprenticeship back in 2017, and we've kept shaping the future of the route ever since. We've welcomed 37 apprentices across nine cohorts, and four cohorts have already qualified as solicitors through the programme. Today it's one of the most established solicitor apprenticeship programmes in the UK legal market. As a member of the award-winning City Century initiative, we're helping widen access to the legal profession while setting the standard for solicitor apprenticeships across the sector. Our programme has also been recognised through nominations for the Legal 500 ESG Awards, Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards, ISE Awards and People in Law Awards, and by winning the Excellence in Human Resource Innovation award at the Legal Innovation Awards 2024. We believe your route into law shouldn't define your career. That's why we're committed to parity across all qualification pathways. On successful completion of the programme, we'll encourage you to apply for Associate roles across the firm, giving you the opportunity to continue building your career with us.
Why choose Dentons?
£31,000 (London) and £28,500 (Milton Keynes), with salary increasing annually. Solicitor apprentices also receive a starting work bonus of £1,500.
A minimum of seven GCSEs grade B / grade 6 or above, including Maths and English A minimum of ABB at A-Level or equivalent, achieved or predicted
Applications open: 29 October 2026 Applications close: 18 December 2026
Dates
As part of our recruitment process, candidates are invited to an insight day at the office which takes place the day before the assessment centre. This gives you more insight into the firm and the recruitment process. You'll get the chance to ask your final questions, get to know the office and meet the other candidates. The insight day isn't part of the recruitment process. It's designed to make you as prepared and ready as possible to give your best at the assessment centre.
Before the assessment centre
Start at the world's largest global law firm.
Launch your legal career
Our six-year Solicitor Apprenticeship gives ambitious aspiring solicitors the chance to earn a salary, gain hands-on experience on high-profile legal work and study towards an LLB Law degree, all while working towards qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales.
This programme is more than work experience. Over six years, you'll complete eight seats across a wide range of practice areas, spending six to twelve months in each team, building a broad understanding of commercial law before you discover where your interests lie. Your first four years are year-long seats, and the final two are four six-month seats. You'll work on real client matters from the outset, supported by experienced lawyers who'll challenge and develop you as your responsibilities grow. Every seat comes with dedicated supervision and mentoring, helping you build the knowledge, skills and experience you need to qualify as a solicitor.
Throughout the day you'll hear from our partners, associates, trainees and Early Careers team, giving you an authentic insight into our work, our culture and the opportunities here. It's an opportunity to make every conversation count. Through interactive sessions and honest insights, you'll develop your confidence and explore where your potential could take you.
Trainee Q&A. Hear directly from our trainees about their experiences, work and life at the firm. Anatomy of a Deal. Explore how commercial transactions come together through an interactive case study. Networking lunch. Meet our lawyers and Early Careers team in an informal setting. Commercial awareness workshop. Understand what commercial awareness means, why it matters and how to demonstrate it throughout the recruitment process. Application masterclass. Get practical advice on writing a strong application and learn what we look for in future trainees.
Sessions may include
Scotland First and second-year law students studying a qualifying law degree in Scotland. England First-year law students and second-year non-law students. If you're studying a four-year course, such as one with a study abroad or sandwich year, you're eligible to apply in your second year.
Who can apply
Glasgow 10 March 2027 London 17 March 2027 Applications open on 1 September 2026 and close on 5 February 2027.
Open Day dates
Get a first-hand insight into life at the world's largest global law firm by joining one of our Open Days.
Take your first step towards a career in commercial law
They're designed to help you explore what a career with us could look like. You'll meet the people who make our firm what it is, learn more about commercial law, and pick up practical advice to support your future applications.
The Dentons Now to Next Scholarship is a national scholarship programme for students of Black, African or Caribbean heritage, including applicants of mixed race with Black African or Black Caribbean heritage, who attended a state school and are due to start a qualifying law degree in the UK or Ireland in September 2027. It's designed to support aspiring lawyers as they begin their legal studies, combining financial support with opportunities to explore a career in commercial law.
What is the Dentons Now to Next Scholarship?
Applications are open to eligible students of Black, African or Caribbean heritage, including applicants of mixed race with Black African or Black Caribbean heritage, who: attend, and have attended since age 11, a state-funded, non-fee-paying school or college in the UK or Ireland, or an independent school through a bursary scheme plan to start a full-time qualifying undergraduate law degree in the UK or Ireland in September 2027 and haven't yet begun their studies have a strong academic record
Our application process is designed to help you showcase your potential beyond grades and experience. We'll be looking at how you approach challenges, work with others and demonstrate your motivation to pursue a career in law. Recruitment process: online application form, then telephone interview, then final interview. Applications open on 26 April 2027 and close on 1 June 2027. For now, you can register your interest and we'll send you the application link once the window opens.
How can I apply?
Supporting you as you begin your legal studies
As a Scholar, you'll receive £2,500 each year throughout your qualifying undergraduate law degree in the UK or Ireland. From your first year, you'll have the chance to gain practical experience through a first-year Scholar internship, followed by a guaranteed place on one of our vacation schemes in your second year. You'll also become part of our Early Careers community, with access to mentoring, networking events, and regular opportunities to connect with our trainees and Early Careers team. These experiences will build your commercial awareness, your professional relationships and your sense of what working at a global law firm is really like. By the time you graduate, you'll have the confidence, experience and connections to take the next step in your career.
What this means for you
Contact us
If you have any questions about your eligibility, please contact our Early Careers team
Am I Eligible?
Our interactive virtual work experience programme gives you an insight into life as a commercial solicitor at the world's largest global law firm. You'll explore commercial law, develop practical skills and discover how our lawyers help clients navigate complex challenges. Whether you're just starting to explore a legal career or already thinking about next steps, Experience Dentons builds the knowledge, confidence and commercial awareness to take a first step that matters.
Every career starts somewhere
Experience Dentons opens with an introduction to law, the commercial world and us as a firm. From there, you'll work through a series of interactive tasks based on our key practice areas, developing both your technical knowledge and your commercial awareness. Along the way you'll: experience the type of work our lawyers do every day develop practical skills through realistic legal tasks learn about the clients, sectors and challenges we work with hear from our people and gain insight into life here strengthen your CV and LinkedIn profile by demonstrating your commitment to developing your skills Every activity is designed to build your confidence, deepen your understanding of commercial law and help you take another meaningful step towards a career where you can make an impact.
What can I expect?
By completing the programme, you'll: build your understanding of commercial law and the wider business world gain valuable insight into the role of a commercial lawyer here access practical resources to support your journey into the legal profession develop key skills, including research, drafting, commercial awareness and client communication complete a recognised virtual work experience programme that showcases your motivation and commitment
Why complete Experience Dentons?
Experience Dentons is an open access programme available to everyone aged 16 and over. No previous legal experience is required.
Experience Dentons is your opportunity to take a meaningful first step.
Take your first step with Experience Dentons and discover where it could lead.
Ready to get started?
Sign up here
As a member, you'll gain access to exclusive events, webinars and insights from our Early Careers team, trainees and lawyers, alongside practical guidance on applications, interviews and assessment centres. You'll also be among the first to hear about open days, vacation schemes and trainee solicitor opportunities.
Register here
Whether you're just starting to explore a career in law or preparing to apply, Next.Talent is designed to build your confidence, expand your network and make every step towards your future matter.
Next.Talent is our Early Careers community for students and graduates who want to learn more about commercial law and life with us.
We're looking for curious, ambitious people who are ready to learn, contribute and make a meaningful impact. Every stage of our recruitment process is your chance to demonstrate the strengths, motivations and potential that could shape a successful career with us.
Organisation. Being organised, prepared and professional, with the ability to manage time, priorities and commitments effectively. Learning agility. Showing curiosity, self-awareness and a willingness to learn from feedback, experience and new challenges. Critical thinking. Understanding new information, following instructions carefully, applying thinking accurately and recognising important details. Problem solving. Using structured thinking and sound judgement to approach unfamiliar information, solve problems and adapt when circumstances change. Clear communication. Listening carefully, structuring ideas clearly and explaining your thinking in a confident and thoughtful way. Collaboration. Working respectfully and collaboratively with different people, perspectives and ways of thinking. Client focus. Showing interest in others' needs, in high-quality service and in the wider business context in which the work applies. Commercial curiosity. Demonstrating awareness of how businesses operate and interest in improving how things are done. AI potential. Demonstrating curiosity about AI tools and digital ways of working, with an awareness of how they can be used responsibly to improve quality, efficiency and problem solving.
Our competencies
Practise. We'll provide a practice test, a condensed version of the main assessment, so you can familiarise yourself with it and let us know if any adjustments are needed. Keep an eye on the deadline. You'll normally have a few days to complete the test, so mark this in your diary and plan the time in. Find a quiet space with a good internet connection where you won't be interrupted. Have a calculator, pen and paper to hand before you begin. Complete the assessment in one sitting.
Tips
If you meet our initial criteria in the application form, next up is our Legal High Potential Assessment. To make sure we get a well-rounded view of all our applicants, it consists of scenario-based, numerical and verbal questions. The assessment has been designed to look for trainees who are excited to embrace the future of law and apply their intellect and creativity to a variety of work-related situations. The questions won't require any prior knowledge or experience. It's untimed, but typically takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.
Online assessment
When you begin your path to Dentons, it all starts with a short online application form. It's your chance to share your education, work history, and the activities that define you. You can make one application to us each year. You'll need to apply to a specific location, and you can't change this after application.
Application form
Our recruitment process
Whether you're applying for a Vacation Scheme, Solicitor Apprenticeship or Trainee Solicitor Programme, you'll follow the same four-stage journey: application form, online assessment, interview, assessment centre. Each stage is designed to help you demonstrate your potential, while giving you a genuine insight into life with us.
The interview will see you answer some short questions. It will also look at your past experiences and the skills you've developed through them, along with your key drivers and strengths. We'll also look at why you've chosen to apply to a commercial law firm, and to us specifically.
Interview
Try to think of the best example for each question, rather than rushing in with the first one that comes to mind. Be specific about your input. We want to hear what your personal contributions and actions have been, so avoid saying "we" and say "I" instead. Use a range of examples. Successful candidates pull complex examples from a range of experiences. Research. Spend some time before the interview researching the firm and the opportunity.
Although academics are taken into account, they're not the sole factors in our decision-making process. We carefully review every application, considering your entire journey, and we're open to learning about any extenuating circumstances that may have influenced your path. To gain a fuller understanding of each applicant, we use the Rare Contextual Recruitment System. This approach enables us to assess your achievements within the context of your personal circumstances.
This is the final stage of the application process. Our assessment centres consist of a written exercise, a case study and an interview.
Assessment centre
We're committed to running an inclusive recruitment process and making sure you have the support you need to succeed. Our recruitment stages have been designed to be inclusive and to assess candidates fairly. There's space within the application form to let us know about any reasonable adjustments you may require, and we'll carefully consider these throughout the process. If you require any further adjustments, or if you have any questions, please contact us at earlycareers@dentons.com.
Reasonable adjustments
AI can help you make your preparation matter, but it shouldn't replace your own thinking. We encourage candidates to use AI thoughtfully throughout the recruitment process. It's a valuable tool for researching the firm, exploring commercial topics, and practising and improving the structure of your interview answers. As AI continues to transform the legal profession, knowing how to use it effectively and responsibly is an increasingly important skill. However, the strongest applications are built on genuine insight, not generated content. We're looking for authentic potential, critical thinking and commercial awareness, and AI can't replicate your experiences, strengths, motivations or perspective. It may also produce inaccurate or misleading information. Every stage of the recruitment process is an opportunity to demonstrate how you think. Whether you're completing an application, preparing for an interview or taking part in an assessment centre, make sure your responses reflect your own judgement, curiosity and ideas. Use AI to support your preparation, but let your own voice tell your story through our online assessment, interview and assessment centre. The experiences you've had, the questions you ask and the perspective you bring are what will make your application stand out. We don't use AI or automated software to review candidates in the recruitment process. However, some of our materials within our recruitment process were developed using AI-assisted design and content tools, with human oversight throughout. We firmly believe recruitment is a two-way process. It lets you work out whether we're the right fit for you, and it gives us the chance to understand who you truly are, what attracts you to us and what strengths you bring. Your individuality and motivations matter to us, and we look forward to learning about your unique perspective.
How should I use AI in the recruitment process?
Potential matters as much as experience
Take your time to read all instructions thoroughly. Don't rush into tasks without a clear understanding, and if you have questions, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. Plan how you'll use your time wisely. If you have an hour for a task, allocate time for different parts, including proofreading at the end. If you encounter a challenging question or situation, don't panic. It's okay to ask for clarification or take a moment to gather your thoughts. Consider who you're addressing in your responses. Tailor your answers to showcase your skills and suitability.
If you require any further adjustments, or if you have any questions, please contact our Early Careers team
Need an adjustment?
These are the strengths that help people make an impact here. As a trainee or solicitor apprentice, you'll continue to build them through meaningful work, regular feedback, mentoring and tailored development. Along the way, you'll take on real responsibility, grow in confidence and develop the skills to make a difference for our clients, colleagues and communities.
Picking somewhere to start your career is a massive decision, and we'll be on hand to help you make the right choice. There's a lot of information to get through, and sometimes you might want that little bit more. That's okay.
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Eligibility and applications
Frequently asked questions
We've pulled together answers to the questions we're asked most across our UK, Ireland and Middle East Early Careers programmes. If you can't find what you're looking for, our Early Careers team will be happy to help. Please note: some answers vary depending on the programme or office you're applying to, for example London, Scotland, Ireland, the Middle East or the Solicitor Apprenticeship. Where this is the case, we've highlighted the relevant information within each answer.
Applying for your first role in commercial law can raise plenty of questions. Whether you're exploring our opportunities, preparing an application or thinking about your next steps, we're here to help.
Yes. These are broad guidelines, and we encourage all interested candidates to apply. We review every application holistically and consider all aspects of a candidate's experiences and background. If you feel you can submit a strong application even if you don't meet these grades, we'd encourage you to apply. We also encourage you to include mitigating circumstances if relevant.
Can I still apply if I have a 2:2, or if my A Levels or Irish Leaving Certificate grades fall below the minimum requirement?
We welcome applications from all degree disciplines for our London, Milton Keynes and Dublin opportunities. For our Scotland opportunities, you must be studying or have graduated from a Scots law degree (LLB) or the Accelerated Scots LLB. Please refer to the relevant opportunity page for the full eligibility requirements for each office.
Do I need a particular degree or subject to apply?
No. You can only submit one application per recruitment cycle. For example, if you're considering both a Vacation Scheme and the Trainee Solicitor Programme, you'll need to decide which programme to apply for, as we'll only review one application per candidate each year. This also means you can only apply to one office location during each recruitment cycle. For example, you can't apply for a Vacation Scheme in both London and Dublin. Our recruitment cycle refreshes every September. Please make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for your chosen programme before applying. Exceptions: both Experience Dentons and Next.Talent are open to all. Likewise, an eligible Now to Next Scholar applicant is able to apply for our Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme as well.
Can I apply for more than one opportunity?
Do you review applications on a rolling basis?
Yes. We review applications as they're received, so we encourage you to apply as soon as you feel ready. However, every application submitted before the closing date will be reviewed.
If you completed a 2026 Vacation Scheme with us but weren't offered a place on the Trainee Solicitor Programme, you can reapply after one full recruitment cycle. Your next application must be for the Trainee Solicitor Programme, so you'll be eligible to apply for our Autumn 2027 opportunities. If you've previously applied for our roles and reached the application, online test, video interview, or assessment centre stage, you're welcome to reapply for any of our roles in this recruitment cycle. For example, if you completed an assessment centre in 2026, you can reapply when our applications reopen in Autumn 2026.
Can I apply again if I've previously attended an assessment centre or Vacation Scheme?
All Vacation Schemes: due to the nature of the scheme, we're unable to accept applications from candidates who don't have the relevant right to work in the UK, Ireland or Middle East. London and Milton Keynes Trainee Solicitor Programme: we'll accept applications from candidates requiring a work permit and support them through the Skilled Worker Visa application process. Scotland Trainee Solicitor Programme: we'll accept applications from candidates who are eligible to apply for the Graduate Visa. Please review the eligibility criteria before submitting your application. The Graduate Visa gives you permission to stay and work in the UK for at least two years after successfully completing a course in the UK, and you must be in the UK to apply. While the Graduate Visa doesn't require sponsorship from us, we'll support you through the visa application process. The Graduate Visa doesn't lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, so any time spent on it doesn't count towards the five years required for Indefinite Leave to Remain. Dublin Trainee Solicitor Programme: we accept applications from candidates who require a work permit and will support successful applicants through the relevant visa process. Please note that as part of the application form, you'll be asked to provide details on your right to work status. Student visas: please note, we don't provide support for obtaining visas or permits required to study for the SQE, PGDL or PPC.
Do I need the right to work in the UK, Ireland or Middle East, or can Dentons sponsor me?
There are entry roles beyond our Early Careers opportunities, including paralegal roles, which may be of interest if you're keen to gain substantial experience outside of a vacation scheme. Paralegal roles can vary in terms of required work experience, and some may ask for little or no prior legal experience. These roles can be found here.
Are there paralegal opportunities?
The jurisdiction in which you qualify depends on the Trainee Solicitor Programme you complete, and will align with the academic qualification you've achieved in order to do so. London, Milton Keynes and Middle East: you'll qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. Scotland: you'll qualify as a solicitor in Scotland. Ireland: you'll qualify as a solicitor in Ireland.
Which jurisdiction will I qualify in?
We offer a range of client and international secondment opportunities during each seat of your training. Client secondments provide invaluable insight into how our clients operate and offer a unique opportunity to experience a practical business environment first-hand. Some international secondments are also available, giving you the chance to gain experience in a different jurisdiction. Please note that all secondment opportunities are subject to availability, business requirements, individual performance and eligibility criteria.
Will I have opportunities for client or international secondments?
Training
No. You'll need to be confident in the location you're applying to at the point of submitting your application.
Can I apply for a Vacation Scheme in one location, and change the location later in the process?
No. At the end of each two-week Vacation Scheme, participants are assessed for a Trainee Solicitor Programme in the same office where they completed their scheme. You don't need to submit a separate Trainee Solicitor Programme application.
Can I complete a Vacation Scheme in one office and train in another?
For the Vacation Scheme, practice areas are allocated to candidates in accordance with availability. There will be plenty of opportunities and networking during the Vacation Scheme to learn about all the practice areas in your chosen location and meet the people who work in them.
Can I choose which practice area I experience during the Vacation Scheme?
Vacation Schemes, Trainee Solicitor Programmes and Open Days
We only offer our formal work experience opportunities: Open Days, Vacation Schemes and the Trainee Solicitor Programme. Where we do have additional insight or work experience opportunities, these will be advertised via Next.Talent, on our website and on social media. For insight into Dentons, commercial law, and the role of a commercial lawyer, you can undertake our award-winning virtual work experience programme, Experience Dentons.
Do you offer work experience outside your advertised programmes?
Pre-Spring 2027: completion of FE-1s September 2027 to April 2028: Core PPC (full-time study) May 2028 to June 2028: PPC Advanced Electives (full-time study) July 2028 to May 2030: Trainee Solicitor Programme May 2030: qualification Please note, we don't offer a pre-seat option to our trainees.
What will the structure of the 2027 Trainee Solicitor Programme look like?
Opportunities in Ireland
After your Trainee Solicitor Programme, you'll have the opportunity to apply for a position in one of our Middle East offices and join one of the largest firms in the region. We advertise the positions available and trainees are invited to apply for up to two positions. All trainees are interviewed against a competency framework.
What happens at the end of my Trainee Solicitor Programme?
We ask our future Middle East trainees to attend BPP to study for the PGDL and SQE prior to joining us. BPP has a wide choice of geographical locations and also offers online study, and our future trainees have the choice to apply to any of these location formats. If you haven't studied an England and Wales qualifying law degree, you'll need to successfully complete the PGDL. If you have studied an England and Wales qualifying law degree, you don't need to complete the PGDL. All trainees need to complete the SQE prior to commencing the Trainee Solicitor Programme with us. Please note that alongside completing the SQE 1 and SQE 2 teaching and exams, we also require our future trainees to complete the Essentials for Practice course with BPP. Together this entails an academic year of full-time studying, September to August. If you accept our offer for the Middle East Trainee Solicitor Programme prior to starting your PGDL or SQE, we'll pay the full fees of your future studies with BPP. If you complete the PGDL or SQE before receiving an offer from us, this can be completed with any legal training provider. We're unable to reimburse fees for those who've already completed the LLB, PGDL, LPC or SQE.
How does Dentons support legal training for Middle East trainees?
We don't hire from a certain list or type of university and we encourage applications no matter where you're studying. For those who haven't completed GCSEs and A Levels, there's a free text box as part of the application form that you can use to provide your equivalent UCAS points. To calculate what your results translate to in UCAS points, please use the UCAS tariff points calculator.
Can I apply if I haven't completed my studies in the UK?
Opportunities in the Middle East
In most circumstances, you wouldn't be eligible for the apprenticeship if you've already commenced or are undertaking a university undergraduate degree. If you intend not to complete the first year of your undergraduate degree, please get in touch with us to discuss your eligibility. If you're currently a university student or a graduate, please see our UK Trainee opportunities, including Open Days, Vacation Schemes and our Trainee Solicitor Programme.
Can I apply if I already have a degree?
We have academic requirements for our Solicitor Apprenticeship programme which are set by our academic provider for enrolment to complete the LLB. We require a total of 128 UCAS Tariff Points (ABB), and seven GCSEs grade B / grade 6 or above, including Maths and English. We do consider mitigating circumstances around academic grades, so if you feel you can put in a strong application, please do consider applying. There's space within the application form to include any extenuating circumstances that have affected your academic grades, so please include any details there.
Can I apply if I fail to meet academic requirements?
Solicitor Apprenticeships
You need to have the unrestricted right to work in the UK and to have lived in the UK for the last three years in order to be eligible for the apprenticeship.
Do I need the right to work in the UK, or can Dentons sponsor me?
Yes. During the earlier years of your programme, you'll be based at your office location in either London or Milton Keynes. In later years of the programme, you'll have the opportunity to apply for a client or international secondment, subject to business need and the opportunities available at the time. The majority of our secondments last six months.
Will I have the opportunity to complete a client or international secondment?
Opportunities in Middle East
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