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Our Graduate Trainee Programme

At Mishcon de Reya our junior lawyers are the future of our business. And the future of law is not predictable: the years to come will look nothing like the years that came before. So we need shapers. We need bold individuals who can adapt to seismic changes across the legal, social and political spheres. We need creative thinkers who can revolutionise the way we work.

Our trainees

The Trainee Programme

Our training contracts are the foundation of our graduate schemes. Working with some of the best and brightest the brightest individuals, you get to shape your training contract across a two year scheme, gaining exposure to four six month seats in our leading practice groups varying from large scale Dispute Resolution, to representing the firms Private Clients across a wealth of specialisms. Not only do you work with expert lawyers in their field, you have continuous development from our Academy to help carve your career as a Mishcon de Reya lawyer.

What we offer

Excitement

We act in some of the most high profile and ground-breaking cases in the industry. The wide range of issues we are involved with means we have a broad client base, giving you the opportunity to work on some of the most complicated, challenging and exciting legal issues.

Responsibility

We want you to grow our business by building and shaping your own. The size of our intake means that you will have client responsibilities and opportunities to stand on your own two feet early on. As a key member of the team your opinion counts.

Dynamism

Technology is not a threat. Embracing all it has to offer is essential to offer our clients the very best service. We aim to be technologically transformed, utilising AI and Cloud technology in everyday practice as well as focusing on the organisation and manipulation of data.

A conscience

How we behave and treat one another has always been as important to us as the results we achieve. We live by our values. Those who will do anything to get what they want need not apply.

Fun

Yes, we said it. We promise you fun. Because there is no one "Mishcon de Reya person". We are a diverse and spirited bunch who enjoy coming to work and are proud to be part of the Mishcon team.

Self-improvement

We always want to do things better. Through our dedicated in-house place of learning, The Academy, we strive to become a knowledge-driven environment, expanding our ideas, gaining new insights and promoting new thinking.

Our Shapers

It's not about the shape of things to come. It's about the shapers. Learn more about what makes a shaper and hear from the some of the people shaping our firm right now.

Mishcon Shapers
Podcasts

Our core values make us what we are. They are at the heart of everything we do. Listen to our podcasts to find out more abut them.

Listen to our podcasts
Inside Mishcon

At Mishcon it's not just about the work we do. From the day it began we have shaped our Firm around culture, atmosphere and character. That's why there are always plenty of activities to get involved with from fund raising for charities by cake baking or taking part in Tough Mudder, to free yoga classes or jamming with Midtown Funk, the Mishcon band.

Our Trainees

We now offer up to 30 Training Contracts per year. To find out what it is really like to be a Trainee Solicitor at Mishcon de Reya, see what some of our current cohort have to say about their experience so far.

Find out more

The Application Process

We recruit all our trainees through our vacation scheme, a chance for us to really get to know each other. We also hold open days throughout the year, giving you the opportunity to get to know us better and understand what makes us tick.

Online application form

This is an opportunity for you to tell us about yourself and what makes you stand out as a candidate. As well as academic information and work experience, we will ask you about your interest in being a Solicitor, and why Mishcon de Reya is your firm of choice. Don't worry if you haven't completed any legal work experience, we are looking for any experience where you have gained transferrable skills suitable to being a solicitor. This is also your opportunity to really showcase what makes you a Shaper.

Strength-based video interview

The second stage is known as a 'one-way' video interview as there is no interviewer. Instead, you will be asked a few short video questions online and will have a fixed amount of time to prepare and record your response.

Assessment Day

The assessment day will be comprised of a number of assessments, including a 'Case Study Assessment' and an Interview.

A Case study assessment is an individual assessment where candidates are required to read a scenario and present their thoughts and recommendations to an assessor.  We are looking to see how candidates are able to assimilate information and demonstrate their commercial awareness. It's important to remember that you're not being assessed on your knowledge of the law, but how to apply business acumen to client needs.

Your interview will be with a senior-fee earner at the firm and a member of our People Team. You will be asked a range of strength based and scenario-based questions. This is your final opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of Mishcon de Reya, and how you can add value to the firm.

Vacation Scheme

As well as being a first-hand insight into Mishcon de Reya, and a chance to expand your knowledge of our firm, our Vacation Scheme is also an opportunity for you to demonstrate your skillset and why you would make a great Trainee Solicitor. You will be assessed on your interactions with firm members and then sit a final stage assessment of a group exercise and pre-set tasks.

Following each stage of our application process you will be contacted by email to update you on your progress. Any further questions please contact us at early.careers@mishcon.com.

See our FAQs

Open days

Before you apply, come and meet the firm at one of our open days. We have several bespoke days taking place throughout the year in collaboration with our Social Mobility and Race Equity Strands, as well as a virtual open day and an open day specific to those in their first year of undergraduate study. They are a great opportunity for you to get a deeper insight into life as a Mishcon de Reya lawyer and how to stand out in your application. Applications are now open.

Dates

20 October 2023 (applications closed on Friday 6 October 2023) – Social Mobility open day – Penultimate year of undergraduate study onwards
18 October 2023 – Virtual open day – Penultimate year of undergraduate study onwards
25 October 2023 – Race Equity open day – Penultimate year of undergraduate study onwards
21 February 2024 – First Year open day (applications will open on 10 January 2024) – First year of undergraduate study onwards (or those in the second year of a four-year course)

Vacation schemes

Spring Vacation Scheme
08 April - 12 April 2024
Applications for this role closed on 3 November 2023

Summer Vacation Scheme
17 June - 21 June 2024
Applications open: 4 September 2023
Applications close: 5 January 2024

Summer Vacation Scheme
01 July - 05 July 2024
Applications open: 4 September 2023
Applications close: 5 January 2024

Tom Wicksteed

Early Careers Manager

Thomas Hogan
Thomas Hogan

Early Careers Advisor

Emma Boxall

Early Careers Assistant

Ashlee Taurua - Mishcon de Reya
Ashlee Taurua

Early Careers Assistant

Apply and Join Us

So now you know a bit more about us, apply now.

Apply

Have a question?

Our team is happy to help if you have any questions.

Get in touch