What should I do to research the firm for my application?

We have a number of online profiles with the likes of Chambers Student, Lex100, AllAboutLaw, Legal Cheek and more, as well as podcasts that allow you to gain an insight into the work we do and our culture.
We also attend and host numerous virtual events and law fairs, which you can keep up to date with on our events page and Instagram (@traverssmithgraduates) as well as on our TikTok page (@traverssmithgraduates).

Does Travers Smith offer open days?

At Travers Smith, we do not offer open days for undergraduates and graduates . However, we do run a number of insight events for those in Year 12 and Year 13 looking to learn more about our solicitor apprenticeship route. You can find the details of these here. We also partner with External Providers, Diversity Initiatives and University Law Societies to offer insight days, and regularly host events with them. Please look into the organisations we work with and join your Law society for more details.

Does Travers Smith offer work experience?

We run a winter vacation scheme and three summer vacation schemes which are the only formal work experience opportunities for students.

Does Travers Smith offer first-year schemes?

We do not offer any first-year schemes. However, we do often run events for first-year students which you can keep up to date with on our events page and social media. We encourage you to attend events, join your university law society and read up on the firm as early as possible to gain insight into the firm.

Can I be a campus ambassador for Travers Smith?

Unfortunately, we do not offer specific campus ambassador opportunities. However, we do sponsor the Legal Cheek Ambassador Programme where we offer events and opportunities exclusively for those involved in the programme. For more information on how to sign up, go to Campus Ambassador Programme 2024-25 - Legal Cheek.

Do you have a preferred law school provider?

We partner with BPP Law School, so we prefer students to study the PGDL or SQE here.

I have no legal work experience, should I still apply?

It is not a requirement to have completed any legal work experience in order to have a successful application. Any experience – legal or non-legal - is valuable and will be taken into account when reviewing your application.

Do I need to complete a vacation scheme to get a training contract?

Vacation schemes are the best way of gaining a deeper understanding of Travers Smith, our work and our culture and to help you to make your informed choice about whether you want to train with us. In recent years, we have filled the vast majority of our training contract places with students from the vacation schemes, but we have also recruited directly. This year we will be opening for Direct Training Contract applications in October, for Training Contracts commencing in September 2027/March 2028. We will hold two Summer Vacation Schemes as well as the direct process.

Who are your vacation schemes open to?

Our vacation schemes are open to applicants in their second year of any degree or above. This includes university students, post-graduate students or career-changers. We do typically recruit two years in advance to allow for non-law students to complete the PGDL and all students to do the SQE but we can make an exception if the application is particularly strong. Unfortunately, we do not accept applications from first years for our vacation schemes, but we do encourage you to attend our events.

I didn't study law, can I still apply?

Our training programme is open to everyone, no matter what subject they studied, and we do not rule anyone out based on their subject.

Do you only accept applications from certain universities?

No, we accept applications from all UK and international universities.

I do not meet your minimum academic requirements, can I still apply?

We require applicants to have a minimum of AAB at A-Level or equivalent (E.G. BTECs, International Baccalaureate etc.) and to have obtained, or expected to obtain, a 2:1 in their degree. However, we do review your application as a whole and if you have mitigating circumstances we advise you to detail this in your application, as we take these into account when reviewing applications.

Do you have any PGDL/SQE minimum grade requirements?

You are required to have obtained, or expected to obtain, a commendation for the PGDL/SQE. Again, if you have mitigating circumstances which mean that you do not meet these requirements, we advise you to detail this in your application as we take these into account.

What support and adjustments do you have for candidates?

At Travers Smith, we are committed to ensuring that people who have a disability and/or long-term condition are empowered in their identity, valued equally and listened to. For more information on this please visit our page on support and adjustments for candidates.

All candidates are asked to submit applications through our recruitment portal cvMail. If candidates have any accessibility issues when using this software, please notify a member of the Travers Smith Graduate Recruitment team.

The firm is currently accredited under Level 2 of the Government's Disability Confident employer regime. As a result, where candidates tell us they have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the role, they will be invited to interview. In reference to a Training Contract or Vacation Scheme application, under the Disability Confident scheme, if a candidate discloses a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the role we do offer a guaranteed interview. However, this minimum criteria not only includes grades but the wider application as a whole, for example this could be research about the firm, written quality etc.

Due to the relevant equal opportunity information on your application being anonymised, if you wish to be considered under the Disability Confident scheme, please inform the Graduate Recruitment Team via email.

Can I reapply if my application isn’t successful?

If your application is unsuccessful at the application stage, then you are eligible to reapply.

Unfortunately, if you attend an interview or vacation scheme and are unsuccessful you are ineligible to reapply.

What is the application process?

For both the Direct Training Contract process and the Summer Vacation Scheme process you will need to complete an online application form. If your application is successful, you will then be invited to an interview with one Graduate Recruitment Partner. Please visit our application page for more details. 

Please note, we do not accept applications via email and will only consider you if you have applied online. The link to the application portal will be available in the coming weeks. 

Do you screen applications on a rolling basis?

No. We review all applications made, regardless of the date, with all applications being processed before interviews end. 

For exact dates please see our applications page.

What should I include on my cover letter?

We give you the freedom to get across whatever you feel is relevant in your cover letter. Generally, we want to hear why you are interested in a role as a commercial solicitor, why you are interested in Travers Smith and why you feel you are a strong candidate for the role. We also want to see that you have tailored your application to us and researched the firm in depth. Lastly, it needs to be addressed to Germaine VanGeyzel, our Senior Graduate Recruitment Manager.

Is there a word limit?

No, there is no limit, but ideally it should be no longer than one side of A4.

Do I need to submit a CV?

You do not need to upload a CV. There are sections in the application that cover education, work experience and references, as well as your cover letter. All you need to do is make your way through each step on the application on the system. 

Should I include future work experience on my application?

We are looking to hear about the skills you have gained which make you suited to a legal career.  So, at this stage, we would advise you to avoid including future work experience.

I have submitted my application but realised I forgot to include something important. How do I add this?

If you need to update your application considerably, please email team. We can send your application back to you, meaning you can edit it and resubmit. If the update is minor, please consider whether it impacts your application, and if so, email the team for them to add note to your application. 

What support/adjustments are there for candidates who are differently abled, have long-term or fluctuating conditions? 

Travers Smith is committed to providing a truly inclusive workplace, in which all of our people feel welcome, valued equally, listened to, and given the tools they need to maximise their potential. At the forefront of this commitment is ensuring that we are doing everything we can to create a working culture and environment which meets the needs of all of our people who have a disability or long-term condition. This extends to those looking to join the firm as a Trainee Solicitor.

The firm is currently accredited under Level 3 of the Government's Disability Confident employer regime. As a result, where candidates tell us they have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the role, they will be invited to interview. Further information on the support and adjustments candidates can receive can be found on this link.

Are interviews being held virtually?

All first stage interviews will be held virtually going forward. Second interviews will be held in-person at our office. 

What is the format of the interview?

The vacation scheme and first stage training contract interview are with a Graduate Recruitment Partner and will last about one hour. It is a competency and commercial awareness discussion-based interview.

The second stage training contract interview is with two Co-Heads of Graduate Recruitment and will follow the same format as the first stage but in more detail.

Can I get feedback if I am unsuccessful?

Yes, we can provide you with written feedback if you are unsuccessful at interview stage. We do not provide feedback just at application stage.

How many places are on your schemes?

Summer – 40

Are your vacation schemes paid?

Yes, we pay £750 per week.

What is the format of your vacation scheme?

Our vacation schemes include a combination of seminars and talks from Travers Smith representatives, group tasks, written assessments, networking and social events. We want to give you as much insight into the firm and culture as possible!

How am I assessed on the vacation scheme?

The vacation scheme is a two-way process. Although we will be assessing your performance on the scheme we appreciate that you will also be assessing us in order to make an informed choice about whether we are the right firm for you.

Assessments include a mixture of group tasks and written assessments all of which help us to identify the skills that we look for in a future trainee.

I attended university outside of the UK, can I still apply?

Yes, we accept applications from all universities both in the UK and internationally.

I am an international applicant, can I still apply?

However, non-British and non-Irish passport holders will need to hold the correct immigration clearance to work in the UK and may require a visa. If you require a visa, we hold an immigration sponsor licence so can sponsor Skilled Worker visas for those who meet the mandatory requirements. There may also be other visa options available to you depending on your particular circumstances. Please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website, accessible from the UK government website, for further information.

Candidates taking part in our vacation scheme are not eligible to be sponsored under the firm's sponsor licence and cannot apply for Skilled Worker visas.

For international students based in the UK with a UK Student visa, you may be able to undertake the summer vacation scheme on your existing student visa if the scheme falls outside of your official term time or following the end of your course (as confirmed by your educational institution), as long your Student visa is still valid for the duration of the scheme.

For applicants who have studied or are currently studying outside the UK who want to come to the UK to partake in our vacation schemes (which are held in person), the visa options for this will depend on your individual circumstances and we would normally leave it to you to progress the appropriate visa yourself. For more information on your visa options, please visit the UKVI website.

We encourage you to apply and we can take it from there, as everyone's circumstances are different and need to be dealt with on an individual basis.

I attended school/university outside of the UK so do not have GCSE, A-Level or degree results. How should I include these on the application?

Please provide the grades of the equivalent exams that you have taken. In the relevant section on the application, please explain the grading system.

When do I need to start the SQE?

We recommend you begin your year of SQE study with us as soon as you receive your Training Contract offer (this is of course after you have completed your undergraduate degree). The SQE year runs from September to August. 

Can I choose between the PGDL and SQE?

From September 2023, the SQE is mandatory for Travers Smith future trainees. 

How is the firm approaching the SQE for non-law students?

Non-law students must complete the Law Foundations Course (PGDL) before starting the SQE. We see it as a good foundation to perform at your best on the SQE.