Trainee Solicitor

We normally take on trainees in October each year and we recruit two years in advance of the intake.

The application window for 2026 training contracts is now open and will close on 30th June. Each year our training contract application window will be open from 1 January to 30 June for successful candidates to start in the October two years after the date of application.

We offer trainee lawyers an exceptional opportunity to gain qualifying work experience in an open and diverse environment with partners and lawyers who are leaders in their fields. Trainees will have the opportunity to gain experience in some of the firm’s major practice areas:

  • Media
  • Corporate, Commercial and Finance (including Film and TV, IP, Broadcasting and Tech)
  • Dispute Resolution (including Media and Communications Disputes)
  • and Employment.

Trainees may also be able to gain experience in other departments such as: Family; the Death Penalty Project and Crime. It should be noted, however, that the practice areas available for trainees may change from time to time and that there is no guarantee that any particular practice area will be made available in respect of any particular trainee.

Applications from both law and non-law graduates are welcome. However, the successful candidate will need to be able to demonstrate they have passed the LPC or SQE 1 & 2 to an appropriate standard and are entitled to work in the United Kingdom without any additional approvals by commencement of the training contract. You should be able to demonstrate a consistently high level of academic and personal achievement, independent thinking and a desire for excellence.

Included in the offer to successful candidates will be financial support of up to £5,000 for the SQE 2 course and examination fee, which will be reimbursed on completion of the training contract.

To apply for our trainee positions, please complete the following application form and send to nancy.clark@smb.london.

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