Law Graduate Jobs and Schemes

What is a law graduate scheme?

Often described as training contracts, as a graduate, you’ll spend up to two years sitting within different departments (or seats) of a law firm. The rotations you do will totally depend on the firm you’re with. For example, you could work within some of the following:

• Legal project management

• Finance

• Clinical negligence

• Personal injury

• Insurance

• Commercial real estate 

• Family law.

Some firms allow their graduates to specialise from day one. For example, A&O Shearman offers a Law Tech and Operations scheme, and Eversheds Sutherland offers a scheme in Legal Technology.

During your grad scheme, you’ll work towards becoming a solicitor through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route. You’ll need to pass the SQE1 and SQE2 to become a fully qualified solicitor. Find out more about the SQE.

You could always opt for a graduate job if a graduate scheme isn’t quite what you want. These are a great option if you want to get stuck in right away and work in a particular sector. Read on for the differences.

What’s the difference between a law graduate job and a law graduate scheme?

You’ve probably heard the terms graduate job and graduate scheme used interchangeably. However, there are some key differences between them. Let’s break these down:

Remember, both paths offer valuable career opportunities. Choose what best suits your learning style and career goals.

Read our full guides to graduate schemes and graduate jobs.

Vacation schemes and insight days are the best way to get in front of employers before graduation. Here’s what one student had to say about their insight day at Fieldfisher LLP:

Ever wanted to know what it’s like to work in law? We’ve got hundreds of student-written reviews to sink your claws into. Get started below.

Are law graduate jobs paid?

Law graduate jobs are paid! And a fair bit too.

The current salary for a law graduate is between £30,000 and £55,000 in your first year. That can also depend on your employer, experience and location. For example, a London-based firm will have a higher starting salary than a Manchester one as the cost of living is higher in the capital.

Your salary will go up in your second year, and you could stand to earn big bucks once you're fully qualified. For example, Clifford Chance offers a newly-qualified lawyer £150,000 per year.

What are the entry requirements for law graduate schemes?

Looking to land a spot on a law graduate scheme? Here's what you'll typically need:

• A 2:1 degree (or predicted) in law or any subject

• Three A Levels

If you've only got a 2:2, it's not the end of the road. Some graduate schemes will happily accept this grade as long as you bring to the table the skills they are looking for. Check with each employer on where they stand.

Work experience will also really help you to stand out. Vacation schemes are like gold. Not only do they build your skills, but many employers reach out to students they’ve already worked with when it’s hiring time.

Got your sights set on becoming a barrister instead? Your path will be similar, but you'll take the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) route. After that comes your 12-month pupillage (two exciting six-month periods where you'll learn from the best). Once you've conquered this stage, you’ll be ready to represent clients in court.

Coming from a non-law background? No problem! The SQE1 is your pathway forward (replacing the old PGDL conversion course). There’s so much you can bring to the table.

How to find and apply for law graduate jobs

Research law firms and create a shortlist that matches your interests. Sign up with us to save these to your dashboard. When application season starts, you’ve already got a list of firms ready to go.

Training contracts are advertised years in advance. So apply during your undergraduate studies, not after graduation. We’d recommend getting your application in well before you start your final year. 

Prepare a strong CV and cover letter. If these impress, you'll be invited to an assessment day featuring group tasks, case studies and interviews. Don't worry! Firms will let you know what to expect beforehand.

Ready to apply? We love that for you! Check out all our top-tier application advice, where you’ll find everything from crafting a showstopping CV to acing your assessment centre and interviews. You’ve got this!