Applications
How do I make an application for a vacation scheme and a training contract?
Please complete the online application form here. The application process will open on 1 October each year and the deadline for both our spring and summer scheme is 31 January 2021. We do not accept any applications after the deadline. Please note that we only recruit via our vacation schemes and do not accept direct training contract applications.
Do you run open days?
Yes, we run virtual open days and webinars. Please see here for information.
What are your academic criteria?
We welcome applicants from all universities and degree disciplines. We are looking for consistently strong academic achievement, with a 2.1 at undergraduate level. Willkie is proud to use Rare’s Contextual Recruitment System. Partnering with Rare means social mobility measures and educational data are embedded into our recruitment process. This means we will better understand your academic achievements.
I studied a non-Law degree, does this put me at a disadvantage?
Not at all. We welcome applications from all degree disciplines.
What adjustments can be made to the application process if they have a disability or long term health condition?
We are happy to make adjustments to a candidate’s individual requirements, whether in regards to the application form, video interview or assessment centre. Please contact Gemma at graduaterecruitment@willkie.com to discuss, in confidence, your individual circumstances.
I have mitigating circumstances. Where can I include them?
There is a mitigating circumstances section on the application form. If you prefer, you can email Gemma at graduaterecruitment@willkie.com instead.
How long will it take to hear from you?
We will review your application and get back to you within ten working days (two weeks). Please note over the Christmas period, this may be a little longer.
Interviews and assessment centres
What happens at the assessment centre?
As of September 2020, we do not know whether assessment centres will be held virtually or in person. At the assessment centre, you will have a CV-blind interview, undertake a written exercise on a name-blind basis and have the chance to speak to one of our associates.
What is CV-blind interviewing?
It means that on the assessment centre, you are assessed solely on your performance on the day. Interviewers will not know anything about you, other than your name. This includes which university or school you attended, or the subject of your degree. The written exercise will be marked anonymously by someone who is not involved with the interviews.
Will you reimburse my expenses for travelling to an assessment centre?
Yes, we will send you details of reimbursement claims once you’ve been invited.
Vacation Schemes
What are the dates of your spring and summer schemes?
Our vacation schemes will be held from 12 to 23 April and 21 June to 2 July 2021. We offer places on both schemes to penultimate year Law undergraduates, all final year undergraduates (both Law and non-Law), all graduates, post-graduates and career changers.
How much will I be paid on the vacation scheme?
You will be paid £500 per week. We can provide additional funds if there is a financial need.
Do you offer any other work experience, other than the vacation schemes?
We run informal work experience to those in Years 12 or 13. Please see here for details.
The training contract
Do you pay for the LPC and/or GDL?
Yes, if you accept an offer of a training contact with us, we will pay for your course fees in full and provide a maintenance grant of £10,000 per annum (pro-rated).
Do you have a preferred LPC or GDL provider?
We do not have a preferred provider at this time.
What is your position on the SQE?
We will be reviewing all options over the next 12 months and will communicate our position once decided.
How many trainees are in each intake? When do they start?
We take up to five trainees each year and our trainees will start in August/September.
Can I contact the graduate recruitment team?
Yes, please email Gemma, our graduate recruitment manager, at graduaterecruitment@willkie.com.
Will I be able to go on secondment to client or to another Willkie office?
We hope to be able to second our trainees to one of our offices, this will be confirmed in 2021.
Can I get involved with pro bono work?
Yes, absolutely! There are many ways to get involved, please see our brochure for more details.