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 September each year and the deadline for both our spring and summer scheme is 20 December 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 our Meet Us! page for information.
What are your academic criteria?
We welcome applicants from all universities and degree disciplines. We do not have an A Level (or equivalent) grade requirement, but 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 I have a disability or long term health condition?
We are happy to make adjustments to a candidate’s individual requirements, in regards to any part of our application process. 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 fifteen working days.
Interviews and assessment centres
What is your application process?
Our application process takes place in four stages. Please note only those successful at each stage go forward to the subsequent stage:
- Online application form;
- Video interview;
- Written analytical exercise: to ensure fairness, the written exercise is marked by at least two different people (associates/partners) from Willkie’s London office. Neither ‘marker’ would have seen, and will not see, any applications or video interviews and each exercise is marked on a name-blind basis; and
- Interview with partners and/or senior associates: our interviews are conducted on a CV-blind basis.
What is CV-blind interviewing?
It means that during the interview, 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.
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 4 to 15 April and 20 June to 1 July 2022. 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?
Yes, we ask our future trainees to attend the GDL and/or LPC at a University of Law centre of their choice.
What is your position on the SQE?
We will ask future trainees joining the firm from September 2024 onwards to complete the SQE (if they have not already completed the LPC). We are partnering with University of Law to deliver market-leading qualifications that we believe will prepare our future trainees for practice. All future trainees will study the LLM Legal Practice, which incorporates preparation for SQE 1 & 2 as well as the SQE Plus, an enhanced programmed designed to go beyond the standard SQE syllabus to ensure our trainees can be confident in their ability to hit the ground running. Our first cohort will take the LLM Legal Practice in September 2023, ready to start at Willkie in September 2024.
Future trainees who have not studied law in England and Wales will take the nine-month Postgraduate Diploma in Law, before the LLM Legal Practice, to ensure they have a solid academic foundation in law.
We will pay the course fees for the PGDL and the LLM Legal Practice for all our future trainees and provide a maintenance grant for each course.
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 September of each year.
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 2022.
Can I get involved with pro bono work?
Yes, absolutely! There are many ways to get involved, please see our brochure for more details.