Training Contract at Debevoise & Plimpton
Application guide, insider tips, and SQE funding details for 2026.
The Firm
About Debevoise & Plimpton
Debevoise & Plimpton is a premier New York firm with a highly selective London office taking approximately 10 trainees per year. The training contract includes a mandatory litigation/arbitration rotation — unusual among US firms — and second-year trainees participate in the LAUNCH programme in New York, combining legal training and business education with cross-practice mentorship.
Boutique feel within an elite international firm. The small cohort size means trainees work directly with senior lawyers from day one. The LAUNCH New York programme is a genuine differentiator: a structured immersion into the firm's US practice that goes well beyond a standard secondment.
Key Numbers
Training contract at a glance
Debevoise & Plimpton funds SQE preparation — Full SQE1 and SQE2 fees covered plus a £15,000 annual maintenance grant. Use our SQE Cost Calculator to understand what you may still need to cover.
Selection Criteria
What Debevoise & Plimpton looks for
Academic requirements
2:1 or above in any subject.
Core values they screen for
Experience & background
Private equity and arbitration are the flagship London practices — genuine interest in either area is expected.
The Process
Application timeline
Primary TC pipeline — check the careers page for exact dates.
Second-year trainees attend the New York office for cross-practice training.
How to Win
Application tips for Debevoise & Plimpton
The LAUNCH New York programme is a genuine differentiator — research it and explain why the US-London integration appeals to you.
With only ~10 trainees per year, interviewers expect credible knowledge of private equity and/or international arbitration.
The mandatory litigation seat is unusual among US firms; if that breadth appeals, say so.
SQE tip: Some firms view positively candidates already preparing for SQE1 — it signals commitment to qualification. SQE explained →
Assessment
Interview & assessment format
Process stages
- 1Online application
- 2Vacation scheme selection
- 3Senior lawyer interview
Interview tips
- —Show genuine interest in PE and arbitration rather than generic M&A.
- —Be ready to discuss why Debevoise specifically — the LAUNCH programme and small cohort are the clearest differentiators.
Insider Knowledge
Insider tips
Observations from those who know the firm well.
Debevoise's insurance regulatory practice is a market leader — often overlooked by applicants focused on PE.
The tiny cohort size means you will know every partner by name within months of starting.
Qualification Costs
SQE funding at Debevoise & Plimpton
Full SQE1 and SQE2 fees covered plus a £15,000 annual maintenance grant. PGDL fees also covered for non-law graduates.
The Full Picture
The full qualification journey
TC + SQE — here's the complete path from application to the roll.
SQE1 and SQE2 steps link to live pass rate data. Full SQE explained →
Got your TC? Now plan your SQE.
Your firm covers a lot — but you still need to pass SQE1 and SQE2. Here's where to start.
FAQ
Debevoise & Plimpton — frequently asked questions
How many trainees does Debevoise & Plimpton take per year?
What is the Debevoise & Plimpton training contract salary?
Does Debevoise & Plimpton fund SQE preparation?
What is the Debevoise & Plimpton training contract application deadline?
What does Debevoise & Plimpton look for in training contract applications?
What is the Debevoise & Plimpton assessment centre format?
Ready to apply?
Applications go directly to Debevoise & Plimpton's official graduate recruitment portal.
Apply at Debevoise & PlimptonOpens in a new tab — you will leave The Qualified Path.
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