US Firm

Training Contract at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher

Application guide, insider tips, and SQE funding details for 2026.

15 trainees/year
£65,000 trainee salary
Deadline: 31 July 2026
Funds SQE

The Firm

About Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher

Gibson Dunn is one of the most prestigious US firms with a growing London presence. Particularly known for its litigation, white-collar, and PE practices. The London TC intake is small and highly selective.

Gibson Dunn has a reputation for intellectual rigour and partner-level work from an early stage. The smaller intake creates genuine mentoring relationships. The firm attracts candidates with litigation as well as transactional interest.

Corporate/M&APrivate EquityDisputes & ArbitrationFinanceEmploymentWhite Collar

Key Numbers

Training contract at a glance

Annual intake
15
trainees
Seat rotations
4
seats over 2 years
Trainee salary
£65,000
per year
NQ salary
£175,000
on qualification
Min. degree
First or strong 2:1
required
Deadline
31 July 2026
application closes
Once you secure your TC, you still need to pass the SQE

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher funds SQE preparation — Gibson Dunn funds SQE preparation for London trainees, covering course fees and SRA exam registration fees. Use our SQE Cost Calculator to understand what you may still need to cover.

Preferred provider: BPP University Law School

Selection Criteria

What Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher looks for

Academic requirements

Outstanding academics are expected - typically a first or near-first.

Core values they screen for

Intellectual excellenceAmbitionCommercial judgmentPrecisionIndependence

Experience & background

The firm values candidates with academic distinction and evidence of commercial thinking. Litigation or white-collar interest is a plus.

The Process

Application timeline

Applications openJanuary 2026

Very small intake - extremely selective.

Partner interview processFebruary–April 2026

Multiple rounds; expect rigorous commercial questioning.

TC offersMay 2026

Offers made directly after partner interview process.

How to Win

Application tips for Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher

1

Research Gibson Dunn's landmark disputes and PE transactions.

2

The firm is selective about its white-collar practice - familiarity with regulatory enforcement is valued.

SQE tip: Some firms view positively candidates already preparing for SQE1 — it signals commitment to qualification. SQE explained →

Assessment

Interview & assessment format

Process stages

  1. 1Written application
  2. 2Multi-round partner interviews

Interview tips

  • —Intellectual rigour is tested explicitly.
  • —Expect technical questions on current legal and commercial issues.

Insider Knowledge

Insider tips

Observations from those who know the firm well.

One of the highest NQ pay packages in London.

Partner accessibility is genuine - small intake means real mentorship.

Qualification Costs

SQE funding at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher funds SQE preparation

Gibson Dunn funds SQE preparation for London trainees, covering course fees and SRA exam registration fees. Confirm specific provider arrangements at offer stage.

Preferred SQE provider: BPP University Law School

SQE Cost Calculator →Compare SQE providers

The Full Picture

The full qualification journey

TC + SQE — here's the complete path from application to the roll.

1
TC Application
Apply to firms
2
TC Offer
Secure your place

SQE1 and SQE2 steps link to live pass rate data. Full SQE explained →

Next Step

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.

Compare SQE Providers →SQE Pass RatesTrack QWE

FAQ

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher — frequently asked questions

How many trainees does Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher take per year?
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher takes approximately 15 trainees per year across 4 seat rotations over two years.
What is the Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher training contract salary?
The trainee salary at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher is £65,000. Newly qualified (NQ) solicitors earn £175,000.
Does Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher fund SQE preparation?
Gibson Dunn funds SQE preparation for London trainees, covering course fees and SRA exam registration fees. Confirm specific provider arrangements at offer stage. Preferred SQE provider: BPP University Law School.
What is the Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher training contract application deadline?
The Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher training contract application deadline is 31 July 2026. Applications are submitted directly via the firm's graduate recruitment portal.
What does Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher look for in training contract applications?
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher requires a minimum First or strong 2:1 degree. The firm values Intellectual excellence, Ambition, Commercial judgment, Precision, Independence. Outstanding academics are expected - typically a first or near-first.
What is the Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher assessment centre format?
The selection process involves: Written application; Multi-round partner interviews.

Ready to apply?

Applications go directly to Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher's official graduate recruitment portal.

Apply at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher

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