Training Contract at Sullivan & Cromwell
Application guide, insider tips, and SQE funding details for 2026.
The Firm
About Sullivan & Cromwell
Sullivan & Cromwell is one of the most selective law firms in London, taking only around 12 trainees per year. The training structure is distinctive: two 6-month seats in year one followed by three 4-month seats in year two. Every trainee receives a client secondment and an international secondment (New York, Hong Kong, Sydney, or Paris). NQ salary of £177,000 is among the highest in the London market.
Deeply collaborative and highly selective. With only 12 trainees per intake, the cohort is small and the relationship with partners is unusually direct from day one. International exposure is genuine, not aspirational — cross-border deals are the norm rather than the exception.
Key Numbers
Training contract at a glance
Sullivan & Cromwell funds SQE preparation — Full SQE1 and SQE2 fees covered plus a £20,000 maintenance grant. Use our SQE Cost Calculator to understand what you may still need to cover.
Selection Criteria
What Sullivan & Cromwell looks for
Academic requirements
2:1 minimum. Academic rigour and intellectual curiosity valued over subject.
Core values they screen for
Experience & background
Vacation scheme is the only route — no direct TC applications are accepted.
The Process
Application timeline
Only route to a TC — no direct applications accepted.
Multiple intakes across the year, totalling ~70 places for ~12 TCs.
Offers typically made at the end of the vacation scheme.
How to Win
Application tips for Sullivan & Cromwell
The vacation scheme is the only route in — there is no direct TC application. Focus your effort here.
Around 1,300 applications for 12 training contracts. Come with a clear view of why S&C's generalist, international model appeals over competitors.
PGDL/SQE fees and maintenance grant (£20,000) are fully funded for non-law and law graduates respectively.
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 assessment
- 3Partner interview
Interview tips
- —Be specific about why S&C rather than other elite US firms in London.
- —Demonstrate genuine international commercial awareness, not just awareness of US firms generally.
Insider Knowledge
Insider tips
Observations from those who know the firm well.
The five-seat structure (including mandatory client and international secondments) is a genuine differentiator from most US firms.
With only 12 TCs per year, the partner-to-trainee ratio is unusually high — expect significant early responsibility.
Qualification Costs
SQE funding at Sullivan & Cromwell
Full SQE1 and SQE2 fees covered plus a £20,000 maintenance grant. PGDL fees and grant also provided 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
Sullivan & Cromwell — frequently asked questions
How many trainees does Sullivan & Cromwell take per year?
What is the Sullivan & Cromwell training contract salary?
Does Sullivan & Cromwell fund SQE preparation?
What is the Sullivan & Cromwell training contract application deadline?
What does Sullivan & Cromwell look for in training contract applications?
What is the Sullivan & Cromwell assessment centre format?
Ready to apply?
Applications go directly to Sullivan & Cromwell's official graduate recruitment portal.
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