Training Contract at Taylor Wessing
Application guide, insider tips, and SQE funding details for 2026.
The Firm
About Taylor Wessing
Taylor Wessing is a full-service international law firm with a distinctive reputation in technology, media, and intellectual property. The firm is particularly strong in private equity and VC/start-up advisory, as well as life sciences.
Taylor Wessing has a progressive, entrepreneurial culture. It consistently ranks highly in diversity surveys and has a genuine commitment to flexible and sustainable working. Trainees in the IP/tech practice work on cutting-edge matters.
Key Numbers
Training contract at a glance
Taylor Wessing funds SQE preparation — Taylor Wessing funds SQE preparation for all London trainees in full, covering course fees and SRA exam fees. Use our SQE Cost Calculator to understand what you may still need to cover.
Preferred provider: BPP University Law School
Selection Criteria
What Taylor Wessing looks for
Academic requirements
2:1 or above. Technology, science, or life sciences backgrounds are genuinely valued.
Core values they screen for
Experience & background
Technology, life sciences, or start-up experience is a differentiator. Vacation scheme preferred.
The Process
Application timeline
Apply for the vacation scheme first.
Standard psychometric and situational judgement.
Case study, group exercise, partner interview.
TC offers at scheme end.
How to Win
Application tips for Taylor Wessing
The IP/tech practice is where Taylor Wessing is most distinctive - show genuine technology or life sciences interest.
VC and start-up ecosystem knowledge is valued - awareness of the UK tech funding market helps.
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
- 2Tests
- 3Assessment centre
Interview tips
- —Show tech sector commercial awareness.
- —Prepare examples from technology or IP-adjacent experience.
Insider Knowledge
Insider tips
Observations from those who know the firm well.
The life sciences practice works with leading pharma and biotech clients.
The firm is genuinely flexible on working arrangements.
Qualification Costs
SQE funding at Taylor Wessing
Taylor Wessing funds SQE preparation for all London trainees in full, covering course fees and SRA exam fees. A maintenance grant is provided during the pre-TC study period.
Preferred SQE provider: BPP University Law School
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
Taylor Wessing — frequently asked questions
How many trainees does Taylor Wessing take per year?
What is the Taylor Wessing training contract salary?
Does Taylor Wessing fund SQE preparation?
What is the Taylor Wessing training contract application deadline?
What does Taylor Wessing look for in training contract applications?
What is the Taylor Wessing assessment centre format?
Ready to apply?
Applications go directly to Taylor Wessing's official graduate recruitment portal.
Apply at Taylor WessingOpens in a new tab — you will leave The Qualified Path.
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