International

Training Contract at Winston Taylor

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

20 trainees/year
£56,000 (Y1) / £61,000 (Y2) trainee salary
Deadline: 31 July 2026
Funds SQE

The Firm

About Winston Taylor

Winston Taylor launched on 1 June 2026 following the merger of Taylor Wessing UK with US firm Winston & Strawn. The combined firm has 1,400+ lawyers across 20 global offices and combined revenue of approximately £1.2 billion. It retains a distinctive reputation in technology, media, intellectual property, private equity and life sciences, now with significantly expanded transatlantic reach.

Winston Taylor carries forward Taylor Wessing's progressive, entrepreneurial culture with the added scale of a major US firm. The IP/tech and life sciences practices remain the firm's strongest differentiators. The firm is known for genuine flexibility on working arrangements and strong diversity credentials.

Corporate/Private EquityIP/TechReal EstateFinanceDisputesEmployment

Key Numbers

Training contract at a glance

Annual intake
20
trainees
Seat rotations
4
seats over 2 years
Trainee salary
£56,000 (Y1) / £61,000 (Y2)
per year
NQ salary
£125,000
on qualification
Min. degree
2:1 (or equivalent)
required
Deadline
31 July 2026
application closes
Once you secure your TC, you still need to pass the SQE

Winston Taylor funds SQE preparation — Winston Taylor 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 Winston Taylor looks for

Academic requirements

2:1 or above. Technology, science, or life sciences backgrounds are genuinely valued.

Core values they screen for

Innovation mindsetCreativityCommercial thinkingCollaborationTech awareness

Experience & background

Technology, life sciences, or start-up experience is a differentiator. Vacation scheme preferred.

The Process

Application timeline

Applications openJanuary 2026

Apply for the vacation scheme first.

Online testsFebruary 2026

Standard psychometric and situational judgement.

Assessment centreMarch–May 2026

Case study, group exercise, partner interview.

Vacation schemeJune 2026

TC offers at scheme end.

How to Win

Application tips for Winston Taylor

1

The IP/tech practice is where Winston Taylor is most distinctive - show genuine technology or life sciences interest.

2

VC and start-up ecosystem knowledge is valued - awareness of the UK and US tech funding markets is a strong differentiator.

3

The merger with Winston & Strawn means transatlantic deal work is growing - commercial awareness of US-UK cross-border matters will stand out.

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. 1Online application
  2. 2Tests
  3. 3Assessment centre

Interview tips

  • —Show tech sector commercial awareness.
  • —Prepare examples from technology or IP-adjacent experience.
  • —Demonstrating awareness of the Taylor Wessing/Winston & Strawn merger and its strategic rationale will impress.

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.

The merger significantly expands US market access for trainees interested in transatlantic careers.

Qualification Costs

SQE funding at Winston Taylor

Winston Taylor funds SQE preparation

Winston Taylor 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

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

Winston Taylor — frequently asked questions

How many trainees does Winston Taylor take per year?
Winston Taylor takes approximately 20 trainees per year across 4 seat rotations over two years.
What is the Winston Taylor training contract salary?
The trainee salary at Winston Taylor is £56,000 (Y1) / £61,000 (Y2). Newly qualified (NQ) solicitors earn £125,000.
Does Winston Taylor fund SQE preparation?
Winston Taylor 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.
What is the Winston Taylor training contract application deadline?
The Winston Taylor training contract application deadline is 31 July 2026. Applications are submitted directly via the firm's graduate recruitment portal.
What does Winston Taylor look for in training contract applications?
Winston Taylor requires a minimum 2:1 (or equivalent) degree. The firm values Innovation mindset, Creativity, Commercial thinking, Collaboration, Tech awareness. 2:1 or above. Technology, science, or life sciences backgrounds are genuinely valued.
What is the Winston Taylor assessment centre format?
The selection process involves: Online application; Tests; Assessment centre.

Ready to apply?

Applications go directly to Winston Taylor's official graduate recruitment portal.

Apply at Winston Taylor

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