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Training Contract at Taylor Wessing

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

35 trainees/year
£42,000 trainee salary
Deadline: 31 July 2026
Funds SQE

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.

Corporate/Private EquityIP/TechReal EstateFinanceDisputesEmployment

Training contract at a glance

Annual intake
35 trainees
Seat rotations
4 seats over 2 years
Trainee salary
£42,000
NQ salary
£87,000
Minimum degree
2:1 (or equivalent)
Application deadline
31 July 2026
Once you secure your TC, you'll still need to pass the SQE

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 personally.

Preferred provider: BPP University Law School

What Taylor Wessing looks for

Academics

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

Core values they screen for

Innovation mindsetCreativityCommercial thinkingCollaborationTech awareness

Experience

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

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.

Application tips for Taylor Wessing

1

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

2

VC and start-up ecosystem knowledge is valued - awareness of the UK tech funding market helps.

Note on the SQE: Some firms view positively candidates who have already passed or are actively preparing for SQE1. It signals commitment to qualification. SQE explained →

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.

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.

SQE funding at Taylor Wessing

Taylor Wessing funds SQE preparation

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 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.

Ready to apply?

Applications are submitted directly via Taylor Wessing's official graduate recruitment portal.

Apply at Taylor Wessing

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