Training Contract at Travers Smith
Application guide, insider tips, and SQE funding details for 2026.
About Travers Smith
Travers Smith is a mid-sized City law firm with a strong reputation in private equity, corporate M&A, and employment law. Operating from a single London office, the firm punches above its weight with a roster of FTSE-listed and private equity clients.
Travers Smith consistently ranks highly for work-life balance relative to its deal-volume peers. It is known for a genuinely collegiate culture, high retention rates, and a management approach that values associate feedback. The firm won multiple 'best firm to work at' rankings among trainee surveys.
Training contract at a glance
Travers Smith funds SQE preparation - Travers Smith funds SQE1 and SQE2 preparation in full for all trainees, 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 Travers Smith looks for
Academics
2:1 or above in any subject. The firm values intellectual engagement over purely academic pedigree.
Core values they screen for
Experience
Vacation scheme is the primary pipeline. The firm values candidates with genuine interest in the firm's culture, not just transactional prestige.
Application timeline
Small intake - early applications are preferable.
Initial screening call with graduate recruitment.
Assessment centre includes written exercise and partner interviews.
Most TC offers come from the vacation scheme.
Application tips for Travers Smith
Be specific about why Travers Smith's culture and practice mix appeals to you - generic City law applications don't work here.
The firm's employment law practice is outstanding and often overlooked - mention it if relevant to your interests.
Demonstrate awareness of private equity deal structures and the client-type Travers serves.
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
- 1Written application
- 2Telephone screening
- 3Assessment centre: case study, partner interview, written exercise
Interview tips
- •Be conversational and genuine - Travers selects for cultural fit as well as intellect.
- •Prepare examples that show long-term thinking, not just short-term achievement.
Insider tips
Observations from those who know the firm well.
The firm actively manages workloads to avoid systematic overwork - trainees report more sustainable hours than Magic Circle peers.
Retention on qualification is high; partners were trainees here.
SQE funding at Travers Smith
Travers Smith funds SQE1 and SQE2 preparation in full for all trainees, covering course fees and SRA exam fees. A maintenance grant is paid during the pre-TC study period. The firm uses an appointed SQE provider and the arrangement is set out in your training contract offer.
Preferred SQE provider: BPP University Law School
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.
Ready to apply?
Applications are submitted directly via Travers Smith's official graduate recruitment portal.
Apply at Travers SmithOpens in a new tab - you will leave The Qualified Path.
Get SQE updates for TC holders
Exam dates, pass rate data, and funding guidance. No spam.