The recruitment process and applying
Applications for our 2025 training contract programme are now open.
We have transitioned to qualification via SQE and more information about the programme can be found here.
If you would like to make an application, please select the office location of your choice to begin.
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Throughout our recruitment process, we measure four competencies. We believe that these encompass the skills and attributes that our colleagues need to in order to be successful in our business:
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As part of our Early Talent recruitment, we typically measure the potential to develop these skills. The definitions and indicators that are related to each of these competencies help us to recognise and measure (as best we can) an individual’s potential to develop – we don’t just collect evidence of a certain behaviour in the past.
Our Early Talent recruitment competency framework is the starting point of the behaviours and actions that will be valued, recognised and rewarded at the firm – and these behaviours will underpin your career development at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP (WBD).
Our recruitment process is designed to put you through your paces, but it’s also about sharing our unique culture with you, so you get a real sense of the firm you might be joining. Take a look below for details on how to apply and what you can expect as you progress through the process.
1. Application form (21 November 2022 – 28 February 2023)
In the application form, we assess your analytical thinking, communication skills and whether you have the ability to build strong, lasting relationships. We also assess whether you have the ability to adapt and innovate, and whether you have a genuine motivation for the law and our business.
2. High Potential Assessment and Video Reflection (March 2023)
As part of the next stage, you will be invited to complete an online assessment that measures potential and a pre-recorded video interview.
You will be asked 3 questions – and you’ll have an unlimited amount of time to think about what you want to say before you answer. You’ll also have the chance to complete a practice question before starting so that you can understand how the technology and format of the interview works.
This is an opportunity for the graduate team to get to know you a little more, so be yourself, try not to overthink it too much and let your personality shine through.
Click here to try our practice test – this will give you an idea of how the online assessment questions and video interview works.
3. Virtual assessment day (April 2023)
If you’ve been successful in the online assessment and video reflection stage, you’ll be invited to attend a virtual assessment day. This will involve a group and individual exercise, as well as giving you the opportunity to meet people from around our business.
Remember, it’s a two-way process – by the end of the virtual assessment day, you’ll be able to decide whether WBD is right for you – and we’ll have a better understanding of who you are.
4. Work placement week
(Includes final interview – w/c 5 June or w/c 19 June 2023)
Our placement weeks form part of our recruitment process. Our hybrid placement weeks give you a great insight into our business and the responsibility and quality of work given to our trainees.
The placement week will also involve a strengths-based interview, with two of the WBD team. Again, this is a chance for you to find out more about our business, get a feel for what it would be like to work in our team, and understand if it’s the right place for you.
Please note you must have a degree or be working towards a degree, or equivalent, to be considered for the training contract.
Because we believe that diversity, social mobility and fairness are vital in the way we – and all law firms – recruit trainees, WBD has signed up to the “Association of Graduate Recruiters” Voluntary Code to Good Practice in the Recruitment of Trainee Solicitors. You can read more about what this means for us as a recruiter and for you as a potential recruit here.
We understand that everyone has different needs and requirements, so we’re here to listen to you and support you through the process. Please let us know what you need to have the best possible recruitment experience.
WBD has signed the Sustainable Recruitment Alliance pledge – their purpose is to get organisations to take an eco-friendlier approach to early talent recruitment. As part of this, we will be identifying opportunities to cut waste and make carbon savings and take real and measurable action to ensure the sustainability of anything we do in the early talent space.
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