Why choose us?
Quite simply, because we’re a forward-thinking practice with the energy, drive and determination to deliver the high quality legal advice our clients need, alongside new ideas and innovative ways of working.
Choose us for your training contract and, over the course of two years, you’ll get the chance to experience different areas of the law first hand, to work with some of the brightest and most supportive colleagues you could hope to meet, and a wide range of clients stretching across many sectors and services.
Our lawyers and professionals have shared ambitions, common values and a flexible working style that combines with strong personal connections to deliver outstanding levels of client service across every office, every day.
Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is more than just a box ticking exercise. Every member of our team is empowered to bring their whole selves to work and we want you to have a life outside of the office so you can recharge and maintain the balance that’s so essential to mental and physical wellbeing.
We actively look for individuals with different backgrounds, or who took an unconventional path into law, because we know that we’re not just hiring lawyers, we’re hiring people – it’s your interesting perspectives and unique skills that make us who we are - and we’re all the better for it.
Training with us
Our training contract in our offices in England follow the SQE route to qualification, or the traditional route to qualification for those who have already completed the LPC. For our Edinburgh trainees, you will qualify with the Law Society of Scotland, rather than the SQE. Read about Emy, one of our Trainee Solicitors, and her recent experience studying the SQE with the University of Law.
This is your training contract and it’s up to you to make the most of it, but along the way we offer fantastic opportunities to develop your legal career in a growing firm. Our supervisors are trained to support you on an ongoing basis and you’ll have access to high quality work and senior client contact from the start. What’s more, we regularly second trainees to our most high-profile clients.
But don’t just take our word for it! Chambers Student spoke to our trainees and Simon, our Training Principal: you can read the full review of our training contract programme here - Womble Bond Dickinson UK LLP - True Picture - Chambers Student Guide. You can also read the view from Legal Cheek - Womble Bond Dickinson - Legal Cheek.
Have a question about our training contract route to qualification? Take a look here: WBD’s Training Contract – FAQ’s
And remember, while a training contract is undoubtedly a lot of responsibility at an early stage in your career – we think it’s exactly this that makes our training programme so appealing. We may push you to move outside your comfort zone, but we’ll also provide all the support you need to succeed.
Trainee secondments
Our trainees have the opportunity to apply for a six-month client secondment during their training contract.
Responsible Business
As a responsible business, we’re committed to creating better places to live, work and do business.
Broad experience
You’ll spend six months in four placements (seats), gaining genuine breadth of experience along the way.
Trusted to deliver
Whichever office you join us in, you’ll have access to high-quality work and senior client contacts.
Why train at Womble Bond Dickinson?
Megan James
Trainee Solicitor
I chose to train at WBD because, coming from a state school background, I often doubted my ability to succeed in the legal profession. Neither of my parents had higher education qualifications, so a career in law felt out of reach.
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Edward Drummond
Trainee Solicitor
During my application process for training contracts, WBD immediately stood out as a firm that aligned with my values. From day one of applying, through to the assessment centre, it has been clear that WBD fosters a supportive, friendly and productive environment.
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Husnain Mehmood
Trainee Solicitor
WBD stood out to me as it offers the best of both worlds: An international law firm with an impressive client list and high-quality work, but also a firm with strong ties to local communities across the Country, as well as a strong commitment to DEI.
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Reward and recognition
We’ve got a unique culture here, and it’s important to us that our people enjoy what they do and have long and successful careers with us. That’s why we make sure that everybody has the opportunity to develop and grow. And as well as having your voice heard and valued, you’ll be well rewarded for your contribution to the success of the firm.
Build a benefits package to suit you
In addition to offering a standard range of benefits, we give everyone the opportunity to take advantage of our flexible benefits and discounts, so you can build a reward package to suit your lifestyle and wellbeing. Here's what's currently on offer.
