Akin - True Picture

At this US export, trainees are breakin’ bread with the restructuring elites and takin’ home the bacon.

Akin training contract review 2026 

The Firm  



If the world of law was a hospital, there are many ailments trainees could be diagnosed with: a case of the no work-life balance; a bout of the limited responsibilities; maybe a flare up of low-quality work. So, if you find yourself fearing these pains at the doctor's, fear not, the diagnosis is pretty clear: it’s a case of aching for Akin.  

That’s right, this US firm has the prescription for a dynamic training contract down to a T. “They heavily rely on you early on because we’re leanly staffed,” one interviewee revealed, “so based off that experience, I thought it was a great place to be.” In truth, the smaller intake was a huge draw for our sources, too, who noted, “the smaller cohort means you get to know everyone on a personal level and aren’t lost in the mix.” No doubt the eye-watering salaries on offer also perked up a few ears. 

“My expectations have been exceeded since starting here.” 

Of course, alongside lean teams, high responsibilities, and enviable compensation is top tier work, of which there’s clearly an abundance at Akin. Take it from our colleagues over at Chambers UK who recognised the firm’s local expertise in areas including restructuring/insolvency and investment funds. But of course, Akin’s no local firm; in addition to its London base, and now with a brand-new Chicago office, it has a further 18 overseas offices across North America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

As such, the firm rakes up a combined total of almost 100 department shoutouts in both Chambers USA and Chambers Global. With the bar already set so high, it’s hard to believe that it could get any better… “My expectations have been exceeded since starting here,” one rookie awed, “the more I experience here, the better it gets.” 

The Seats  



Before joining the firm, incoming trainees give a very broad indication of the kind of seat they’d like to start with out of contentious, transactional and advisory options. For every subsequent seat, they can put forward three preferences and rank them, which insiders described as “quite a flexible process.”Secondments also pop up, but we heard client-based ones are “more based on business need and feel ad hoc.” International opportunities mainly consist of a recurrent Dubai seat and a newly introduced Hong Kong deployment. Allocation for these is slightly stricter where sources explained, “After you register your interest, you’re interviewed by the partners in the office.”

Pro bono is also heavily encouraged and incentivised, and a couple of trainees who dedicate a great deal of their time to the work may have the opportunity to fly to the States for the pro bono scholar academy. “They invest a lot in their pro bono work for trainees,” one junior revealed, “they’ve made sure it’s not perceived as any less important than billable work.”  

For a lot of our sources, the firm’s financial restructuring department was the pull factor. “It’s the reason I came to the firm,” one source headlined – and there’s no denying its reputation. Nicknamed the “engine room” for its interconnectivity to multiple other teams, juniors reported working on high value matters for big name private equity companies and hedge fund work. Recently, the team acted as lead international counsel for an ad hoc committee of lenders on the $4.3 billion restructuring of the Brazilian telecommunications company Oi.

The firm primarily does creditor side work and insiders warned that it is “one of the most complicated seats” on offer, as a great deal of it involves coming up with strategies. The day to day for our interviewees involved updating trackers, reviewing the first draft of comments on agreements and redrafting from those agreements, note taking, and attending calls. Due to the complexity, rookies noted they were primarily used as a resource for the team: “the way my supervisor framed my role is that I was making everyone’s life a lot easier.” 

Over in the financial regulatory department, there’s both contentious and non-contentious work up for grabs with “a good amount of exposure to both.” Due to the confidential nature of the work, sources warned that they “can’t say too much” about the clients and matters, but we can reveal that quite a few hedge funds make appearances here, and trainees have a fair bit of exposure to FCA investigations. One matter in particular we can highlight is the firm’s advice work for RP Management in regards to the UK and EU regulatory requirements associated with the internationalisation of the company – valued at a whopping $1.1 billion.

“It’s great to see the groundwork that goes into these things,” one junior divulged, “it’s quite an unusual seat where you get to contribute your findings and see how that affects things.” What that looks like in practice is research tasks, sitting in on strategy meetings, bundling, organising documents and drafting. Newbies were eager to highlight that “if they trust you, they’ll let you have a first go at something.” 

“There are some big projects here – it’s pretty cool to see your work in the news!” 

The corporate team covers a broad range work with one source describing the group as “lots of different lawyers doing different kings of deals.” This includes M&A, IPOs and restructuring support across a range of sectors such as sports, energy, entertainment and technology. A recent example of the firm’s work in the practice is its advising on LetterOne’s transference of the majority of the company’s shares in Wintershall Dea’s non-Russia related upstream business to the UK’s largest oil and gas producer, Harbour Energy. And if you’re wondering how signification the matter is, the total value is set at $11.2 billion. 

“Every day is a new challenge, I’m learning all the time,” beamed one interviewee, “you’re expected to take ownership of your work and stand on your own two feet, but at the same time your supervisor is always on hand to help.” The work in question includes trackers and bibles, answering client queries, drafting corporate authorisations, data room management, board resolutions, due diligence, flagging potential red flags and legal research.

You’re given trust and responsibility and if you prove you can handle it, you’ll keep getting it,” one junior reflected. If all that exposure wasn’t enough, some of the public facing aspects of the matters might tickle your fancy as well: “there are some big projects here – it’s pretty cool to see your work in the news!” 

Switching things up with a “completely different side of things” is the litigation group which houses a range of clients from startups to big ticket clients “you would definitely have heard of.” Akin’s litigious work also has deals with important implications. For example, the firm advised Nexperia in connection with an order from the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to divest its shareholding in Newport Water Fab as a result of a perceived risk to UK national security.

“It’s all been absolutely fascinating work,” one junior relished, “I thought it’d be a good seat to try but within two weeks I knew this is where I wanted to be.” Tasks include complex research tasks, going through disclosure documents, trial bundles and communicating with clients. It’s worth a special notice for the amount of drafting work on offer as well which we heard was plentiful. “I would say it’s an art not a science because there’s so many things and nuances to consider,” mused one source, “they push you to do as much of that as possible.”

Trainee Life  



With a mixture of hands-on and hands-off supervision, we heard supervisors were “incredibly approachable and generous with their time no matter how busy they are.” Sources reported that their supervisors provided a sense of stability to their rotations, and you can see why: “they pre-empt the concerns you may have, and that’s been a theme across my seats.”

Training is primarily frontloaded to an in-depth induction week at the start of the contract, with other department sessions popping up here and there. “Once you do something, you know how to do it,” one newbie reflected on the on-the-job training, “the best way you can train here is just by doing.” 

Located right next to Spitalfields market, with all the food options and shopping choices to boot, the praise for the London office was marked with a slight asterisk. “We’re moving offices in 2026!” one jubilant source beamed. Despite excitement around the new location, juniors described their current office as “tip top” with perks like $100 a month towards fitness and wellbeing. Watch this space for the low down on what’s on offer at Akin’s next pad! As for the time you’re in said office, the firm asks for three days a week, but we heard that can ebb and flow depending on the department. 

Hours themselves vary of course, with rookies acknowledging that “if there’s a busy period, a quiet period often follows afterwards.” Even for those that had experienced late nights, sources were keen to express, “the firm is good at respecting your time if you have a holiday booked or anything like that.” All of this to say, the salary makes the hours an easy pill to swallow with a newbie acknowledging: “I’m in a fortunate position and I recognise that.” Plus, once a trainee qualifies, then they can really start rakin’ it in. As one insider bluntly put it, “that NQ salary is mind boggling!”  

“There’s different perspectives and ideas which means it’s a great place to learn.” 

When asked about the culture of the firm, one junior was quick to summarise that “everyone here is just so lovely which makes everything so much easier.” That was a sentiment shared among our interviewees, who enjoyed the tight-knit cohort bond. There’s plenty of opportunities to “schmooze” with associates, too. “We take our work seriously here,” one source began, “but we don’t take ourselves too seriously.”  

There were slightly mixed opinions on just how social the firm is, with some pointing to the firm’s attempts to increase its social calendar as a positive sign, while others said there was more of an emphasis on “recognising everyone has a life outside of work.” The events that are on offer include Christmas and summer parties, barbecues, lunches and occasional offsite trips for some teams. I

nsiders were keen to praise the inclusivity of the firm, highlighting the different ethnicities, nationalities and backgrounds that make up the tapestry of Akin. “It’s a great aspect,” one newbie beamed, “there’s different perspectives and ideas which means it’s a great place to learn.” 

Qualification was described as “a pretty simple process” which begins with trainees applying to the departments they’re interested in. From there, each team runs the same selection process including an interview and a short written assessment. Sources reported it was “smooth sailing” all in all, adding, “as we’re a small cohort, they all knew us quite well.”

Our insiders were also keen to stay at Akin, if not for any of the reasons you’ve read about here, then for their career prospects for the future: “the way the firm is going means there’s plenty of scope for people to progress here.” Indeed, in 2025, the firm retained 83% of itsqualifiers.

Will you be takin’ the glory?  

The firm runs a five-a-side football team to encourage socialising and networking amongst colleagues.

How to secure a place on Akin’s two-year training programme



Akin’s 2026 spring vacation scheme will run from Monday 13 – Friday 24 April 2026.

Applications will open on Thursday 18 September 2025 and close on Sunday 4 January 2026.

Ask Akin virtual open day, law fairs and skills sessions

Candidates will have the opportunity to meet the firm at various virtual law fairs taking place this autumn. Candidates can also register to attend ‘Ask Akin’, the firm’s new virtual open day - scheduled for Tuesday 4 November 2025. In addition, Akin’s graduate recruitment team will be hosting a series of online application and interview workshops from September through November.

The vacation scheme

Akin’s preferred method of trainee recruitment is through its immersive two-week spring vacation scheme, with up to 15 places available each year. As applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply early in the autumn via the firm’s graduate recruitment website. During the scheme, participants spend a week in two different departments, working closely with dedicated supervisors as well as trainees, associates and partners. “We ensure they get involved in real work - from contentious matters to transactional deals - so they experience first-hand how commercially focused our work is,” says Amy McCarthy, Graduate Recruitment Manager. “We want the experience to reflect the reality of life as an Akin trainee.”

Applications

Trainee hopefuls at Akin are expected to demonstrate a consistently strong academic performance. While the firm does not set a minimum A-Level requirement, it looks for a 2:1 degree in any discipline.

“Legal work experience is great, but it’s not essential - and certainly not a barrier to selection,” says McCarthy. “We recognise that transferable skills come from a wide range of life experiences - whether that’s formal legal placements, part-time jobs or extracurricular activities. What matters most is that candidates can reflect on the skills they’ve developed and articulate how those skills will support their growth and success as future lawyers.”

Alongside questions assessing an applicant’s commercial awareness and interest in Akin’s practice areas, the firm also explores personal achievements and what candidates hope to gain from a legal career - including why they believe Akin is the right place to help them achieve those goals.

“We’re not looking for someone who wants to disappear into a large trainee cohort,” says McCarthy. “We want individuals who are excited to hit the ground running from day one, who thrive in small, collaborative teams within a fast-paced business law environment. Applicants need to demonstrate they understand the excellence demands of our very commercially-focused client base and give us a genuine sense of how they see themselves working and thriving in Akin’s immersive learning environment.”

Interviews

Candidates who progress beyond the initial application stage will complete Akin’s bespoke strengths-based online assessment, followed by a telephone interview with a member of the graduate recruitment team. Those who perform well are invited to an in-person assessment centre at the firm’s London office.

During the telephone interview, candidates can expect questions about their application, motivations for pursuing a legal career, and their specific interest in Akin. Successful applicants are invited to an assessment day at the firm’s London office, typically alongside around eight other candidates. The day includes a written assessment, competency-based interview and a discussion on a topical commercial issue or current affairs article, with time to prepare beforehand.

“The interviews are very conversation-based, and our interviewers are genuinely enthusiastic about meeting the next generation of legal talent,” explains McCarthy. “If a candidate can demonstrate potential for industry understanding, show solid commercial awareness, and approach the interview with an entrepreneurial and intellectually curious mindset, they tend to perform very well,” says McCarthy.

Showing that you have a cool head and can not only handle but enjoy the pressure is key to securing a place on Akin’s two-year training programme. As McCarthy explains: “That's what our programme is all about – enjoying the early responsibility that being part of a small cohort brings and thriving in the intellectual challenges that arise with this level of interesting and high-profile work.”

 

Akin

Firm profile



Akin is a global law firm with more than 900 lawyers and advisors who pride themselves on dedication to their clients and their communities. With 17 offices worldwide, they are renowned for numerous market-leading practices; their strengths are in complex private capital transactions, financings and restructurings, high-stakes litigation, and public policy and regulatory matters; and the unyielding pro bono commitment.

Driven by a forward-thinking leadership, Akin has built a strong culture of innovation and collaboration as well as a talented workforce committed to the success of clients and each other. Fostering a workplace focused on opportunity and inclusion, all employees are supported and given the tools to succeed. The organization is focused on recruiting and nurturing the next generation of exceptional legal talent and is proud that its recruitment and professional development efforts are recognized as among the best in the industry.

Our London office is the hub for the firm’s international practice and its third largest office. The firm’s strategy in London has always been to grow practices that complement its core strengths globally. The fully integrated nature of the office within the broader firm means that the firm’s London lawyers work closely with their counterparts around the globe. 

Main areas of work




Market-leading practices include financial restructuring, corporate transactions (including mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures), private equity, finance (including debt finance and project finance), energy including renewables, debt and equity capital markets, financial services regulatory, disputes, employment, international arbitration, investment funds (including hedge and private equity funds and secondaries transactions), international trade – including in relation to the new National Security & Investment Act – as well as EU/UK competition, intellectual property, share incentives, technology and tax.

The training programme




We seek team players who demonstrate enthusiasm and an interest in the commercial world, as well as intellectual curiosity and a focus on solutions. We recruit up to eight trainees every year, so you’ll be integral to the team from day one. To succeed, you’ll enjoy deep thinking in an immersive learning model and be keen to take on early responsibility within a fast-paced business law environment.

You’ll experience on-the-job experiential learning which will allow you to develop a keen commercial awareness and to take on responsibility and ownership of tasks for each practice area you work in. Examples of tasks you may be involved in during your training include, but are not restricted to, legal research, preparing client communications, attending client meetings, organising deal closing checklists and preparing trial bundles.

You’ll receive supportive supervision from England and Wales-qualified practitioners with valuable ongoing feedback and two substantive evaluations during each seat.

You will attend regular practice group and office-wide training on relevant areas of law and practical skills. You will also join webinars and training sessions run by external consultants to aid your professional development throughout your two-year training programme and beyond.

Akin prides itself on a friendly, approachable culture and a strong support network. Our trainee development team and dedicated development partners will coach and guide you throughout the two years. We also have a buddy system, providing you with a peer mentor who can tell you things that formal training can’t and junior associate mentors to support you within each practice area. We have an in-house ‘Be Well’ counselling service which offers unlimited one-on-one support, as well as regular group training sessions.

Trainees start on a salary of £60,000, which increases to £65,000 in their second year. 

Vacation scheme




2026 spring vacation scheme
Our preferred method of trainee hiring is via our yearly vacation scheme because it is the best opportunity for you to experience life at Akin, and for us to get to know you better.

Akin's two-week spring vacation scheme provides an excellent opportunity to gain a first-hand understanding of the day-to-day work of trainees in an international law firm. Through training sessions, interactive workshops, mentoring and social activities, you will get to know our firm. Through working side by side with partners and associates on live deals, you will get to know our practices and clients.

We welcome applications from penultimate-year law students, final-year students and graduates of any subject, looking to commence a training path in two years’ time. At the end of the scheme, participants will be offered the chance to interview for our two-year training programme commencing in 2028.

Scheme participants are paid a £1,200 salary with 50% paid on Day 1 of the scheme and an additional £300 Work-Ready Payment paid two weeks before the scheme begins to help cover any upfront costs. Whether it’s buying a new work wardrobe or subscribing to resources to develop your commercial awareness, we want you to feel confident, prepared, and excited for your experience with us.

Our 2026 spring vacation scheme will run from Monday 13 – Friday 24 April 2026.

Applications will open on Thursday 18 September 2025 and close on Sunday 4 January 2026

Application and interview workshops



Before drafting and submitting your application, we strongly encourage all applicants to join a one-hour virtual ‘Application Tips & Tricks’ workshop to hear directly from our graduate recruitment team about the application and interview process. Visit the 'Meet Us' page on the graduate recruitment website to secure your spot!

Sponsorship




Shape Shape Successful applicants will be required to complete the PGDL (if applicable) and LLM Legal Practice (SQE1 and 2) to equip them with essential skills prior to starting the two-year training programme. Our legal education provider is The University of Law and studies will be funded by the firm. We provide a maintenance grant of £20,000 per year of study to our future trainees.

How to apply




Shape Shape To submit your application for our 2026 spring vacation scheme, register for one of the application workshops or apply to attend our brand-new virtual Ask Akin open day to learn more about life at the firm, please visit: https://www.akingump.com/en/careers/uk-students

Other benefits




Shape Shape Season ticket loan, health insurance, critical illness insurance, life insurance, travel insurance, dental insurance, pension, annual eye exam, employee assistance programme, onsite mental health services, Lexxic support, cycle scheme, discounted ClassPass, Peloton and gym rates, fitness & wellbeing reimbursement programme, discounts platform, financial training sessions, corporate mortgage scheme, support for parents & caregivers, virtual clinic service.

This Firm's Rankings in
UK Guide, 2025

Ranked Departments

    • Restructuring/Insolvency (Band 1)
    • Tax (Band 5)
    • Banking Litigation (Band 4)
    • Capital Markets: Debt (Band 4)
    • Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas (Band 3)
    • Investment Funds: Hedge Funds (Band 2)
    • Investment Funds: Private Equity (Band 3)
    • Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries (Band 2)
    • Sanctions (Band 3)