Arnold & Porter - True Picture

Arnold & Porter training contract review 2026

The Firm

Running a law firm is like running a well-oiled machine, you need all the gears and cogs working together smoothly, as each piece is crucial to keep things moving. So, being a part of that is no small task. But it stands to reason that being one of a few important cogs makes a bigger impact than being one of many.

At Arnold & Porter, this principle clearly rings true. “The small intake really brought me in,” one interviewee prefaced, “I wanted more responsibility and better-quality work, it’s quite a stark difference to other firms and everyone here encourages you to seek out those experiences.”

“…it’s just a fun place to work, everyone around me is having a good time!”

Having the clout of its US homebase was also something that drew juniors to A&P, with one stating “it’s a smaller London office, but a massive US firm that’s international as well.” Case in point, Chambers USA heaps the praise on A&P over on US soil in over 70 departments. One of those rubber-stamped practices is life science, and its London base excels in the area too, with long standing prowess in Chambers UK for life science: product liability and regulatory work.

With up to four joining the ranks each intake, the firm is particularly on the lookout for individuals who “take initiative and think on their feet,” lending itself well to someone who’s a bit more of a self-starter and not afraid to get stuck in. They seem to be getting something right, as this one happy trainee relayed: “It’s just a fun place to work, everyone around me is having a good time!”

The Seats

For seat allocation, newbies can expect a “flexible system” and an informal chat with the training principal in which they’ll give their preferences. Given the smaller cohort, there’s also a relatively lean selection of seats on offer with just seven departments that our interviewees could choose from. This also meant juniors tended to have no issue with being assigned a first seat to them based on business need. The seat options include life sciences, complex litigation, white collar crime, antitrust, international arbitration, corporate and finance, and IP.

The life sciences department is somewhat prolific in the London office and when talking to those in that group, you can see why. Described as “the biggest team” in the city, the work is usually split between litigation and regulatory matters with juniors getting involved in product liability, advertising law and more. “Healthcare is very regulated,” one rookie divulged, “so you get a lot of big clients coming to you with their problems and you’re giving them regulatory advice.” One such high profile client is the firm’s work with COVID vaccine developer AstraZeneca in which A&P represent the company in a variety of inquests and a group action in the High Court. The firm also assists in coordinating claims across the globe alongside the US offices.

Trainees can expect to try their hand at extensive legal research tasks, due diligence, calculating and monitoring claims, and drafting client updates. On those updates, they can include collecting latest and relevant news stories or blogging on new regulations - “That was a great task because it was rolling, and I’d gain a lot of knowledge on this area and industry.”

“…Cases that have a bearing on everyday people’s lives which is a really cool thing to do.”

The complex litigation department was described as “a stimulating and exciting seat” by sources and is largely split between commercial arbitrations and commercial litigations. On the latter, the firm has represented clients such as Sotheby’s and Heineken, all the way to sovereign states including the Czech Republic. Trainees will get to try out both sides of work the team offers and get involved in “cases that have a bearing on everyday people’s lives which is a really cool thing to do.”

This opened the door to a plethora of matters such as shareholder disputes, contractor disputes, and defamation cases. On those, newbies take on attendance notes, client contact, creating bundles, strategy, corresponding with counsel, drafting letters to the other side, legal research, disclosure, pleading prep, and appearing in court.

With all that going on, trainees wear glad that they had help along the way, with one noting that “the team is so friendly and supportive. what’s so special about that is even the partners are approachable as well.” Given how analytical the seat can be some sources reminisced about the good old days of academia as a point of comparison. “What I found is that in this seat it’s all the bread-and-butter stuff I learned about litigation from law school,” our source regaled, “I could really put all that into practice here, I could see real examples and see how it impacts real people.”

The contentious white-collar department has multiple strings to its bow including sanctions and investigations work for trainees to try out. “The team is fantastic,” one junior beamed, “it was really interesting work as well.” Due to the nature of the matters, it’s no surprise that one interviewee warned that there was “a lot of secretive work going on.”

Though, one public example is the team act as specialist counsel to News UK in relation to the prominent phone hacking scandal pertaining to the former News of the World. As a high-profile case featured in the media, the various ongoing claims have led to millions of pounds being paid out so far. Trainee tasks on the litigation side include bundles and chronologies, while over in investigations the work was more advisory. “We can check if the client has breached policy, and then try to ascertain the actual facts,” one source recalled, “that was a really fun exercise as well!”

The firm’sinternational arbitration group offers a heavy dose of disputes from some of the world’s biggest places, and we mean that literally. “We have a very good market-leading reputation in investor state arbitrations representing the states,” one rookie proudly exclaimed, “to see partners incorporate all that as they navigate the world stage is pretty fun.”

Throw a dart at a map and you’ll probably hit somewhere the firm has backed, but we’ll highlight a recent case out of Southeast Asia. A&P represented Thailand in a dispute brought forward by the Australian mining company Kingsgate Consolidated in relation to Thailand’s largest gold mine and a free-trade agreement concerning it.

Our interviewees got to test their metal at drafting for investment treaties, conducting comparative damages research, preparing memorandums and hearing slide decs, drafting tribunal question answers, and developing presentation skills. Given it features in the name of the group, juniors were also pleased with the international nature of the team. “I worked closely with my colleagues in the US,” one revealed, “the seat was a very unique experience.”

Trainee Life

“We’re open and diverse and encourage people to be their true selves.”

Thanks to the smaller cohort, trainees had no problem settling in: “I know everyone here! There’s no one I don’t know the name of.” This intimate feel curated a culture which interviewees felt was warm and friendly which only bolstered their enjoyment at being part of A&P. “The firm is made by the people and that is what makes it so nice to work here,” noted one source, “we’re open and diverse and encourage people to be their true selves.”

Speaking of diversity, insiders praised the high levels of female representation in partnership roles, and those in the ethnic minority affinity group known as ACCORD (Attorney Community Championing our Racial Diversity) are given the opportunity to travel to DC for a summit where they can “meet different people and get a chance to network.” 

With this in mind, the firm was described as quite “community based” so it’s no surprise pro bono was also a factor of our sources’ TC. We were told they were “really encouraged” to get stuck in with it. “It’s really important at Arnold & Porter,” one newbie explained, “taking part in that work and giving back to the community is part of the firm’s culture.”

The sense of community was evident inside the firm too, one pointed to the Garden Room, a food and drinks event every Thursday from 5.30pm, as an example of that. Another point of reference would be the regular staff lunches with food provided by the firm on its conference floor for everyone to sit and socialise: “You get to know people quite quickly and meet different people on quite a regular basis through that.”

Both functions hold events framed around cultural holidays such as Diwali and Lunar New Year. The firm’s social committee was said to “put a lot of thought and effort into what they organise.” The sorts of events put on in the past includes cooking classes, paddle club, trivia nights, paintball, bake off, and the opportunity to climb Snowdon.

Camaraderie flows into how the firm approaches supporting its trainee cohort, as evidenced by the firm’s buddy system in which you’re paired with a trainee in the year below and can go for monthly coffees and quarterly lunches. Even first years are assigned one for the year below which was praised by our interviewees as being “really nice because they can join the firm having known someone already.”

Supervision was described as “certainly attentive” and was well received across the board. Trainees share an office with their supervisor which one noted “gives you that close interaction which is great at trainee level.” Feedback was considered valuable and there was plenty of it, all serving to develop trainees into being better lawyers: “While you’re encouraged to find the answers out for yourself, help is always there if you need it. I’ve learned a lot and received great guidance from them.”

This combo of supervision and learning-by-doing tended to make up the bulk of training our interviewees had experienced, as actual training sessions were said to be on the lighter side, although the firm did tell us that sessions are held for trainees, and the onus is on the trainee to show up to them. The firm does also host a professional skills course that crops up twice per seat.

For newbies, “the novelty of working in the corporate world has yet to wear off” as they get to enjoy one of the four floors of a high rise near Liverpool Street for their in-office days. “It’s super accessible and there are great views,” smiled one source, describing all the perks including coffee shops, gyms, and discounts in the area.

Generally speaking, trainees are expected in for three days a week, and most recounted 6.30pm being the average finish time. “We don’t sell our souls here. I expected the hours to be much worse than they have been,” recalled one source, “you can work later sometimes but at least you can enjoy the sunset!” With this in mind, the salary was given a thumbs up too. 

During qualification season, interviewees benefitted from the fact that “it’s not normally a competitive process.” It’s encouraged that trainees take the initiative of speaking to departments they may be interested in early, which leads to that informal selection process.

With no interview or CV, it then becomes a “very open and flexible” discussion before the team makes a final decision based on business need. Juniors felt that the firm was the A&P-lace to be noting that “I really love working here, the work is so interesting and rewarding.” In 2025, the firm retained a full house of qualifiers!

How to get an Arnold & Porter training contract

• APPLY HERE
• Insight day deadlines (2026): 3rd May 2026
• Spring vacation scheme deadline (2026): 7 December 2025
• 2028 Training contract deadline (2026): 1 March 2026

Applications

The firm generally receives around 500 applications for the ten vacation scheme places available, with 500 candidates applying directly for a training contract.

Both applications (training contract and spring vacation scheme) begin with the same form. It includes standard questions like 'Why law?' and 'Why Arnold & Porter?' and candidates are also asked competency-based and situational questions.

The firm’s recently announced its partnership with UpReach to integrate RealRating into its application process. RealRating is an innovative tool that provides additional context to applicants' academic achievements by taking into account their socio-economic background. This helps the firm to better understand each candidate's potential and performance, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable recruitment process.

Insight Day

A&P will be hosting two insight days in 2026, one on Tuesday 17th June 2025 and one on Wednesday 8th July 2026 (be sure to apply to only of the days).

Throughout the day candidates will participate in several interactive sessions and skills workshops to gain practical legal experience. There will also be an opportunity to network with the firm’s lawyers and current trainees who can provide candidates with an insight into what it’s like to work at Arnold & Porter, an introduction to the firm’s core practice areas alongside advice from the graduate recruitment team.

The two insight days are open to 1st year university students studying a law degree and 2nd year non-law university undergraduate courses. Be sure to apply to the day that is most suitable.

Travel costs will be reimbursed.

Interviews for Vacation Scheme

Following an application screening, the firm invites around 25 vacation scheme applicants to interview. They carry out a timed written exercise and are then interviewed by two senior fee earners. The task is considered alongside the interview process. Although there is a legal theme, what the firm is really interested in is seeing how the candidate approaches the problem and how they communicate their response. Interviewers discuss the candidate's application and expectations for a training contract at A&P. Typically, ten candidates are chosen to attend the two-week vacation scheme (see below).

All vacation scheme applicants are also deemed to have applied for a training contract. Following the vacation scheme, other candidates who have applied for a training contract but not the vacation scheme are evaluated on paper and some may be invited for interview. The interview follows a similar format to the vacation scheme interviews, but may be slightly longer. Applicants are asked to allow up to three hours for this interview. Following this, shortlisted candidates will have a final interview with the managing partner and training principal before the firm makes its offers.

The firm takes between three and four trainees a year.

Vacation Scheme

This year Arnold & Porter are hosting a Spring scheme for the first time, the vacation scheme takes place over two weeks (13-24th April 2026).

Students will spend up to two weeks working on a variety of projects and workshops with partners and associates throughout the office. They will have the opportunity to do tasks for partners and associates across the firm’s practice groups. Students will also gain first-hand insights from A&P’s senior leaders about the culture of the firm, including presentations on the pro bono and D&I work it does. There will also be training in presentation skills and the chance to use them by completing a London office group presentation at the end of the scheme.

The firm recommends you apply for the vacation scheme as a way for the firm to get to know you, as well as a way for you to see if you like A&P as a firm. The direct training route is available, however, as the firm recognises not everyone will be able to do a two week scheme due to work/ other commitments.

Recruitment Process

• Application form
• Interview and written/research task
• Spring Vacation Scheme
• Final shortlist

Who can apply?

You must be eligible to begin your training contract in the year 2028 to apply for the 2026 spring vacation scheme. This means you need to be at least in your penultimate year of study as an law student and in your final year of a non-law course. If you’ve already graduated you’re eligible to apply.