Top law firms for training & development

In the 2026 survey, we identified the best performing law firms for training & development.

Methodology

 

For every firm taking part in our annual interview-based research, we also invite their trainees and NQs to respond to an online survey covering every aspect of law firm life. This year, our survey received 1,500 responses.

Respondents complete a series of questions asking about everything from their initial views on the firm and its competitors, to their relationships with partners and clients, to the firm's handling of training & development, seat experience, AI, hours, pay and qualification. We also ask them about their expectations, aspirations and how important all these factors were when joining the profession and how those views change as they mature. Each question involves a rating, which we agglomerate here for comparison. 

The training & development scores are a combination of all of the factors that can affect personal development at a law firm, including learning opportunities, motivation within the role and quality of work received.

 

The top law firms for training & development 2026

The Elite


Arnold & Porter | Bristows | Cooley | Covington & Burling | Lewis Silkin | Marriott Harrison | Michelmores | Sullivan & Cromwell | Wedlake Bell | White & Case | 

 

Excellent performer


Bates Wells | Devonshires | Dorsey & Whitney | Forsters | Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson | Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher | Hill Dickinson | K&L Gates | Kingsley Napley | Kirkland & Ellis | Macfarlanes | Norton Rose Fulbright | RWK Goodman | Travers Smith | Vinson & Elkins | 

 

 

Take a look at our other satisfaction tables:

The most satisfied trainees

Supervision & contact time

Hours & work-life balance

Benefits

Qualification