Taylor Wessing LLP - True Picture

Taylor Wessing training contract review 2026

The Firm

Whether it’s music, education or sport, technology has changed almost every sector there is. As one of the more traditional professions, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the legal sector would be slow to adjust, but the truth is that some firms were always set up to embrace this kind of change. Enter Taylor Wessing. Taylor Wessing doesn’t just talk tech, it builds it into the daily life of its employees. Back in 2024, Taylor Wessing launched a custom-built generative AI tool powered by ChatGPT-4 and introduced a blockchain-based employee incentive scheme.

The firm's forward-thinking approach is mirrored in its client base, which spans venture capital, technology and life sciences, with a particularly strong showing in IP-rich sectors. It’s no surprise then, that the firm receives accolades in Chambers UK across the likes of life sciences (both regulatoryand IP), defamation and intellectual property, along with top-tier rankings in media and entertainment and venture capital investment nationwide.

“I knew I wanted to do law, but I didn’t want to say goodbye to science.”

“My first introduction to the firm was through the EqualiTW LGBTQ+ networking event,” one trainee recalled, “It was great to have that touch point, and know that the environment was open, relaxed and inclusive.” The firm also hires a large proportion of STEM graduates, something that comes with the territory when handling patents in the tech and medical fields, which for one newbie offered the perfect mix: “I knew I wanted to do law, but I didn’t want to say goodbye to science.”

The Seats

When it comes to seat allocation, we were informed that roughly two months before each seat change, trainees receive a survey asking them to rank up to eight departments in order of preference and flag any seats they would rather not sit in. There’s also space on the survey to explain why you are interested in the seats you selected, which trainees described as a helpful opportunity to explain their motivations to HR.

“You do have to be strategic,” one trainee advised, “a lot of people want the most popular seats like TIPI (Technology, IP and Information) and CTLS (Corporate Technology and Life Sciences). You need to put them as your first choice if you’re serious about them, and you probably can only do one throughout your contract.” It’s also important to mention that the firm requires every TW’er to undertake a corporate seat, which includes any seat in the finance department, as well as a contentious seat (which can be fulfilled by seats in employment or IP).

Client secondments are well established and available across different seats, often involving interviews with the client once the firm has shortlisted candidates. “We’ve had some really good ones, Farfetch and others. You can do them for three months, then return to your seat, or do the full six months.”

As for international secondments, they’re less structured and typically shorter, but the door’s still open for those who are motivated: “There are opportunities if you make a business case; there’s nothing formal, but they’ll consider it. I’ve heard of people going out to Munich for a couple of weeks, we’ve got strong links with the German offices,” another added, “it’s a great opportunity if you’re enthusiastic and network with the right people.”

“You work with a lot of the same clients who come through corporate, especially start-ups, and help draft option plans for these really cool innovative companies.”

In the tax and incentives  department, “you work with a lot of the same clients who come through corporate, especially start-ups, and help draft option plans for these really cool innovative companies.” As one trainee put it: “It’s about how companies retain talent without throwing money at them.” On the tax side, trainees support corporate teams with post-completion matters: “You do stamp duty applications and assess what monies are payable to HMRC.”

The work is “more ancillary,” but offers plenty of responsibility: “You get a lot of the drafting side, and a lot of research, it’s complex stuff and intellectually stimulating.” One of the firm's recent clients is fellow tech trailblazer Vinted, for which it recently advised on the tax implications of its €340m secondary share sale.

Trainees in the ever-popular IP, regulatory and digital department can opt for a six-month placement at the firm or can apply to split the seat between three months in-house at Farfetch and three months back at the firm. One trainee explained: “I’m not sure how competitive it was, but I put it down on my list. It’s great for getting IP experience both in-house and at a highly rated firm.” For those set on qualifying into the team, the six-month option “lets you meet all the partners,” and therefore establish a good network. During the secondment, trainees were involved with many of the same tasks that they could expect back at the firm, including managing an IP portfolio, handling disputes over “dodgy trademarks” and assisting with “application of trademarks and the appeal process.”

Farfetch’s platform model also allows for exposure to commercial disputes, with one trainee explaining: “Some businesses would bring claims against Farfetch for alleged infringements, often because boutiques sell their products through the platform. Since the contract is between the boutique and the consumer, Farfetch would sometimes get caught in the middle. It made for really valuable contentious experience.” The TIPE department acts for household names like the large pharmaceutical company Pfizer and print giant The New York Times.

Real estate, we heard, offers “really good developmental work as a junior,” one trainee enthused. “You get a lot of client contact and contact with the other side and their solicitors.” The seat spans everything from commercial property deals to sales and redevelopment work: “We work with a lot of developers, which means things like negotiating rights for adjoining properties.” Trainees are involved in drafting a range of documents: “The types of work you’ll be doing is things like agreements, licences to assign, rent deposit deeds, lots of completions and wayleave agreements.”

One said they particularly enjoyed the tangible nature of the work: “It’s all very topical; retailers, for example, who may be taking up occupational leases. There are loads of really cool clients.” The firm has a lot of large private equity clients who are providing finance to large hotel and office spaces across the city. One standout client is the Smithfield Market Traders’ Association, which the firm is advising on a major sale and development agreement with the City of London Corporation as part of the market’s regeneration.

“I was assisting on a trial about a small molecule drug; it was so nice to go back to all that knowledge from my science degree. I actually knew what people were talking about!”

Patents is another popular seat, especially among trainees with a science background. The work spans both contentious and non-contentious matters, often involving sectors like life sciences and pharmaceuticals: “I was assisting on a trial about a small molecule drug,” one insider told us, “it was so nice to go back to all that knowledge from my science degree. I actually knew what people were talking about!”

Trainees described their tasks as research-heavy, covering things like reading scientific papers, looking up patents on EastFastNet, as well as looking into different EU and UK regulations. There’s also some work business development-wise, including writing articles for the Taylor Wessing website and attending events with KCs. Trainees felt that “everyone in the team was really friendly and understanding.” Some noted that supervisors are thoughtfully matched with trainees based on their academic backgrounds, where possible, which “shows there’s real care and thought that goes into seat allocation.”

Trainee Life

While daily schedules vary between seats, most trainees reported typical hours of 9am to 6.30 pm. Although there are, of course, later finishes during the busiest periods, we heard that late nights are the exception, not the rule. The late nights are also helped by the fact that “you’d never be the only one staying late,” and associates tend to flag upcoming deadlines in advance so trainees can plan around them. As far as salaries go, our sources didn't feel too hard done by either, with first years receiving £52,000, rising to £57,000 in their second year, before making the leap to £115,000 upon qualification.

Trainees are expected to be in the office three days a week, with some in the full five days. Mondays and/or Fridays, we heard, are the more common wfh days. “The office is located slap bang in the middle of London, so it’s great for socialising after work,” one told us. Perks range from ‘Treat Tuesdays’ to a salad bar, subsidised lunches and even monthly massages. There’s also a Deliveroo allowance for late evenings and taxi rides home if you do end up staying late.

The firm’s London headquarters is currently undergoing a significant refurbishment, expected to be completed by the end of the year: “The mock-ups of the new office look amazing,” one trainee shared. “It’ll be a huge perk once it's done.” In the meantime, the firm is operating from a temporary space, “open plan, which is great for trainees because you can hear conversations between senior fee earners.” Facilities also include well-equipped cycling storage, showers (a favourite among trainees who commute by bike), and a prayer room.

“Everyone is friendly and approachable. People reciprocate the energy you give.”

Trainees described Taylor Wessing’s culture as “genuinely supportive” and “down to earth.” One summarised: “I’ve never felt a sense of hierarchy, trainees are treated like key team members.” Another echoed this sentiment, noting: “Everyone is friendly and approachable. People reciprocate the energy you give.” Trainee intakes are also described as particularly close-knit: “We’ve been to Bordeaux together, did the Yorkshire Three Peaks to raise money for charity, and then had a weekend in the Lake District. It’s great to unwind together.”

The social calendar is lively thanks to the Trainee Solicitor Council, who are given their own budget to organise socials alongside weekly or monthly events organised by departments: “Even if you’ve rotated out of a team, they still invite you back to socials,” one trainee said, “you always feel included.”

“It’s clear the firm sees us as a real investment…”

Supervision is described as hands-on, with weekly check-ins supplementing formal mid- and end-of-seat appraisals. One trainee recalled: “My supervisor would literally save me a seat next to them so I could ask questions easily, the feedback was always constructive.” Formal training is plentiful and well-structured. Trainees start with a one-week induction, then continue with seat-specific sessions, including external training and content on the TW intranet. “It’s clear the firm sees us as a real investment; we’re trained really thoroughly.”

Trainees can even join NQ and associate-level sessions to deepen their knowledge. And the support doesn’t stop at professional development. Mental wellbeing is taken seriously, with trainees offered ten free counselling sessions: “They genuinely care about mental health,” said one.

Trainees also felt that the firm was moving in the right direction when it came to diversity: “There are still gaps at the top, but they’re acknowledging that and making real efforts.” The current crop was quick to highlight Taylor Wessing’s involvement in initiatives like 10,000 Black Interns, as well as internal committees and events.

The qualification process was described as transparent, with the firm announcing early on which departments were looking to take on NQs. Trainees were guided through the process via presentations, Q&A sessions and regular check-ins, helping to demystify what can often be a stressful period. One point raised was that the firm doesn’t reveal how many spots are available in each department, but trainees largely accepted this approach: “It encourages us to apply for the role we actually want rather than strategising.” In 2025, the firm did not disclose its retention statistics.

How to get a training contract at Taylor Wessing  

• Spring vacation scheme (one week): Applications open on 1 September 2025 and close on 31 October 2025.
• Summer vacation scheme (two weeks): Applications open on 1 September 2025 and close on 28 November 2025.
• Apply for a training contract through the firm's vac scheme

Open days  

The firm hosts open days across October and November during Taylor Wessing Taster Week, and one First Year Insight in April each year which runs for two days. The First Year Insight is targeted solely at first years, while the open days are for penultimate year law and non-law finalist students. The firm has also added an open evening to its line up in its Cambridge office.

Application process  

The firm generally receives over 1500+ applications for its 40 vacation scheme places each year, with up to 22 training contract places up for grabs. Applications begin with an online form, and candidates need a minimum AAB at A level and a 2:1 degree. However, each application is looked at in context and the firm does not auto-reject. There are spaces to detail mitigating circumstances, along with the use of Rare's Contextualised Recruitment system. There’s space to list prior work experience, though Alice Hasted tells us the firm "appreciates that not everybody will have been able to take advantage of such opportunities.”  The form contains a few questions designed to gauge a candidate’s motivations and general commercial awareness.  

“We’re looking for the whole package,” says Hasted. “We look at applicants' academic achievements and commercial awareness, but also for evidence that they can think innovatively and work well in a team: I recommend that candidates isolate key differentiators about themselves that clearly exhibit their skills, and then show how they could use these at Taylor Wessing.”  

At present, if you pass the first round of screening you will be invited to complete an online assessment.  

Assessment centres

Applicants who pass the initial screening stages are invited to attend a half-day assessment centres. Each assessment centre consists of a written exercise, as well as a commercial awareness exercise and competency-based interview.  During the group exercise, candidates are given a business scenario they could potentially encounter as a trainee, and then asked to come up with a solution and present it to the assessors. 

“We review both their leadership skills and their team-working abilities,” Hasted tells us. “They need to balance these and show that they can build strong, collaborative relationships.” A candidate’s focus and ability to prioritise is also assessed. The interview takes place with a partner and a member of the talent team. This involves commercial awareness questions, plus a competency-based discussion on the candidate’s application form and prior experiences.  

The firm makes its vac scheme offers straight off the back of the assessment day.  

Vacation scheme  

Taylor Wessing runs one one-week Spring vac scheme in April and two two-week vac schemes over June and July in London. There are between 10-15 spots on each. The deadline for applications is 31 October 2025 [Spring] and 28 November 2025 [Summer] and you can apply here.

PODCAST: A 101 guide to getting the most out of a vacation scheme with Taylor Wessing 

Participants spend each week in a different practice area and are assigned a supervisor, usually an associate, as well as a trainee buddy. Both delegate live work. Alongside lunches with their trainee buddies, vac schemers attend several ‘focus on’ sessions that provide insight into various practice areas and the trainee role within them.  

Vac schemers work on a group project throughout their placement and present the results to a panel at the end of the scheme. “The management team usually gives you an article on a high-profile commercial issue or sets a question to kick-start the project a current trainee told us, mentioning that “ours was ‘What country would you invest in and why?’”  On the social front there are drinks events, yoga, comedy nights, bowling excursions and karaoke contests. “Make sure you demonstrate that you have the ability to network well and connect with others,” our sources advised. Indeed, Taylor Wessing's trainees regularly participate in business development initiatives, so recruiters will be keeping an eye out for those with stellar mingling skills.  

Each vac schemer is reviewed at the end of the process, and those who impress are offered a training contract.  

How to wow  

As for trainee backgrounds, you might wonder if the firm's tech/start-up edge attracts individuals with a certain type of degree background, eg. science. But this isn't the case: the firm works hard to ensure there is a good representation from different degree backgrounds. Of the 41 trainees with the firm currently, six had science degrees. Just over half had studied law at undergrad (20) with the remaining 10 studying a mixture of non – law degrees.  

That doesn't mean you should be disengaged from the firm's focus on tech and the 'industries of tomorrow'. Graduate recruitment and development partner Matthew Royle advises "being curious about the world in which we operate and being curious about your chosen path and industries will stand you in good stead."