Employer profile
Taylor Wessing LLP
Taylor Wessing is a global law firm that serves the world's most innovative people and businesses. Deeply embedded within our sectors, we work closely together with our clients to crack complex problems, enabling ideas and aspirations to thrive. Together we challenge expectation and create extraordinary results.
We work with clients in the world's most dynamic industries and help them succeed by advising on their businesses throughout their life cycle. Specialising in technology, media and communications, life sciences, real estate, energy and infrastructure and private wealth, we act for 32 of the world's top 50 brands; some of the world's most exciting start-ups and unicorns; and some of the world's wealthiest families.
A diverse client base allows us to advise on more than just the law. We're a firm that encourages new ideas and different ways of doing things. Our experts play an essential role in advising clients on business growth and protection, while introducing them to new people, new markets and fresh perspectives that will help their businesses stand out and flourish.
Collaboration is key to our success. We recruit a wide range of students including those who haven't studied Law.
Types of work
Our specialists attract the most dynamic clients in the industry. We do more than just advise on the law. Companies with innovative business models, emerging technologies and exclusive products, and high stake investments need to remain competitive and distinctive. This is how we work.
We have an unrivalled network of industry leaders we work with and introduce our clients to. From start-ups to liquidity to global brands, clients work with us because it sets them apart.
'Superb', 'outstanding', 'expert', 'strategic' and 'commercial' are all terms associated with our reputation. We want everyone to enjoy working with us – as much as that is possible when providing legal advice. Efficiency is important, but anticipating needs for greater protection and security through creative solutions compliments the advice we provide to clients and will prepare you for future challenges of exceeding expectations.
Who should apply
Naturally, we expect you to be committed to a career in law, with a genuine passion to learn. Our people love what they do and want to contribute new ideas. They are team players who value and respect individuality, and the benefit of working in an inclusive environment. Qualifications are also important to us, and we look for a minimum of ABB grades at A level and a 2.1 degree in any discipline. We appreciate though that not every candidate's achievements look the same on paper, that's why we use Rare Recruitment Contextual Recruitment System to consider everyone's achievements in context. We also take into account any mitigating circumstances. You should be confident, with good communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships. You’ll have the energy, ambition and creativity to take responsibility, challenge and make a difference.
Training programme
We have been recognised by LawCareers.Net for being the 'Best Trainer' among large City firms and crowned as one of Legal Cheek's Firms of the Year. Our award winning training allows our trainees to experience six-month seats in four different practice groups, including one contentious seat and one in our corporate or finance areas. Our programme is recognised for the extent of partner contact available to trainees. You'll work closely with associates on high-quality work from the outset with client contact and secondment opportunities in their offices offered. Most importantly, regular support and feedback every step of the way ensures that your career goes in the direction you want it to.
When and how to apply
All candidates need to apply via our online application form. Please see our website for details on our deadline. We recruit only through our vacation scheme for our 2024 and 2025 training contract.
Work placements
Taylor Wessing is "a great place to work". We were awarded Firm of the Year 2019 by Legal Cheek, which recognises all aspects of our work, clients, culture, environment and opportunities for our people.
Our award winning vacation scheme is designed for you to experience life as a trainee solicitor in a fast-paced and creative international law firm. You’ll spend two weeks in two different practice areas gaining first-hand experience under the supervision of associates and partners.
Solicitor apprenticeship programme 2023
Are you currently studying your A-levels or equivalent and interested in an Solicitor apprenticeship? Our six-year apprenticeship programme has been designed to help you hit the ground running from day one. You'll work towards an LLB (Hons) Law degree and a Solicitor Level 7 Apprenticeship. Each week you'll spend four days working in a practice area on client cases, with one day studying with our training provider, University of Law (ULaw).
We look for individuals who're on track for a minimum of AAB (or equivalent) in their A-levels and have a minimum of seven GCSEs at grade 6 or above including maths and English.
Applications open on 1 March 2023 and close on 1 April 2023. For more information and to apply please click here
Open days 2022
Join us on one of our open days to find out more about the firm. It will be a packed day, during which you’ll be given the chance to learn more about the Firm, attend skills sessions to help you with your vacation scheme applications and take part in a commercial business game.
To be eligible to attend you must be a penultimate year lawyer or non-law finalist as this open day will be focussed on our vacation scheme opportunities.
First year opportunities
Join us on our Trailblazing First Year Insight Scheme on 17 and 18 April 2023, to find out why we're a law firm for the game-changers; the smart thinkers and the ground-breakers. The deadline to apply is 1 February 2023.
The two day scheme, based in our London office, will provide you with the chance to learn more about the Firm, network and shadow senior lawyers and trainees, take part in a group commercial exercise and attend social events with your cohort. You'll not only gain experience in two different practice areas but gain skills and have a one to one session with a member of the Early Talent team to support you with the next step of your journey.
To be eligible to attend you must be a your first year of your degree (any discipline), as this scheme will be focused on finding out more about Taylor Wessing to prepare you for our vacation scheme opportunities in 2024/2025.
Pro bono initiatives
Being involved in pro bono work gives us the opportunity to help those who would otherwise not be able to gain access to justice.
It’s something we encourage everyone to do. It helps us take a step back from our complex international transactions and witness the impact the law has on the lives of people in our local community.
We support numerous individuals and organisations each year including the Mary Ward Legal Advice Centre where we provide weekly advice which all of our trainees are involved in, Founding firm of Lawyers Volunteering for the Arts and the British Fashion Council. Additionally, we are panel members of the Human Dignity Trust. Additionally, we are panel members of the Human Dignity Trust.
Diversity & Inclusion
Creating an inclusive working environment and recognising the value diversity brings to the firm is key to our people strategy at Taylor Wessing; it’s what makes Taylor Wessing a great place to work. Diversity in all professions is very important and the legal profession is no exception. The end goal for any firm is to create and maintain a supportive environment for everyone regardless of their background, culture or lifestyle. Our trainees are involved in shaping out culture through our inclusion networks. These cover: gender balance, LGBT+ inclusion, racial equality, social mobility and physical and mental health and wellbeing.
Balance in Business
Gender balance is one of our strategic inclusion priorities. Our goal is to achieve better gender balance in our partnership and in leadership roles across the firm. Our Gender Plan seeks to optimise talent retention, promote modern working practices and enhance our clients’ experience. Like all strategically important projects, our UK executive board reviews progress to ensure we’re achieving our goals. We exceeded 25% female partnership in May 2021 and continue to focus on the gender balance of our talent pipeline.
Our Balance in Business Network works to ensure we level the playing field so gender isn’t a factor for career success. We host discussions and client round tables on issues that challenge expectation, the network sponsored the unveiling of a new piece of artwork at the Supreme Court celebrating 100 years of women in law.
Cultural Diversity Network
Racism and racial injustice have no place in our world. Increasing the representation of people from minority ethnic groups at Taylor Wessing is our second strategic inclusion priority. We all play a crucial role in making progress and we launched our dedicated Race and Ethnicity strategy in 2020. Our cultural diversity network creates a safe space to learn from each other and celebrate our different cultures. It works to encourage more individuals from diverse backgrounds to enter into the legal sector and remove any barriers they face to achieve their goals and aspirations.
Our commitment to working with Rare enables us to find more and better ways to overcome racial injustice. It’s through working closely together, we can continue to challenge the prejudice and privilege which prevent us reaching our goal of a fairer and more equal society.
equaliTW
We’re committed to providing a workplace where your talent can flourish and you can be yourself, no matter your sexual orientation or gender identify. Our LGBT+ and allies network, equaliTW, was our first employee network and exists to promote LGBT+ inclusion. They run a dedicated programme of support and initiatives throughout the year, helping our people learn more about key issues affecting LGBT+ people in the workplace and wider community. We support Opening Doors London and established the Freehold network for the property sector in 2011. We’re a Stonewall Top 100 Employer for the third year in a row and in the top 10 law firms on the list.
Wellbeing Network
Maintaining a positive approach to physical and mental wellbeing is of huge importance to us. Central to this is a commitment to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and disabilities. Our network helps to raise awareness of visible and invisible disabilities, creating an accessible and safe working environment and promotes wellbeing initiatives as a way of preventing the onset of physical and mental health conditions.
The network hosts regular sleep clinics, yoga classes, lunchtime learning with qualified doctors and psychologists as well as the support of over 65 mental health champions and first aiders. Everyone has access to the Headspace app. Our onsite GP and inhouse counselling service provide invaluable support. In November 2019, we won the best new entrant category for the FT and Vitality’s Britain’s Healthiest Workplace for medium-sized companies.
Our social mobility network works to improve access to the legal profession through school and student outreach. Your potential, ability and talent – not your socio-economic background or schooling – determines your success at Taylor Wessing.
We open up opportunities in the legal sector and make talented people of all backgrounds feel welcome, along with supporting a number of powerful initiatives. We’ve recently signed up as a partner of the 93% Club. We’re proud of all of our Social Mobility programmes and the impact they have on participants and our business. By supporting the 93% Club we hope to make our talent even more diverse, build their confidence, increase their knowledge of the range of careers in an international law firm and inspire them to reach their full potential.
Environment
Our climate is in crisis. We must act now to cut greenhouse gas emissions and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. “Acting sustainably, together” Outlines our journey to becoming net zero by 2030. Our people, teamwork and clients are fundamental to achieving our goal. We’re advocating for the use of technology to accelerate ecarbonization.
Stage one is to be carbon neutral in our operations by 2023. That means reducing emissions within our direct control and responsibly offsetting those we can’t. Being net zero is more challenging, meaning eliminating or offsetting emissions produced as a result of all our business activities, including our supply chain. We’re determined to achieve our goal and as a trainee you can drive change through involvement in our sustainability network. We’ve been passionate about sustainability for many years Find out about our progress.
As a trainee you can drive change through being involved in our sustainability network.
Contextual recruitment
Not every candidate’s achievements look the same on paper. That’s why we use Rare Recruitment’s Contextual Recruitment System to consider every student’s achievements in context, helping to identify those with the greatest potential, from all backgrounds.
Disability confidence
We have an open dialogue around disabilities from the start; whether it’s discussing concerns about the recruitment process or our working environment. We partner with MyPlus consulting to make disability confidence part of our student recruitment strategy, beginning with attracting candidates, through to assessment and onboarding.
Diversity outreach
Aspiring Solicitors
To provide opportunities for students from under-represented groups, we partner with Aspiring Solicitors (AS). As a result, we’re delighted that 50% of our training contract hires have made to AS members for the past two years. Each year we host events in collaboration with Aspiring Solicitors, share our success stories with other firms and take part in the professional ambassadors’ programme which allows students to speak first-hand to our lawyers. Most recently, we have collaborated with Aspiring Solicitors on BASS, a Black Aspiring Solicitors Mentoring Scheme.
LGBT+
We are also partner members of myGwork, a business community for LGBT+ professionals, graduates, inclusive employers and anyone who believes in workplace equality.
Additionally, one of our partners is the founding member of freehold – the first network to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) professionals working in the real estate industry.
Finally, we are a Stonewall Top 100 employer.
Social Mobility
We also support inclusive initiatives through partnerships with 93% Club, 30% Club, Future First and PRIME.
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