Employer profile
Weil Gotshal & Manges
Restructuring and Disputes & Investigations, and has been involved in some of the most significant, high-profile and prestigious mandates across all its legal specialisms. The majority of the firm’s work involves multidisciplinary teams across the specialist fields of Competition, Corporate Governance and Compliance, Employment, Intellectual Property, Management Incentives, Pensions, Real Estate, Tax and Technology, leveraging the expertise of its full service capabilities for its clients.
Diversity, equity & inclusion
Diversity, equity & inclusion are more than just words. They embody a commitment that has been at our core since the firm was founded. We strive to honour this commitment and create a culture where our differences are respected, celebrated and valued.
The training contract
Weil’s training contract is designed to help you reach your potential as quickly as possible through constant exposure to high calibre work. We take an open and transparent approach to progression with a structure that makes sure you get the best start to your legal career. As a trainee you will work on some of the most complex and sophisticated matters. The work will be varied, exciting and from the very start, you will be in the spotlight - tackling the problems our clients face.
During your training contract, you will complete four six month seats, one of which will be in Corporate and one in Finance. In each of your four seats, you will share an office with your supervisor, which means you will always have someone to guide you in your day-to-day work. The mentoring and support you receive as a Weil trainee means you can progress and reach your goals sooner than most law firms. You will be allocated a partner mentor, who will be your go-to for advice and guidance throughout the full two years of your training.
Trainee profile
A career at Weil is challenging, technical and requires trainees to work under pressure. With this in mind, we are looking for bright candidates who can use their initiative, are comfortable in the spotlight and who thrive when challenged and placed out of their comfort zone. Successful candidates will need to be business-minded with plenty of entrepreneurial flair and commercial acumen, as well as the ability to work effectively in a team. We are looking to recruit candidates from all universities and degree disciplines. Our academic requirements are AAB at A-Level or equivalent and a 2:1 degree (obtained or predicted). We review all application forms holistically, which means if you fall slightly short of our academic requirements but demonstrate great potential, you will still be considered.
Apprenticeships
Our six-year Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme is a new opportunity for ambitious and driven school leavers to start an exciting career in law. You don’t need to have a degree in order to pursue this opportunity, however, this alternative route ensures you can obtain a degree upon programme completion, earn money whilst you learn, and have no student debt, all by studying for just one day per week.
This is your chance to learn what it's like to be in the spotlight at an elite global law firm as you learn your craft.
Over six years, you’ll rotate through a range of practice groups and experience every side of a global law firm. This programme has been specifically developed to help you learn the core technical and professional skills you’ll need to thrive in a continually evolving legal industry. You’ll work on real deals, receiving regular and tailored feedback from supervisors, mentors and current trainee solicitors. Your time will be split with four days a week in the office learning on the job and one day a week protected for study so you can build your technical knowledge and prepare for exams. Once your six years are complete, you’ll be eligible to qualify as a solicitor.
Applications close on 7 January 2024 to start in September 2024.
Vacation schemes 2024
A vacation scheme is a great way to experience first-hand what life is like as a Weil trainee. You will work alongside associates, carrying out real trainee tasks and responsibilities while gaining a greater insight into one of the firm’s practice areas. You will be mentored and supported throughout the scheme, and to help you get even more of an insight into life at Weil there will be various talks and workshops. We also organise a number of social events, so you can get to know Weil’s lawyers and staff in a more relaxed setting. You can apply for a vacation scheme if you are penultimate-year student, finalist or graduate from any degree discipline. You will be paid £750 per week, plus a contribution towards accommodation costs will be made to those living outside of London, in addition to travel expenses being reimbursed.
Spring vacation scheme
2 April - 12 April 2024 (deadline 20 December 2023)
Summer vacation scheme
17 - 28 June 2024 (deadline 20 December 2023)
Insight days
Meet our people and get a better understanding of our firm and culture. During an insight day you will hear from our partners, associates and trainees about life at Weil. You can apply for an insight day if you are a second-year student, penultimate-year student, finalist or graduate from any degree discipline. Travel costs will be reimbursed.
Dates
18 October 2023 (deadline 8 October 2023)
15 November 2023 (deadline 6 November 2023)
Virtual experience programme
Gain hands-on experience of the typical tasks a trainee would get involved in while working in our Private Equity, Finance and Restructuring teams. The virtual experience programme is self-paced and open to everyone. No application is required.
Virtual & in person events
At our events, in addition to developing your commercial awareness, you will have the chance to meet our people, build your network and discover our culture, as well as ask any questions you have about the application process. Click here for a list of upcoming events.
Salary, benefits & sponsorship
Trainees start on a salary of £60,000, which increases to £65,000 in their second year, and on qualification will increase to £165,000. In addition to a £500 wellbeing allowance, the firm offers a flexible benefits package which you can tailor to your individual needs.
We offer full sponsorship of the PGDL and SQE 1 and 2 in addition to an annual maintenance grant of £20,000 per year of study.
SQE
From September 2023, all our future training contract offer holders will need to complete the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), before embarking on their two year Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) at Weil. We have partnered with University of Law to ensure our trainees are put through a rigorous and comprehensive programme, preparing you for success. The SQE will equip you with the confidence and skills needed to start your training contract at Weil. This is an 11 month programme, which will include the SQE 1 and 2, as well as an additional bespoke ‘Plus Programme’, designed specifically to give you the knowledge and skills to succeed in your QWE.
How to apply
Online via our website
If you require any additional support throughout the recruitment process, please contact the Early Careers team to have a confidential conversation on 020 7903 1000 or at early.careers@weil.com.
