Early Careers

Early Careers

Helping you reach new heights.

Overview

Travers Smith is a different kind of City law firm — and we mean that.

We work with ambitious organisations on complex, high-stakes legal matters across the UK and globally, focusing on three core areas - transactions, disputes & investigations, and complex advisory work. Our approach is built on deep expertise, genuine independence, and real partnership: we treat our clients' goals as our own, delivering sharp, practical advice without unnecessary layers.

Culture drives quality.

At the heart of Travers Smith is our room-sharing structure: Trainees and Solicitor Apprentices share rooms directly with Associates and Partners, meaning close contact with senior lawyers, learning by osmosis, and real exposure to quality work from day one. Early responsibility isn't a buzzword here - it's just how things are done. There are no chargeable hour targets, and long-term success - yours and the firm's - always takes precedence over short-term metrics.

London-based. Global outlook.

We collaborate with a carefully selected network of over 150 independent law firms worldwide; each aligned with our quality standards. Our lawyers remain actively involved throughout every international matter, giving you genuine cross-border exposure and the opportunity to build global relationships from the very start of your career.

A place where you can actually be yourself.

Our culture of allyship, visible role models, and genuine respect is supported by six professional networks, empowering everyone to bring their authentic selves to work. Supporting your wellbeing and ambitions is central to how we think about working life here, and our commitment to CSR and pro bono means the work you do can extend well beyond client matters, delivering meaningful impact in the wider world.

The Early Careers team at Travers Smith is dedicated to finding the very best future lawyers - whether you’re applying as a school leaver, university student, or graduate - who not only meet our high standards of excellence but also share our people-focused values. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds who have the ambition, drive, and curiosity to build a successful legal career, and we’re committed to giving you the support and opportunities you need to grow. If you’re keen to challenge yourself intellectually and want to contribute to a collaborative, inclusive firm where you’ll be celebrated for who you are, we’d love to hear from you.

We hire for Training Contracts and Solicitor Apprenticeships and  are looking for those who take their work seriously, but not themselves - our Partners of the future.

Becoming a Trainee Solicitor

Hit the ground running at a City law firm - work directly with partners on real matters and qualify as a solicitor in a culture that sets you up to thrive.

Training Contract overview Apply

Becoming a Solicitor Apprentice

Go straight from school into a City law firm. Gain varied legal experience and qualify as a solicitor completing your LLB and SQE along the way.

Solicitor Apprenticeship overview Apply

Keep up with us

Keep up with us

Follow us @traverssmithearlycareers on Instagram and TikTok.

Meet us

Meet us

We host and attend both in-person and virtual events, and we want to meet you.

Co-heads of Early Careers

Read James Longster Profile
James Longster
  • James Longster

  • Partner
Read Niamh Hamlyn Profile
Niamh Hamlyn
  • Niamh Hamlyn

  • Partner
FAQs

FAQs

Our frequently asked questions

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