Training Contract Overview

At Travers Smith, you’ll be trusted with real responsibility from day one - speaking to clients, joining meetings, and managing your own work, all with plenty of support and guidance. That’s why we look for people who match academic strength with clear-headed judgement and practical sense; who are determined, communicative, and quick-thinking; who are motivated and bring a positive, down-to-earth attitude to their work, alongside a healthy sense of humour.

Our training is hands-on and wide-ranging, giving you the chance to work directly with Partners and Associates on real client matters from day one. There is responsibility that goes with this, but you won't be alone. All trainees sit with Partners and Associates through our room sharing system, which ensures a refreshing lack of hierarchy and unparallelled opportunities to learn by osmosis.

You’ll rotate through four different departments over two years – with all trainees spending one of those rotations in one of our Corporate departments, and the rest in a spread of other departments. This means you gain exposure to a variety of legal work, all within a supportive, non-hierarchical environment where learning from experienced lawyers is part of daily life.

At Travers Smith, collaboration and respect are at the heart of our culture, so you’re always encouraged to be yourself while building close relationships and skills that will shape your future.

Non-Law Students

Non-law students must do the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL/GDL). This runs from September to May each year and our course provider is BPP in London. We pay all course fees for the PGDL and a maintenance grant of £13,500 (paid over three instalments).

All students must now complete the SQE 1 and 2 and our firm specific Essentials to Practice course (EFP). This runs from September to August each year and our course provider is BPP in Holborn, London. We pay all course fees for the SQE (including exam costs) and a maintenance grant of £20,000 (paid over four instalments).

Training

At Travers Smith, we’re proud to offer training that sets the standard in the City—designed to develop not just technical expertise but well-rounded, confident lawyers with a global outlook.

Throughout your Training Contract, you’ll benefit from interactive, partner-led sessions at the start of every seat, ongoing seminars sharing real insights from recent matters, and a truly collaborative team environment. Our unique room-sharing model means you'll work closely with both partners and associates, learning directly from their experience and picking up invaluable soft skills that can’t be taught in a classroom.

International work is a core part of what we do, so you’ll have the chance to get involved in complex, cross-border matters, working alongside leading local firms and gaining exposure to global clients and issues. You’ll be fully supported as you take on real responsibility, with guidance always close at hand. Throughout your training you’ll be immersed in our supportive, non-hierarchical culture, with exceptional learning from some of the best in the business. At Travers Smith, your growth is our priority—so you can build the insight, confidence, and judgement you need for a truly standout career.

Culture

Every firm claims their culture is unique—at Travers Smith, ours truly is. With no chargeable hours targets and our distinctive room-sharing model, we create a collaborative, supportive environment where everyone looks out for each other and feels at home.

Our culture goes beyond work. We combine top-tier legal work with a close-knit, supportive environment where people are truly valued. Wellbeing and personal growth sit at the heart of what we offer, from a flexible, market-leading benefits package—tailored to your priorities—to our award-winning, fully subsidised café, Braithwaites, which brings everyone together over great food and conversation.

Diversity and inclusion go beyond box-ticking here; we celebrate what makes you unique, with supportive networks and real allyship across the firm. You’ll find opportunities to get involved in meaningful CSR work, from charity partnerships to pro bono advice that drives genuine change in areas like climate action, social mobility, and support for vulnerable people. At Travers Smith, you’re free to be yourself, enjoy your work, and help make a real impact within the firm and beyond.

Salaries

1st year salary: £55,000

2nd year salary: £60,000

NQ salary: £130,000 (basic) and discretionary bonus