Whether you’re finishing school or college, commencing a university degree, or considering changing to a career in law, we have opportunities for you. From workshops, panel discussions and law fairs, to online work experience and open days, there’s so much to discover at Bird & Bird.
Bird & Bird is an international law firm with offices across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region. We’re one firm internationally, which is something our clients value because it brings consistency, collaboration, and clarity. Our vision is to be the number one law firm in the world for organisations being changed by the digital world or those leading that change. We’ve advised clients from over 120 countries within the last year, and our clients include 17 of the world’s most innovative companies according to Forbes. We have a stellar, global reputation for providing sophisticated, pragmatic advice to companies which are carving the world's digital future.
We’re interested in the world, current issues, and emerging trends. We’re an outward-looking, sector-focused firm, specialising in Automotive, Aviation & Aerospace, Defence & Security, Energy & Utilities, Financial Services, Life Sciences & Healthcare, Media, Entertainment & Sport, Retail & Consumer, and Technology & Communications. We use our sector understanding and legal expertise to unlock the issues and we take a commercial approach when applying the law.
There are different pathways to qualification as a solicitor at Bird & Bird: as a solicitor apprentice or trainee solicitor. Start your career with us and discover what's possible for you at Bird & Bird.
Become a trainee solicitor
Qualify as a solicitor with two-years of exceptional training to kick-start your career in law.
At Bird & Bird, a training contract is a two-year training programme commenced after university and the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE) to develop practical skills and legal knowledge, also known as Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). You'll experience four 'seats' in different practice areas for six-months each. You'll be supervised by experts in their field and work for stimulating clients across a range of sectors. After the end of the training contract, you'll be a qualified solicitor.
To become a trainee solicitor at Bird & Bird, you can apply to a vacation scheme, as all vacation scheme participants are assessed for a training contract commencing in 2027 or earlier. If you can start a training contract in 2025 or 2026, you can apply directly for a training contract.
Become a solicitor apprentice
Paving a new way to qualification. You can qualify as a solicitor by undertaking on-the-job training while studying for a law degree and the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE) over six years.
Our Solicitor Apprenticeship is a Level 7 qualification combining study with work to allow you to qualify as a solicitor without incurring student debt often associated with attending university. You'll learn on-the-job at our London office, alongside a small cohort of solicitor apprentices, while studying for one day a week at the University of Law to obtain an LLB Law degree and complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE). At the end of the apprenticeship, you'll be a qualified solicitor.
Applying to us
As a candidate, you must be prepared to showcase your skills, experience and suitability for the role, programme, or opportunity you’re applying for through different assessment styles.
Go to our employability hub, The Nest, to develop your legal skills and commercial awareness, learn about the recruitment process and what we look for in successful candidates, and general advice on navigating your career in law.
We’re a disability, neurodiversity and mental health inclusive employer and want to ensure that you have a barrier-free recruitment experience. If you need adjustments during the recruitment process or require assistance completing an application as the result of disability, you can get confidential advice from our Early Careers team at earlycareers@twobirds.com.
Live opportunities
Flying Start Programme 2025
Fly ahead with our two-day online programme for university students, to accelerate your career into law.Tuesday 15 July to Wednesday 16 July 2025 (virtual)Join our Flying Start Programme to fly ahead of the flock by building your knowledge, skillset, and experience before applying for a training contract next year.Our two-day online programme is for university students not yet eligible for a training contract. We're inviting first-year law and penultimate-year non-law students to learn about our firm, our work, and our people through interactive workshops, talks and presentations, panel discussions, and Q&As.As a Flying Starter, you will:• Develop your knowledge of our firm, our work, and our clients.• Explore your interest in different areas of law.• Build your toolkit to succeed in law with our tailored workshops• Add valuable experience to your CV and applications.• Strengthen your application writing and interview skills to secure a training contract in the future.Applying to usAt the time of submitting your application, you should:· be in your first year of a law degree.· or second year of a four-year law degree.· or penultimate year of a non-law degree.· You must be able to attend the entire two-day programme to be eligible for this opportunity.You should have AAB at A-Level (or equivalent) and be on track for a 2:1 qualification at university. We understand that you may not have received the grade you hoped for due to extenuating or mitigating circumstances. Please detail any relevant information in your application for us to take into consideration. We also use a Contextual Recruitment System (CRS) to enable us to recruit people from different backgrounds and help us understand your achievements in the context in which they were gained.Recruitment processOnline application form only.Go to our employability hub, The Nest, to develop your legal skills and commercial awareness, learn about the recruitment process and what we look for in successful candidates, and general advice on navigating your career in law.
Virtual
