As a truly global law firm, Jones Day lawyers enjoy an exciting career, alongside more than 2,400 lawyers in over 40 offices. New lawyers have the opportunity to be involved in demanding and complex matters, advising multinational clients encountering globalized challenges.   

Non-rotational Training Contract 

Our distinctive training contract structure is integral to our culture and success and the benefits are felt at every level. In the absence of a rigid seat-system, trainees have the flexibility to mould their career from the earliest opportunity and enjoy a high level of responsibility. Our trainees are quickly integrated into various teams across the Firm and gain unparalleled exposure to different areas of law. Trainees are never held back by set ‘trainee’ tasks or have to drop an interesting case or deal to move on to another department.  

Vacation Schemes 

A two-week vacation scheme is the ideal opportunity to discover whether our distinctive way of training suits you. During a scheme you will work on real, client matters, join group exercises and interactive workshops.  

Start date details

You can apply for a Vacation Scheme in 2024/2025 which is also an application for a Training Contract to commence in September 2027.  

We recruit approximately 15 trainees per year, who are selected from the pool of Vacation Scheme candidates. 

You can apply for one of our Schemes which take place on the dates below. Please note that each scheme has an application deadline. 

Winter Scheme (2 – 13 December 2024) 

  • Applications open: 1 September 2024 
  • Application deadline: 31 October 2024 

Spring Scheme (17 – 28 March 2025) 

  • Applications open: 1 September 2024 
  • Application deadline: 31 December 2024 

Summer Scheme (30 June - 11 July 2025) 

  • Applications open: 1 September 2024 
  • Application deadline: 5 January 2025 

Salary details

  • £500 weekly Vacation Scheme allowance.
  • Training Contract:
    • 1st year – £56,000
    • 2nd year – £65,000
    • NQ – £160,000 

How to apply 

We strongly recommend attending one of our events to find out more before submitting any application. We also recommend applying early as we recruit on a rolling basis. 

Event details are available on our website https://www.jonesday.com/en/careers/locations/united-kingdom?tab=events  

Apply online from 1 September with a cover letter and CV.

The stages of our recruitment process are outlined below: 

  • Application screened by the graduate recruitment team (we may also request an academic reference) 
  • Online interview with two senior lawyers 
  • In-person Assessment Centre at our London office 
  • Vacation Scheme (throughout which candidates will be assessed for Training Contract positions). 

All schemes open to final year students, graduates and postgraduates of any degree discipline and penultimate year students of a qualifying law degree.