Career Development

Our unique culture provides opportunities for our trainees to make valuable contributions from their first day in the business. The work will vary depending on the individual seat, but the chance to take the lead on specific tasks is a responsibility offered to all trainees to help with their growth and development.

As part of the seat rotation process, you can apply for client secondments. These are excellent opportunities for you to develop your commercial awareness, gain independence, and enhance relationships between DWF and our clients.

Through our vacation scheme for graduates, you can gain experience working for our fee-earners on live client projects whilst having the chance to see if DWF is the right place for them. You will be able to choose to work in any two of our four global practice groups: Commercial Services Dispute Resolution, Insurance, or Real Estate.

The scheme provides the opportunity to learn and interact with colleagues at all levels, gaining insight into how they work and why they enjoy working for DWF. You will be assigned a Trainee Buddy who will be your go-to person for informal support and in addition to 'live' work, you will attend practice group presentations, complete a group project, and be invited to a range of social events.

Our training contract for aspiring solicitors is the first step on your journey to becoming a commercial lawyer. During your contract, you will have high levels of responsibility and will receive the backing of a comprehensive support network that includes your supervisor, the Emerging Talent team, and Training Principal. In addition, you will have access to a range of face-to-face training sessions, in-house workshops, and practical day-to-day learning.

Training contracts are available at DWF offices across the UK and in Ireland and trainees can get involved with supporting the projects undertaken by the DWF Foundation or engage in several business development opportunities.

Financial Support

Trainees in England undertaking our SQE graduate-level apprenticeship programme will receive National Living Wage from the beginning of the 32-month training contract. One the study period is completed and the QWE begins, the salary will increase to the levels paid to trainees in your location.

Our first graduate opportunities within our Business Services teams provides access to our Finance, HR, and Marketing teams and the opportunity for graduates to complete a post-graduate qualification over the course of two or three years. The focus of the programme is training and development by exposing participants to a diverse breadth of work and responsibilities within a robust support network offering supervision and mentoring.

Business Services teams collaborate closely with each other and with our legal teams and play an integral role in the delivery of a premium service to our clients. We want our people to thrive in a fast-paced and exciting environment that encourages creativity and flexibility and where our differences combine to have a positive impact on each other, our clients, our communities, and our shareholders.

Perfect for candidates at the beginning of their careers or for people seeking a career change, our Paralegal trailblazer Legal Apprenticeship provides an excellent opportunity to enter the legal sector without the time or cost of college or university.

Candidates gain experience at one of the UK’s largest legal businesses whilst working towards a nationally recognised qualification and receiving a competitive remuneration package. Recruitment takes place once a year, with employment starting each September.

Apprentices spend 4 days a week at work and 1 day studying for a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Legal Services with BPP University, with all training costs paid for by DWF. BPP also provide the opportunity to study for a certificate in Higher Education, which is the equivalent to the first year of a degree.

Details of the entry requirements and application process can be found at www.apply4law.com