Training Contracts
Start your legal career with hands-on experience and a supportive team by your side.
A training contract at VWV isn’t just about learning the law - it's about applying it in real situations, right from the start. You’ll gain early responsibility, practical experience, and the chance to shape your future as a solicitor.
With four seats across different legal areas, you’ll work with expert lawyers and contribute to meaningful client work. Our training contracts are available in our Birmingham, Bristol, London and Watford offices, giving you the opportunity to learn and grow wherever you're based.
Why choose a training contract with VWV?
- Competitive starting salary - From £34,000 in Bristol and Birmingham, £38,000 in Watford, and £41,000 in London.
- Full sponsorship for your studies - We sponsor future trainees on the LLM Legal Practice (SQE1 & SQE2) at the University of Law.
- Financial support while you study - We offer a £4,000 grant to help with your living costs during your course.
- Pathways for all candidates - We welcome applications from aspiring solicitors, whether you're qualifying via the SQE route or have already completed the LPC.
Our approach to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and application timeline
The legal profession is evolving, and so is our approach to training. Our first SQE trainees joined us in September 2024, and we continue to adapt our programme to provide the best support for future lawyers.
Applications for the 2027 Vacation Scheme and 2028 and 2029 Training Contracts will open on 4 November 2026 and close on 8 January 2027.
Future trainees who do not have the LPC will be sponsored on the LLM Legal Practice (SQE1 & SQE2) and the University of Law. We also welcome applications from candidates who have the LPC.
From day one, I've felt part of a truly friendly and collaborative team. VWV gives trainees real responsibility and the chance to work on high-quality, engaging matters across a variety of seats - it's a great environment to grow and learn!
Career events - Meet us in person
Career fairs
Career fairs are a fantastic way to meet us and find out more about training at VWV.
You'll have the chance to speak with our Early Talent team, as well as current and former trainees.
We're excited to meet you at the following career fairs in the autumn of 2026:
University of Bristol Law Fair - 1 October
University of the West of England Law Fair - 21 October
University of Nottingham Law Fair - 22 October
Cardiff University Law Fair - 4 November
University of Law Bristol Campus Law Fair - 11 November
University of Law Birmingham Campus Law Fair - 26 November
Information evenings
Our information evenings give you insight into what it’s like to train with us.
You'll hear from our Training Principal, trainees, and early talent team about the work we do and the culture we’ve built. Plus, there’s plenty of time for Q&A and networking.
We invite you to join us in our offices in Bristol and London on the dates below. Registration will go live in November.
London and Watford Information Evening - 2 December 2026, London Office.
Bristol Information Evening - 24 November 2026, Bristol Office.
Application Process
Ready to take the first step? Here’s how to apply:
Join our information evenings - Want to learn more about the Training Contract at VWV? Our information evenings take place in November and December. Please check back close to the time for registration.
Submit your application - Applications for Training Contracts starting in 2028 and 2029 (which includes a Vacation Scheme placement during 2027) will open on 4 November 2026 and close on 8 January 2027. Please check back in November for details on how to apply.
Explore paralegal roles - A paralegal role at VWV provides the perfect stepping stone to a Training Contract, check our vacancies page to see if we're recruiting for a paralegal in any of our legal teams.
Our assessment days are designed to help us get to know you, not to trip you up. You’ll take part in exercises like interviews, written tasks, and group activities that show off your skills and potential. There’s also time to meet the team, ask questions, and get a feel for our firm.
Our vacation scheme is a key part of the training contract selection process. It gives you hands-on experience across a variety of legal teams and the chance to see how we work with clients in practice so you get a realistic insight into the role. Expect to engage with teams like Corporate, Commercial Property, Private Client, and Employment, while learning more about our sectors and collaborative culture.
