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 2026 Vacation Scheme and 2027 and 2028 Training Contracts have now closed. Please check back in November 2026 for applications for Training Contracts 2028 and 2029.
- 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 are excited to meet you at future careers fairs in 2026. Please check later in the year for details.
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 will be holding information evenings for the next cycle in November and December 2026. Please check back closer to the time for details and registrations.
Application Process
Ready to take the first step? Here’s how to apply:
- Join our information evenings - want to learn more about at training contract with VWV? Head to our careers events page to see what's coming up.
- Submit your application - Applications for a Training Contract starting in 2027 and 2028 (which includes a Vacation Scheme placement during 2026) are now open and will close on January 9. To apply, please click here.
- 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.
