Training Contract

Debevoise & Plimpton is an international law firm with a strong London practice covering major corporate transactions, private equity, finance, insurance, international disputes, investigations, arbitration, capital markets and tax.

The London office has more than 150 lawyers and works closely with colleagues across Debevoise's international network in Europe, the United States and Asia. The office has a particularly international focus, with lawyers regularly involved in cross-border transactions and disputes.

Trainees are given meaningful responsibility from an early stage and work closely with partners, counsel and associates. The firm places particular emphasis on developing trainees through practical experience, supervision and exposure to a broad range of legal work.

The Training Contract

Debevoise expects to hire approximately 11 trainees each year in London.

The two-year training contract is divided into four six-month seats. Trainees have the opportunity to gain experience across a range of practice areas, with the seat structure designed to provide broad exposure before qualification.

The firm does not operate a completely rigid training structure. Trainees participate in the seat allocation process and their preferences are taken into account wherever possible.

Trainees work as part of their practice groups from the beginning of the training contract and can expect substantial contact with partners, counsel and associates.

The firm also seeks to give trainees responsibility appropriate to their experience, allowing them to develop their legal judgment and confidence progressively throughout the two years.

Practice Areas

Debevoise's London office has significant practices in:

Corporate and M&A: Mergers and acquisitions, private equity and other major corporate transactions.

Private Equity: Advising sponsors and investors on acquisitions, investments, portfolio companies and related transactions.

Finance: Financing transactions and advice for financial institutions, companies and investment clients.

Insurance: Complex insurance and reinsurance matters and transactions.

International Disputes: High-value commercial disputes involving multiple jurisdictions and legal systems.

International Arbitration: Cross-border arbitration and related dispute resolution.

Investigations: Regulatory and internal investigations, including matters with an international dimension.

Capital Markets: Equity and debt capital markets transactions.

Tax: UK and international tax advice supporting transactions and disputes.

The London office forms part of Debevoise's integrated global practice, meaning trainees can be exposed to work involving lawyers and clients across different jurisdictions.

International Opportunities

Debevoise's London practice has a strong international dimension. Trainees may have opportunities to work with lawyers in other offices and on matters involving multiple jurisdictions.

Second-year trainees also participate in LAUNCH in New York, a professional development programme focused on legal training, business and financial literacy, mentoring and collaboration across practice areas.

International exposure is an important feature of the firm's London training programme and reflects the cross-border nature of much of its work.

What Debevoise Looks For

Debevoise looks for candidates who combine strong academic performance with evidence of leadership, creativity, communication skills and the ability to perform effectively in demanding environments.

The firm describes its London recruitment approach as seeking high academic achievers, leaders, creative thinkers and effective communicators.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate:

Academic ability: Applicants are expected to achieve at least a 2:1 degree in any discipline.

A-level performance: Applicants should have a minimum of 144 UCAS points at A-level or equivalent.

Leadership and initiative: Evidence of taking responsibility, leading others or making a meaningful contribution outside academic study can be relevant.

Communication: Trainees work closely with clients and colleagues, making clear written and oral communication essential.

Intellectual curiosity: The firm's work frequently involves complex legal, commercial and international issues, requiring lawyers who can analyse unfamiliar problems effectively.

Resilience and adaptability: Trainees are given responsibility from an early stage and need to be comfortable working outside their existing areas of knowledge.

Commercial awareness: Candidates should understand the commercial context in which international businesses and their advisers operate.

The academic requirements apply regardless of degree subject. Debevoise accepts applications from both law and non-law students, as well as graduates and postgraduates.

Vacation Scheme Route

Debevoise recruits all of its London trainees from its vacation scheme pool.

Candidates interested in a training contract should therefore apply for the firm's open days and vacation scheme rather than treating the training contract application as a separate route into the firm.

The firm normally holds open days in February and/or March. Up to 100 candidates may be invited to attend. The open days include an opportunity to meet the graduate recruitment team, spend time with a mentor, learn about the office and meet current trainees and lawyers during an informal networking lunch.

Following the open days, successful candidates may be offered a place on either the spring or summer vacation scheme.

Vacation Scheme

The vacation scheme lasts two weeks.

Vacation scheme participants are assigned to a practice group and receive a mentor. The main groups include:

• Litigation

• Arbitration

• Corporate

• Tax

The corporate group includes work in areas such as M&A, private equity, insurance, finance and funds.

Participants work closely with lawyers and can gain exposure to other practice areas during the scheme. They also undertake a team project and participate in a team mooting competition.

The programme includes opportunities to attend practice group meetings, meet lawyers and trainees and take part in social and networking activities.

There are approximately 54 vacation scheme places each year.

Vacation Scheme Eligibility

The vacation scheme is open to:

• Law undergraduates in their penultimate or final year.

• Non-law undergraduates in their final year.

• Graduates.

• Postgraduates.

• Candidates who have completed the GDL/PGDL or professional legal training, provided they meet the academic requirements.

Applicants should normally expect to achieve at least a 2:1 degree in any discipline and have a minimum of 144 UCAS points at A-level or equivalent.

Training and Development

Debevoise provides structured training throughout the training contract, supported by continuing professional development, internal training and skills sessions.

Trainees receive supervision within their practice groups and are encouraged to take responsibility for their own development.

The firm also operates an Associate Mentor Programme, under which associates are matched with mentors who provide guidance and support as their careers develop.

The training programme is designed to combine formal instruction with practical experience, allowing trainees to develop legal knowledge, technical skills, commercial judgment and confidence through their day-to-day work.

Pro Bono

Pro bono work is an important part of the London office's activities.

Although pro bono work is not compulsory, trainees are encouraged to become involved from the beginning of their training contracts.

Trainees can work on their supervisors' pro bono matters and attend the UnLtd social enterprise legal clinic, where lawyers from across the firm provide legal support.

Pro bono work provides trainees with additional opportunities to develop legal and interpersonal skills while working with lawyers outside their usual practice group.

Salary and Benefits

Debevoise currently pays London trainees:

First-year trainee: £60,000 per annum.

Second-year trainee: £65,000 per annum.

The firm also pays the full tuition fees for the PGDL and SQE through its partnership with The University of Law, together with a £20,000 annual maintenance grant.

Other benefits include:

• Private healthcare, including medical, dental and private GP cover.

• Life and income protection insurance.

• Employee Assistance Programme.

• Group personal pension plan.

• 25 days' annual leave.

• Cycle-to-work scheme.

• Interest-free season ticket loan.

• Discretionary qualification leave.

• One-week LAUNCH professional development programme in New York during the second year.

Benefits are subject to the firm's applicable terms and may change.

Visa Sponsorship

Candidates who require a work permit can apply.

Any training contract offer is subject to Debevoise successfully obtaining the necessary work permission. The firm provides assistance with obtaining work permits and visas where appropriate.

Debevoise does not provide sponsorship for vacation scheme candidates, but sponsorship can be provided if a candidate subsequently secures a training contract and satisfies the relevant requirements.

Diversity and Inclusion

Debevoise is committed to equality of opportunity and maintaining an inclusive working environment.

The London office has an active Diversity Committee and employee affinity groups, including its Women’s Resource Group, BAME affinity group and LGBTQ+ affinity group.

The firm also works with external initiatives and organisations intended to broaden access to legal careers and support candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Application Process

Stage 1: Online Application

Applications are submitted through Debevoise's online graduate recruitment portal.

The current application window opened on 17 September 2026 and closes at 11:59pm on 4 January 2027.

Debevoise does not accept a CV and covering letter as an alternative to the online application form.

Stage 2: Open Day

Candidates selected through the application process may be invited to an open day.

The open day provides an opportunity to meet the graduate recruitment team, spend time with a mentor and learn more about the London office. Candidates also meet trainees and lawyers through networking activities.

Stage 3: Vacation Scheme

Successful candidates are invited to participate in one of Debevoise's spring or summer vacation schemes.

The two-week scheme provides practical exposure to the firm's work and an opportunity to work with lawyers across different practice areas.

Stage 4: Training Contract Selection

Debevoise recruits its London trainees from candidates who have completed its vacation scheme.

The vacation scheme therefore forms an integral part of the recruitment process rather than simply being an optional work experience opportunity.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Debevoise & Plimpton London Training Contract 2029 is:

4 January 2027 at 11:59pm

Applications must be submitted online through Debevoise's graduate recruitment portal. The firm advises candidates not to submit applications or CVs through its general London recruitment contact details.

How to Apply

Candidates should apply through Debevoise's online graduate recruitment portal before the deadline.

The recruitment process is closely linked to the firm's vacation scheme, as Debevoise recruits all London trainees from its vacation scheme pool. Candidates should therefore use the application to demonstrate not only strong academic ability but also the leadership, communication, intellectual curiosity, motivation and potential required to succeed in an international law firm.