Summer Work Experience Scheme 2027

Slaughter and May is inviting applications for its 2027 Summer Work Experience Scheme, providing penultimate-year university students with the opportunity to gain practical insight into life as a commercial lawyer and experience the firm's London office.

Applications are open and will close on Friday 4 December 2026 at 23:59 GMT. Slaughter and May encourages candidates to apply as early as possible during the application window.

The Summer Work Experience Scheme

The summer scheme is designed to give students a meaningful insight into the work of a City law firm and the day-to-day role of a trainee solicitor.

Students will have the opportunity to experience the firm's working environment, interact with lawyers and gain a better understanding of the work undertaken by Slaughter and May.

The scheme is aimed at students in the penultimate year of their undergraduate degree. Students on a two-year accelerated law degree can apply during their first year.

What the Scheme Offers

The summer work experience scheme provides students with exposure to the firm's commercial legal practice and the opportunity to develop a more informed understanding of a career as a solicitor.

The scheme provides an opportunity to:

• Experience life as a trainee solicitor at a leading City law firm.

• Gain insight into the firm's commercial legal work.

• Meet lawyers and trainees and learn about their experiences.

• Develop a better understanding of the skills required for a career in commercial law.

• Experience the firm's London office and working environment.

• Build a stronger understanding of the route from work experience to a training contract.

The summer scheme is not formally assessed by the Early Careers Recruitment Team. Students who complete the scheme will receive written feedback from their supervisor on their time at the firm.

Training Contract Opportunity

Completing the summer work experience scheme can provide a direct opportunity to progress towards a training contract with Slaughter and May.

Students who complete a summer scheme are offered training contract interviews at the end of the scheme.

Work experience with Slaughter and May is not, however, a prerequisite for securing a training contract. Candidates who have not completed work experience with the firm can still make a successful training contract application, provided they can demonstrate an interest in and commitment to a career in commercial law.

Eligibility

The summer work experience scheme is primarily intended for penultimate-year university students.

Students studying a four-year degree should normally apply during their third year, unless they will be studying overseas during their third year, in which case the application timing may differ.

Students on a two-year accelerated law degree can apply during their first year.

The summer scheme is not intended for students in the final year of their undergraduate degree who are planning to progress to a Master's degree, law conversion course or SQE preparation course. Those candidates should consider Slaughter and May's opportunities aimed at finalists and graduates or consider applying directly for a training contract.

Applications are welcome from students studying overseas who are interested in qualifying as solicitors in the UK. However, Slaughter and May does not provide visa sponsorship for its work experience schemes. Candidates who do not hold a British passport or settled status must have immigration permission allowing them to work in the UK during the scheme.

Payment and Support

Students participating in the summer work experience scheme are paid £550 per week, intended to cover expenses during the scheme.

Where a student needs to relocate to London for the scheme, Slaughter and May will assist with accommodation arrangements and cover the cost of accommodation.

A professional clothing grant is also available for students who require financial assistance with appropriate clothing for the scheme.

The scheme payment is treated as taxable income by HMRC. Slaughter and May covers the student's National Insurance contributions as part of the scheme.

Interview Process

Summer work experience scheme interviews are conducted in person at Slaughter and May's London office.

Candidates who are studying overseas during their year abroad may be able to arrange their interview virtually.

Candidates invited to interview can request reasonable adjustments where required, with requests considered on a case-by-case basis.

Slaughter and May encourages applications as early as possible within the application window because interviews are scheduled on a rolling basis.

Application Requirements

Candidates should prepare an application demonstrating their academic background, experiences and interest in a career in commercial law.

Slaughter and May recommends that CVs are no more than two sides of A4 and that the information provided is factual, including what the candidate has done, where and when.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate an interest in and commitment to commercial law. This can be demonstrated through legal work experience, open days, virtual internships, law firm events, university events, law fairs and firm presentations.

Application Deadline

Applications for the 2027 Summer Work Experience Scheme close on:

Friday 4 December 2026 at 23:59 GMT

Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible because interviews are scheduled on a rolling basis.