United Kingdom

TRAINING CONTRACTS

WHAT DO WE OFFER OUR TRAINEES?

Paul Hastings provides a first-class training and development programme, combining on-the-job training and various professional courses. We monitor your progress on a formal and informal basis to ensure you receive ongoing training and have the opportunity to provide feedback on the programme and your areas of interest.

Our trainee solicitors spend time in four seats, choosing from corporate, capital markets, real estate, real estate finance, structured finance, leveraged finance, private funds, technology, cybersecurity, employment, litigation, restructuring and tax. You will have a wide range of opportunities to collaborate with teammates across our global platform.

The firm offers a mentoring programme in which associates provide guidance to trainee solicitors through regular meetings and daily supervision. The associates provide insight into the firm’s practices, along with practical guidance to help you build relationships and work effectively with lawyers and staff.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits including medical insurance, a fitness and wellbeing allowance, life assurance and 25 working days’ holiday.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Personal Profile

There is no such thing as a “typical” Paul Hastings lawyer. We seek individuals with a wide variety of skills, who combine intellectual ability with enthusiasm, creativity and the ability to thrive in a challenging environment. We also expect you to show initiative and a drive to contribute to the firm as a whole.

Academic Ability

We are looking for individuals with strong academic credentials. We expect candidates to have high level of achievement both at A Level (or equivalent) and degree level. This would normally mean an upper second- or first-class degree and a majority of A grades at A Level.

Analytical Ability

The exceptional depth and breadth of our practice mean that we need to recruit those who can think clearly, identify the key aspects of a problem and apply sound commercial judgement and lateral thinking. You will need to show that you can explain complex concepts in understandable terms, analyse complex situations, anticipate risk and offer commercial solutions. We look for people who can identify key issues and consider alternative approaches to solving problems.

Determination

The career path you have chosen is demanding but rewarding. We therefore seek individuals who possess the initiative to succeed and the ability to remain focused and deliver first-rate solutions under pressure.

Flexibility

We encourage innovation and are therefore looking for bright and engaging individuals who can make a valuable contribution from day one. You will need to enjoy engaging with new ideas and be able to adapt to new challenges. We are not just looking for talented legal minds — we need people who can appreciate the detail whilst keeping sight of the bigger picture.

Interpersonal Skills

We are a close-knit yet diverse office in London. Teamwork is paramount to our success. Successful candidates must demonstrate excellent communication skills and the ability to interact with a broad range of colleagues and clients.

Organisation

Our lawyers execute complex multijurisdictional transactions. It is essential to keep up with legal developments and understand our clients’ businesses. You must be able to manage competing priorities and remain composed under pressure.

Commercial Acumen

Commercial sense and understanding usually develop with time and experience. However, we expect you to demonstrate the aptitude and potential to build and apply strong business judgment as a lawyer.

Enriching Your Training Experience

Trainees are supported throughout their training by an associate mentor and our Talent Management Team. They are encouraged to engage with firm programmes and initiatives, including charity and fundraising events and affinity networks that promote community, opportunity and inclusion.

The application deadline for 2029 Training Contracts is 31 May 2027. All applications will be reviewed after this date. Applications open on 4 January 2027.

In April 2027, the firm will offer work placements. PHirst Steps placements will take place 5-9 April and 12-16 April 2027. These placements are for participants looking to gain experience in a City practice and will provide insight into the firm and the work our lawyers do. Each placement lasts one week and is paid. The deadline to apply is 3 January 2027.

On 16 December 2026, we will host an exclusive Insight Day for selected candidates. This programme will provide a closer look at Paul Hastings and an opportunity to meet our partners, associates, trainees, legal tech and Talent teams. The deadline to apply is 29 November 2026.

Applications for both our December Insight Day and PHirst Steps Work Placements open on 1 October 2026. These opportunities are open to penultimate- and final-year law students, final-year non-law students and graduates.

On 13 July 2027, we will host an exclusive Summer Workshop for selected candidates, offering an opportunity to visit the firm, learn more about commercial law and prepare for training contract applications in the next recruitment cycle. We particularly encourage first-year law students and penultimate-year non-law students to apply. Applications open on 4 January 2027, and the deadline to apply is 31 May 2027.
 

Click below to apply for our March and September 2029 Training Contracts and the other opportunities listed above.

APPLY NOW

We will contact you by email to confirm receipt of your application. Please note that after this confirmation, we will only contact candidates who are invited to interview or to attend an event. Interviews for the March and September 2029 intakes will take place in July and August 2027.

To learn more about training contracts at Paul Hastings, read our brochure.