Which law firms recruit on a rolling basis? (2020-21)

[Adam Gilchrist]

Jaysen asked me to create a new thread with this list for better visibility:

Rolling basis

• A&O: Rolling (https://krb-sjobs.brassring.com/TGn...siteid=5040&Areq=3883BR#jobDetails=30326_5040)
• Akin Gump: TC rolling basis, VS probably rolling (https://www.akingump.com/en/careers/uk-students/how-to-apply.html)(see @macbeth's post below )
  
• Bird & Bird: Rolling (https://londongraduates.twobirds.com/faqs/)
• Clyde & Co: Rolling (https://www.instagram.com/p/CF9_tueJSLs/)
• CMS: Rolling (https://www.cmsearlytalent.com/faqs)
• Dentons: Rolling (https://challengers.dentons.com/uk-trainees/applications/applications-process/)
• FieldFisher: Rolling (https://www.fieldfisher.com/en/careers/graduates)
• Gibson Dunn: Rolling (https://www.gibsondunn.com/careers/law-students/)
• Hogan Lovells: Rolling (https://graduates.hoganlovells.com/page/vacation-schemes/)
• HFW: Rolling (http://www.training-contracts.com/Grad-Rec-Our-Recruitment-Process)
• Jones Day: Rolling (https://www.jonesdaycareers.com/en/...raduates-graduates-postgraduates/how-to-apply)
• Macfarlanes: Rolling (https://www.macfarlanes.com/join-us/trainee-solicitors/faqs/)
• Mayer Brown: Rolling basis (https://www.mayerbrownfutures.com/europe/faq/)
• Mishcon de Reya: Rolling (https://www.mishcon.com/graduates/faqs)
• Norton Rose: Rolling (https://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/en-gb/careers/graduates/apply/faq)
• Pennington Manches Cooper: Rolling (https://www.penningtonslaw.com/careers/trainee-lawyers/training-contract)
• Pinsent Masons: Rolling (https://graduate.pinsentmasons.com/your-route-into-law/vacation-placements/england/)
• Reed Smith: Rolling (https://www.reedsmith.com/en/careers/general/uk-faqs)
• Ropes & Gray: Rolling (https://www.ropesgray.com/en/legalhiring/Career-Opportunities/Trainee--Recruitment-London/FAQs)
• Simmons & Simmons: Rolling (https://www.simmons-simmons.com/en/graduates/faq)
• Skadden: Rolling (https://www.skadden.com/-/media/fil...ondon-graduate-page/carve-your-path.pdf?la=en)
• Slaughter & May: Rolling (https://www.slaughterandmay.com/careers/trainee-solicitors/work-experience-opportunities/)
• Taylor Wessing: Rolling (https://www.taylorwessing.com/en/careers/united-kingdom/students-and-graduates/graduates-faq)
• Weil: Rolling (https://ukrecruiting.weil.com/vacation-scheme)
• Wilkie Farr: Rolling (https://www.willkie.com/careers/london)

Non-rolling basis

• Ashurst: Non-rolling (https://www.ashurst.com/en/careers/students-and-graduates/uk/vacation-schemes/what-you-need-to-know/)
• Clifford Chance: Non-rolling (https://careers.cliffordchance.com/london/what-we-offer/training-contract.html)
• Covington & Burling: Non-rolling (https://www.cov.com/en/careers/lawyers/london-graduate-recruitment-programme/application-information)
• Davis Polk: Non-rolling (confirmed by @AidG)
  
• Eversheds Sutherland: Non-rolling (https://www.instagram.com/p/CFyvjXrpFBX/)
• Forsters: Non-rolling (http://graduates.forsters.co.uk/howtoapply.aspx)
• Freshfields: Non-rolling (https://ukgraduates.freshfields.com/faqs)
• Howard Kennedy: Non-rolling (https://www.howardkennedy.com/en/careers/trainees/trainee-faqs)
• HSF: Non-rolling (https://www.instagram.com/p/CFHyLw7JR5h/?igshid=1bm6vievzo38v)
• Linklaters: Non-rolling (https://careers.linklaters.com/en/early-careers/your-application)
• Milbank: Non-rolling (https://www.milbank.com/en/careers/london/index.html)
• Osborne Clarke: Non-rolling (https://futuretrainees.osborneclarke.com/insight/faqs/)
• Shearman & Sterling: Non-rolling (https://ukgraduates.shearman.com/application-information/faqs/)
• Trowers & Hamlins: Non-rolling (https://www.trowers.com/careers/students-and-graduates/training-contracts)
• Womble Bond Dickinson: Non-rolling (https://www.trainingcontract.com/apply/)

Mixture of rolling & non-rolling

• BCLP: Rolling except for Manchester & HK TCs, which are non-rolling (https://trainee.bclplaw.com/apply-now)
• DWF: ENG/SCO Non-Rolling (https://dwfgroup.com/en/careers/graduate-recruitment/faqs), NI/ROI Rolling
• Sidley Austin: VS Rolling, TC non-rolling (https://www.sidleycareers.com/en/europe/london-opportunities?tab=faqs)
• Travers Smith: Winter VS Rolling (https://www.traverssmith.com/join-us/graduate-recruitment/application-process/), Spring/Summer VS non-rolling (confirmed in email to @AidG)
  
• White & Case: Vac schemes on rolling basis, TC apps on non-rolling basis (https://www.whitecase.com/careers/locations/united-kingdom/students#application-assessment-process)

Obvious provisos:

• Check the links, don't just rely on me.
• Non-listed firms simply meant I could not easily find information about this year's recruitment process - so I didn't use tweets/law society brochures/job descriptions/TCLA posts from previous years, since some firms do change their stance on rolling/non rolling. On top of that, I only worked from the legalcheek list, so doubtless there are firms that I didn't check out because they were not on the list. I also didn't spend that long digging either, so if I couldn't quickly find a firm's policy on it, I just left them off the list.
  
• If a firm isn't listed, it's often worth sending them a message on Instagram if they have a recruitment page, which many seem to do. They often seem to be fairly receptive to questions asked in the comments on their posts.

 

[Daniel Boden]

Jaysen asked me to create a new thread with this list for better visibility:

• Akin Gump: TC rolling basis, unclear for VS (https://www.akingump.com/en/careers/uk-students/how-to-apply.html)
• A&O: Rolling basis (https://krb-sjobs.brassring.com/TGn...siteid=5040&Areq=3883BR#jobDetails=30326_5040)
• Ashurst: Non-rolling (https://www.ashurst.com/en/careers/students-and-graduates/uk/vacation-schemes/what-you-need-to-know/)
• BCLP: Rolling except for Manchester & HK TCs, which are non-rolling (https://trainee.bclplaw.com/apply-now)
• Bird & Bird: Rolling (https://londongraduates.twobirds.com/faqs/)
• Clifford Chance: Non-rolling (https://careers.cliffordchance.com/london/what-we-offer/training-contract.html)
• Clyde & Co: Rolling (https://www.instagram.com/p/CF9_tueJSLs/)
• CMS: Rolling (https://www.cmsearlytalent.com/faqs)
• Covington & Burling: (https://www.cov.com/en/careers/lawyers/london-graduate-recruitment-programme/application-information)
• Davis Polk: Rolling (https://www.facebook.com/uclpass.so...s-from-penultimate-or-final-/943800519346243/)
• Dentons: Rolling (https://challengers.dentons.com/uk-trainees/applications/applications-process/)
• DWF: ENG/SCO Non-Rolling (https://dwfgroup.com/en/careers/graduate-recruitment/faqs), NI/ROI Rolling
• Eversheds Sutherland: Non-rolling (https://www.instagram.com/p/CFyvjXrpFBX/)
• FieldFisher: Rolling (https://www.fieldfisher.com/en/careers/graduates)
• Forsters: Non-rolling (http://graduates.forsters.co.uk/howtoapply.aspx)
• Freshfields: Non-rolling (https://ukgraduates.freshfields.com/faqs)
• Gibson Dunn: Rolling (https://www.gibsondunn.com/careers/law-students/)
• Hogan Lovells: Rolling (https://graduates.hoganlovells.com/page/vacation-schemes/)
• HFW: Rolling (http://www.training-contracts.com/Grad-Rec-Our-Recruitment-Process)
• Howard Kennedy: Non-rolling (https://www.howardkennedy.com/en/careers/trainees/trainee-faqs)
• HSF: Non-rolling (https://www.instagram.com/p/CFHyLw7JR5h/?igshid=1bm6vievzo38v)
• Jones Day: Rolling (https://www.jonesdaycareers.com/en/...raduates-graduates-postgraduates/how-to-apply)
• Linklaters: Non-rolling (https://careers.linklaters.com/en/early-careers/your-application)
• Macfarlanes: Rolling (https://www.macfarlanes.com/join-us/trainee-solicitors/faqs/)
• Mayer Brown: Rolling basis (https://www.mayerbrownfutures.com/europe/faq/)
• Milbank: Non-rolling (https://www.milbank.com/en/careers/london/index.html)
• Mishcon de Reya: Rolling (https://www.mishcon.com/graduates/faqs)
• Norton Rose: Rolling (https://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/en-gb/careers/graduates/apply/faq)
• Osborne Clarke: Non-rolling (https://futuretrainees.osborneclarke.com/insight/faqs/)
• Pennington Manches Cooper: Rolling (https://www.penningtonslaw.com/careers/trainee-lawyers/training-contract)
• Pinsent Masons: Rolling (https://graduate.pinsentmasons.com/your-route-into-law/vacation-placements/england/)
• Reed Smith: Rolling (https://www.reedsmith.com/en/careers/general/uk-faqs)
• Ropes & Gray: Rolling (https://www.ropesgray.com/en/legalhiring/Career-Opportunities/Trainee--Recruitment-London/FAQs)
• Shearman & Sterling: Non-rolling (https://ukgraduates.shearman.com/application-information/faqs/)
• Sidley Austin: VS Rolling, TC non-rolling (https://www.sidleycareers.com/en/europe/london-opportunities?tab=faqs)
• Simmons & Simmons: Rolling (https://www.simmons-simmons.com/en/graduates/faq)
• Skadden: Rolling (https://www.skadden.com/-/media/fil...ondon-graduate-page/carve-your-path.pdf?la=en)
• Slaughter & May: Rolling (https://www.slaughterandmay.com/careers/trainee-solicitors/work-experience-opportunities/)
• Taylor Wessing: Rolling (https://www.taylorwessing.com/en/careers/united-kingdom/students-and-graduates/graduates-faq)
• Travers Smith: Rolling (https://www.traverssmith.com/join-us/graduate-recruitment/application-process/)
• Trowers & Hamlins: Non-rolling (https://www.trowers.com/careers/students-and-graduates/training-contracts)
• Weil: Rolling (https://ukrecruiting.weil.com/vacation-scheme)
• White & Case: Vac schemes on rolling basis, TC apps on non-rolling basis (https://www.whitecase.com/careers/locations/united-kingdom/students#application-assessment-process)
• Wilkie Farr: Rolling (https://www.willkie.com/careers/london)
• Womble Bond Dickinson: Non-rolling (https://www.trainingcontract.com/apply/)

Obvious provisos:

• Check the links, don't just rely on me.
• Non-listed firms simply meant I could not easily find information about this year's recruitment process - so I didn't use tweets/law society brochures/job descriptions/TCLA posts from previous years, since some firms do change their stance on rolling/non rolling. On top of that, I only worked from the legalcheek list, so doubtless there are firms that I didn't check out because they were not on the list. I also didn't spend that long digging either, so if I couldn't quickly find a firm's policy on it, i just left them off the list.
  
• If a firm isn't listed, it's often worth sending them a message on Instagram if they have a recruitment page, which many seem to do. They often seem to be fairly receptive to questions asked in the comments on their posts.

Hey @Adam Gilchrist,

Awesome work compiling this list! Just a suggestion, but it might be easier if you can group the rolling firms together and non-rolling firms together (or make the distinction a bit more obvious some other way)?

 

[Adam Gilchrist]

Hey @Adam Gilchrist,

Awesome work compiling this list! Just a suggestion, but it might be easier if you can group the rolling firms together and non-rolling firms together (or make the distinction a bit more obvious some other way)?

Good point, have re-organised it - thanks!

 

[hunter]

Forgive me for my ignorance, but what difference does it make for a firm to be rolling if their interviews/assessment centres are far out?
I understand that there are some firms that are rolling and open applications in September/October, but don't run their ACs or invite people to them until all at once in Feb/March time. Is it that they have limited spaces on these ACs and so the only bonus of applying early is to get a spot on one of these?

Some other firms seem to run several sets of AC/interview, and so you can gain a competitive edge by applying early and being interviewed before VS spots get filled up.

 

[AAA_a]

I received an email from Travers Smith confirming that they are non-rolling for Spring/Summer schemes. The rolling basis is for winter scheme only.

 

[AAA_a]

Also Davis Polk is non-rolling in London. The Facebook post on rolling basis is in relation to their vacation scheme in Hong Kong.

 

[WannabeSolicitor24]

Also Davis Polk is non-rolling in London. The Facebook post on rolling basis is in relation to their vacation scheme in Hong Kong.

I was having a look at Davis Polk but seems they only recruit from law students? I emailed them but no response. Is this your interpretation of the criteria/

 

[AAA_a]

I was having a look at Davis Polk but seems they only recruit from law students? I emailed them but no response. Is this your interpretation of the criteria/

No they take both law and non-law.

However I spoke to the recruiting partner on the open day, and he said because they take only 4 trainees per year, they tend to prefer law students because it is easier for them to assess their competence/commitment (something along the line), but non-law should nevertheless apply. From memory I think they have 2-3 non laws (out of a total 8 trainees) in any two cycles.

 

[AAA_a]

I was having a look at Davis Polk but seems they only recruit from law students? I emailed them but no response. Is this your interpretation of the criteria/

and that facebook link is for their Hong Kong vacation scheme only. Even for Hong Kong they take both law and non-law.

 

[Adam Gilchrist]

I received an email from Travers Smith confirming that they are non-rolling for Spring/Summer schemes. The rolling basis is for winter scheme only.

Thanks - have changed the info!.

 

[Deleted member 8599]

I've been invited for an Akin Gump WG for their VS, so it seems like they have rolling applications.

 

[JW]

Does anybody know if TLT vac scheme applications are on a rolling or non-rolling basis?

 

[SLKEJRWOI97]

Does anyone have any guidance on Lathams at all? I read somewhere in the forums that Latham VS is rolling but I'm super sure it's not. Would be good to get some confirmation if possible

 

[Jaysen]

Does anyone have any guidance on Lathams at all? I read somewhere in the forums that Latham VS is rolling but I'm super sure it's not. Would be good to get some confirmation if possible

The only thing I've found is from Chambers Student which indicates that the firm does not recruit on a rolling basis: https://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/latham-watkins/true-picture/234/1##bonus.

 

[Alice G]

Just to add to this - I am pretty sure when I was applying they were non-rolling, this may have changed but I haven't heard otherwise.

 

[hunter]

I was having a look at Davis Polk but seems they only recruit from law students? I emailed them but no response. Is this your interpretation of the criteria/

No they have changed their recruiting criterion this year. They now only accept applications from Law students.
There is a screenshot of an email from grad rec confirming this on another thread.
Don't bother wasting your time if you're a non-law student

Here we go:
https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....ht-events-applications-discussion.2731/page-8

 

[Penelope]

Does anyone know if Cleary VS is rolling?

 

[Deleted member 8599]

Does anyone know if Cleary VS is rolling?

It is.

 

[Penelope]

It is.

Thanks, where did you find that?

 

[Deleted member 8599]

Thanks, where did you find that?

They replied back to me 3 weeks after applying.