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NEW: Training Contracts Deadline Thread 2026-27

Abbie Whitlock

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Sep 11, 2025
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Hi all!

With the application season for Training Contracts upon us, I have created this thread to track the deadlines for different law firms. Below, you will find a list of firms that have applications currently open, including their closing date. Please feel free to drop any suggestions below to better utilise this thread!

It is worth noting that many firms have varying training contract start dates, ranging from 2027, 2028, and 2029. For more information, click on the specific link in each row to be directed to a law firm's graduate recruitment page.

Good luck in your application and please keep us posted on your progress!

(This list is dynamic and will be updated as firms release their application windows) LAST EDITED: Wednesday 8th April, 2026

Training Contract Deadlines 2026/27:

Specific Dates Released

Closing DateFirm NameRolling/Non-Rolling
27 March 2026Farrer & CoNon-Rolling CLOSED
27 March 2026AshurstNon-Rolling CLOSED
27 March 2026PenningtonsTBC CLOSED
27 March 2026Stephenson HarwoodTBC CLOSED
28 March 2026Payne Hicks BeachTBC CLOSED
29 March 2026Moore BarlowTBC CLOSED
29 March 2026BP CollinsTBC CLOSED
30 March 2026King & SpaldingTBC CLOSED
31 March 2026AshfordsNon-Rolling CLOSED
31 March 2026Mayer BrownTBC CLOSED
31 March 2026Kingsley NapleyTBC CLOSED
31 March 2026ShoosmithsTBC CLOSED
1 April 2026Baker McKenzieTBC CLOSED
3 April 2026Bates WellsRolling CLOSED
30 April 2026OrrickRolling
30 April 2026Ward HadawayTBC
1 May 2026Myerson SolicitorsTBC
1 May 2026Wedlake BellTBC
10 May 2026White & CaseNon-Rolling
22 May 2026Fried FrankTBC
22 May 2026WigginTBC
24 May 2026Watson Farley & WilliamsTBC
31 May 2026BCLPTBC
31 May 2026Blandy & Blandy LLPTBC
31 May 2026Field Seymour Parkes TBC
31 May 2026TLTNon-Rolling
12 June 2026Sullivan & CromwellRolling
14 June 2026Boodle HatfieldNon-Rolling
19 June 2026Morgan LewisTBC
22 June 2026RPCTBC
26 June 2026MacfarlanesRolling
30 June 2026Paul HastingsNon-Rolling
16 July 2026HFWRolling
31 July 2026K&L GatesTBC
31 July 2026Walker MorrisTBC
31 August 2026Davis Blank Furniss LLPTBC
 
Last edited:
Can you help me with how I can explain my mitigating circumstances to White and Case?
Hi!

When it comes to mitigating circumstances, it is really about providing context so that your application is read fairly in light of those circumstances. You don't need to overthink the tone or content too much - I would aim to be clear and factual, rather than overly detailed or emotive.

It is usually best to briefly outline what happened (in neutral terms), the explain the impact that it had on your academic performance / work performance. I would try not to go into too much personal detail, as the focus should be on how your performance was affected as a result of the circumstances. It also helps to highlight what your typical level of performance looks like, so the reader can see that the affected results aren't fully representative.

You could include a forward-looking point at the end, such as how things have improved or what you have taken from the experience, as this can show resilience and self-awareness. However, I wouldn't say that this is necessary, and I would focus on providing context to the graduate recruitment team so they can see that your grades/performance over that period isn't reflective of your overall performance.

I hope that helps - if you have any further queries in the future, I'd pop them in the Direct Training Contract or Vacation Scheme Discussion thread rather than here (as this is the deadlines thread), as other forum users might be able to assist too! :)
 

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