Application FAQs
General FAQs
When do applications open for the 2027 Vacation Schemes?
Applications are now closed for our 2026 Summer Vacation Schemes. Applications for our 2027 Vacation Schemes will open in September 2026.
When are your Open Days?
As part of Taster Week, taking place between Oct. 12–15, we will be running a series of Open Days and skills sessions. To attend one of these events, you need to be in the first year of your degree or beyond. Applications open on September 1, 2026.
I am a first-year student, how can I meet the firm?
Our First Year Insight Day will take place in June 2027. To apply, you'll need to be in the first year of any degree. Applications open in February 2027.
I didn't achieve both a 2:1 and AAB, is it worth me applying?
We do accept mitigating circumstances so if this is the case, please clearly explain why you didn't achieve the marks you were expecting so we are able to take this evidence into consideration. We'll also review your grades via Rare Recruitment's Contextual Recruitment System, which enables us to view your performance and grades in context.
We read each application form fully before making a decision, so we advise candidates who may not have performed as well as they had hoped to academically to highlight their motivation, skill set, and attitude to succeed in their application.
When do you hold your assessment days?
We will be holding assessment days between January and March in London.
I'm a career changer, can I apply?
We welcome applications from candidates from a variety of experiences and backgrounds, from undergraduate level to those who have embarked on a career before their entry into law. Different career backgrounds bring different interests and skill sets, enhancing and diversifying the service we provide to our clients.
Can I apply to more than one Vacation Scheme?
You can only apply to one scheme per academic year.
I am an international student, am I eligible to apply?
As a transatlantic law firm, we are able to sponsor work visas.
We welcome applications from international students and appreciate that academic equivalents are not always easy to calculate.
Therefore, we advise candidates to complete the academic achievement section on the application form with as much detail as possible as this enables us to benchmark this appropriately. We pay particular attention to ensuring fairness in all our recruitment processes so we will be in touch directly with any questions we have.
What are the eligibility criteria to apply for the Vacation Schemes?
To be able to apply for our Vacation Schemes, you'll need to be in the penultimate year of your degree or beyond.
Regarding academic ability, we do look for AAB at A-level and a 2:1 in any degree discipline.
If you do not meet the AAB requirement but are able to demonstrate strong academic performance elsewhere and have the motivation, skill set, and attitude to succeed, please reach out to one of the team to discuss your application.
We want to recruit top talent for our relatively small intake, and we know that academics aren’t the only measure of success and appreciate diversity of experience. We do not automatically reject applications based on academics and screen the whole application form before making a decision.
Therefore, we will review your performance across all areas of the form before making a decision, for example; interests and achievements, work experience, overall communication, and answers to commercial and career-focused questions.
I don't have any legal work experience, am I at a disadvantage?
Relevant experience is helpful, but we recognize that everyone has to start somewhere, so don't worry if you haven't worked in a law firm previously. Ensure you include other experiences that can support your motivation to work in law, i.e. attending Open Days to show your commitment to a career in law.
Do you recruit on a rolling basis?
We screen applications on a rolling basis, but all of our assessment days are organized after the deadline to ensure all applicants have the opportunity to apply. We do encourage applicants to submit their application ahead of the deadline.
When are your Vacation Schemes held?
The dates of the schemes for 2027 are:
April 5–April 16, 2027 (Spring – London)
June 21–July 2, 2027 (Summer – London)
Are you able to make adjustments to the recruitment process?
We are a disability-confident organization. As part of our wider diversity and inclusion strategy, we ensure all candidates are supported and able to perform at their best throughout the recruitment process. If you require support during the recruitment process, please feel free to get in touch with the Early Talent Team to discuss your situation.
If offered a training contract, which qualification route will I follow?
All sponsored future joiners will complete the PGDL, if they do not have a law degree, and the SQE through the University of Law. This will involve the SQE1&2 preparation courses, along with a bespoke SQE Plus program, including a firm-specific project. We will pay for any tuition fees during this period, as well as a maintenance grant.
Can I apply for a Vacation Scheme in Cambridge?
Applications are now closed for our 2026 Cambridge Vacation Scheme. For those seeking a training contract to commence in 2030, applications will open in September 2027.
Solicitor Apprenticeship Program
When do applications open for the 2027 Solicitor Apprenticeship Program?
Applications are now closed for our 2026 Solicitor Apprenticeship Program. Applications will open in January 2027.
Who can apply to the Solicitor Apprenticeship Program?
We look for individuals who are on track for a minimum of AAB (or equivalent) in their A-levels and have a minimum of seven GCSEs at grade 7 and above, including at least a grade 7 in Maths and English.
How can I find out more about Winston Taylor and the program?
We'll be hosting online and in-person Solicitor Apprenticeship Program Open Evenings in February 2027. Registration will open October 1, 2026.
I didn't achieve the minimum grade requirements, is it worth me applying?
We do accept mitigating circumstances, so if this is the case, please clearly explain why you didn't achieve the grades you were expecting so we're able to take this evidence into consideration. We can also understand your grades via Rare's Contextual Recruitment System, which enables us to view your performance and grades in context.
When does your Solicitor Apprenticeship Program begin?
We'll be holding our next assessment days in April 2027 for a September 2027 start date.
I have already completed my degree, can I apply?
Unfortunately not. This program is only open to those who haven't commenced or completed an undergraduate degree.
If offered a solicitor apprenticeship, which qualification route will I follow?
All solicitor apprentices will complete the LLB (Hons) law degree, and the SQE through the University of Law. We'll pay for any tuition fees during this period, as well as a salary.
Dublin opportunities
When do applications open for the 2027 Internship?
Applications are now closed for our 2026 Internship. Applications for our 2027 Internship will open September 1, 2026.
When are your Open Days?
We will be hosting an Open Day in our Dublin office in October 2026. Applications open on September 1, 2026.
When do you host your interviews?
We will be undertaking interviews in December and January.
I'm a career changer, can I apply?
We welcome applications from candidates from a variety of experiences and backgrounds, from undergraduate level to those who have embarked on a career before their entry into law. Different career backgrounds bring different interests and skill sets, enhancing and diversifying the service we provide to our clients.
What are the eligibility criteria to apply for the Internship?
Regarding academic ability, we do look for 480 points (or equivalent) in your Irish Leaving Certificate and a 2:1 in any degree discipline. If you do not meet the requirements but are able to demonstrate strong academic performance elsewhere and have the motivation, skill set, and attitude to succeed, please reach out to one of the team to discuss your application.
We want to recruit top talent for our relatively small intake, and we know that academics aren’t the only measure of success and appreciate diversity of experience. We do not automatically reject applications based on academics and screen the whole application form before making a decision.
Therefore, we will review your performance across all areas of the form before making a decision, for example; interests and achievements, work experience, overall communication, and answers to commercial and career-focused questions.
I don't have any legal work experience, am I at a disadvantage?
Relevant experience is helpful, but we recognize that everyone has to start somewhere, so don't worry if you haven't worked in a law firm previously. Ensure you include other experiences that can support your motivation to work in law, i.e. attending Open Days to show your commitment to a career in law.
Do you recruit on a rolling basis?
We screen applications on a rolling basis, but all of our interviews are organized after the deadline to ensure all applicants have the opportunity to apply. We do encourage applicants to submit their application ahead of the deadline.
When is your internship held?
The dates of the internship for 2027 are:
May 24–June 18, 2027
Are you able to make adjustments to the recruitment process?
We are a disability-confident organization. As part of our wider diversity and inclusion strategy, we ensure all candidates are supported and able to perform at their best throughout the recruitment process. If you require support during the recruitment process, please feel free to get in touch with the Early Talent Team to discuss.
If offered a training contract, which qualification route will I follow?
All sponsored future joiners will need to have successfully completed all FE1 Examinations before their start date. You will undertake the Professional Practice Course (PPC) at Blackhall, along with 24 months' work experience.
Attorney advertising. The information contained herein is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal advice. Winston Taylor N.V. and WS SELAS are part of the Winston Taylor network as separate legal entities operating from its offices in the Netherlands and Belgium and France, respectively. Further information on Winston Taylor can be found on our regulatory page at: www.winstontaylor.com. Winston Taylor LLP Headquarters: 300 N. LaSalle Drive Chicago, IL 60654-3406. Phone: +1 (312) 558-5600.
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