London Careers

 

How do I apply for a Vacation Scheme and a Training Contract?

Please complete an online application form here: London Careers

You will be asked to apply for either a spring or a summer Vacation Scheme and to indicate whether you are interested in the Traditional or Leveraged Finance Training Contract. At the end of the Vacation Scheme, you will automatically be considered for a Training Contract, and you will be asked to commit to a Traditional or a Leveraged Finance Training Contract at that point.

We are currently recruiting for training contracts to commence in September 2028.

You can also use the application form to apply for our 1^st Year Open Day.

The deadlines for applications are:

• 1^st Year Open Day: 11 December 2025
• Spring and Summer Vacation Scheme: 31 December 2025

What are the dates of your Vacation Schemes?

Spring Vacation Scheme: Monday 13 April to Friday 17 April 2026

Summer Vacation Scheme: Monday 29 June to Friday 10 July 2026

We offer places on both schemes to penultimate year Law undergraduates, all final year undergraduates (both law and non-law), all graduates, post-graduates and career changers.

How much will I be paid for the Vacation Scheme?

We pay £550 per week.

What are your academic criteria?

Our recruits have exceptional academic grades. We consider candidates who have graduated with a 2.1 or first. We recognise mitigating circumstances and take a case-by-case basis approach for each candidate.

I have missed the deadline for the Vacation Scheme. Can I still apply for a Training Contract this year?

We do not consider applications submitted beyond the deadline. Our application link will close, and we do not accept direct applications via email. If you are unable to submit an application via our AllHires system, please contact the graduate recruitment team prior to the deadline advertised.

I require adjustments due to disability; can you accommodate these?

We will make reasonable adjustments to a candidate’s individual requirements. Please contact us to discuss in confidence.

Can I apply directly for a Training Contract?

We do not accept direct Training Contract applications. The best way for you to decide if Milbank is the right firm for you is to complete a Vacation Scheme. All applicants will attend either a spring or summer Vacation Scheme.

I submitted my application form, but I have not heard from you. Have I been unsuccessful?

You should receive an acknowledgement email after you have submitted your application form.  If you do not receive an acknowledgement email, please contact our recruitment team.

Will you cover my costs incurred to attend assessment centres?

We reimburse reasonable travel expenses if you are invited to attend the Open Days and Assessment Centres. Travel expenses are capped at £100.

What do I do if I am unsuccessful during the application process? Can I apply next year?

If you are unsuccessful, you will not be able to reapply during the same application period. However, you are welcome to reapply during the following year if you feel you have considerable additional achievements that might help your application be successful on the second round.

I would like to study for a postgraduate qualification or master's degree such as an LLM or the New York Bar. Will this give me an advantage for my application?

Choosing to study for a postgraduate course is a personal choice and we encourage you to pursue your academic goals and interests. However, it does not give you a strategic advantage over other applicants who have not done so. Undertaking a postgraduate course and achieving a high grade will not mitigate for falling below our criteria for Vacation Scheme applications and ultimately for securing a Training Contract.

Do you pay a maintenance grant?

Yes, we will cover your law school tuition fees, and we pay future trainees a £20,000 maintenance grant to undertake the SQE full time at our preferred provider University of Law.

Do you provide sponsorship for the SQE?

Yes. In addition to the above maintenance grant you will study for the SQE at The University of Law as part of the future Milbank trainee cohort which includes various connection points both with the law school and the firm during the SQE (mentoring/regular catch-ups with our Recruitment and Professional Development Team).

I have already completed the GDL/LPC/SQE – will you reimburse me for the tuition fees and pay the maintenance grant retrospectively?

We will pay law school fees to future trainees who are offered a Training Contract and accept the offer before commencing the SQE or have commenced the SQE in the same academic year as our hiring year. We do not pay maintenance grant fees retrospectively.

Will I have any contact with the firm between accepting my offer and starting a Training Contract?

You will have regular contact with the firm through one-to-one catch ups, progress updates, firm updates and invitations to social events. We encourage you to contact us anytime if there is something you want to discuss.

How many trainees do you take on?

We aim to hire approximately 15/16 trainees per year in total across both the Traditional and Leveraged Finance tracks.

How many trainee intakes do you have?

One. Our trainee intakes commence Training Contracts in September every year.

What is the starting salary for trainees?

We pay first-year trainees £65,000 and second-year trainees £70,000.

Can I choose which seats to rotate through during my Training Contract?

Yes, depending on which Training Contract you pursue.

Traditional Track:

• We operate a four-seat, six-month, rotational system. We have seats available in many different specialisations across the London office practice groups. We will ask you for your preferences as we plan ahead for seat rotations. We do our best to accommodate your preferences in order to tailor your Training Contract to your overall career goals. The business needs of the firm will take priority during the rotation planning however we collaborate with our trainees as closely as possible to meet their preferences.

Leveraged Finance Track:

• You will spend 12-18 months sitting in a Leveraged Finance seat, with at least one seat in another practice area, with your goal to qualify into the Leveraged Finance group.

What secondment opportunities are available?

We currently do not offer an international seat, but we have an option of secondments available once you have qualified. Prior trainees have had the chance to complete secondments post-qualification to New York, Germany and Singapore. Client secondments are based on current business needs of the firm.

Can I get involved in pro bono as a trainee at Milbank?

Yes! Trainees are encouraged to do pro bono work, and we encourage you to commit at least 20 hours a year. Pro bono matters will help to develop and enhance your skills as a trainee solicitor through a broad spectrum of tasks.

Will I be made an offer to qualify after my Training Contract expires?

We aim to hire all trainees upon completion of your Training Contract.

I have heard that Milbank has a close relationship with Harvard Law School. How will that impact on my training as a lawyer once I have qualified?

Four years after your qualification, you will have the opportunity to join your class peers from around the world and gather in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for our exclusive Milbank@Harvard programme. Our programme offers a comprehensive curriculum across three modules taking place from fourth year through to sixth year Post Qualified Experience (PQE). You will develop your professional skills across an array of legal and business areas including, and not limited to, leadership, negotiations, macroeconomics, corporate strategy, accounting, marketing and finance.

I am not 100% sure at this stage if I want to be a Leveraged Finance lawyer. Can I still be considered for a Leveraged Finance Training Contract if I don’t participate in the Leveraged Finance track Vacation Scheme?

Yes. You will be asked in your Vacation Scheme application if you’re interested in the Traditional or Leveraged Finance track. You may still be able to get insight into Leveraged Finance and gain experience with the team through the Traditional track.

You will be expected to commit to the Leveraged Finance Training Contract pathway during the interview process for a Training Contract, which will take place towards the end of your Vacation Scheme experience.