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Training contract deadlines 2026
Securing a training contract remains one of the most competitive steps on the path to qualifying as a solicitor. With application windows opening and closing throughout the year, keeping track of deadlines can be challenging, particularly when you’re applying to multiple firms or balancing applications alongside study or work commitments.
We've pulled together training contract deadlines for 2026, updated monthly, to help you stay organised and plan your applications strategically. We compile key dates from trusted legal careers sources, covering a wide range of firms and routes, including opportunities for non-law graduates.
Whether you’re at the early research stage or actively preparing applications, this hub is designed to give you a clear, reliable overview of upcoming deadlines so you can focus on strengthening your applications and putting your best foot forward.
We recommend checking back regularly, as deadlines and recruitment timelines can change.
March 2026
1 March
- Arnold & Porter LLP - to commence in 2028
- Machins Solicitors LLP - to commence in 2027
2 March
- Foot Anstey LLP - to commence in 2027
8 March
- Howard Kennedy - to commence in 2027
15 March
- Ashtons Legal LLP - to commence in 2026
16 March
- RPC - to commence in 2028
17 March
- Bevan Brittan LLP - to commence in 2028
27 March
- Ashurst LLP - to commence in 2028
- Farrer & Co LLP - to commence in 2028
- Stephenson Harwood LLP - to commence in 2028
28 March
- Payne Hicks Beach - to commence in 2027
29 March
- Broadfield - to commence in 2027
- Moore Barlow LLP - to commence in 2028
30 March
- B P Collins LLP - to commence in 2027
- King & Spalding - to commence in 2028
31 March
- Ashfords LLP - to commence in 2028
- Dentons - to commence in 2028
- Girlings Solicitors LLP - to commence in 2027
- Hogan Lovells - to commence in 2028
- Kingsley Napley LLP - to commence in 2028
- Laceys Solicitors LLP - to commence in 2028
- Mayer Brown International LLP - to commence in 2028
- Palmers - to commence in 2027
- Shoosmiths - to commence in 2028
The College's Careers Hub
Explore practical guidance on training contracts, Qualifying Work Experience, vacation schemes, networking and applications. Our Careers Hub brings together expert insights and actionable advice to help you plan strategically, strengthen your applications and take confident steps towards qualification.
Visit the Careers Hub
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Practical advice on gaining legal experience that counts from paralegal roles and vacation schemes to networking and Qualifying Work Experience. Featuring insights from practising solicitors and legal educators to help you strengthen your applications and build experience with purpose.
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Invited to an assessment centre? Here’s what to expect, from interviews and aptitude tests to group exercises, presentations and written tasks. We explain the key activities, the skills selectors are assessing, and share practical tips to help you prepare strategically, perform confidently, and make a strong impression at every stage.
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