FAQs

Where can I apply?

Applications have closed for this year.

Do I need to have studied law to apply? No, we look at all applications from all degree disciplines. This is for anyone in 3rd year onwards.

I don’t have any legal work experience. Is it still worth applying?

Absolutely, you do not need to have legal work experience to apply, all work experience e.g. hospitality or retail is relevant, and these soft skills are all transferable.

How do I differentiate myself on my application form?

Be clear and concise on your application form. It is important to think about what a corporate law firm would like to see on your application. Make sure to let us know your interests, hobbies and skills. We want to get to know the real you!

What is the application process?

You must complete our online application form, upload your CV and cover letter. Once you submit your application you will receive a link to complete our Watson Glaser test, it is always recommended to practice this first.

What should I include in my cover letter?

Your cover letter should include your background (academic, hobbies and interests), why you have chosen a career in law and why you want to train in Arthur Cox.

Do I need to complete my FE1 exams before I can apply?

It is not a requirement to have completed your FE1 exams in order to apply for a trainee position.

What intakes are you currently recruiting for?

We want to hire trainees who are determined and eager to learn, therefore we welcome applications for all years. We are particularly interested in candidates who are ready to start in 2025 onwards.

What is the interview process?

We have a group interview first and then, if successful, you will complete an individual interview. These typically take place in the same week.

Will Arthur Cox pay the fees for the Law Society’s Professional Practice courses? Yes, Arthur Cox pays the fees for Professional Practice courses. We also reimburse you for all 8 FE1 exams.

Arthur Cox is now an accredited provider for Advanced Electives, what does this mean for a trainee? Yes, we have been granted the status of Accredited External Provider of Advanced Electives. You can find out more about the benefits of our Advanced Electives programme here.

What kind of exam support does a trainee receive?

We have our dedicated KL&D team who work closely with the trainee team to ensure the firm is providing trainees with exceptional training and development. We focus on a number of core skill areas including practice management skills, technical skills, self and time management skills.

Is there a good social life for a trainee in Arthur Cox?

Having a good social life is very important to us. Our trainees organise various events throughout the year which range from the trainee weekend away, the firm’s Summer and Christmas parties and many more social events. You will also have lots of Practice Group events to get to know your teams.

We also have a wide range of sports and social committees ranging from our choir to our tag rugby team. All of this combined is a great way to get to know your colleagues and make lifelong friends. Follow on us Instagram to learn more about life at Arthur Cox!

Trainees seated at a large boardroom table

What would be your top tip for someone completing their application?

"Don’t shy away from leveraging your extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities give us an insight into who you are as a person, it helps us to know how well you’d fit into the culture of our firm, it provides information on your interpersonal skills and demonstrates first hand your ability to communicate as well as your ability to work with people."

Grace Oladipo, 2024 Intake

Three trainees chatting in the window of a cafe

Do you enjoy the rotations between Practice Groups?

"I do really enjoy the rotations; I think the ability to rotate between various teams within the firm is one of the most attractive parts of the Trainee Programme. You get the opportunity to gain experience working in a variety of different areas of law. When you qualify, these experiences will stand to you and the rotations give you a chance to see what area of law you might want to work in as a lawyer."

Andrew Murphy, 2023 Intake