Training Contract 2026/27 and Vacation Scheme 2025 - Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe

Application deadlines

Vacation scheme route 31 January 2025

Training Contract only route 30 April 2025

If you are excited by the idea of practicing international law, but crave the teamwork, mentoring and direct client contact that a smaller office offers, we may be the firm for you. Our lawyers in London work closely with our teams in markets worldwide, from Paris to New York, Silicon Valley to Shanghai. 

Whether you’re looking to start your law career or join us from another firm, our London office offers a dynamic, collaborative environment. We offer a comprehensive training program, including academies focused on developing business skills as you advance. And we will ensure you connect with mentors and have opportunities to make a social impact through a world-renowned pro-bono programme.

Our Training Program

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR 

We look for individuals who want a high level of responsibility from day one, enjoy working in teams, are great at building relationships, have the grit and determination to persevere and find innovation and change exciting.  Inspire us with your diverse backgrounds and interests, and tell us about the life experiences and perspectives that shape your worldview. We welcome bright, talented graduates of any discipline who are looking for a firm offering a broad-based training contract. Applicants should have or be on track to achieve a 2:1 (or above) degree in any discipline. 

VACATION SCHEME ROUTE 

The primary route to applying for a training contract with us is to apply for a space on our summer vacation scheme programme. Our vacation scheme offers participants an opportunity to see the London office of a U.S. law firm in action and get an insight into what life as a trainee would be like here. During the two-week scheme you’ll spend time in two practice groups, working on real work alongside our trainees, associates and partners. There will also be a variety of social opportunities and events throughout the scheme, giving you an opportunity to really get to know our team. Candidates can also expect to attend various training sessions and workshops and they will be assessed for a training contract via a structured interview, a written exercise, a research task and a group presentation (please note, the assessment process is subject to change). 

TRAINING CONTRACT ONLY ROUTE 

We also offer a direct training contract application route, designed primarily for those who are unable to complete a vacation scheme with us. This is part of our commitment to ensuring equal access to our opportunities – we recognise that not all our applicants will be able to attend a vacation scheme with us. 

COMPENSATION AND SPONSORSHIP 

Trainee salaries currently start at £55,000 for the first year, rising to £60,000 in your second year. Our NQ salary is currently £140,000. We also offer a competitive benefits package and a dedicated wellness programme in London, including firm yoga classes, and a variety of global and local mental health initiatives. Our trainees will study a bespoke course to prepare for the SQE, and we will also provide a maintenance grant of £1,000 per  month for the study period.