Training Contracts

We pride ourselves on our broad and comprehensive training programme. You will have a regular training schedule. Drawing upon the experience and teaching abilities of our partners, associates and qualified external consultants, we also offer weekly training seminars, workshops and updates for associates at all levels and across our practice areas. In addition, training is offered in-house, as well as by external speakers who introduce online research tools and other professional services. Trainees also are invited to attend practice area discussions about current practice-specific developments, such as new legislation and court decisions.

Shortly after qualifying, associates attend Skadden’s firm-wide retreat in New York to participate in an intensive four-day program (with associates in the U.S. and German offices) that provides business and legal skills training.

Skadden maintains an arrangement with BPP Law School for our prospective trainees to study the PGDL and the SQE, which means our trainees are assured places, have access to a high standard of teaching and receive the benefit of studying together. During the courses, our future trainees are kept up to date with developments in the London office and invited to office-wide events. From the moment you accept a Training Contract offer at the firm you become a part of the Skadden family. We seek to ensure that our trainees are ready to hit the ground running in their first seats.

Skadden pays for the PGDL and SQE course and exam fees and provides a maintenance grant of £12,500 for the duration of the PGDL and £15,000 for the duration of the SQE. 

Skadden provides a highly competitive salary and benefits package that is subject to regular review. The package includes:

• First-year salary rate: £58,000; second-year salary rate: £63,000    
• Discretionary year-end bonus    
• 25 days holiday per calendar year    
• Technology allowance    
• Health insurance    
• Life insurance   
• Disability insurance    
• Private medical insurance
• Travel insurance
• Cycle scheme
• Interest-free season ticket loan for rail travel
• Gym allowance up to £500
• Newly qualified associates currently receive a salary of £165,000, plus discretionary year-end bonus.

Click here for an online application

The application window opens on 1 September 2022. The deadline for applications is 15 December 2022.

Please note that most of our correspondence will be via the email address you provide in your application. You should have regular access to this email account or log into your Skadden application form with your username and password to receive any correspondence.

Once you have submitted your application, you will get an acknowledgement that we have received it. Shortly after the closing date for new applications, we will inform you whether you have been selected for a telephone interview. Assessment days will follow the telephone interviews and consist of a panel interview, a case-study exercise and a group exercise.