Please find below answers to some frequently asked questions in relation to our:
When is your next trainee intake?
We are currently recruiting trainees to commence with us in August 2026.
Do you have any places left to commence in 2024?
There are no places left in 2025.
Who can apply?
We welcome applications from both law and non-law students. We also welcome applications from other relevant postgraduates.
Do you consider mature age applicants?
Yes, we encourage applicants of all ages.
Do you accept applications from candidates who need a work permit?
Yes, we do accept applications from candidates who need a work permit and should your application be successful, we will arrange the work permit for you. However, your offer will be conditional upon us being able to gain approval from the UK Border Agency for your work permit.
When should I apply?
2026 Intake - The application process will be open on 1 November 2023. Apply via our website.
How do I apply?
Applications should be submitted via our website (http://www.cvmailuk.com/klgates/). We use cvMail (https://fsr.cvmailuk.com/klgatesuk) as our supplier, so if you are already registered with them you will not need to re-input all your personal details. You can also request a paper application form from trainee.recruitment@klgates.com.
What grades do I need?
You will need to have achieved or be predicting a 2:1 degree and have 128 UCAS points or the relevant academic equivalent.
Do you accept General Studies A-Level?
We do not accept a General Studies A-Level as part of the 128 UCAS point requirement, but all other subjects are accepted.
Will my application be considered if I do not have a 2:1 degree and 128 UCAS points?
If there are mitigating circumstances and documented reasons (i.e. illness backed up by medical certificates) please refer to this in your application. In such circumstances we will take account of these factors when considering your application.
What form will the recruitment process take?
Successful applicants will be invited to attend one of our assessment days where you will take part in a group exercise, a swift analysis test, critical reasoning test and a written test. If successful you will be invited back in for an interview and individual exercise—the final part of the process.
When will interviews take place?
Students will be assessed in August 2024.
How soon after the interview will I know the outcome?
We advise you of the outcome as soon as possible, generally within 7-10 days.
How many trainees do you recruit each year?
We usually recruit up to six trainees.
If I am not successful in obtaining an interview when will I know?
Unsuccessful candidates will be advised following the application closing date of 31 July 2024—generally we let you know by the end of September 2024.
Do you consider non-law students for Period of Recognised Training?
Yes. On average, approximately 40% of our trainees have not studied law as a degree.
Can I apply for a Period of Recognised Training if I do not fall into either category of penultimate year student or final year student?
Yes. We welcome applications from those who have decided to apply for a Period of Recognised Training later than usual.
Do I need to apply separately for the Legal Work Placement and a Period of Recognised Training?
Yes you will need to submit two separate applications. cvMail, however, will store your personal and academic profile so your second application will be quicker to complete.
Is non-law work experience relevant to my application?
Yes. All work experience is of relevance and should be included in your application.
Are trainees given regular feedback on their performance?
Yes. You will be appraised every three months during your Period of Recognised Training, giving you plenty of opportunity to gain feedback and raise any issues. You will also be allocated a mentor throughout your contract.
Is there any opportunity for involvement with pro bono or community work?
Yes. The majority of trainees become involved in the firm's Pro Bono
initiatives and work as volunteers at the Battersea Legal Aid Advice Centre.
How many trainees are retained after qualification?
We like to invest a great deal in recruiting and training our trainees because we hope they will develop a long and successful career with us. Therefore, we always prefer to retain our trainees.
What training and career opportunities are available after qualification?
We have a formal career development and mentoring scheme.
Do you involve trainees in business development?
You are positively encouraged to be involved in some of the many marketing and business development events we hold throughout the year to develop client relationships.
Will I have the opportunity to train as a solicitor advocate?
Those qualifying into Dispute Resolution are encouraged to take Higher Rights.
How much choice do I have as to which seats I do?
We aim to give you as much choice as possible, however, trainees will have seats within core areas such as corporate, dispute resolution and real estate.
What is the K&L Gates Legal Work Placement?
Our Legal Work Placement is your opportunity for an inside view of what it is like to work at K&L Gates. It will also provide a general insight into the work of a contemporary, international law firm. During the two weeks you will sit in at least two departments and wherever possible we will allocate you to a seat of your choice. You will also participate in a programme of events and outings.
When is your Legal Work Placement?
We run a single two week Legal Work Placement during June and July each year.
Who can apply?
The scheme is open to law students and non-law students. Applications from post-graduates seeking a Period of Recognised Training are also welcome.
What is the deadline for applications?
31 January 2024.
Will I be required to attend an interview?
Yes. You will be required to attend an interview in March 2024.
When will I know if I have been successful?
We will inform you by early April 2024.
How many positions are there on the 2024 Legal Work Placement?
There are 10 positions.
Do you hold Easter or Christmas Placements?
No, currently we only run a summer Legal Work Placement in June and July.
What grades do I need?
You will need to have achieved or be predicting a 2:1 degree and have 128 UCAS points or the relevant academic equivalent. We will consider mitigating circumstances where relevant.
What are Open Days?
Open Days are an opportunity for you to visit the firm and will enable you to make a more informed choice as to whether you could see yourself working here. During the day there will be presentations and the opportunity to speak to current trainees, you will find out more about the firm's practice areas, the culture of the firm, qualities, and attributes we seek in future trainees and information on how to master assessment centres. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a simulated group exercise and critical reasoning test.
How to apply?
Complete an application form for either our Legal Work Placement or Period of Recognised Training. On the form indicate that you are interested in attending an Open Day. You will then be contacted if an Open Day place is available.
When are the Open Days?
Open Days will be held in January, April, and May.
Who can I contact for further advice or information on your Period of Recognised Training, Legal Work Placement or Open Days?
For further information on our Period of Recognised Training, Legal Work Placement or Open Days please email queries to trainee.recruitment@klgates.com and we will respond promptly. Alternatively, contact Hayley Atherton, Recruiting Manager, on 020 7648 9000.
We sponsor the LPC and the SQE.
If you have any questions relating to the SQE please contact us via trainee.recruitment@klgates.com.
