Welcome

Your next career opportunity awaits. Search to view our current Early Careers opportunities and apply for positions online.

Important: Please read the application process guide before applying so you understand the requirements and can submit a complete application. If you have any questions or difficulties during the application process please contact traineepost@penningtonslaw.com

Please note you will not be able to view or amend your application once submitted. Please ensure you save a local copy should you wish to review your application in the future
 

Vacation Scheme 2026/ Trainee Solicitor Programme 2028

If you apply to the Vacation Scheme in 2026, you will automatically be considered for the 2028 Trainee Solicitor Programme and do not need to make a separate application.

Direct applications to the 2028 Trainee Solicitor Programme are also accepted, with the application window open from 12th January to 27th March 2026.

You may apply to either the Winter or Summer Vacation Scheme, but not both. If you apply for the Winter Scheme and are unsuccessful, you can choose to be considered for the Summer Scheme by ticking the relevant checkbox in your application. Please note: candidates interested in joining the London office should apply to the Summer Vacation Scheme. The Winter Vacation Scheme is only available in our Birmingham, Oxford and Guildford offices.

If you wish to be considered for more than one office location, please apply to your first-choice location and indicate any additional preferences in your covering letter.

Vacation Scheme Application Deadlines

Winter Vacation Scheme 2025: 10th October 2025 

Summer Vacation Scheme 2026: 9th January 2026

EMpower Programme 2026

Aimed at those from a Black heritage or ethnic minority backgrounds who do not feel ready to participate in a vacation scheme, and would appreciate further insight and experience in advance. Find out more here.

Deadline: 9th January 2026

Limitless - work experience programme 2026

Aimed at students at sixth form/ college studying towards higher education such as your A-levels, BTEC, NVQ, International Baccalaureate or Scottish Highers - typically in year 12 or 13 (England and Wales) or S6 (Scotland). Find out more here.

Deadline: 9th January 2026

Team Specific Trainee Programme 2026 (Internal PMC Paralegal ONLY)

This programme is open to internal paralegals working at Penningtons Manches Cooper only.

Covering Letter

As part of your application you will be required to submit a covering letter (Max 500 words). The covering letter is an opportunity for you to tell us about:

- why you are applying for the team specific programme;

- why you are focusing on the specific team you wish to complete the training programme in;

- why you are keen to pursue this opportunity at PMC; 

- and the skills and experience you could bring to the team and wider firm in a trainee position.

Deadline: 27th March 2026