How to join the team

Step one

– apply for the Vacation Scheme Programme

Step two

– attend one of our Open Days in April 2026

Step three

– join our Vacation Scheme week in June/July 2026

Apply for the Vacation Scheme and Training Contract via the online application form. Apply well in advance to ensure you secure your place on the Vacation Scheme Programme.

Applications for training contracts commencing in Autumn 2028 are open on Thursday 20 November 2025 and close on Monday 16 February 2026.

An application for a training contract at Teacher Stern, involves applying for our Vacation Scheme Programme too. Participants will be taking part in this programme with a view to securing a training contract to join the Firm, two years later.

Vacation Scheme Programme

Participation on the programme will not only give you the opportunity to come and meet us in person, but it will enable you to get an inside look at what it would be like to train and work at Teacher Stern.

It is always recommended you attend a Vacation Scheme Programme as it will increase your chances of securing a training contract with us.

“I feel the vacation scheme gave the firm a good chance to get to know me beyond what was written on my CV. Each of the assessments involved a different skill while I was also able to do some work on “real” cases as I was sitting in the dispute resolution department. There were also plenty of social events where I got to speak to everyone from trainees to partners about work and life at the firm.” – Former Summer Vacation Scheme Student.

How it works

Each summer, usually during June and July, we carry out two separate four-day-long Vacation Scheme Programmes. Each programme is attended by up to eight potential new trainee solicitors.

During the week, potential trainees will spend time in one of our core departments: Corporate, Commercial, Employment, Real Estate, and Dispute Resolution, and will have the opportunity to experience life as a trainee solicitor.

During the week, you will:

Get a feel and understanding for the work the department does
Be able to take the opportunity to interact with other departments
Learn how our departments interact on deals and transactions
Be able to ask questions to partners and fee earners
Assess whether we really are the right firm for you.

During the week, you will also part take in a series of group exercises, interviews and assessments.

Don’t worry, it’s not all work and no play! There will also be a series of informal lunches and evenings out with our current trainees and other members of our trainee recruitment team.

The week will then end with a formal interview with a partner and a member of recruitment team.

Have you read our requirements for joining the team before applying?

Enquires

We are always pleased to receive enquiries from people who are interested in talking to us about training contracts.

As flexible and entrepreneurial employers, we see all such correspondence as a potential opportunity for both of us. If you have any queries about trainee recruitment or any of our trainee programmes, please contact Rebecca Blake, r.blake@teacherstern.com.

Applications for training contracts, however, can only be made using the online application process on this website. In order to apply for a training contract, please complete and submit the required Electronic Application Form.