Jones Day

Training Contracts at Jones Day

Top US firms normally take their pick of the academic elite; however, Jones Day sees past the CV – its primary focus is on finding capable trainees with character and personality, who can also hold their own when faced with clients. Due to the nature of the training contract at Jones Day, trainees need ‘to take initiative and approach lawyers for work’; therefore ‘being personable is the most important attribute’ according to current trainees. That said, a solid academic record is still important – ‘a 2:1 at degree level is the norm, though many have first class degrees’.

Jones Day London office

Jones Day’s training programme sets it apart from the Magic Circle and its US rivals. The firm’s unique, non-rotational seat system allows trainees to gain experience simultaneously in many different practice areas. Trainees are not assigned to one specific partner or department, but instead must seek out assignments on their own. This means that trainees get to choose to ‘take work from as many, or as few, departments as [they] wish’, providing they gain some experience in a minimum of three areas. The flexibility of this approach enables trainees ‘to try every department and hence make an informed decision as to where [they] should qualify’. For those interested, there is the possibility to go on secondment to the firm’s Dubai office.

The firm’s annual intake is made up of 15 trainees – a selling point to many as it allows for plenty of responsibility and the chance to shine. As one trainee states, ‘it is great to be part of a medium-sized firm as it enables you to know people across the different departments... which means you get to know each other and make solid friendships’.

To apply, you will need complete the firm’s online application form and attach your covering letter. If you’re successful you will be invited to interview. There are two rounds, both with two partners, and you need to impress in the first interview to make it to the second. While there’s no assessment day or tests, the interviews tend to be quite lengthy. The partners do not rely on a set of predetermined questions; instead they try to establish a relaxed, in-depth conversation about a topic of mutual interest. ‘The most important advice is to be interested in the firm and convincing about why you want to be a City lawyer’.

Vacation Schemes

Jones Day certainly makes sure that work placement students feel comfortable at the firm – you’ll be given your own email address and will either have your own office or will share one with another student on the scheme. As with the training contract, you get to choose which departments you receive work from and can try as many as you like. Throughout the scheme, two mentors will ensure you get the support you need.

Completing a work placement scheme will significantly boost your chances of getting that coveted training contract; 90% of current Jones Day trainees did so. You’ll have an interview at the end of the scheme for one. Non-law students can apply to spring and winter placements, both of which offer 15 places. With 30 posts to fill, summer schemes are designed for law students in their penultimate or final year.

Jones Day recruits on a rolling basis so places on its schemes and for training contracts may fill before application deadlines close and before individual applications are concluded. So don't wait until the final deadlines to apply: the early bird really does catch the worm!

Apply Now