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Addleshaw Goddard
International commercial law firm with strong UK regional roots and particular strengths in corporate transactions, banking, real estate, employment and disputes.
About Addleshaw Goddard
Addleshaw Goddard traces its roots to the very first public record of solicitors in the UK (the Law List) published in 1775. Today the firm has 22 offices across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia with over 1,800 lawyers and revenue of £551 million in 2025.
Addleshaw Goddard advises businesses on transactions, disputes, financing, property and commercial operations. Its UK offices include London, Leeds, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, supported by an expanding international network.
The practice combines work for major listed companies, financial institutions and investors with advice to growing businesses. Corporate, finance, disputes and real estate teams work together on matters involving several legal specialisms. Innovation and legal technology are also prominent, with dedicated specialists developing tools and approaches to improve how legal work is delivered. For trainees, this creates opportunities to explore both commercial legal practice and the changing methods used to support client
The two-year training contract comprises four six-month seats across Disputes, Finance & Projects, Corporate & Commercial, and Real Estate. Trainees receive departmental training and personal development support, alongside a buddy, mentor and regular meetings with the Early Careers team.
Client and international secondments can form one of the seats. Published overseas opportunities include Dubai, Oman, Singapore and Paris, subject to selection and availability.
For England, the firm funds the required law conversion and SQE courses through BPP. Published maintenance grants are £15,000 for London and £8,000 for Leeds and Manchester. Scottish future trainees receive a £7,000 grant, with Diploma fees covered up to £14,000.
The firm also offers a limited number of graduate solicitor apprenticeships in England, combining an employed study year with the subsequent training period.
Practice areas & rankings
Addleshaw Goddard has 97 ranked departments in Chambers UK 2027. Its North West Band 1 practices include banking and finance, corporate/M&A transactions worth £25 million and above, construction, employment, information technology and litigation.
The firm won UK Law Firm of the Year at the Legal Business Awards 2026. At the FT Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards 2026, it won the Innovative Lawyers in AI, Digital Regulation and Technology category and was ranked the second most innovative law firm in Europe.
Ranked departmentsChambers UK
Explore the practice areas
Ranked Band 2 for Corporate/M&A: £100–800 million in London in Chambers UK 2027, Addleshaw Goddard advises listed companies and private equity clients on domestic and international transactions. Its sector strengths include energy, retail, financial services and real estate, with particular experience in matters involving India and Africa.
Ranked Band 1 for Banking & Finance in the North West in Chambers UK 2027, the practice advises major banks, alternative lenders and private equity clients. Its work includes acquisition finance, leveraged finance, real estate finance and asset-based lending, covering both domestic and international transactions.
Ranked Band 2 for Real Estate Litigation in London in Chambers UK 2027, the team advises investors, developers, retailers and insurers on property disputes. Particular strengths include rights to light, vacant possession and development issues. It can also draw on the firm’s insolvency and real estate finance expertise.
Ranked Band 2 for Employment: Employer in London in Chambers UK 2027, the practice advises on workplace investigations, whistleblowing claims, litigation and continuing HR matters. Financial services and retail are important client sectors. The team also supports corporate transactions, including those involving employees across several jurisdictions.
Awards
M&A Deal of the YearThe Lawyer Awards 2025
The headline deal award, won for advising JD Sports on its $1.1 billion acquisition of Hibbett.
Top 20 Most Innovative Law Firms of the Past 20 YearsFinancial Times Innovative Lawyers report 2025
Named in June 2025 in the FT's retrospective on two decades of legal innovation.
The application process
Click on each stage to find out more.
Apply online for a placement scheme in your chosen location. Applications for the 2027 UK schemes opened on 1 October 2026 and close at noon on 5 January 2027. Only one application and one location are permitted per intake year.
Training contract recruitment in England and Scotland takes place through the placement schemes. Applicants in England can apply from their penultimate year of a law degree or final year of a non-law degree, with graduates also eligible. Scottish eligibility follows the relevant LLB stage.
The firm reviews applications before the deadline, while considering all complete applications submitted on time. Both the form and critical thinking test must be completed by the deadline.
Use your answers to explain your motivation and demonstrate your contribution through specific experiences. Legal work experience is not essential. Employment, volunteering and positions of responsibility can provide useful examples of teamwork, judgement and initiative.
Addleshaw Goddard: quick answers
How much does Addleshaw Goddard pay trainees?
Addleshaw Goddard pays first-year trainees £52,000, rising to £56,000 in the second year. Newly qualified solicitors at Addleshaw Goddard earn £100,000.
When is the Addleshaw Goddard vacation scheme deadline?
Addleshaw Goddard's vacation scheme applications close on 5 Jan for the 2026/27 cycle. Deadlines can change and popular schemes may close early, so check the live application deadlines tracker.
How many trainees does Addleshaw Goddard take on?
Addleshaw Goddard takes on around 60 trainees in each intake, so places are competitive and strong applications matter.
What tests does Addleshaw Goddard use in its applications?
After submitting the registration form, candidates receive an online critical thinking test taking approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Practice tests are provided. The assessment explores how you analyse and evaluate information to reach conclusions. Practise separating evidence from assumptions and checking whether a conclusion follows from the material provided. Review incorrect answers to understand where your reasoning went beyond the facts. Complete the practice material before attempting the live assessment and allow sufficient time before the application deadline.
What grades do you need to apply to Addleshaw Goddard?
To apply to Addleshaw Goddard you will generally need a 2:1 degree. Requirements can flex where there are mitigating circumstances, so always check the firm's own criteria if your grades differ.
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