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Travers Smith
Independent City law firm with leading corporate, private equity and commercial practices, combining international work with a closely supported London training programme.
About Travers Smith
Travers Smith advises listed companies, privately owned businesses, financial institutions and private equity investors on transactions, disputes and regulatory matters. Corporate work is central to the firm, supported by finance, funds, tax, employment and commercial expertise.
The firm operates internationally through its London and Brussels offices and relationships with independent law firms worldwide. This approach allows teams to select overseas advisers suited to each matter and coordinate advice across jurisdictions.
Its training model centres on close contact with experienced lawyers. Trainees share rooms with partners and associates, giving them regular opportunities to observe client discussions, ask questions and understand how legal advice develops in practice. The combination of a concentrated office structure and international matters is a distinctive feature of the programme.
Trainees rotate through four departments over two years. Everyone spends at least six months in Corporate and another six months in a transactional seat.
Training combines practical responsibility with partner-led sessions at the start of each seat and continuing seminars based on live matters. Room sharing supports everyday learning alongside formal teaching.
The firm funds the PGDL for non-law graduates at BPP in London and provides a £13,500 maintenance grant. It also covers SQE course and examination fees, with a £20,000 maintenance grant. Future trainees complete a firm-specific Essentials for Practice course alongside their SQE preparation.
The programme places emphasis on developing commercial judgement, communication and confidence, alongside technical legal knowledge.
Practice areas & rankings
Travers Smith has 23 ranked departments and 59 ranked individuals in Chambers UK 2027. Band 1 practices include corporate/M&A transactions worth £100 million to £800 million, mid-market leveraged finance for borrowers and sponsors, and commercial contracts.
Other recognised strengths include commercial litigation, employment, pensions, financial services regulation and private equity buyouts.
The firm won Innovation in Responsible Business at the Financial Times Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards 2026. This recognised its programme helping trafficking survivors pursue compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
Travers Smith also won the Chairman’s Cup at the 2025–2026 Clean City Awards for its sustainability and waste management work.
Ranked departmentsChambers UK
Explore the practice areas
Band 1, London, Corporate/M&A: £100–800 million, Chambers UK 2027.
The corporate team advises businesses and financial sponsors on acquisitions and other transactions, with particular experience in financial services, infrastructure, retail and technology. Its work includes substantial cross-border deals involving Europe and North America. Recent matters include advising Care REIT on a recommended £448 million cash offer from CareTrust REIT.
Band 2, UK-wide, Private Equity: Buyouts: Up to £500 million, Chambers UK 2027.
Travers Smith advises private equity investors and portfolio businesses on investments and exits. Teams draw on corporate, finance and tax expertise to address the different elements of a transaction. Recent work includes advising August Equity on the sale of its investment in Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging.
Band 1, UK-wide, Chambers UK 2027.
The commercial practice advises on agreements underpinning business operations and strategic relationships. Its work includes collaboration arrangements, distribution and manufacturing contracts, and commercial partnerships. Clients operate across sectors including retail, media, infrastructure and financial services.
Band 2, London, Chambers UK 2027.
The disputes team handles shareholder disagreements, corporate control issues and claims arising from acquisitions and commercial arrangements. Clients include technology businesses and private equity firms. The practice regularly manages proceedings with international elements, coordinating advice and litigation strategy across jurisdictions.
Awards
UK Pro Bono InitiativeLegal 500 ESG Awards 2025
Won for racial justice work with JUSTICE, comprising over 3,500 hours from 70 lawyers.
Tax Adviser AwardThe Drawdown Awards 2025
Recognising the firm's tax advisory work.
Chairman's CupClean City Awards 2025-26
The first organisation to win in consecutive years in the event's 32-year history.
The application process
Click on each stage to find out more.
There are two routes to a training contract at Travers Smith: the Summer Vacation Scheme and the Direct Training Contract process. The firm explicitly states that both routes offer the same chance of securing a training contract.
Travers Smith's application process is described as "refreshingly straightforward: just an online form, including a cover letter and details of your grades and experience — no psychometric tests or unlikely heroics required."
The application consists of an online form with CV-style information, a cover letter, and answers to short questions. The cover letter should be no more than one side of A4. Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis and all applications are considered after the deadline.
The cover letter is the most important part of the application. It should explain clearly why commercial law, why Travers Smith specifically, and what your background and experiences demonstrate about your suitability.
The spring direct training contract and summer vacation scheme applications close at midday on 15 January 2027. Summer schemes run from 14 to 25 June, 28 June to 9 July, and 12 to 23 July 2027.
Travers Smith: quick answers
How much does Travers Smith pay trainees?
Travers Smith pays first-year trainees £55,000, rising to £60,000 in the second year. Newly qualified solicitors at Travers Smith earn £130,000.
When are the Travers Smith application deadlines?
Travers Smith has more than one deadline in the 2026/27 cycle: the training contract closes on 15 Jan and the summer scheme closes on 15 Jan. Deadlines can change and popular schemes may close early, so check the live application deadlines tracker.
How many trainees does Travers Smith take on?
Travers Smith takes on around 38 trainees in each intake, so places are competitive and strong applications matter.
What grades do you need to apply to Travers Smith?
To apply to Travers Smith you will generally need a 2:1 degree. At A-level, Travers Smith asks for AAB. Requirements can flex where there are mitigating circumstances, so always check the firm's own criteria if your grades differ.
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