Trainee Recruitment – 2026 Intake
We are excited to open our Trainee Recruitment Programme for 2026 intake, designed to identify and nurture individuals who share our passion for the dynamic world of shipping, marine insurance, international trade and commercial litigation. If you’re someone with a genuine interest in our core areas of work, are motivated to work hard and are ambitious and eager to learn, then we would welcome your application.
At Preston Turnbull, our recruitment process is founded on our commitment to inclusivity. We actively seek and embrace applications from diverse social and cultural backgrounds. We believe that diversity enhances our team, bringing different perspectives and experiences. As part of our drive for an inclusive approach to the recruitment process, we have no strict academic criteria.
Our training applications are open to law graduates, non-law graduates and we also welcome individuals who have completed post-graduate qualifications or who have pursued other career paths.
| Training Route | Options |
|---|---|
| LPC/GDL (completed) | 2-year training contract |
| SQE (completed) | 2-year qualifying work experience |
| SQE with law degree | Either completion of SQE 1 or both Assessments before you commence your QWE. |
| SQE with non-law degree | You will be required to undertake a conversion course (PGDL) before commencing the SQE/QWE. |
The application process for our trainee scheme is:
Application
Interview
Vacation Scheme
Interview (Final Stage)
Application Process
We are currently recruiting for our 2026 trainee intake and are accepting applications from law students in their 2nd or final years or non-law students in their 3rd year. We also welcome applications from postgraduates and individuals who have pursued other careers.
The application process is your opportunity to tell us about yourself. Please send an email to victoriajackson@preston-turnbull.com setting out why you are interested in a career in law, and your particular interest in Preston Turnbull, together with a copy of your CV.
The deadline for receiving applications is 31st January 2025.
Interview (1st Stage)
The second stage of our recruitment process involves an interview with the Firm’s Training Principal and the Director of HR, Risk & Compliance.
You will be invited to discuss further your interest in shipping law and our firm and any previous work experience that you may have had. Successful candidates will be invited to attend a 2-day assessment in either March or June.
Assessment Stage/Vacation Scheme
Our assessment stage/vacation scheme offers you the opportunity to gain an insight into the work that we do and our firm’s learning culture.
You will be provided with opportunities to gain experience working on matters, and invited to attend in-house talks which will broaden your knowledge and understanding of the work that we do. You will also be given a written assessment which is aimed to assess your research, analysis and writing skills.
Partner Interview – Final Stage
At the end of the assessment stage/vacation scheme, you will be invited to attend a final stage interview with two Partners.