Nicola Stafford
Early Talent Manager
London | Bristol
You’ll be welcomed into our London office and given an opportunity to spend time experiencing life in a creative law firm for yourself. It’s also our chance to get to know you and understand what you may be able to offer us.
During these two weeks, you’ll be fully integrated into our teams, getting involved in projects and giving you a fantastic insight into whether a career at RPC is right for you, and if you’re right for us.
Summer scheme interns receive a salary of £500 per week.
Join our team
Apply nowThe application process
We run an anonymous recruitment process at RPC.
Recruitment for our London summer scheme usually takes place in January and February. If you're shortlisted, you'll be invited to one of our assessment days during which we’ll get to know each other.
There are a variety of exercises designed to help us see if you’re the right fit for RPC and, while they might be hard work, they’re also a lot of fun. You’ll meet some of our partners, lawyers and trainees and get a real feel for our unique culture. Our assessment days can be run virtually.
If you're successful following the summer scheme, your training contract will start two years later.
We recruit the majority of our London trainees from our summer scheme so we encourage you to apply via this route if possible. We still hold assessment days for direct training contract applications if you are unable to complete a summer scheme for any reason.
Our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. To find out more and to understand the adjustments which can be made during the recruitment process or throughout your time at RPC, go to our inclusive recruitment and accessibility page.
Who can apply?
We look to recruit trainees who share our values in order to help grow our unique firm.
Although proven academic ability is important (we require a 2.1 degree or above*, not necessarily in law) we value energy, creative thinking, commercial acumen and diversity just as highly.
* Please note that we will consider the impact of COVID-19 when reviewing all exams and assessments completed from 2020-2022. Please provide us with any relevant details in the mitigating circumstances box on the application form.
When should I apply?
Applications open on 2 October 2023!
Our 2024 London summer scheme deadline is 15 January 2024
Summer Scheme 1 runs from 17 -28 June 2024
Summer Scheme 2 runs from 1 - 12 July 2024
Law students should apply in their penultimate and/or final year. Non-law students should apply in their final year
Graduates can apply at any time
Apply now
Still have questions? Go to our FAQs
Learn moreUK summer schemes
We offer alternative routes into RPC, too. No matter what stage you are in your life, our UK apprenticeship opportunities will help build the foundations of a successful career, with the training and support you’ll need to excel.
You’ll be welcomed into our London office and given an opportunity to spend time experiencing life in a creative law firm for yourself. It’s also our chance to get to know you and understand what you may be able to offer us.
During these two weeks, you’ll be fully integrated into our teams, getting involved in projects and giving you a fantastic insight into whether a career at RPC is right for you, and if you’re right for us.
Hong Kong summer scheme
We run a summer scheme in our Hong Kong office for candidates with Chinese capability. Successful applicants will spend two weeks with us, during which you’ll have time in both of our Insurance & Commercial Disputes and Corporate teams to experience different practice areas.
This is as much a chance for us to get to know you as you to know us. During these two weeks, you’ll experience real life as a trainee through work-shadowing opportunities, taking part in our training and information sessions and networking with people from all across the firm. You'll also take part in our Training Contract assessment exercises.
What's the selection process?
During the summer scheme, you'll take part in our Training Contract assessment exercises which includes a group discussion, a group presentation and a written test. If successful, you’ll be invited to attend a motivation interview with a People Team member and an Associate. The last round of the selection process is a panel interview with our Partners.
How can I apply?
Applicants who are eligible to start a Training Contract by 2026 can apply between 1 September 2023 and 31 March 2024 by completing an application form on our application portal.
To apply, you'll need at least a 2.1 degree or equivalent, be fluent in Mandarin and English, and with the ability to read and write Chinese.
Apply now
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