Applying for a training contract at Gordons
Wednesday 28th October 2026
The applications for 2029 are now open!
If you are thinking about applying to Gordons, current trainee Alex Freer has put together some top tips to help you know where to start and how to stand out.
The link to the form can be found on our main trainee page. There are seven sections; including basic information about you and your qualifications to date, followed by free form questions where you can expand on your experience.
If you have any further queries about the form, you can contact our recruitment team at recruitment@gordonsllp.com.
Top Tips
Top tip 1 – Beware of AI!
Applications that lack thought or rely on AI are easy to spot, so avoid using it as a shortcut. Strong applications show individuality and original thinking, reflecting Gordons’ belief that genuine relationships underpin good business. Generic AI-generated answers are unlikely to stand out. As applications are assessed without AI screening, responses should be written independently.
Top tip 2 – A personal approach
Beyond academic achievements and work experience, the recruitment team wants to understand you as an individual. Your interests outside work can show how you could contribute to Gordons’ diverse community. Honest, authentic responses are most effective.
Top tip 3 – Research Gordons
Strong applications demonstrate research and explain why Gordons is the right fit.
Think about:
- What are Gordons’ practice areas and areas of expertise?
- Who are Gordons’ notable clients?
- What big projects or cases has Gordons been involved in recently?
- Why would you want to live in Leeds or West Yorkshire?
- How does the firm’s culture, values and ethos align with your own?
Commercial awareness is also important. Keeping up with business developments helps demonstrate an understanding that clients need practical advice, not simply a legal answer.
Top tip 4 – Take your time
Don’t rush your application. Spend time thinking about what the reader wants to know about you. The more prepared you are, the easier it will be. Once you start the application process online, you can save your progress, exit and return, until you are ready to submit. Make sure you read over your application before you submit it and check for basic grammatical errors. Attention to detail is important, so consider asking a friend or relative to read over your application too.
Top tip 5 – Work matters
You can use examples of experiences from work, school, or other areas in your life to demonstrate your skillset and thought processes.
Key dates to remember
Here’s a recap of the various dates you need to know throughout the process.
Vacation scheme route
The vacation scheme provides valuable insight into Gordons and gives both you and the firm an opportunity to see whether it’s the right fit. Throughout the week, you will have the opportunity to spend time in a Leeds commercial team, meet senior colleagues and ask questions. There is no formal assessment, but you are appraised throughout, so every interaction matters.
Key dates:
- Application deadline: 31 December 2026
- First stage interview: October 2026 to mid-January 2027, on a rolling basis
- Second stage interviews: Late January 2027
- Vacation scheme: 21 to 25 June 2027
You find out soon after the vacation scheme whether you have been offered the training contract. If not, don’t be put off, as it’s a valuable experience to take with you into your future career.
Training application only route
You can apply for the training contract without completing the vacation scheme first. This route involves an interview and assessment day.
Key dates:
- Application deadline: 31 March 2027
- First stage interviews: Week commencing 26 April 2027
- Second stage assessment day: Week commencing 24 May 2027
Would you like to get to know us even better? Sign up to attend our insight evening 12 November from 5:30pm. It would be great to see you there!
Request to attend by completing the form here.
