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Trainee Lawyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our dedicated professionals share our lawyers' commitment to excellence and show up each day to do ... What You'll Do As a Paralegal Trainee - Tax, you'll join a two-year training program supporting ...

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How much do trainee lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee lawyer in the United States is $118,886.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,500.00 and $139,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trainee lawyer?

Trainee lawyers are individuals who are undergoing practical legal training in a law firm or legal department, typically as part of the process to qualify as a solicitor or attorney. During their training contract, which usually lasts two years, they rotate through different areas of law to gain a broad range of legal experience under the supervision of qualified lawyers. Trainee lawyers handle tasks such as legal research, drafting documents, attending client meetings, and assisting in court proceedings. This period is essential for developing the practical skills and knowledge necessary for a legal career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trainee lawyer?

To thrive as a Trainee Lawyer, you need a law degree (LLB or equivalent), completion of the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), and strong legal research and analytical skills. Familiarity with legal databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, case management software, and sometimes proficiency in Microsoft Office are typically required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and time management skills help trainees excel in client interactions and meet tight deadlines. These skills and qualifications are essential for delivering effective legal support, meeting regulatory requirements, and building a successful legal career.

What are some common challenges trainee lawyers face during their training contracts, and how can they overcome them?

Trainee lawyers often encounter challenges such as managing a steep learning curve, juggling multiple deadlines, and adapting to the fast-paced environment of a law firm. It is common to feel pressure to quickly absorb legal knowledge while maintaining high attention to detail. Overcoming these challenges involves proactive communication with supervisors, effective time management, and being open to feedback. Building strong relationships within your team and seeking mentorship can also help you navigate the complexities of legal work and develop confidence in your abilities.
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Infographic showing various Trainee Lawyer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,886 per year, or $57.2 per hour.

Business Services Trainee

Washington, DC • On-site

Latham & Watkins LLP
Legal Services • 1 - 5K employees

$60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Latham & Watkins rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 35 rated law firms


Job description

Latham & Watkins is one of the world’s leading global law firms advising the businesses and institutions that drive the global economy. We are the market leaders in major financial and business centers around the world. Our investment in people, commitment to innovation, and focus on the future empower you to build an incredible career and thrive as an exceptional professional in a supportive culture. If you aspire to be the best, and work with the best, this is where you belong.


The Business Services Trainee is an integral part of Latham’s Office Administration team. This role will be responsible for providing support to the firm’s administrative departments while participating in a rotational Business Services Training Program, during which the Trainee will spend short-term periods in business services departments, while learning about the departments and performing a variety of tasks as assigned by managers, supervisors, and team members. This role will be located in our Washington, D.C. office. Please note that this role may be eligible for a flexible working schedule that allows for a hybrid and in-office presence.

The start date for the BST program will be in June 2027. Trainees must have completed a bachelor's degree by the start date of the program. Please note that this in an on-site position in our Washington, D.C. office, with potential for hybrid flexibility depending on rotation assignment. The salary for this position is $60,000/year. Note that due to the investment the firm makes in the training, integration, and development of Trainees, we ask that Trainees make a two-year minimum commitment to the firm. 

Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.


Other key responsibilities include:

  • Providing support to business services departments, which may include Global Finance, Associate Recruiting, Attorney Development, Business Development, Attorney Support, Workplace Experience, Human Capital & Talent, Office of the General Counsel, and Technology & Information Services during a rotation schedule
  • Participating in general business skills training and department-specific trainings led by managers, supervisors, or team members
  • Shadowing members of the department to gain exposure and insight into day-to-day tasks and responsibilities within the respective department
  • Providing support relevant to the department; assisting with tasks supporting the staff in the assigned department
  • Completing projects as assigned in order to develop relevant skills
  • Providing a high level of customer service to internal and external clients
  • Utilizing programs such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and/or Access to file and track department records and create materials
  • Collaborating globally with other Business Services Trainees on assigned projects
  • Promoting effective work practices, working as a team member, and showing respect for co-workers
  • Protecting and maintaining any highly sensitive, confidential, privileged, financial, and/or proprietary information that Latham & Watkins retains 

We’d love to hear from you if you:

  • Possess well-developed and professional interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to interact effectively with people at all organizational levels of the firm
  • Demonstrate the ability to take initiative and work both independently and in a team environment with a customer-service focus
  • Display strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to convey department procedures and objectives in a professional and tactful manner

And have:

  • A high school diploma or an equivalent
  • Bachelor’s degree required by Summer 2027
  • Prior work or internship experience, preferably
  • Administrative experience and familiarity with professional services organizations, preferably

Successful candidates will not only be provided with an outstanding career opportunity and welcoming environment, but will also be provided with a generous total compensation package with bonuses awarded in recognition of both individual and firm performance. Eligible employees can participate in Latham’s comprehensive benefit program which includes:

  • Healthcare, life and disability insurance
  • A generous 401k plan
  • At least 11 paid holidays per year, and a PTO program that accrues 23 days during the first year of employment and grows with tenure
  • Well-being programs (e.g. mental health services, mindfulness and resiliency, medical resources, well-being events, and more)
  • Professional development programs
  • Employee discounts
  • Affinity groups, networks, and coalitions for lawyers and staff

Latham & Watkins is an equal opportunity employer. The Firm prohibits discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status (including veterans of the Vietnam era), gender expression, marital status, or any other characteristic or condition protected by applicable statute.


Please click here to review your rights under U.S. employment laws. #EntryLevel #wayup #LI-CC2


USD $60,000.00 - USD $60,000.00 /Yr.

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