Become a trainee solicitor Trainee Solicitor Programme
Begin where innovation leads
Are you ready to launch your career in one of the most innovative and commercial legal environments in Ireland? Our Dublin office, which opened in June 2022, is a high-growth practice with specialist focus on data protection, tech & comms, life sciences, intellectual property, corporate and employment. As we continue to expand, our trainees are at the heart of this growth story - and that means unparalleled opportunities for you.
If you’ve passed all eight of your FE-1 exams and are ready start the PPC at Blackhall in September 2026, we want to hear from you.
Apply now and start your journey with Bird & Bird
Closing date for applications, Friday, 9 January 2026.
Starting your career with us
We've designed a best-in-class induction and training programme that connects you to the wider international firm from the start. Following the completion of the PPC Fusion at Blackhall and prior to starting your first seat, you'll have a comprehensive induction designed by our Learning & Development team, providing you with the basic building blocks for your personal growth and professional success as a trainee solicitor. From practical learning to insight sessions and skill-based workshops, we'll ensure that you're set up for success.
You will also have the opportunity to attend part of the London trainee induction and networking events. This is your opportunity to meet the wider trainee cohort, build relationships across the firm, and immerse yourself in Bird & Bird's culture and values.
Our aim is to ensure your transition into the firm is as smooth as possible, and you won't navigate this journey alone. You’ll have a supervisor in each seat and a training manager. Our buddy system pairs you with experienced colleagues both in Dublin and across our international offices. This means you'll have support, guidance and mentorship from lawyers who understand the challenges you're facing and can help you make the most of every opportunity.
We'll introduce you to all areas of the firm, from business services to fee earners, strengthening your understanding of how we operate as one seamless international, sector-focused firm.
Your training programme
Upon successful completion of your PPC you will re-join the office and rotate in four different departments for six-months approximately, known as ‘seats’, giving you a rich learning experience and development opportunities. During each seat, you'll be assigned to a dedicated supervisor who has created a bespoke training plan tailored to ensure you hit key milestones in each seat.
During your training contract, you will be regarded as a fee earner, providing high-quality legal service to clients under the supervision and training of a qualified solicitor.
From day one, you'll be involved in substantive legal work that matters. You'll draft legal documents and contracts, conduct legal research on live cases, communicate directly with clients, attend client meetings to discuss legal issues and develop strategies, and contribute to business development.
As a trainee, you'll work on international matters alongside colleagues from across our global network, building a peer network that spans continents. You may also experience a client secondment or visit an international office to develop your commercial edge by understanding our client's business from the inside or experiencing another office.
Excellence expected, shaped and delivered
Alongside your seat rotations, you'll take part in a tailored Learning & Development Curriculum which will equip you with a broad range of technical and business skills. This programme is led by a mixture of internal and external speakers in a combination of online and in-person sessions. You'll put this learning into context as you rotate around different departments throughout your training contract. We have embraced AI (Artificial Intelligence) as a firm, and you’ll learn how to use our internal AI research tools and platform Legora as well as other AI powered tools.
You'll receive regular feedback from your supervisors and the training team to provide you with the support and guidance fundamental to you excelling in your law career.
From induction to qualification, networking and social events will allow you to immerse you in our friendly, vibrant culture. You can also get involved in pro-bono and our responsible business (CSR & ESG) initiatives, support the office with events and mentoring, or get involved in volunteering for other firm-wide opportunities such as our legendary global football tournament, and our employee networks.
Looking ahead
At the end of your training contract, you'll qualify as a solicitor and each year we hope to retain most of our trainees in newly qualified roles across the firm.Message from our Head of Country
When we opened Bird & Bird's Dublin office in June 2022, we set out to build a dynamic, specialist practice that would serve as a hub for innovation and excellence. That vision has become reality, and our trainees are integral to that success. Bird & Bird is a great place to work because we offer opportunities that simply don't exist in more established firms. As a high-growth office, our team works on cutting-edge matters in IP, tech & comms, life sciences, data protection, corporate and employment law - advising companies shaping our digital future. What truly sets us apart is our culture of connection and collaboration, where every voice matters. Our trainees don't just contribute to the firm - they help to define it. In a growing office, there's space to make your mark and shape the culture we're creating together.
Michael Finn Partner
Bird Benefits
Paid traineeship and fully funded PPC (Professional Practice Course) at Blackhall.
We have a hybrid working policy and trainees are required to work in the office for at least 80% of the week.
Equip yourself with a broad range of technical and business skills and progress your deep understanding through our tailored learning and development curriculum.
Opportunity to socialise and study with your cohort, to build your legal network.
Network with colleagues through our socials and events, immersing yourself in our friendly, vibrant culture.
Bespoke benefits package including private healthcare, up to 5% employer pension contribution, life assurance and income protection.
With Health and wellbeing in mind, we offer a benefits package that includes private medical insurance, health assessments, maternity and paternity leave, adoption leave, flu vaccinations, eye care, EAP (employee assistance programme), and access to our WorkLifeCentral wellbeing hub.
Flexible benefits package for your lifestyle, including 20 days of paid holiday annually, tax-saver travel ticket and cycle to work scheme.
We know an inclusive culture, alongside a diverse workforce, makes us more innovative and agile.
The ability to connect the dots and leap to inspired solutions can't be underestimated. We believe it’s this pioneering approach that unlocks a world of opportunity. So, we work tirelessly to build a culture that makes it possible – possible for our people, our clients and our communities. We stay curious and work in truly international teams. It's what our clients value and it helps us to be the firm we want to be.
Global D&IThe shift to a more sustainable way of doing business needs people who embrace change and spark innovation. We’re up for the challenge, are you?
Sustainability is a core strategic initiative for us – It’s vital to our people, our clients and our planet. We embrace the step change needed to transform our business; not just minimising our environmental impact but, as a global citizen, making a positive contribution towards a more sustainable future.
We believe that technology can be a force for good. Our work with some of the world’s most cutting edge companies gives us first-hand insight into the innovative approaches that create a new blueprint for sustainable living, so where possible we apply this to our own firm too.
We routinely manage our buildings responsibly, consider the impact of business travel, reduce waste and consumption and recycle wherever we can. More importantly, we commit to business decisions that support our sustainability pledges alongside our long-term economic growth strategies.
The ability to help isn't always enough. In today's world, more often than not, what's needed is time. We believe Pro Bono is time well spent.
For us pro bono isn’t an add on. We are passionate about making a positive difference to people’s lives, and giving back to the communities we work within.
We give pro bono our time, consideration, and full expertise. Because our culture is focused on making it possible. Possible for our people, our clients and our communities. We believe we can open up possibilities for individuals and organisations in need, by contributing the time, legal expertise, skills, and resources needed to progress their cause.
It’s all the more satisfying when we can work together, with our clients and other key stakeholders to foster and develop collaborative opportunities that have a greater positive social impact as a result.
We believe in taking an active role in supporting our communities to make a difference.
We’re an outward-looking firm. We're interested in the world, current issues and emerging trends. We work with great clients doing great things. Things that have a real impact on the way the world does business, and how we all live. So, it's not surprising that we also want to have a positive influence by supporting our local communities.
We work alongside our clients to champion initiatives that make an impact on the community around us. Our people dedicate time through volunteering and fundraising, and partner with charities across the world to truly amplify our impact.
Recruitment process
2026 Trainee Solicitor Programme
Closing date for applications - Friday, 9 January 2026
First & second round interviews - February 2026
Start date - August 2026