Dublin Trainee Solicitor Programme 2026

We are Dentons. The world’s largest global law firm. With more than 12,500 people in 80+ countries around the world, we have unique breadth, depth and diversity. Alongside our award-winning global work, we are committed to a culture of innovation, giving back and inclusion. 

Dentons is designed to be different. The landscape we work in is changing at an accelerating pace. We embrace this change and are looking for trainees and apprentices to join us in redefining what is possible and shaping the future of law. 

Your career at Dentons can shape up to be something extraordinary. It’s a place for those who are ready to be bold. To question. To break tradition. To lead the future. This could be the start of something big. 

Ireland – our Dublin office 

At Dentons, we’re not just partaking in the legal market; we’re actively shaping it. With our global network spanning 80+ countries, we bring world-class legal expertise right here to Dublin.

Our Dublin office is more than just a workplace, it’s a space where ideas come to life. Since the office launch in 2020, we have introduced a fresh, innovative, and truly international presence to the Irish legal market. Our team is driven by innovation and creativity, always looking for new ways to serve our clients and disrupt traditional law practices. We offer an unrivalled opportunity to work on the most complex and significant domestic and cross-border matters. 

From day one, you’ll be given real responsibilities and opportunities to work with clients, you’ll be encouraged to think creatively, challenge norms and develop innovative solutions for our diverse clientele. At Dentons, ongoing training and development programmes are a staple, attracting some of the industry's most respected names and earning us the award for Dublin 'Law Firm of the Year'.

So, if you’re an ambitious candidate seeking more than just any career opportunity and you want to be part of shaping what’s next in global law, then step into the Dentons Dublin office. 

Dublin Trainee Solicitor Programme 2026

The business of law is changing, and we want you to be right there with it. To take us from largest to leading, we’re looking for our trainees to think big and see the future of law in a new way.

Our Dublin Trainee Solicitor Programme is designed to equip you with the skills required to be the lawyer of the future, now. Alongside market leading support and development, you’ll have the chance to put knowledge into action and start building your legal career from day one. After all, it’s experience that makes great lawyers.

Our Dublin Trainee Solicitor Programme offers an immersive journey into legal practice with a focus on hands-on experience through seat rotations, tailored electives, and comprehensive support.

Starting September 2026, you will embark on the Professional Practice Course (PPC) full-time at Blackhall Place, equipping you with the practical skills necessary for your future legal career.

Following the completion of your PPC, you will commence your in-office training period at Dentons. This will give you the opportunity to experience four different practice areas enabling you to explore at least three distinct areas of law. With the successful completion of all required stages, you will be on track to qualify as a solicitor in 2029 and take part in our Newly Qualified selection process.

Our Trainee Solicitor Programme marks the first stage in your journey from lawyer to leader.

Applications are now open and close on 20 October 2025. For more information please visit https://challengers.dentons.com/dublin-trainees/opportunities/training-contracts/..

Eligibility

Our 2026 Dublin Trainee Solicitor Programme is open to applicants from all degree disciplines who have already completed all FE1 examinations or are in the process of completing them and will receive their results by May 2026. This means all FE1 examinations will need to be completed by the last sitting in March 2026.

The starting date for this role is September 2026.

The Final Examination (FE-1) is the entrance examination to the Law Society of Ireland. It is held twice a year, normally in spring and autumn and consists of eight papers on core legal subjects. Please visit the Law Society of Ireland website for full details.

We are looking for candidates with

• Strong academic performance in your Irish Leaving Certificate (at least 480 points) or equivalent post -16 education.
• 2:1 or higher in your undergraduate degree.
• These are broad guidelines, and all interested candidates are encouraged to apply. We review every application holistically and consider all aspects of a candidate’s experience and background.