Eversheds Sutherland
A global law firm with deep UK roots, known for energy, financial services, and corporate work
About Eversheds Sutherland
Eversheds Sutherland was formed in 2017 through the merger of UK firm Eversheds and US firm Sutherland Asbill & Brennan, creating a transatlantic practice with over 2,500 lawyers across 74 offices in 34 countries. In 2025, the firm's non-US revenue reached £769 million with profit per equity partner of £1.4 million. The firm has 11 UK offices including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, and Newcastle.
The training contract involves four six-month seat rotations, with at least one contentious seat required. Trainees indicate their seat preferences before each rotation and supervisors tailor placements to reflect both firm need and individual development. Secondments are available both internationally and to client organisations. The firm funds SQE and PGDL preparation in full and provides a £17,000 maintenance grant for London-based trainees during the study period.
Practice areas & rankings
Eversheds Sutherland achieved 1105practice area rankings in Chambers UK 2026, reflecting its breadth as a genuinely full-service practice. The firm won Legal 500 Firm of the Year for Energy and Natural Resources. In 2025, the firm reported an 82% trainee retention rate and was named in the FT Innovative Lawyers reports for both Europe and North America. At the Europe-wide stage, Eversheds Sutherland’s Paris office earned three accolades at the 2024 Palmarès du Droit Awards, and its CEO Helen Thomas was named European Managing Partner of the Year at The Lawyer European Awards 2024
Energy and natural resources
One of Eversheds Sutherland's flagship practices globally, covering the full energy spectrum from oil and gas to renewables, nuclear, and energy transition. The firm advises on major energy transactions, projects, and disputes across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The energy practice has driven significant revenue growth at the firm and is consistently recognised by Chambers UK.
Financial services and banking
A leading financial services practice covering banking, capital markets, asset management, regulatory advice, and financial services litigation. The firm advises major banks, insurers, and asset managers on complex matters across the full range of financial services law.
Corporate and M&A
A large corporate practice advising on domestic and cross-border M&A, private equity, and capital markets across Eversheds Sutherland's global network. Recent work includes advising on major transactions in the technology, energy, and financial services sectors.
Employment
A top-tier employment practice advising both employers and senior executives on complex workforce matters, restructurings, and high-value disputes. One of the firm's most consistently recognised practice areas in Chambers UK.
Real estate
A large and active real estate practice covering commercial property transactions, development, planning, and real estate finance across the UK and internationally.
The application process
Click on each stage to find out more.
The online application form asks for qualifications, languages, and relevant work experience, alongside strengths-based questions about past or hypothetical situations and what energises the candidate. The Rare Contextualised Recruitment System is used to understand each candidate's background and highlight potential — contextual data is embedded directly into the application review. Both vacation scheme and direct training contract applications follow the same process. Only one application per academic year is accepted regardless of route.
How to answer why youEversheds Sutherland: quick answers
How much does Eversheds Sutherland pay trainees?
Eversheds Sutherland pays first-year trainees £50,000, rising to £55,000 in the second year. Newly qualified solicitors at Eversheds Sutherland earn £120,000.
How many trainees does Eversheds Sutherland take on?
Eversheds Sutherland takes on around ±50 trainees in each intake, so places are competitive and strong applications matter.
What tests does Eversheds Sutherland use in its applications?
Eversheds Sutherland uses an online strengths-based assessment to identify analytical thinking, resilience, problem-solving, and motivation. The assessment is not designed to test legal knowledge. It focuses on the candidate's natural strengths and potential.
What grades do you need to apply to Eversheds Sutherland?
To apply to Eversheds Sutherland you will generally need a 2:1 degree. At A-level, Eversheds Sutherland asks for ABB. Requirements can flex where there are mitigating circumstances, so always check the firm's own criteria if your grades differ.
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