Goodwin
A US firm known for private equity, life sciences, and technology
About Goodwin
Goodwin is a US law firm headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with 17 offices globally including a significant London presence. The firm focuses on five core industries: private equity, life sciences, real estate, technology, and financial services. In London, the firm recruits a deliberately small intake, ensuring trainees are given significant responsibility from day one. In 2025, Goodwin retained 11 of 14 qualifying trainees.
The training programme operates in three phases (transition, orientation, and integration) across four six-month seat rotations. Available seats include life sciences, private equity, private investment funds, real estate, technology, tax, financial services, antitrust, employment, and complex litigation. The firm pairs each future trainee with a current trainee as a buddy during the pre-contract period.
Goodwin funds PGDL (where applicable) with a £12,000 maintenance grant, and SQE preparation via LLM with an £18,000 maintenance grant. A £1,000 technology allowance is provided during the law school study year.
Practice areas & rankings
Goodwin’s London office has secured top-tier recognition across key sectors. The firm was ranked Band 1 in Chambers UK 2025 for Investment Funds: Real Estate, and Band 2 for Investment Funds: Private Equity. Furthermore, it was named a Leading Secondaries Practice in Secondaries Investor’s 2025 Law Firm Survey, advising on over 100 transactions valued at over $25 billion. Goodwin was also recognised as Law Firm of the Year for Transactions at the 2024 Mergermarket British Private Equity Awards, showcasing its cross-border deal-making leadership.
Private equity
Goodwin's dominant practice globally and in London. The firm advises major private equity sponsors on buyouts, portfolio company work, fund formation, and exits. Consistently ranked by Chambers UK for private equity and investment funds.
Life sciences
Goodwin has deep expertise in life sciences transactions, regulatory matters, IP, and disputes for pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device clients. This differentiates it from most other US firms recruiting in London.
Technology
A growing technology practice advising venture-backed and growth-stage technology companies on transactions, IP, employment, and disputes. The firm's industry focus means technology clients receive integrated cross-practice advice rather than siloed specialist work.
Real estate
A strong real estate practice covering acquisitions, development, financing, and funds for institutional investors and private equity real estate clients.
Disputes and litigation
A significant litigation and arbitration practice handling complex commercial disputes for financial services, life sciences, and technology clients.
The application process
Click on each stage to find out more.
The application form covers academics, work experience, and a series of motivational questions to bring the application to life and allow Goodwin to get to know the candidate. Goodwin advises spending time on answers and tailoring them specifically to the firm. The application form is the first chance to make an impression. The firm welcomes applications from all degree disciplines and all universities internationally, focusing on attributes and motivations rather than university prestige.
How to answer why youGoodwin: quick answers
How much does Goodwin pay trainees?
Goodwin pays first-year trainees £55,000, rising to £60,000 in the second year. Newly qualified solicitors at Goodwin earn £175,000.
When is the Goodwin vacation scheme deadline?
Goodwin's vacation scheme applications close on 4 Dec for the 2026/27 cycle. Deadlines can change and popular schemes may close early, so check the live application deadlines tracker.
How many trainees does Goodwin take on?
Goodwin takes on around 14 trainees in each intake, so places are competitive and strong applications matter.
What grades do you need to apply to Goodwin?
To apply to Goodwin you will generally need a 2:1 degree. At A-level, Goodwin asks for AAB. Requirements can flex where there are mitigating circumstances, so always check the firm's own criteria if your grades differ.
Get the tools and support you need to succeed.