Norton Rose Fulbright
A transatlantic law firm known for energy, infrastructure, and finance
About Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright was formed in 2013 through the merger of UK firm Norton Rose (founded 1794) and US firm Fulbright & Jaworski, creating one of the largest law firms in the world by headcount. In March 2026, the firm exited South Africa, with its former office becoming the independent firm Deneys. Revenue exceeds $2 billion with over 3,000 lawyers across nearly 60 offices on five continents.
The firm offers approximately 50 training contracts per year. Two seats must be in core areas, banking and corporate, with the remaining two seats open across the firm's broad practice areas. Secondments are available to offices globally including Sydney, Dubai, Singapore, Tokyo, and New York. The firm funds SQE preparation via BPP and provides a maintenance grant during the study period. 80% of trainees are retained on qualification.
Practice areas & rankings
The firm's bread-and-butter practices are energy, infrastructure, transport, and asset finance - sectors where it consistently wins major mandates. NRF is part of the City Consortium with Freshfields, HSF Kramer, Linklaters, Hogan Lovells, and Slaughter and May, jointly providing SQE preparation via BPP.
NRF achieved 47 practice area rankings in Chambers UK 2026, one of the broadest rankings profiles of any international firm. The firm's energy and infrastructure practice consistently receives top-tier recognition. NRF was ranked highly in The Times Best Law Firms 2026 across banking and finance, energy, infrastructure, and transport. In 2025, NRF was named in the FT Innovative Lawyers reports across Europe and North America.
Energy and natural resources
NRF's defining practice. The firm advises on the full energy spectrum — oil and gas, renewables, nuclear, and energy transition — across every major energy market globally. Consistently ranked Band 1 by Chambers UK for energy and natural resources. Recent demand for this practice has driven global revenue growth to over $2 billion.
Banking and finance
A core practice requiring all trainees to complete at least one banking seat. Covers acquisition finance, project finance, asset finance, restructuring, and real estate finance. Strong across both UK and cross-border transactions.
Infrastructure and transport
A world-leading practice advising on major infrastructure projects, PPP/PFI transactions, and transport financing. Particularly strong in rail, aviation, and shipping finance — sectors where NRF has long-established relationships with the major financial institutions.
Corporate and M&A
A solid corporate practice advising on domestic and cross-border M&A. All trainees must also complete a corporate seat — reflecting the practice's centrality to the training programme.
Disputes
A significant international disputes practice handling complex commercial litigation, arbitration, and investigations for financial institutions, energy companies, and governments.
The application process
Click on each stage to find out more.
The application requires a CV and cover letter. NRF does not recruit on a rolling basis so you can take time to submit your best work. The CV should list work experience in date order including all legal and non-legal roles. The cover letter should explain why you want to join NRF, what excites you about the programme, and how your skills match the firm's values. NRF advises against using AI tools — the firm wants to read your best authentic work. All applicants also complete the Rare contextualised data questionnaire after submitting the form, supporting a fairer recruitment process.
How to answer why youNorton Rose Fulbright: quick answers
How much does Norton Rose Fulbright pay trainees?
Norton Rose Fulbright pays first-year trainees £56,000, rising to £61,000 in the second year. Newly qualified solicitors at Norton Rose Fulbright earn £140,000.
When is the Norton Rose Fulbright vacation scheme deadline?
Norton Rose Fulbright runs more than one vacation scheme round in the 2026/27 cycle: the summer scheme closes on 4 Dec and the spring scheme closes on 4 Dec. Deadlines can change and popular schemes may close early, so check the live application deadlines tracker.
How many trainees does Norton Rose Fulbright take on?
Norton Rose Fulbright takes on around ±50 trainees in each intake, so places are competitive and strong applications matter.
What tests does Norton Rose Fulbright use in its applications?
NRF uses the Arctic Shores neuroscience-based assessment — a task-based format that does not contain questions in the traditional sense, but instead uses engaging and intuitive tasks to measure unique behaviour and skill indicators. There is no time limit for the whole assessment and it typically takes 35–60 minutes. Candidates can complete a practice task beforehand to familiarise themselves with the format. There are no right or wrong approaches — the assessment captures how you naturally think and work. This is different from the Watson Glaser and other verbal/numerical reasoning tests. The firm uses it specifically because it assesses potential and future capability rather than current academic performance.
What grades do you need to apply to Norton Rose Fulbright?
To apply to Norton Rose Fulbright you will generally need a 2:1 degree. At A-level, Norton Rose Fulbright asks for AAB. Requirements can flex where there are mitigating circumstances, so always check the firm's own criteria if your grades differ.
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