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Simpson Thacher
A New York-headquartered firm launching a London training programme focused on the private equity lifecycle.
About Simpson Thacher
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett was founded in 1884 and opened its London office in 1978. Headquartered in New York, it operates across 14 offices worldwide. Private equity is central to its London practice, with lawyers advising across fund formation, acquisitions, financing, portfolio-company matters and exits. The firm’s English and US law capabilities support international transactions alongside specialist regulatory, tax, restructuring and disputes advice. Its new London training programme reflects that sector focus: trainees will rotate through different legal disciplines while developing an understanding of how they contribute to private equity clients’ wider objectives.
Simpson Thacher’s London training contract will last two years, divided into four six-month seats. Available departments include investment funds, M&A, finance, funds regulatory, restructuring, tax, antitrust, energy and infrastructure, litigation and real estate. The programme is designed to expose trainees to different parts of the private equity lifecycle, with work including drafting, client calls and negotiations under partner and associate supervision.
The firm is recruiting for October 2028 and October 2029 starts, with up to 10 trainees. Its first London cohort has not yet joined, so there is no established trainee retention record. The recruitment pages advertise a £20,000 grant while studying the SQE and PGDip; Legal Cheek lists £20,000 for each course. The precise funding terms should be confirmed with the firm.
Practice areas & rankings
Simpson Thacher has 11 department rankings in Chambers UK 2026. These include Band 1 for Investment Funds: Private Equity, UK-wide, and Band 2 rankings for large private equity buyouts, fund finance, infrastructure, private equity secondaries, borrower-side leveraged finance and restructuring. The rankings reflect the range of legal services supporting its private capital practice.
Ranked departmentsChambers UK
Explore the practice areas
Ranked Band 1 for Investment Funds: Private Equity, UK-wide, in Chambers UK 2026, Simpson Thacher advises major European and US managers on fund formation and fundraising. Its work includes complex structuring and secondaries transactions. Chambers highlights its role as fundraising counsel on Apax XI, which secured commitments exceeding US$12 billion.
Ranked Band 2 for Private Equity: Buyouts: £500 million and above, UK-wide, in Chambers UK 2026, the firm advises sponsors on substantial domestic and international acquisitions. Its teams combine English and US law expertise on transactions involving leading funds. Chambers highlights advice to Sixth Street Partners on its acquisition of Cala alongside Patron Capital.
Ranked Band 2 for Leveraged Finance: Borrowers/Sponsors: Big Ticket in London in Chambers UK 2026, Simpson Thacher advises sponsors and portfolio companies on acquisition finance and refinancings. Its experience includes secured loans, bridge facilities and high-yield bonds. Chambers highlights its work financing TDR Capital and I Squared Capital’s acquisition of Applus.
Ranked Band 2 for Banking & Finance: Fund Finance, UK-wide, in Chambers UK 2026, the firm advises borrowers and lenders on financing arrangements used by investment funds. Its expertise includes capital call facilities and net asset value facilities, supported by its fund formation and leveraged finance practices in Europe and the US.
Ranked Band 2 for Restructuring/Insolvency in London in Chambers UK 2026, Simpson Thacher advises sponsors, companies, credit funds, banks and insolvency practitioners on financial distress. Its work includes cross-border restructurings, liability management and distressed refinancings. Chambers highlights its advice to Quatrim noteholders during Groupe Casino’s restructuring.
Awards
Law Firm of the Year, EuropeReal Estate Capital Europe Annual Awards 2024
Recognised for advising many of the world's leading private equity real estate funds on high-profile European real estate financings.
Law Firm of the Year for Transactions, EuropePrivate Debt Investor Awards 2024
Recognised for advising Europe's lenders and sponsors on financing transactions across capital structures, including direct lending, restructuring and fund-level financing.
The application process
Click on each stage to find out more.
All London training contract places are awarded through the vacation scheme. Applications for the spring and summer 2027 schemes close on 20 December 2026. The published minimum academic requirements are a predicted or achieved 2:1 and AAB at A-level, or equivalent. Applicants from all degree disciplines are welcome.
Applications are submitted through the online portal and reviewed after the deadline, rather than on a rolling basis. The firm specifically asks candidates to explain why private equity and why Simpson Thacher. Its guidance encourages understanding the work involved rather than memorising practice-area lists.
For preparation, explain what interests you about the relationship between investors, fund managers and portfolio companies. Connect that interest to the firm’s practice and your own experiences. A researched transaction can support your answer if you explain the sponsor’s objective, the commercial challenges and why the matter interests you.
Simpson Thacher: quick answers
How much does Simpson Thacher pay trainees?
Simpson Thacher pays first-year trainees £65,000, rising to £70,000 in the second year. Newly qualified solicitors at Simpson Thacher earn £178,000.
When is the Simpson Thacher vacation scheme deadline?
The vacation scheme is the ONLY route · 2027 summer scheme window ran 15 Jul 2026 to 20 Dec 2026 · applications reviewed AFTER the deadline, not on a rolling basis Deadlines can change and popular schemes may close early, so check the live application deadlines tracker.
How many trainees does Simpson Thacher take on?
Simpson Thacher takes on around 10 trainees in each intake, so places are competitive and strong applications matter.
What grades do you need to apply to Simpson Thacher?
To apply to Simpson Thacher you will generally need a 2:1+ degree. At A-level, Simpson Thacher 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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