At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic two-year programme with rotations across various teams in legal operations.
- Company: Norton Rose Fulbright, a leading global law firm with a diverse and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £38,000 plus award-winning benefits and flexible work options.
- Other info: Permanent roles available post-scheme based on performance and growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of legal services while gaining hands-on experience and valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Open to innovative graduates eager to learn and contribute to business and legal operations.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 38000 £ per year.
We're Norton Rose Fulbright - a global law firm with over 50 offices and 7,000 employees worldwide. We provide the world’s preeminent corporations and financial institutions with a full business law service. As well as the relevant skills and experience, we're looking for people who are innovative, commercial and value the work that they do. We celebrate multiple approaches and points of view and believe diversity drives innovation, so we're building a culture where difference is valued.
Our Business and Legal Operations Graduate Scheme is a two-year programme encompassing every aspect of the rapid changes currently underway in the delivery of high-end legal services. This doesn't just involve the emergence of new technology. It involves the increasingly crucial role played by other technical disciplines in providing more complex and sophisticated client solutions and optimising our performance as a business. Legal services are changing. Clients want more than sound legal advice. They also want efficient delivery, useful data, practical technology and solutions that respond to their wider business needs. The Business and Legal Operations Graduate Scheme develops people who can help turn those expectations into action.
Graduates will have the opportunity to complete four six-month rotations across various teams and programme areas. Throughout the programme, graduates will gain experience across a broad range of work supporting both clients and the firm. This may include:
- Helping teams improve how legal matters are planned and delivered through project management, process improvement, technology adoption, reporting and legal service design
- Working with lawyers, consultants and technology specialists to understand client needs and help develop practical services, products and solutions
- Supporting the business operations of legal teams through a client secondment opportunity, gaining first‑hand insight into client priorities and ways of working
- Supporting projects that help shape the future of Norton Rose Fulbright, from AI adoption and business transformation programmes to process improvement and change initiatives
No two rotations will be the same. Graduates could be:
- Uncovering a business or client challenge and identifying opportunities for improvement
- Designing and testing a new legal product or tool
- Delivering training sessions on new technology
- Running workshops with clients' in‑house legal teams
- Turning raw data into insights that shape decision‑making
- Coordinating projects from scoping through to completion
- Creating proposals, presentations and training materials
- Working alongside lawyers, technologists and consultants
All rotations will be based in our London office, except for the client secondment opportunity, which is also London based.
Those gaining places on the scheme will be given extensive support and expected to perform at a high level. Permanent roles at the end of the two years are earned through the skills, commitment and growth demonstrated during the programme. Graduates will receive regular feedback, guidance and support throughout. Our aim is to help participants succeed and build a long‑term career with us. The scheme does not lead to a legal qualification.
Start date: August / September 2027.
Starting salary: £38,000 plus award-winning benefits.
Application deadline: 1 January 2027.
Applicants should be available to attend an in‑person assessment day in February 2027.
To attract the best people, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can bring their whole selves to work, have a sense of belonging, and realize their full career potential. Our new enabled work model allows our people to have more flexibility in the way they choose to work from both the office and a remote location, while continuing to deliver the highest standards of service. We offer a range of family friendly and inclusive employment policies and provide access to programmes and services aimed at nurturing our people’s health and overall wellbeing. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams. We strive to create an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you require any tailored adjustments or accommodations, please let us know via EMEARecruitment@nortonrosefulbright.com.
Business & Legal Operations Graduate Scheme 2027 employer: NRF United Kingdom
Norton Rose Fulbright is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a unique two-year RISE Work Experience Programme designed for high-potential students. With a vibrant work culture in London or Newcastle, participants benefit from tailored mentoring, specialist training, and invaluable networking opportunities, all aimed at fast-tracking their legal careers in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business & Legal Operations Graduate Scheme 2027
✨Join Local Law Societies
Get involved with local law societies in your area. These groups often host networking events, workshops, and panels that can provide insider insights and potential job leads. It’s a great way to meet professionals who can vouch for you!
✨Leverage University Resources
Swing by your uni’s career centre and see what they’ve got on offer for law students. They usually have connections with firms looking for trainees, and can help you polish your interview skills through mock interviews. Don’t forget to ask about any upcoming recruitment fairs!
✨Connect with Trainee Alumni
Reach out to past trainees from your network or alumni groups. They can offer invaluable advice on their experiences and might even point you to firms that are hiring. Plus, you never know when a friendly face could help your application stand out!
✨Submit Direct Applications through Our Website
Don't wait around for listings! If you’ve got your heart set on a certain firm like NRF United Kingdom, drop them a direct application through their website. Tailor your cover letter to reflect your passion for law and what you can bring to their team!
We think you need these skills to ace Business & Legal Operations Graduate Scheme 2027
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Acumen:Make sure your CV highlights your knowledge of legal principles and any relevant coursework. This is super important for a trainee role, so if you've got any practical experience like mooting competitions or internships, be sure to include those to show us what you've learned in practice!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Let us know why legal services excite you and detail your motivation for wanting to be a trainee with us at NRF United Kingdom. Share any unique experiences or insights you've had that relate to our work — we love to see passion!
Demonstrate Your Research Skills:As part of a legal team, strong research skills are key. If you've conducted any legal research during your studies or previous roles, mention specific cases or legal documents you've worked with. Including these details can set you apart from other candidates applying for your trainee spot.
Tailor Your Documents to Us:When applying through our website, make sure you're tailoring your CV and cover letter specifically for the role at NRF United Kingdom. Use our job posting as a guide to emphasize the skills and qualifications that align perfectly with the trainee position — it shows us you're keen and have done your homework!
How to prepare for a job interview at NRF United Kingdom
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Get ready to showcase your understanding of key legal concepts and principles relevant to the field. Brush up on areas like contract law or torts, as you might encounter some scenario-based questions during your interview. It’s not just about memorising; be prepared to discuss how you'd apply these principles in real-world situations, which will highlight your analytical skills.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In legal interviews, your ability to conduct thorough research is essential. Be prepared to discuss how you approach case studies or legal precedents. You might also be asked about tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis, so having some familiarity with these platforms can really set you apart.
✨Emphasise Your Enthusiasm for Learning
As a trainee, companies like NRF United Kingdom want to see your passion for the law and eagerness to learn. Bring up any relevant coursework, internships, or voluntary work during your studies. This shows that you're proactive and ready to embrace the challenges of the legal world.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect a few behavioural questions that probe your problem-solving and teamwork skills. Examples might relate to how you've handled conflict in a group project or dealt with tight deadlines. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly, making it easy for the interviewers to see your thought process.
