Early careers

Preparing for bar exam success – We are focused on helping you to succeed in your bar exam, ensuring that you experience all the right kind of work, including matters before State courts and authorities – especially if required for qualification. We also set mock test papers in real exam conditions, host trainee discussion lunches, and internal training sessions led by associates and partners. We are proud of the success rate of our trainee alumni who take the bar exam.

Contributing to both large and smaller cases, gaining the essential knowledge, skills, and experience required to complete your professional training and to grow as a lawyer. You will work as part of big multi-skilled teams on larger cases, whilst also having the opportunity to develop your autonomy on smaller cases.

Working with different partners and specialist litigation teams, rather than being assigned to just one, providing you with the breadth of experience you need to find the right career path for you

Attending court – As well as the bigger cases we have enough smaller cases to give trainees the opportunity and responsibility to experience action in court, particularly for trainees who require it for their bar qualification. If this is not a requirement of your local bar we will nevertheless ensure you get to attend court hearings to observe and learn.

Our dedicated trainee committees provide proactive support from day one – an assigned committee in each office is responsible for proactively supporting trainees from welcome and induction, to pastoral care, and helping to allocate work appropriately. Each committee – made up of partners, senior and junior associates – works hard to help all our trainees to develop. They give their time to provide the guidance you need to make the most of your time at LALIVE.

Mentoring from partners and buddies – all our trainees work with – not just for – partners, and all benefit from mentoring by the best. Every trainee has an associate when they arrive, to help them settle in, and ensure they hit the ground running.

Feedback – as well as ongoing informal feedback, every trainee benefits from formal reviews throughout their traineeship. These are conducted by a partner and associate, providing invaluable feedback and guidance.

Learning events – to help with your personal development we provide the opportunity and financial support for you to attend industry conferences and seminars, enabling you to build and share knowledge with the team.

Requirements & criteria

We welcome applications from talented university graduates with an excellent academic record, who are seeking to gain their practical qualification experience for their Geneva bar qualification within the litigation practice group of a renowned international disputes-focused firm.

Languages: As well as outstanding academic grades, an excellent command of French and English is a must, and a very good working knowledge of German is of real benefit. Knowledge of other languages is also an advantage.

Attributes: In addition to academic strength and languages, we are looking for people who have the personal attributes needed to thrive at LALIVE and beyond. These include:

• The desire to listen, learn, and constantly improve.
• Curiosity and openness to new ideas and diverse opinions.
• A team-player with empathy and humility.
• Ability to build trust and develop relationships with colleagues and clients.
• Committed to fulfilling your potential, and always doing your best.
• Proactivity, dynamism, resilience and accountability.
• Professionalism, attention to detail, and rigour.

Timings & deadlines

Our application process for traineeships in Geneva opens at the beginning of September each year, and we recruit for positions commencing between 12 and 24 months in advance. You are advised to apply as soon as possible and always check here for the timings of our open opportunities.

How to apply

If you are keen to be challenged, you share our belief in the power of teams, and you are excited about learning from leaders in their field, then we would be pleased to receive your application. Please click here to submit your cover letter and CV, as well as copies of your diplomas, university grades and any other qualifications, specifying in your application when you would be available to start your traineeship.

Questions

For any questions regarding trainee positions in our Geneva office please email: recruitment@lalive.law

Requirements & criteria

We welcome applications from talented university graduates with an excellent academic record, who are seeking to gain their practical qualification experience for the Bar exam (in particular, but not necessarily in Zurich) within the litigation practice group of a renowned international disputes-focused firm.

What we’re looking for:

In addition to academic strength and languages, we are looking for people who have the personal attributes needed to thrive at LALIVE and beyond. These include:

• The desire to listen, learn, and constantly improve.
• Curiosity and openness to new ideas and diverse opinions.
• A team-player with empathy and humility.
• Ability to build trust and develop relationships with colleagues and clients.
• Commitment to fulfilling your potential, and always doing your best.
• Proactivity, dynamism, resilience and accountability.
• Professionalism, attention to detail, and rigour.
• Outstanding academic grades.
• An excellent command of German and English is a must, and a working knowledge of French beneficial. Knowledge of other languages is also an advantage.

Timings & deadlines

We recruit for our Zurich trainee positions on a rolling basis throughout the year. We often fill positions up to 12 months in advance, so you are advised to apply early. You can see upcoming open opportunities here.

How to apply

If you are keen to be challenged, you share our belief in the power of teams, and you are excited about learning from leaders in their field, then we would be pleased to receive your application. Please click here to submit your cover letter and CV, as well as copies of your diplomas, university grades and any other qualifications, specifying in your application when you would be available to start your traineeship.

Questions

For any questions regarding trainee positions in our Zurich office please email: recruitment@lalive.law