Legal Graduate Scheme 2026

Legal Graduate Scheme 2026 — Financial Conduct Authority, Stratford

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is recruiting for its Legal Graduate Scheme 2026, a two-year structured development programme for law graduates interested in a career in financial regulation. The scheme is based at the FCA's headquarters at 12 Endeavour Square, Stratford, East London.

Participants rotate through the FCA's legal divisions, including Enforcement, General Counsel, Markets, and Policy, gaining broad experience across all aspects of UK financial regulation. The scheme offers a unique alternative to private practice, with the opportunity to shape regulation that impacts millions of UK consumers and the global financial system.

Graduate Scheme Details

• Duration: 2-year Legal Graduate Scheme (4 x 6-month rotations)
• Start date: September 2026 intake
• Location: 12 Endeavour Square, Stratford, London
• Qualification support: SQE/BPC funding and study leave provided
• Benefits: Civil service pension, 25 days holiday, flexible working

Eligibility: Open to final-year LLB/GDL students or recent law graduates. SQE completion is not required at the point of application.

• Rotate through four divisions within the FCA's legal function over two years
• Work on enforcement investigations, policy development, and regulatory advisory matters
• Draft legal opinions, regulatory guidance, and enforcement decision documents
• Attend hearings before the Regulatory Decisions Committee and Upper Tribunal
• Participate in the FCA's graduate development programme, including training and mentoring
• Build a career in public interest regulation with opportunities for progression

• Law degree (LLB, GDL, or LLM) or equivalent legal qualification — graduates from 2024, 2025, or 2026
• Strong academic record (minimum 2:1 degree)
• Genuine interest in financial regulation, public law, and consumer protection
• Excellent analytical, research, and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams
• Understanding of the FCA's role and the UK financial regulatory framework is desirable
• Right to work in the United Kingdom