THE BREWERY
programme

ARBITRATION

DATA, CYBER AND PRIVACY

COMPETITION

THE BREWERY: YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

We are currently seeking for enthusiastic associates to join our Arbitration practice. The Brewery programme is not just about legal training; it is a holistic pathway to becoming the lawyer you aspire to be. You'll become part of a small, ambitious group, forming lasting professional connections and friendships.

Since 2015, The Brewery has been our vibrant professional hub for international law graduates with up to two years of professional legal experience. At The Brewery, we welcome international talent from all over the globe. This unique blend makes The Brewery an ideal launchpad for your professional legal career in the Netherlands.

Application deadline: March 22, 2026

APPLY HERE FOR OUR ARBITRATION PRACTICE


BREWERY HIGHLIGHTS

Here are some of the highlights of The Brewery programme, organised into four pillars:

Intensive training and direct involvement in cases from day one:

  • Intensive training within your practice area.
  • Direct involvement in matters as an associate from day one.

Qualifying as a solicitor in England & Wales:

  • We believe that obtaining this qualification is a key milestone in your professional development and ensures that you have the legal knowledge and skills necessary to perform at the highest level. If you are already qualified elsewhere, you will still need to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. This involves passing two exams: SQE1 and SQE2.
  • We aim for you to complete SQE1 during the first six months of the Brewery programme. To support you, we offer an intensive prep course with BARBRI. We are committed to supporting you throughout the process. SQE2 can be completed during your time as an associate. The exact timing will always be agreed in consultation with the practice group.
  • Already passed SQE1 or SQE2? That’s great! You are still very welcome to apply: it’s an advantage that you have already completed this step.

Dutch language training:

  • You will take Dutch language lessons to enhance your communication skills and facilitate your integration in the Netherlands. We understand that speaking Dutch is essential for social interactions, and while we encourage your language development, we do not expect you to write Dutch as part of your role.

The Brewery and De Brauwerij:

  • You will take part in integrated training components with our Dutch-qualified associates in the Brauwerij, fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.
  • At The Brewery, you will dive into a dynamic environment designed to fuel your professional growth and personal development. Joining a small yet ambitious group, you will quickly form friendships and invaluable connections that will support you throughout your De Brauw journey. Be prepared to tackle challenges head-on, as you navigate a steep learning curve that will help you grow personally and professionally. From day one, you will assume responsibilities, all while being coached and supported by seasoned senior associates and partners who are invested in your success. You will also have the opportunity to engage in meaningful pro bono projects, enriching your experience and making a positive impact on the community.

ELIGIBILITY

In order to be eligible for The Brewery:

  • You should have completed your legal education at the bachelor's and master's level; and
  • You should have no more than two years of full-time professional legal work experience, excluding traineeships or study-related activities.

Have you previously applied to the Brewery Programme and are considering applying again? Please note that a second application will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, for example if you have worked at De Brauw in the meantime as a student trainee or law assistant.

We strongly advise all candidates interested in reapplying to first undertake a traineeship or work as a law assistant at De Brauw. Gaining additional experience within the firm will significantly strengthen your application, as it gives us the opportunity to get to know each other better.

If you are unsure whether you are eligible to reapply or would like advice on your next step, please feel free to contact us, we are happy to assist.

DISCOVER TRAINEE AND LAW ASSISTANT OPPORTUNITIES

We offer traineeships and law assistant opportunities year-round in our Arbitration, Competition, and Data, Cyber and Privacy practices. Want to know more? Consult our candidacies. Should you have any more questions, please contact one of our campus recruiters.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS & PROCESS

Please refer to the section below the APPLY HERE button for the complete application requirements and process.

What qualification will I get?

In The Brewery you will start with the process of qualifying as a solicitor in England & Wales. Also, if you are already qualified as a lawyer in another country. Generally, we will also help you to maintain any existing qualifications. De Brauw does not expect you to become a qualified lawyer in the Netherlands.

What about my "home" jurisdiction?

You can possibly still practice it. You may be asked to join the team if we handle a matter relevant to your home jurisdiction. Your experience or knowledge of your home jurisdiction is only one of the factors that may be considered when building a team to work on a specific matter.

I would like to apply, but will you help me with finding a place, getting my work permit etc.?

Once you have been offered a place in The Brewery, our HR colleagues will reach out to you to discuss the next steps. You may need a visa and/or a work permit, depending on your individual circumstances (that is, your nationality and/or current place of residence). Together we will take care of this process.

We will actively share helpful contacts and websites, but do not actively assist in finding a place to live. It can be difficult to find accommodation in the center of Amsterdam, and many colleagues choose to expand their search area to towns and cities relatively close to Amsterdam, such as Amstelveen, Leiden, The Hague and Utrecht.

LET’S GET IN TOUCH

Anything else we can help you with? Please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone, email or Instagram.

We look forward to hearing from you.