Apply for the program!
Applications for the 2026 program are now closed except for Germany where students can apply until 15 March 2026.
Companies: Join all year round. Click here for more information.
2026 Program criteria
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Studying in France, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands or the United Kingdom
- In France or Belgium: currently enrolled in your first year of Master Degree in Law for academic year 2025-2026 (Master 1)
- In the Netherlands: enrolled for your Master or Pre-Master in Law when you start the program
- In Germany: successfully completed your intermediate exam (Zwischenprüfung)
- In the United Kingdom: students that have completed their Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and are planning to complete either the LPC or SQE*
- BE/NL/UK: Available in July and August 2026**
- DE: Available between July and September 2026
- FR: Available in June and July 2026
- Authorized to work in the European Union or the United Kingdom as applicable without a working permit
- Enthusiastic and highly motivated
- Eager to learn how business acumen is applied by in-house counsel in an international environment
- Pragmatic, business and solutions oriented
- Team player, willing to support cross-functional project teams
*This placement will not count as qualifying work experience for the SQE
**July and August are the preferred periods. If a student’s availability allows it, June or September could be envisaged on a case-by-case analysis.
Language skills
- Belgium or the Netherlands: Fluent English is required
- France: French is required
- Germany: German and English are required
- The United Kingdom: English is required
Selection
Candidates will be chosen by the STEP UP selection team and matched with the partnered companies in their country of study. Company locations are:
- Belgium;
- France;
- Germany;
- The Netherlands;
- The United Kingdom.
In some cases, the candidate will meet virtually with the partnered company before the final selection.
How to apply
Applications for the 2026 program are now open! To apply, please check sections 1, 2 and 3 before completing the application form below.
- Motivation letter: include what diversity means to you.
- Resume: list your language skills and specific legal studies.