Career
About Thornhill Legal
Thornhill Legal is a London-based, SRA authorised law firm specialising in China-related cross-border legal services. We advise Chinese and international clients navigating complex matters, ranging from corporate and M&A, investment and finance, restructuring and insolvency, and compliance to dispute resolution.
Through its affiliate non-profit entity, Thornhill Academy, the firm contributes to the development of China–UK legal collaboration, research, professional development, and community engagement.
We are seeking a motivated and culturally fluent intern to join our team for a 4-week placement beginning in late February or early March 2026.
Join Us
Thornhill Legal – Legal & Research Intern (4 weeks )
Location: London (hybrid options available)
Duration: 3-6 months (starting late February/early March 2026)
Role Overview
This internship offers hands-on exposure to cross-border legal work, client-facing matters, and research into cutting-edge issues important to businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions. The successful candidate will work alongside senior members of the firm to support their legal practices, research, and marketing and business development activities, gaining valuable insight into the operation of an international-facing law firm which is different to the ‘Big Law’ model.
This is a full-time internship based at our London Bridge office. Candidates are expected to work on-side at least two days a week. The internship will include a weekly stipend intended to support travel and meal expenses during the placement.
This role is ideal for law graduates interested in China-UK cross-border legal practices, international business law and the development of international policy and global commerce.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct extensive legal research on China and UK legal, regulatory and policy matters.
- Compile research findings into actionable insights.
- Assist with drafting and preparing legal documents, case summaries, client notes and internal memos.
- Support business development initiatives, including event preparation, communications, and outreach to business partners and stakeholders.
- Contribute to Thornhill Academy’s research and training projects.
- Help create bilingual (English–Chinese) content for the firm’s website and social media posts where appropriate.
- Provide administrative and organisational support to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Participate in internal and external meetings, training sessions, and networking events as required.
Requirements and qualifications
Essential:
- Have graduated from a law degree, such as LLB, with a 2:1 or above (or a Chinese law degree in the PRC with a postgraduate law degree (LLM) in the UK).
- Strong interest in China–UK legal, commercial, and policy matters.
- Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.
- Professional fluency in English and Mandarin.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the internship
Desirable:
- Have passed the Chinese Bar Exam.
- PRC practicing experience preferred, ideally 2-3 years with a top tier Chinese/international law firm in China.
- English solicitor qualification preferred, or successful completion of the SQE1/SEQ2 examination(s) or the Legal Practice Course (LPC).
How to apply：
Applicants should send the following materials to academy@thornhill-legal.co.uk:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Law school transcripts (and Chinese Bar Exam score if passed already)
- Evidence of completion of LPC/SEQ1/SQE2, or Chinese/English practising qualification if applicable
Applicants are also welcome to include one writing sample (e.g., an article, legal research report, legal submission, essay or dissertation on any legal topic – in either English or Chinese). This is optional and not required for consideration.
Please avoid using AI tools to write your CV and cover letter. Applications that have been AI generated shall not be considered.
Deadline for applications: 5 February 2026