Vacation schemes

Author
Jemma Smith, Editor
Posted
June, 2024

Granting you access to a law firm and enabling you to witness and perform real legal tasks, vacation schemes provide vital insight into what it's like to work as a solicitor. Firms often recruit trainees from their legal placements so don't pass up on these opportunities

What is a law vacation scheme?

Lasting anything between one week and a month (but typically one to two weeks), a vacation scheme will help you to improve your skills and legal knowledge and give firms a chance to take a closer look at you. You'll meet partners, associates, solicitors and trainees and find out more about the structure of work and training, the culture of the firm, and what cases and transactions actually involve.

It's also a good opportunity to gain a better understanding of the skills and personal qualities that the firm is seeking and what they mean in practice. Learn more about the skills you need to succeed in law.

The structure of law vacation schemes varies with each firm, but generally you'll be assigned a supervisor and a buddy and placed with two practice groups. You'll get the opportunity to work on live cases and transactions and you'll also get to shadow lawyers, sitting in on client meetings and observing them giving legal advice.

There may also be workshops, seminars and presentations for you to attend and, depending on the size of the firm, some social events.

Will a vacation scheme help me get a training contract?

'Yes, undertaking a vacation scheme can help a student gain a training contract,' says Rupali Gosai, early careers adviser at Dentons. 'Firms often recruit for their training contract through their vacation schemes.'

There's no denying that completing a vacation scheme placement is one way to impress recruiters.

'A vacation scheme or work placement can enhance a student's chances of securing a training contract by providing invaluable hands on experience and insight into the workings of a law firm,' explains Skye Fenton-Wells, early talent recruitment manager at Womble Bond Dickinson. 'During this period of work experience, students have the opportunity to gain practical skills such as legal research, drafting documents and client communication – all under the guidance of experienced legal professionals. By building relationships with colleagues and showcasing their potential, students can leave a lasting impression which impacts the feedback of any assessment and selection process.'

If you can't get on a vacation scheme all is not lost. You could arrange some work shadowing, which is a much shorter stint of experience that will still provide a little bit of insight. Or you could use your time to do pro bono work, which will also show your commitment to a career in law. Alternatively, do some work experience in another sector or get a part-time job. While this may not provide you with specific legal skills, it will build your soft skills, demonstrate your proactive, determined nature to recruiters and give you real life examples to use in interviews.

Remember, qualifying via the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE) means that you no longer have to complete a training contract. You'll still need to do two years qualifying work experience (QWE) but this can be completed in a number of ways. While it's expected that many firms will continue to run traditional training contracts, you can also qualify as a solicitor through working as a paralegal, completing a placement as part of a sandwich year or volunteering in a student law clinic.

Which firms offer vacation schemes?

All firms listed below run vacation schemes or legal work experience placements. When choosing a scheme, it's important to do your research to ensure it meets your needs. If you require more information about a programme before making an application, contact the firm directly.

This is just a selection and is by no means an exhaustive list. If you're interested in a particular firm check on their website to see if they run vacation schemes or legal placements.

What are the vacation scheme application deadlines?

Placements with the biggest firms are usually at Easter, Christmas or during the summer of law undergraduates' penultimate year (or the final year for non-law students). Many of the larger firms open for applications in the autumn and may have pre-Christmas closing dates for Easter and summer vacation work. An increasing number of firms are also providing vacation schemes or virtual work experience for first-year students.

Deadlines for summer legal placements tend to fall between January and April, several months ahead of training contract applications. However, the best advice is to research early, as increased competition for places means that vacation schemes may be brought forward. Firms may be quite specific about what sort of applications they want and when, such as final-year non-law students at Easter and penultimate-year law students in the summer.

There isn't a magic number in regard to placements and you’re not restricted in the number you can complete - the more experience you get the better. If you're unsure what you want to do, complete vacation schemes in different-sized firms and in those that offer a variety of specialisms to help you decide which practice area is right for you. However, make sure that the schemes you're applying to are worthwhile and will add something to your development - don't just do them to fill up your CV.

How do I apply for a law vacation placement?

Law firms receive hundreds of applications, and because of this not all will wait until the deadline to shortlist applicants. Starting early and getting help with your application gives you the best chance.

Draw up a list of firms you'd like to apply to and schedule time to research the organisation. Most large and mid-sized firms have multi-stage application processes, which start with registration and an online application form. Smaller firms require a completed online application form, or a CV accompanied by a cover letter.

Whatever documents you send, this is your opportunity to explain why you want the vacation scheme and what you'll be bringing to the firm. Get help and advice on writing your legal CV and cover letter.

You may also need to attend a one-to-one or panel interview where you could be asked questions including:

  • Why do you want to be a solicitor?
  • Who are our main competitors?
  • What stories in the business press have caught your eye?

You should prepare responses beforehand and ensure you have examples to draw upon. Take a look at the 9 questions you might be asked in a law interview.

Will I be paid on a vacation scheme?

Most firms pay something, even if it's just expenses. The amount that firms pay varies so check with them before applying.

For example, currently per week you will be paid:

  • Baker McKenzie - £386.75
  • Clyde & Co - £500
  • Hogan Lovells - £500
  • Slaughter & May - £500
  • Travers Smith - £750
  • Trowers & Hamlins - £460.25 ( London) £400 (Birmingham, Exeter and Manchester)
  • Weil Gotshal & Manges - £750.

You should receive at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW) in the UK if you're performing the role of a worker. From April 2024, this is  £8.60 for 18 to 20 year olds. Those aged 21 and over should receive the National Living Wage (NLW) of £11.44.

What makes a good vacation scheme application?

  • Know what's happening in the legal profession e.g. firm mergers, partner moves, new client panel wins and law firm revenues and profitability.
  • Allow plenty of time to research the firm, practice areas and high-profile cases. Focus on one application at a time and ask your university's careers services to review it before sending.
  • Be clear about why you want a law career. It's a challenging option and you need resilience and determination; demonstrate your passion and be confident that you are committed to this career.

How do I make the most of my vacation scheme?

'Show enthusiasm right across the vacation scheme and demonstrate consistent motivation to get involved,' advises Rupali. 'Whether it's an exciting client meeting, drafting, or research for an ongoing matter, aim to produce your best work.' Going above and beyond the requirements will get you noticed for the right reasons, as will being proactive and asking for work if you have time on your hands.

Get involved with practical, legal tasks and demonstrate a willingness to contribute to the work of the departments that you're based in. Offer to help if you're able, but keep a record of the work you've done and who you've done it for.

Bethan Yates, trainee recruitment adviser at Slaughter & May says 'go into it with an enthusiastic and inquisitive mindset. Take the opportunity to speak to as many people as possible from across the firm. Ask as many questions as you can - you want to walk away from your placement with a greater understanding of the firm and its practice areas, as well as its culture.'

Keith Mitchelhill, early talent recruitment adviser at Womble Bond Dickinson also stresses the importance of asking questions and seeking feedback. 'Reach out and speak to those around the business including those in business services functions as they are key in supporting the wider business strategy. Speaking with the business development team is a great way to understand what clients look for and expect from their law firm.'

Use your buddy to find out what life at the firm is really like for a trainee and take every opportunity to get inside hints and tips from the employees that you spend time with. Also make sure you take part in any social events that you're invited to.

Find out more

Written by Jemma Smith, Editor

Prospects · June 2024

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