Staying up-to-date with law vacation scheme deadlines is crucial because they offer excellent opportunities for aspiring solicitors to take the first steps into their careers. These short work placements are primarily aimed at penultimate-year university students, although some law firms also accept applications from final-year students and graduates.
Increase your chances by crafting an effective legal CV and cover letter.
What are Vacation Scheme Deadlines?
Vacation scheme deadlines are crucial for law students and graduates aiming to gain practical experience in a law firm and improve their prospects for a future training contract. A vacation scheme is a formal internship within the legal industry, typically offered by law firms to recruit their next cohort of trainee solicitors. These schemes allow candidates to get a real feel for the law firm’s environment and work while firms can assess the suitability of candidates for future employment. Looking to start your career in law? Take a look at our training contract deadlines calendar.
It’s important to note that many firms operate on a rolling basis for applications, meaning they might close the application process before the official deadline if they have already selected suitable candidates.
Certain law firms only hire trainee solicitors from their vacation schemes, while others may offer some of their training contracts to those who have completed work placements with them. Therefore, securing a spot on a work placement with these types of firms can increase your chances of obtaining a training contract.
Winter Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2024
As aspiring trainee solicitors gear up for the competitive world of legal careers, keeping track of vacation scheme deadlines is crucial. Particularly for the winter vacation schemes, the application process is typically less daunting and offers a strategic advantage. These schemes, often shorter and less competitive, open applications in October, with most deadlines falling in November. Staying ahead of these deadlines is key for those seeking valuable experience in prestigious law firms.
Learn all about Magic Circle law firms in our special guide.
| 05/10/23 | Linklaters |
| 13/10/23 | Norton Rose Fulbright |
| 15/10/23 | White & Case LLP |
| 20/10/23 | Covington & Burling LLP |
| 23/10/23 | Stephenson Harwood LLP |
| 25/10/23 | Simmons & Simmons LLP (London Winter) |
| 27/10/23 | Dechert LLP |
| 31/10/23 | Burges Salmon LLP
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP |
| 01/12/23 | Thrings, Taylor Wessing LLP |
Spring Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2024
For aspiring solicitors aiming to enhance their legal expertise and career prospects, spring vacation scheme deadlines are pivotal. Unlike their winter counterparts, these schemes are often more competitive, reflecting the bustling spring season activity in law firms. Timely application submission is crucial, as these schemes offer a valuable opportunity for hands-on experience and a closer look into the workings of a legal practice. Keeping track of these deadlines ensures that candidates don’t miss out on these essential professional stepping stones. Spring vacation schemes typically have a longer application period, usually from October to January.
Top tip: your commercial awareness will play a big role in the application process.
| 20/12/23 | Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP |
| 31/12/23 | Kirkland & Ellis
Dechert LLP |
| 02/01/24 | Debevoise & Plimpton
Mayer Brown |
| 03/01/24 | Latham & Watkins |
| 05/01/24 | Farrer & Co
Macfarlanes |
| 07/01/24 | Milbank LLP |
| 08/01/24 | Reed Smith
Watson Farley & Williams LLP |
| 11/01/24 | Womble Bond Dickinson |
| 12/01/24 | Burges Salmon LLP |
| 14/01/24 | HFW
White & Case LLP |
| 15/01/24 | Baker McKenzie
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP Morrison Foerster RPC Shearman & Sterling |
| 19/01/24 | Clarion Solicitors
TWM Solicitors LLP |
| 23/01/24 | Stephenson Harwood LLP |
| 31/01/24 | Wilkin Chapman LLP
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP Bates Wells Mayer Brown Ropes & Gray Withers |
| 01/02/24 | Baker McKenzie
Taylor Wessing |
| 29/02/24 | Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton – Spring Insight Day |
| 31/03/24 | White & Case – First-Year Insight Schemes |
Summer Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2024
Summer vacation scheme deadlines mark a crucial time for trainee solicitors seeking to immerse themselves in the dynamic environment of a law firm during the busiest season. These schemes are highly sought after, offering in-depth exposure and critical networking opportunities within the legal field. Candidates must be vigilant about these application deadlines to secure a spot in these competitive programs, which are instrumental in shaping their future as solicitors. Summer schemes have a longer application window, usually from October to January or February.
Take a look at our comprehensive guides on how to answer why this firm and why study law application questions.
| 02/01/24 | Mills & Reeve
Irwin Mitchell Debevoise & Plimpton Mayer Brown |
| 04/01/24 | Addleshaw Goddard |
| 05/01/24 | Mishcon de Reya LLP
Farrer & Co Macfarlanes |
| 07/01/24 | Akin, Cooley (UK) LLP
Milbank LLP |
| 08/01/24 | Birketts LLP
Reed Smith Trowers & Hamlins LLP Watson Farley & Williams LLP |
| 10/01/24 | TLT LLP |
| 11/01/24 | Forsters LLP |
| 12/01/24 | Burges Salmon LLP
Covington DWF Group Plc Sullivan & Cromwell LLP Vinson & Elkins RLLP |
| 14/01/24 | Arnold & Porter LLP
White & Case LLP |
| 15/01/24 | Baker McKenzie
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP Lanyon Bowdler LLP Morrison Foerster (UK) LLP RPC |
| 16/01/24 | Gibson
Dunn & Crutcher UK LLP Anthony Collins Russell-Cooke |
| 18/01/24 | Michelmores
Norton Rose Fulbright |
| 19/01/24 | Clarion Solicitors
Fladgate LLP TWM Solicitors LLP |
| 23/01/24 | Stephenson Harwood LLP |
| 26/01/24 | Morgan Lewis & Bockius UK LLP
Muckle LLP |
| 31/01/24 | Baker McKenzie
Cripps Dechert Gateley Hill Dickinson Jones Day Mayer Brown Ropes & Gray Simmons & Simmons Wedlake Bell Wilkin Chapman LLP |
| 16/02/24 | Michelmores |
| 18/02/24 | Norton Rose Fulbright |
| 23/02/24 | Stephenson Harwood LLP |
| 26/02/24 | Bevan Brittan
Brabners LLP – Liverpool Brabners LLP – Manchester |
| 29/02/24 | Paul Hastings – Summer Work Placement Scheme |
| 31/03/24 | Ashfords – Bristol Summer Scheme
Ashfords – Exeter Summer Scheme RWK Goodman – Summer Vacation Scheme |
| 21/07/24 | Leathes Prior |
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several questions you want answers to. See below:
How long should you spend on a vacation scheme application?
You should spend between 4 and 6 hours per vacation scheme application. The time spent on a vacation scheme application can vary, but splitting the time between a few days is generally recommended. This allows for thorough research, thoughtful responses, and careful proofreading. Quality applications often require time to tailor your responses to the specific firm and scheme, demonstrating genuine interest and suitability.
Can you apply to vacation schemes in the final year?
Yes, final-year students can apply to vacation schemes. These schemes are not just for early-year students but also open to final-year undergraduates, graduates, and sometimes even postgraduates. It’s important to check each firm’s requirements as they may vary.
How long do vacation schemes last?
Vacation schemes last between one to two weeks. The duration can vary depending on the law firm and the specific scheme. Some firms may offer slightly longer schemes, but one or two weeks is the standard duration.
Can I get a vacation scheme with a 2:2?
Yes, getting a vacation scheme with a 2:2 degree is possible, but it may be more challenging. Law firms often look for candidates with strong academic records. However, if you can demonstrate other strengths, such as relevant work experience, extracurricular activities, or skills pertinent to the legal profession, you can still be considered. It’s essential to focus on these aspects in your application.
Is it hard to get a vacation scheme?
Securing a vacation scheme can be competitive, as these opportunities are highly sought after. The difficulty depends on various factors such as the law firm’s prestige, the number of applicants, and the strength of your application. To increase your chances, ensure your application is well-crafted, tailored to the firm, and highlights your unique strengths and experiences. Don’t forget to search for advice on applying for vacation schemes to increase your chances of success.
Can you do a vacation scheme in 3rd year?
Yes, you can do a vacation scheme in your 3rd year of university. Many law firms encourage applications from penultimate and final-year students for vacation schemes. This can be an ideal time to gain practical experience and make connections in the legal field before graduating. Additionally, if you completed the LPC course, the PGDL course or the SQE prep course, you can still be eligible for numerous placements.
How do you impress on a vacation scheme?
To impress on a vacation scheme, demonstrate professionalism, eagerness to learn, and a proactive attitude. Engage actively in all activities, ask insightful questions, and build relationships with colleagues and mentors. Show your understanding of the firm’s work and contribute meaningfully to your assigned tasks. Networking and making a positive impression can also lead to future opportunities within the firm.
