Sidley Vacation Scheme: Referral and Coaching route

Overview

Sidley is one of the world's premier law firms, with a practice highly attuned to the ever-changing international landscape. The firm has built a reputation for being a powerful legal adviser for global businesses, with more than 1,900 lawyers in 20 offices worldwide. With more than 150 years committed to legal excellence, they work to deliver compelling results for clients in all types of legal matters, from complex transactions to "bet the company" litigation to cutting-edge regulatory issues.

They offer students and recent graduates the opportunity to take on sophisticated, substantive work, grow as part of a thriving, diversified practice and collaborate with some of the best legal minds in the world.

They offer vacation schemes in winter, spring and summer for those interested in pursuing a degree in law from any degree background.

What does a vacation scheme offer you?

Law firms offer one-to-two-week vacation schemes in university holidays to give you a chance to gain an understanding of the firm and their culture. You'll see the everyday tasks lawyers undertake, support on work within the firm and take part in presentations. Firms offer places on their training contracts based on performance on a vacation scheme.

Sidley's vacation scheme

Sidley recruit the majority of their trainees from their vacation schemes and they advise anyone who is interested in a training contract to apply for a vacation scheme.

They run two-week vacation schemes in spring and summer each year. You'll experience the day-to-day life of a lawyer at the firm, including opportunities to undertake real work rather than just observing or shadowing.

Key dates:

• Spring Vacation Scheme 2022: 4th April – 14th April
• Summer 1 Vacation Scheme 2022: 13th June – 24th June
• Summer 2 Vacation Scheme 2022: 27th June – 8th July

You'll spend time in at least two different departments and will share an office with a qualified lawyer. This practical experience will be supplemented by a programme of presentations and workshops that will ensure you get to know as much about the firm as you possibly can during the placement.

Why apply through Bright Network?

By applying to Sidley through Bright Network's exclusive recommendation and referral route, you'll receive extra coaching through the application process. This will give you the best chance to secure the role.

Bright Network will screen this initial application and successful candidates will be shared directly with Sidley.

Sidley understand that their success is predicated on recruiting, developing, and retaining top talent from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, fostering an inclusive culture, which welcomes differing perspectives and beliefs. This is one of the key reasons for creating the coaching and referral scheme in partnership with Bright Network.

Candidate profile

• Are anticipating at least a 2.1 degree or equivalent (not necessarily in law)
• Are genuinely intrigued by the commercial world
• Can demonstrate a strong ability to analyse and to learn
• Can work well with others and interact with clients
• Have perseverance and are confident in using their initiative

Who can apply?

Students who are in their penultimate year of studying Law OR Final year students studying a non-law degree and fulfil two or more of the below:

• First generation to attend university
• Eligible for free school meals
• Bright Network members from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic Backgrounds

Benefits

• You'll be paid £500 a week
• Enjoy organised social events to help you get to know current trainees