Guide to vacation schemes 2023

• What is a vacation scheme?
• What are the benefits of a vacation scheme?
• Who can apply to a vacation scheme?
• Which law firms offer vacation schemes?
• When are vacation scheme application deadlines?
• How many vacation schemes should I apply for?
• How to get a vacation scheme
• How to write a CV for a vacation scheme
• How to write a cover letter for a vacation scheme
• Vacation scheme application tips
• What to expect during a vacation scheme?
• Are vacation schemes paid?
• How to prepare for a vacation scheme
• Make the best out of your vacation scheme
• Does a vacation scheme lead to a training contract?

What is a vacation scheme?

A law vacation scheme is a one or two-week internship or work experience placement with a law firm, usually taking place in either the Spring, Summer or Winter. Vacation schemes are used by law firms to seek out new talent. So, if you're interested in applying to a particular firm, completing a vacation scheme is a great way to test them out as well as to get yourself noticed and fast-tracked onto a training contract. In some firms, 90% of their training contract cohort comes directly off the back of vacation schemes, so they are extremely beneficial to increase your chances of securing a training contract. 

What are the benefits of a vacation scheme?

A key benefit of completing a vacation scheme is the increased likelihood of securing a training contract later on. However, there are also many other benefits. 

Having the chance to network and engage with experienced lawyers is very useful for advice and also for securing roles later on in your law career. Learning about different law firms and the way they operate and run provides valuable insight for your future career and interviews. In addition, the experience gained on a vacation scheme is useful in a wide range of real-life working scenarios in your career. 

A vacation scheme is also a great way to demonstrate your aptitude and enthusiasm to a company to increase future job opportunities as well as potentially earn good money. 

Find out how to turn your vacation scheme into a training contract offer.

Who can apply to a vacation scheme?

Vacation schemes are open to students both studying law and non-law undergraduate degrees. However, when you can apply differs depending if you are studying law or not. Non-law students can apply in the final year of their undergraduate degree at the earliest, whereas law students can apply from their second year onwards. 

Vacation schemes are not just for undergraduate students. Graduates and post-graduates are also welcome to apply as firms encourage people from various stages in their careers to reach out.

If you’re in your first year and are looking to do a vacation scheme, there are some firms that organise first-year-specific vacation schemes. However, open days and insight programmes are more likely to be targeted at first years, so make sure to look out for these. 

If you’d like to see how Bright Network member Imaadh secured a first-year scheme, check out his success story to learn how you can too.

Which law firms offer vacation schemes?

Many law firms offer vacation schemes. This includes but is not limited to:

• Reed Smith
• Bird & Bird
• Latham & Watkins
• Hogan Lovells
• Davis Polk
• Slaughter and May
• Clifford Chance
• Slater & Gordan
• Simmons & Simmons
• Macfarlanes
• Ashfords

If you want to know more, see all law employers.

When are vacation scheme application deadlines?

Vacation schemes take place during the summer, spring and winter university holidays. 

Generally, applications for spring and summer vacation schemes take place between October and January. Many firms run their applications on a rolling basis, meaning they may accept applicants and close the opportunity before the deadline to submit your application has passed. This is why getting your application in as early as you can is important. 

Winter vacation schemes have a shorter window to apply with applications usually opening in October and closing in November. In some cases, winter vacation schemes can be less competitive due to the smaller time for applications. 

Clearly, opening and closing dates vary by firm so do make sure you research an individual firm's details as part of your planning and preparation.

How many vacation schemes should I apply for?

As they can be competitive, we recommend that you apply for more than one vacation scheme. If you only apply to one vacation scheme, the chances of securing it are slim. In most cases, this isn’t a reflection on you and is purely because firms receive a huge number of high-quality applications.

We also recommend that each application you make is tailored to the specific law firm you’re applying to. Therefore, if you apply for too many, you run the risk of your applications feeling not specific enough and rushed. 

A reasonable and realistic number of applications at a good standard may be between 5 and 7 vacation schemes, depending on your timeframe and other commitments. The absolute maximum we recommend you apply to would be 10 to make sure they’re tailored to the firm.

How to get a vacation scheme

The application for a vacation scheme generally involves you sending in a CV and cover letter and then being invited in for an interview.

The law firm is looking for two key things: genuine interest in the law and demonstrable experience of the relevant skills required to be a successful lawyer. Therefore, make sure your CV includes any events or insight days you have attended as well as any relevant journals you have read. Also, try to highlight skills from your extra-curricular activities which are relevant to law, such as research, presentations, teamwork, attention to detail and so on. 

If you are looking for a way to improve your skills for your applications, complete our Academy course on transferable skills.

How to write a CV for a vacation scheme

When writing a CV for a vacation scheme you must include all your relevant experiences and skills. 

The personal profile section should include your career aims and areas of law you wish to specialise in. Make sure these are aligned with the particular firm. In terms of work experience, it’s fine if you don’t have any pre-existing law work experience, but be certain to add any other law-related involvements such as law society at your university. You should also include two references on your CV. One could be a university lecturer and the other someone you have worked for previously.

CV advice and templates 

Read our article on 5 ways to make your CV stand out. This includes focusing on results, using LinkedIn and keeping it concise. 

How to write a cover letter for a vacation scheme

When writing cover letters for vacation schemes, each one must be tailored to the firm. Don’t make the mistake of writing one cover letter and using it for every firm you apply to.

A cover letter is a perfect opportunity to show your motivations for working in law and for choosing that specific firm. Use it to introduce yourself and explain why you are applying to that firm and include any additional information that you feel is relevant to your application.

If you’re uploading a cover letter as part of a bigger application form, make sure you don’t repeat examples you’ve used to answer questions on the form. Give as wide a picture of your skills and experience as you can and only repeat something if you think it is particularly significant. 

Take a read of our advice on structuring a cover letter and writing a good cover letter. These are really important as the cover letter is the first impression you give to the potential employer. 

Vacation scheme application tips

General advice for applications would be to:

• Create a list of all the firms you would like to apply for
• Apply to several, well before the deadlines
• Search for relevant skills and attributes of a successful lawyer
• Be prepared to discuss your reasons for application
• Regularly check business publications such as the Financial Times and The Economist

Read our 10 tips for a successful vacation scheme application

What to expect during a vacation scheme

Every firm is different, so tasks may vary depending on the law firm which you do your vacation scheme with. However, as an idea, in a vacation scheme, daily tasks may include but are not limited to:

• Performing paralegal research
• Reviewing legal documents and proofreading
• Attempting group projects
• Stimulating real working scenarios such as mock negotiations and attending court
• Administrative tasks
• Attending seminars, workshops, and Q&As with partners, associates or trainees and
• Attending social events

Some of your time on a vacation scheme is about you getting to know what the firm does and more about their work. You’ll also have lots of time to get to know the trainees, associates and partners too to really help build your network. 

Are vacation schemes paid?

Salaries may vary from firm to firm for a vacation scheme, but all vacation schemes are paid work. It’s definitely not the most important factor to check when choosing where to apply as you should be applying to firms that specialise in the areas of law that you are most interested in working in long term. To help you out, law firms traditionally cover food and travel expenses for your time working there. 

You’re entitled to earn the National Minimum Wage. This is lower for 18-20-year-olds when it is £6.83 per hour. At 21-22, it is £9.18 per hour and the general national living wage is £9.50 per hour. 

How to prepare for a vacation scheme

It’s important you prepare for your vacation scheme to ensure you get the most out of it. Here is our advice on how you should prepare to get the best out of it and increase your chances of securing a training contract: 

Decide on goals

Get organised early on and form a plan with your vacation scheme goals Write down specifically what you are hoping to get out of it. The plan you create makes navigating through the scheme easier and coming up with ideas of what you would like to achieve is a great way to impress your employers.

Prepare questions to ask

Having a list of questions before you start shows genuine interest and enthusiasm. Split your queries into a few questions for each department and also be sure to have some prepared to ask trainees about training contracts if you’re interested in pursuing one as advice from them is very useful to help you secure a training contract.

Plan your first day

Your first day is your only chance to make a first impression. Plan your journey in advance and arrive on time or early. Ensure you’re dressed to match the firm’s dress policy and be polite and confident when meeting people. It may also be a good idea to know a bit about who you are meeting on the first day and what their roles involve before you get there. 

Make the best of your vacation scheme

It’s important to try to get as much as possible out of your vacation scheme. During the vacation scheme, you are monitored constantly so making good impressions is vital! Here are some tips for making the best out of your vacation scheme:

Be proactive

If you’re finished with tasks that you have been set, make sure you let whoever set them know. If there are times when you have no set work to do, make yourself useful in other areas and see where else you can help out. This will be noticed. 

Network

Building connections and a network is very important while on a vacation scheme. Attend organised social events and start to build a rapport with lots of different people, not just the other people on the vacation scheme but also those working above you or on other teams. 

A great way to start networking is by adding everyone you meet on LinkedIn. It gives you a longer-lasting connection with them and lets you learn more about them. You may find you went to the same university or have similar interests.

Read how to perfect your LinkedIn profile for more advice on using LinkedIn to the fullest.

Keep notes

Every day of your vacation scheme you work on a variety of tasks for different people. Keep track of what you do and for whom. These notes are really valuable to you at any training contract interview, especially if it’s at the same firm.

This scheme also may be your one chance to gain insight into the firm. Furthermore, keeping a record of the work you and others do is crucial when making applications later on. You’re also able to look back at these notes later to assess whether the firm was a good fit for you. 

Work hard

A career in law is hard work and all firms expect aspiring lawyers to be hardworking and proactive. Always show a good attitude and work as efficiently, productively and professionally as you can. 

After the vacation scheme

When you leave, make sure to send a thank you email to people you worked closely with and highlight how much you enjoyed it. After that, keep in touch with those you worked with on LinkedIn if appropriate. 

Finally, make sure you are consistently demonstrating the skills the firm wants to see in a potential future lawyer. These may include teamwork, effective communication, problem-solving and commercial awareness

Does a vacation scheme lead to a training contract?

Having experience of any kind in the legal industry can help you to secure a training contract. Up to 80% of training contract offers can come from vacation schemes so they are a great way to get noticed for a training contract offer. However, you can also get exposure through work shadowing or insight days as well as vacation schemes. 

Following the advice above may increase the likelihood of your vacation scheme leading to a training contract offer as it potentially sets you apart from the other students doing the vacation scheme.

Key takeaways

Vacation schemes are a perfect way to get ahead in your law career, particularly to secure a training contract and boost your CV. They take place in the spring, summer and winter so be sure to be ready to submit applications. Once you are offered a vacation scheme use our tips to guarantee you make the most of your vacation scheme.