Note: law firms are not interested in generic
vacation scheme applications — a commitment to and an understanding of their particular firm and working is a must.
The application form for our
summer vacation scheme is the same as the application form for our training contracts.
If you are applying for graduate jobs or internships in the banking industry or training contracts and
vacation schemes in the legal industry then we expect to be asked for a one page CV.
Receive firsthand advice on applying for training contracts and
vacation schemes at our conference — and tickets are free!
However it is important to strike the right balance between preparing applications, attending interviews and undertaking
vacation schemes with ensuring that you are putting in the maximum effort to your studies.
But what do you do when firms are cutting back
on vacation schemes and work experience seems difficult to come by?
Many law firms now use
vacation schemes as an extended opportunity to assess a candidate's suitability for a training contract.
Our two
week vacation scheme gives you the chance to work with partners, associates and trainees across two different practice groups.
During
law vacation schemes you will be expected to perform tasks similar to that of a trainee solicitor.
Candidates who have
done vacation schemes tend to stand out as it provides a key insight into the dynamic of law firms and how they operate.
I didn't have any idea about commercial law and the process of
obtaining vacation schemes and training contracts before the programme.
In order to gain some legal experience as a solicitor, it's a good idea to
pursue vacation schemes or training contracts with media law firms.
Another important factor to note is that many law firms accept applications for training contracts and
vacation schemes purely online now, so the entire process of making a first impression is digital.
This combination makes choosing where to apply
for vacation schemes, and ultimately training contracts, a very tough choice.
Receive firsthand advice on applying for training contracts and
vacation schemes at our conference - and tickets are free!
If, at the end of the three -
week vacation scheme, you decide you'd like to be considered for a training contract you can opt to have an interview.
He
completed vacation schemes with Taylor Wessing, Nabarro and White & Case in 2015, and began his training contract with Taylor Wessing in September 2017.
Crucially, firms often interview
vacation scheme students for training contract positions towards the end of their placement with the firm.
Having done a couple
of vacation schemes over the Summer you do learn that it's a case of the more you put in, the more you get out so it does pay to be as involved as is possible.
Visit our Vacation Scheme Deadline Calendar to find out more
about vacation schemes currently available, with direct links to application forms and deadline information.
Applications for our training contracts and Summer and
Spring vacation schemes will be open to all graduates and final year students from 18 September — 29 December 2017.
You can also read more case studies on our website — click here for Simmons & Simmons trainees and here for Simmons & Simmons
vacation scheme case studies.
Training contract applications can be submitted between 1 October and 31 July, applications for
vacation scheme placements should be submitted by 5 January.
We also have a
winter vacation scheme for all final year students and graduates, the closing date for which is 31 October 2017.
Law
vacation schemes enable you to broaden your network and make vital links and contacts with experienced lawyers at the firm
«I started with an application form for
vacation scheme which was then followed by an assessment day consisting of group exercises, aptitude tests and interview with one partner.
You can also read more case studies on our website — click here for Simmons & Simmons application tips and here for Simmons &
Simmons vacation scheme case studies.
While your first year of university is of course a time to enjoy the university experience, it is important to recognise that the marks gained will be taken into consideration by law firms when
considering vacation scheme applications.
Carey
attended vacation schemes at Mills & Reeve LLP and Taylor Vinters LLP both in summer 2017 and worked as a paralegal at Mishcon De Reya before joining GSC in November 2017.
Horwich Farrelly's
vacation scheme gives you the opportunity to spend two weeks in our Manchester office, within our award winning Fraud Department and highly successful Motor & Casualty Department.
This post, based largely on my own experience, will hopefully de-mystify some of the questions
surrounding vacation scheme applications and give a few...