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01 April 2023

COLP Careers: Vacation Schemes 101


Published on 01 April 2023
Careers advice Undergraduates

In this article, we run through everything you need to know about vacation schemes to get you on the right track.

What is a vacation scheme?

Vacation schemes are placements within law firms, usually taking place over one to three weeks, often during your year two University summer break - although winter and spring schemes are increasingly being offered by many firms. Vacation schemes should be viewed as part of the wider recruitment process used by majority of larger firms to identify talent and recruit future trainees. In fact, some firms recruit trainees exclusively from their vacation scheme cohorts, so, if you secure a vacation scheme, it is vital that you demonstrate motivation, enthusiasm, and reliability.

You'll also need to demonstrate that you are a collaborative team player who is proactive and able to use your initiative. The insight that you will gain from the vacation scheme will be invaluable to your overall career planning since spending a couple of weeks at a law firm should confirm beyond any reasonable doubt whether a career as a solicitor is right for you and if so, what type of firm and area of practice interests you. In fact, we don’t think there is a better way to gain real clarity into the role of a solicitor than participating in a vacation scheme.


What to expect on a vacation scheme

Your experience on a vacation scheme will vary between firms but generally you are exposed to different practice areas such as corporate, real estate, private client, tax etc. You should expect to work on a number of real-life matters and may even attend client meetings. Typical tasks that you could carry out during your placement may include property occupier research, drafting an application for divorce, and general legal research. In addition, you may also be asked to present to a group on a pre-determined topic and take questions from the audience. This type of activity will show how well you can work in a team, communicate, and think on your feet.

Over the duration of your placement, you will, most likely, be under the supervision of a trainee solicitor however there will be ample opportunity to meet other members of the wider legal team during office hours or perhaps at a social gathering.


Which vacation scheme is right for me?

Top Tips:

  • Thoroughly research the firms you are thinking about applying to. Never send copied-and-pasted applications to a large number of firms.
  • Focus on finding firms that fit with your career aspirations, experience and values, and where you have a realistic chance of success! To help with this, you can use Legal Cheek’s 'The Firm Most List’ to help filter firms on criteria such as “most female associates”, “work/life balance” and more to help you find the right firm for you.
  • Make targeted applications. Many students mistakenly believe that the more firms you apply to the more chances of success you will have. Nothing could be further from the truth. Think ‘quality over quantity’.
  • Keep your shortlist to 8-10 firms.
  • Start preparing your vacation scheme applications at the very beginning of your second year of your law degree (or your second semester, for January starters) or final-year for non law students.
  • Check deadlines for each individual firm and scheme and get applications in early for rolling deadlines.


Do your research

The research that you carry out into your chosen firms is very important. Once you have created your ‘target list’ of firms I would advise that you investigate their major clients, rankings & reputation, and what makes the firm stand out from its competitors.

It is also very important to consider the individual firm’s core values, culture, office locations and reputation among their current trainees. Perhaps you could connect with some existing trainees using LinkedIn and arrange a Zoom or Teams call to explore the firm further? Talking with trainees will give you an excellent idea of the working environment and whether it will match your needs and personality. In addition to researching online, don’t forget to attend any events that firms hold on the campus.

Remember that making a quality application will take time and it is vital to tailor your application to each firm. Lastly, there are number of newly qualified solicitors and hiring managers at firms that share helpful tips and advice on LinkedIn regarding the application process and how to stand out, so keep an eye out for them.


Applying for vacation schemes

In your vacation scheme application remember that legal recruiters want broadly the same thing, and all look for evidence of similar skill sets (for example: academic ability, attention to detail, commercial awareness, communication, teamwork, and leadership).

Are there any skills that you need to develop further or that you will have difficulty demonstrating on your vacation scheme application? The trick is to think about the ways that you can sell yourself and demonstrate how you have the skills and attributes that are required. Think about why you are applying and what you want to get out of the scheme. Are there departments you wish to sit in? Are there particular types of work you want to see, or people you'd like to meet?

It is very important that your application is free from any spelling or grammatical errors. We would suggest that any application you make is proofread carefully by a trusted friend or professional. It goes without saying that your application should also be free from any kind of embellishment.


Make the most of your vacation scheme

To succeed on your vacation scheme, make the most of the opportunity by engaging with your tasks with a growth mindset, talk to people, and let your real personality shine through!

The scheme will often give you your first opportunity to build relationships in the sector and network, and when it comes to it don’t forget to connect with your new contacts on LinkedIn. Equally, ensure your LinkedIn profile is as polished as possible, as you never know when a co-worker will vouch for your expertise or even endorse one of your skills!


Resources to help you succeed

Vacation Schemes:

Building self-awareness:

https://www.brightnetwork.co.uk/career-path/

General Career & Legal Sector Resources:

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