Careers
The Extended Interview
During your Vacation Scheme all eyes will be on you
It's not simply a one or two week jolly, law firms will use them ultimately as a way of hunting down potential Training Contract recruits. This article will focus on how important your performance on the Vacation Scheme is.
So you’ve managed to secure your first vacation scheme – congratulations! Now you want to ensure that you spend your placement wisely and impress. Here are a few pointers on how to survive the placement and hopefully ensure that well-desired training contract.
A two-way process
Vacation schemes are not just a two week jolly. Although most placements will involve a series of talks, hands on experience, lunches and after hours events, the firms will be using the schemes to get to know each of the individuals, see how they fit into the firm, and if impressed, offer them a training contract.
They are also the best way for you to get a ‘real’ appreciation for the firm, culture and kind of people who work there. Importantly, vacation schemes are a good way to find out whether a career in law is right for you and what type of firm will suit you best.
It also looks great on your CV as it shows your commitment to a legal career and that law firms are willing to hire you (even if it is for a week or two).
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"The way you interact with other people and use your skills in a working environment is far more revealing than a paper-based application..."
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What a vacation scheme may entail
Firms tend to organise their schemes over the summer break in a series of two or four week structured vacation schemes. There will be a mixture of work experience, skills training and presentations to build an in-depth understanding of what the firm does. Some placements are paid and firms in London will pay anything up to £300 per week plus expenses (nearer £200 per week outside London).
Many firms will take this as an opportunity to assess your potential as a trainee. You will work alongside trainees and solicitors on real client matters, learn about the different practice areas within the firm and get to know as many people who work there as possible. You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your suitability for a training contract with the firm through demonstrating your appetite for work, responsibility and your business acumen.
The firm will be looking for people who will fit into the firm socially as well as academically. Alongside your work experience and training it is likely there will also be a strong social side to the vacation scheme. This will be a time for making friends and building contacts so make sure you work the room and use the opportunity to find out more about the firm and your colleagues as well as to get your face known amongst the crowd.
The way you interact with other people and use your skills in a working environment is far more revealing than a paper-based application and therefore recruiters will be assessing you throughout your placement.
Natalie Salunke
NQ Solicitor
21-09-2009
