7 facts you need to know about vacation schemes

Nov 26, 2019

Written By Becky Kells & Tom Browne

Everyone knows that vacation schemes are the most important step you can take in securing a training contract at a law firm. But a lot of people don’t fully understand a) just how important they are and b) what exactly you’ll learn on them. To help out, we’ve put together seven simple facts about vacation schemes, to get you even more excited about applying!

FACT 1: Some firms recruit entirely from their vacation scheme intake

Vacation schemes are a work placement in their own right—but they’re also a way for law firms to recruit trainees. Make sure you’re in that intake and in with a chance.

FACT 2: You don’t have to be a law student to apply

While law work experience is a plus, it’s not essential. The legal sector is made up of people from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines. If you’re not studying law but have aspirations of converting, why not apply?

FACT 3: You can get involved in numerous subject areas

The development of AI. The world’s biggest international mergers and acquisitions. The rise of the gig economy. What do all of these things have in common? You could talk about them all at your vacation scheme interview. And if you’re successful, they could become the issues that you advise clients on every day.

FACT 4: You’ll learn how to network properly

Wherever your law career takes you, interacting with your colleagues and clients will be a huge component of your day-to-day life. The first taste you get of networking with like-minded people will likely come as part of your vacation scheme.

FACT 5: You’ll be paid (unlike other work experience!)

There are some similarities between vacation schemes and standard work experience. You’ll get a sense of the company, meet some employees and get the opportunity to make an impression. But that’s where the similarities end. Vacation schemes are paid, and you’ll likely have access to a whole programme of insight talks, seminars and networking events.

FACT 6: It’ll help you figure out which areas of law interest you

If you’re still figuring out whether you’d like to work as a real estate lawyer or an IP lawyer, or you’re sorting your commercial from your criminal, a vacation scheme could be the helping hand that you need. Talk to trainees, associates and partners, and figure out the area that’s right for you.

FACT 7: There are opportunities all over the country

Newcastle, Manchester, Leeds, Exeter, Bristol… you can do vacation schemes in all these places and more! If you’re looking for something closer to home, or want to spend a couple of weeks getting to know law in a new area, consider a regional hub.

Have we whetted your appetite? Then get applying! We have hundreds and hundreds of opportunities on our law jobs page.

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