Training contracts and vacation schemes: how they work

Key takeaways

• →A vacation scheme is a short placement, usually one to two weeks, run by a law firm.
• →Many firms recruit trainees from the people who complete their vacation schemes.
• →Vacation scheme applications often open from December to March, months before training contract deadlines.
• →Under the newer Solicitors Qualifying Examination route, a training contract is not compulsory, but qualifying work experience is.
• →If you miss a scheme, insight days, paralegal work and pro bono all build the same skills.

1. What is a vacation scheme?

Prospects, the graduate careers site, describes a vacation schemeA short placement at a law firm, usually one to two weeks. as a short work experience programme run by law firms. It usually lasts one to two weeks and gives you a view of the firm’s culture, its work and its training. Most firms pay something, even if only expenses.^[1]

Schemes run mainly in the spring break (April to May) and the summer break (June to July). Some firms also run winter placements between November and January. Each firm sets its own entry requirements, so read the advert. Prospects says many ask for a predicted 2:1 or better, and that law students are usually in their second or final year, while non-law students are usually in their final year.^[1]

2. What is a training contract?

The Law Society calls the period of recognised trainingThe Law Society’s name for the training contract stage. “the final stage of qualifying as a solicitor”. You work as a trainee solicitor, supervised, at a firm or organisation that is authorised to take trainees, and the agreement with that employer is called a training contractThe supervised, usually two-year job that finishes qualifying as a solicitor.. The page says it normally lasts two years full time and, under the route it describes, can be shortened by up to six months for relevant earlier work.^[4]

The Law Society’s application advice adds that trainees usually rotate through different areas of the firm, in four six-month “seatsThe areas of a firm a trainee rotates through, each lasting four or six months.” or six four-month seats. Core seats often reflect the firm’s main practice areas.^[3]

3. How do the two link?

Prospects says many firms recruit trainees from the people who completed their vacation schemes, and that a scheme gives you knowledge of the firm and its culture, and contacts. The Law Society page we read does not say that a scheme leads to a training position, so treat a scheme as a strong way in at some firms, not a promise.^[1]

Prospects also notes that under the Solicitors Qualifying ExaminationThe newer exam route to becoming a solicitor, set by the SRA. (SQE) route, a training contract is not compulsory, although two years of qualifying work experienceLegal work experience that counts towards qualifying under the SQE route. is still needed. The rules for the SQE are set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, so check its own guidance before you plan.^[1]

4. When do you apply?

TARGETjobs gives a rough calendar. Large firms recruit up to two years ahead, while smaller and high street firms often hire as needed, sometimes for an immediate start. Prospects adds that vacation scheme deadlines often fall months before training contract deadlines, sometimes before the end of the calendar year, and that some schemes close early because of competition.^[2]

The table gives the timings TARGETjobs lists. Always check the firm’s own page for the real dates, because they change each year.^[2]

5. How do applications work?

Prospects says large and mid-sized firms usually run several stages, starting with registration and an online form, while smaller firms may ask for a form or a CV and cover letter. Interviews can be one-to-one or in front of a panel. Questions it lists include why you want to be a solicitor, who the firm’s main competitors are and which business news you follow.^[1]

The Law Society advises fewer, stronger applications rather than many weak ones, and suggests allowing six to eight hours for each. It recommends the CAR method (context, action, result) for examples, so it is worth reading our guide to the STAR method, which works the same way. Some firms also use online tests, so our guides to the Watson Glaser test and situational judgement tests may help.^[3]

6. What if you do not get a scheme?

Prospects suggests insight daysShort events where a firm shows you its work, often for first-years., virtual work experience, paralegal roles, pro bonoFree legal help given to people or charities who cannot pay. work and part-time jobs as ways to build relevant skills. TARGETjobs adds that work experience can also be arranged for Easter and summer holidays if you start six to eight weeks ahead. Our spring weeks and summer internships guides cover similar placements in other sectors, and our law pathway sets out the route before university.^[1]

7. How Brainhub can help

Brainhub offers coaching for students and graduates preparing for applications and interviews. We help you plan your year, practise answers out loud and keep your confidence up. We coach, so your answers are always your own, we never write applications or sit assessments for you, and we cannot promise an offer or a job. See our online tutoring page for how sessions work, our university pathways for more guides, and book a free assessment choosing “University or graduate”.

1. 1. How long is a typical vacation scheme?

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2. 2. When do summer vacation scheme applications often open?

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3. 3. Is a training contract always needed to qualify as a solicitor?

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4. 4. Does a vacation scheme guarantee a training contract?

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Your next steps

1. 01

   Make a list of firms and their opening dates.

2. 02

   Put every deadline in a calendar.

3. 03

   Practise an online test and the STAR method.

4. 04

   Book a mock interview with a coach if you want one.