Vacation schemes
Step into the role
Our Vacation Schemes don’t just show you life as a trainee associate — they let you live it. Over two to three weeks, you’ll work on real cases, for real clients, with real responsibility. You’ll choose two practice areas to explore, share an office with your supervisor, and be supported by a trainee buddy throughout. Alongside hands-on work, you’ll join presentations and social events — building skills, confidence and connections across the firm. If you perform well, you’ll be offered a place on our Trainee Associate Programme.
Begin your professional journey
You’ll be guided, challenged, supported — and encouraged to grow into the kind of lawyer you want to be. We want to hear your perspective whatever your background or degree. You’ll be welcomed into a culture that’s open, inclusive and invested in helping you succeed.
Your route to joining us
We hire all future trainees through our Vacation Schemes. If you perform well you’ll receive an offer to join the firm. You must be a graduate, or in your penultimate or final year at university, on track for a 2:1 degree. We recruit two years in advance, so if you join our 2027 Vacation Schemes, you’ll be starting your Trainee Associate Programme in 2029 or 2030. 

Can't join a scheme? Contact our Early Careers team to discuss alternatives.

Benefits

£500 per week salary
Hard work deserves good pay. That’s why you’ll earn a competitive salary throughout your time with us on the programme.
Trainee buddy
Trainee buddies are on hand to support you in each of the practice areas you sit in and share their learnings from the firm.

Key dates

Applications for our Vacation Schemes will re-open in September 2026.
Spring Vacation Scheme:
April 2027

The spring scheme is open to penultimate-year students, final-year students and graduates.

Scheme dates: 12 - 23 April 2027.
Apply now
Summer Vacation Schemes:
June - July 2027

The summer scheme is open to penultimate-year students, final-year students and graduates.

Scheme dates: 7 - 25 June 2027 and 5 - 23 July 2027.
Apply now

How to apply

Watch these videos from the Early Careers team on how to complete the application form and what you'll need, what to expect for the online test, and how to prepare for the assessment day.
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Step 1 – The application form
Your first impression is the best impression and your chance to standout. Watch this video to find out what you need to do.

Step 2 – The online test – take the practice test
Find out which areas you'll be examined in and the types of questions you'll encounter. The test can be completed at your own pace.

Step 3 – The assessment day
The final stage in your journey. Learn more about what to expect at the assessment day and how to prepare.
Any questions?
Explore our FAQs to learn more about life at the firm and the range of opportunities available.
View FAQs

Related links

Your journey starts before you join us. Explore our opportunities to find out more about us and see whether a career with us is right for you.
First year Your introduction to life at a global law firm. Find out how you’ll gain early insight into legal work, build key skills, and make meaningful connections that will support your career.
Learn more
Open days Considering a career at a world-leading law firm? Find out more about our work and culture through one of our open days.
Learn more
Trainee associate programme Spend two years living life as a trainee associate. Find out about this opportunity to work on real cases, for real clients, with real responsibility.
Learn more