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Law - solicitors

Work experience

Fit in and stand out on your vacation placement

A vacation placement is great preparation for a training contract and a fantastic chance to make a good impression, so make sure you know what the recruiters like to see.

Applying for vacation placements? Know what recruiters want

Imagine if you knew what recruiters looked for when choosing successful candidates for vacation placements. Well, now you do! Graduate recruitment teams from leading firms share their insights and experiences on the application process, including outlining the skills they're looking for.

Finding a firm fit on work experience

Exploring different kinds of firms via vacation placements can help you find the right one for you when it comes to applying for training contracts. As well as showing you whether you've got what it takes to be a solicitor the experience will help you explore different departments, make contacts and learn more about law in action.

Vacation placement experiences as a non-law graduate: Alex Milne

A non-law graduate explains how she fitted in on her vacation placement.

Vacation placement experiences in a City firm: Sarah Jackson

A trainee talks about networking with trainees and partners while on vacation placement.

Vacation placement experiences in construction: Caroline Lister

A trainee solicitor talks about gaining legal work experience through opens days and vacation placements

Vacation placement experiences in London and Paris: Sunando Mukerjee

A trainee describes pro bono opportunities during a multinational vacation placement.

Vacation placement experiences with the Crown Prosecution Service: Ian Crooke

A trainee describes helping prepare for cases and meeting counsel during a vacation placement.

Vacation placement experiences: Claire Gregory

A trainee solicitor describes meeting clients and attending court during her vacation placement, and offers advice on applying for vacation placements.

When should I apply for a vacation placement?

Knowing when to apply for vacation placements is just as important as knowing how to. Use our planner to help work out when you should start applying, what you can do in advance and what to do if you don't manage to secure a placement.

Your vacation placement questions answered

Feeling unsure what to expect from your vacation placement? Experts are on hand to answer your questions about legal work experience - and what to do if you haven't got any.

Sell yourself on vacation placements

If you've been offered a vacation placement then you have a golden opportunity to impress - and it could just lead to a training contract. But make sure you know how to create the right impression by showing off all your skills and being thoroughly professional.

Vacation placement experiences in corporate finance: Thomas Smith

A current trainee explains the importance of enthusiasm during vacation placements.

Vacation placement experiences in finance and construction: Alexa Hall

A trainee solicitor explains how her vacation placement revealed the skills she'd need as a trainee.

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