Vacation schemes and work experience

Vacation scheme deadlines 2025

targetjobs editorial team

19 Jun 2025, 11:01

Many law firms view vacation schemes as a crucial step towards gaining a training contract. So, give yourself the best chance of securing a place by sending applications before the dates below.

A picture of a clock, signifying vac scheme deadlines

Vacation schemes, also known as vacation placements or (rarely) internships, are periods of work experience at a law firm. They usually last between one and three weeks, during which time you will get an insight into the work undertaken at the firm, as well as the culture and working environment. If you find that you’re suited to the firm, impressing during a vacation scheme can also improve your chances of gaining a training contract there. 

While winter vacation schemes tend to be offered to finalists and graduates, summer schemes are generally open to penultimate-year students. 

When should you send applications for vacation schemes?

Applications for winter vacation schemes typically open in the Autumn and applications for summer vacation schemes tend to open in the Winter, from around December to March.

Summer vacation scheme deadlines

  • 71 January 2025 – Mills & Reeve
  • 3 January 2025 – Farrer & Co
  • 5 January 2025 – Addleshaw Goddard, CMS, Norton Rose Fulbright, Penningtons Manches Cooper, TLT
  • 6 January 2025 – Bevan Brittan, DWF, Forsters, HFW, Watson Farley & Williams
  • 10 January 2025 – HFW, Sullivan & Cromwell, TLT
  • 11 January 2025 – Sullivan & Cromwell
  • 12 January 2025 – Dechert (training contract), White & Case (spring & summer schemes)
  • 13 January 2025 – RPC, Squire Patton Boggs
  • 15 January 2025 – Charles Russell Speechlys, Osborne Clarke
  • 16 January 2025 – Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Travers Smith
  • 24 January 2025 – Morgan Lewis & Bockius
  • 25 January 2025 – Wedlake Bell
  • 31 January 2025 – Bates Wells, Hill Dickinson, K&L Gates, Orrick, Wilkin Chapman
  • 2 February 2025 – Russell-Cooke (spring scheme)
  • 5 February 2025 – Anthony Collins
  • 10 February 2025 – Marriott Harrison
  • 11 February 2025 – Bevan Brittan
  • 13 March 2025 – Stephenson Harwood (spring scheme)
  • 31 March 2025 – Dechert (summer scheme)
  • 23 June 2025 – Stephenson Harwood (summer scheme 1), Wedlake Bell (summer)
  • 24 June 2025 – Watson Farley & Williams (confirmed via their website)
  • 30 June – 4 July 2025 – Dechert, Weil Gotshal, White & Case (summer schemes)
  • 11 July 2025 – Sullivan & Cromwell

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