Vacation schemes and work experience

Vacation scheme deadlines

targetjobs editorial team

1 Aug 2024, 15:00

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

  • 7 January 2024 – Akin  
  • 16 February 2024 – Anthony Collins 
  • 5 February 2024 – BDP Pitmands LLP 
  • 26 February 2024 – Bevan Brittan  
  • 15 Janurary 2024 – Charles Russells Speechleys  
  • 7 January 2024 – Milbank LLP 
  • 12 January 2024 – Vinson & Elkins RLLP 31 January 2024 – Wilkin Chapman LLP 
  • 22 November 2023 – Gowling WLG
  • 1 December 2023 – Herbert Smith Freehills
  • 8 January 2024 – Reed Smith
  • 8 December 2023 – Slaughter & May
  • 15 December 2023 – Bird & Bird
  • 31 December 2023 – Simmons & Simmons
  • 3 November 2023 – Mishcon de Reya
  • (They review applications on a rolling basis, and therefore the application will close when they have enough applications to fill the role) – DLA Piper
  • 7 January 2024 – Hogan Lovells
  • 4 January 2024 – Clyde & Co
  • 10 December 2023 – Eversheds Sutherland
  • 2 January 2024 – Irwin Mitchell
  • 3 December 2023 – Latham & Watkins LLP
  • 2 January 2024 – Dentons
  • 5 January 2024 – Macfarlanes
  • 8 January 2024 – Watson Farley & Williams
  • 5 January 2024 – Ashurst
  • 4 January 2024 – Addleshaw Goddard
  • 4 January 2024 – Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (summer scheme)
  • 15 January 2024 – RPC
  • 12 January 2024 – Burges Salmon
  • 20 December 2023 – Weil, Gotshal & Manges
  • 12 January 2024 – Covington & Burling LLP
  • 12 January 2024 – DWF Group
  • 15 January 2024 – Osborne Clarke
  • 8 January 2024 – Trowers & Hamlins
  • 14 January 2024 – White & Case LLP
  • 18 February 2024 – Norton Rose Fulbright
  • 14 January 2024 – Travers Smith
  • 26 January 2024 – Morgan Lewis & Bockius
  • End of March 2024 – Royds Withy King
  • 7 January 2024 – Sidley Austin LLP
  • 31 January 2024 – Bates Wells
  • 14 January 2024 – Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
  • 31 January 2024 – K&L Gates
  • 31 January 2024 – Mayer Brown
  • 31 January 2024 – Orrick
  • 23 February 2024 – Stephenson Harwood
  • Applications open February 2024 – no deadline date yet – Clifford Chance
  • 4 January 2024 – Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (spring scheme)

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