Spring/Summer Vacation Scheme 2024

Kick-start your career in law

To qualify as a solicitor at Bird & Bird, you can join as a solicitor apprentice or trainee solicitor. To become a trainee solicitor, you can apply by attending a Vacation Scheme or applying directly for a training contract.

Vacation Scheme

A vacation scheme with us is much more than just work experience. It is an opportunity to discover your potential and kick-start your career in law, taking you straight to the heart of our global firm.

Develop your knowledge of our firm through introductions to different areas of law and business services. Immerse yourself in a department and have an unfiltered look at the way people work in a law firm and the impact of client relationships, globally. Our vacation scheme is both an opportunity for you to showcase your potential as a trainee solicitor and decide whether Bird & Bird is the right firm for you.

Spring Vacation Scheme – Monday 8 April to Friday 19 April 2024

Summer Vacation Scheme – Monday 24 June to Friday 5 July 2024

We recruit the majority of future trainees through our vacation schemes; however, we recruit from a range of diverse backgrounds and appreciate that it might not be possible to attend a vacation scheme. If you are unable to attend a vacation scheme, please apply directly for a training contract.

How to apply

The application process typically includes an online application form, a Watson-Glaser test, a video interview, and an assessment centre. Once you have applied, you will receive a confirmation of your received application form. You will be notified if your application has been unsuccessful or receive an email regarding the next stage of the application at each stage.

We accept applications from those who have, or will expect to have, a minimum of AAB at A-Level and a 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). However, we do understand that you may not have received the grade you hoped for due to extenuating or mitigating circumstances. Please detail any relevant information in your application for us to take into consideration. We also use a Contextual Recruitment System (CRS) to enable us to recruit people from different backgrounds and help us understand your achievements in the context in which they were gained.