Vacation Scheme 2024

Our vacation schemes are a great way to make your mark – and could lead to a training contract.
If you’re committed to applying for a trainee position at Bates Wells, our vacation schemes are worth a look. By applying for a vacation scheme, you’re guaranteed to be considered for a training contract. You don’t need to apply for both the vacation scheme and the training contract – please only apply for one. Please note that the vacation scheme lasts for two weeks, and you must be able to commit to taking part in both weeks. The vacation scheme salary is the London Living Wage.

You’ll sit in two different departments during your fortnight with us. But from day one, you’ll feel part of something bigger. You’ll have the chance to explore the firm and the values that drive us, and we’ll always support you to be yourself.

You’ll meet a wide range of our people, and you’ll get to know our shared sense of purpose and values. We encourage you to get involved with the whole department and any events happening during your time with us.

Before joining the scheme you will receive an agenda about different events happening during your time with us, and opportunities to attend drop-in calls if you have any questions leading up to the scheme. You will have points of contact in the HR team that you can reach out to about anything in the build up to the placement. We want you to feel as prepared as possible for your first day, so you can really enjoy your experience.

When you arrive for your vacation scheme, we’ll go into more detail about how we’ll be assessing you throughout, and give you helpful information to prepare in advance. During the scheme you will complete a written assessment, which is based on a typical trainee task. We will also ask you to take part in a group exercise, and you will have an end of scheme interview with two members of the recruitment panel to talk about your experiences of the scheme.

If you’re successful following the scheme, we’ll invite you back for a final training contract interview with two partners (including our Managing Partner). After final interviews, we’ll offer training contracts to successful candidates.

If you decide to apply directly for a training contract rather than going for the vacation scheme, you’ll still complete the initial form and Watson Glaser test. However, in lieu of completing a vacation scheme, you’ll be invited to an assessment day with us. This will consist of an interview, written exercise and group presentation, and if successful, you’ll be invited back for a final interview alongside successful vacation scheme students.