Winter Vacation Scheme
We run a one-week winter vacation scheme each year.
During the scheme, you will experience the day-to-day life of a lawyer at the firm and will have the opportunity to undertake real work rather than just observing or shadowing. This practical experience will be supplemented by a programme of presentations and workshops that will ensure you get to know as much about the firm as you possibly can during the placement.
There will also be some organised social events to help you get to know our current trainees.
Eligibility
You’re eligible to apply for the vacation scheme if you are a penultimate-year or final-year law undergraduate, final-year non-law undergraduate, or graduate.
If you have a visa to study in the UK, you will need to ensure that our vacation scheme falls outside of your term time.
If you require a visa to work in the UK, we offer visa sponsorship for successful vacation scheme applicants.
We are looking for applicants who:
-
Have a minimum of AAA at A-level or equivalent
-
Are anticipating at least a 2:1 degree or equivalent
-
Are genuinely intrigued by the commercial world
-
Can demonstrate a strong ability to analyse and learn
-
Can work well with others and interact with clients
-
Have perseverance and initiative
We consider mitigating circumstances and use the Rare Contextual Recruitment System to ensure a fair evaluation of candidates. Additionally, we review all application forms holistically to better understand each applicant’s potential and qualifications.
Application and Selection
All applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. If you are selected for the next stage of the process, we will invite you to a 1:1 interview with our partners/counsel. If successful, we will offer you a vacation scheme place.
The job position will be available once the application window opens.
Application period:
2026 Winter Vacation Scheme:
Application open: 1 September 2026
Application deadline: 25 September 2026
Vacation Scheme dates:
2026 Winter Vacation Scheme: 7 December – 11 December 2026
Sectors
Locations
Sidley Austin LLP
Law solicitors +3
About us
There is a world of opportunities for you to get involved and make your mark at Sidley, from trainee right through to partner.
Sectors
Locations
We run a one-week winter vacation scheme each year.
During the scheme, you will experience the day-to-day life of a lawyer at the firm and will have the opportunity to undertake real work rather than just observing or shadowing. This practical experience will be supplemented by a programme of presentations and workshops that will ensure you get to know as much about the firm as you possibly can during the placement.
There will also be some organised social events to help you get to know our current trainees.
Eligibility
You’re eligible to apply for the vacation scheme if you are a penultimate-year or final-year law undergraduate, final-year non-law undergraduate, or graduate.
If you have a visa to study in the UK, you will need to ensure that our vacation scheme falls outside of your term time.
If you require a visa to work in the UK, we offer visa sponsorship for successful vacation scheme applicants.
We are looking for applicants who:
-
Have a minimum of AAA at A-level or equivalent
-
Are anticipating at least a 2:1 degree or equivalent
-
Are genuinely intrigued by the commercial world
-
Can demonstrate a strong ability to analyse and learn
-
Can work well with others and interact with clients
-
Have perseverance and initiative
We consider mitigating circumstances and use the Rare Contextual Recruitment System to ensure a fair evaluation of candidates. Additionally, we review all application forms holistically to better understand each applicant’s potential and qualifications.
Application and Selection
All applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. If you are selected for the next stage of the process, we will invite you to a 1:1 interview with our partners/counsel. If successful, we will offer you a vacation scheme place.
The job position will be available once the application window opens.
Application period:
2026 Winter Vacation Scheme:
Application open: 1 September 2026
Application deadline: 25 September 2026
Vacation Scheme dates:
2026 Winter Vacation Scheme: 7 December – 11 December 2026
Sidley Austin LLP
Law solicitors +3
About us
There is a world of opportunities for you to get involved and make your mark at Sidley, from trainee right through to partner.
