Is a Vacation Scheme Or Direct Training Contract Right For You?

If you are a law student or an aspiring solicitor, you have likely come across the terms “direct training contract” and “vacation scheme”. If you have not, then that is absolutely fine, and this article is a great place to start to understand where you should be looking! Even if you have heard these terms before, it can feel overwhelming not understanding the difference or which one is right for you. Hopefully, this article clears up some of these big questions.

Vacation Scheme

What is a vacation scheme?

A vacation scheme is an internship at a law firm. These schemes can last up to four weeks but most are around one to two weeks. They are designed to give you exposure to the legal profession and help you better understand the work and culture of the firm, as well as whether the environment is right for you. Vacation schemes offer a taster of what life as a trainee solicitor would be like. Most firms offer a significant number of their available training contracts to vacation scheme participants who perform well.

Who are they for?

Vacation schemes are typically aimed at law students in their penultimate or final year of study and non-law students in their final year. However, a majority of firms also welcome applications from graduates from law and non-law backgrounds. So, if you are a graduate considering a vacation scheme, do not be discouraged. Law firms recognise the benefits of hiring graduates, such as confirmed grades, greater availability to start and often a broader range of life or work experience.

When should I apply?

Vacation schemes are offered in winter, spring and summer, giving multiple opportunities to apply:

• Winter schemes: Applications usually open in September and close in October.
• Spring schemes: Applications tend to open in October and close around January.
• Summer schemes: These are the most common, with application windows varying, typically running between October and February.

Each scheme usually suits different applicants:

• Winter schemes are often aimed at final-year students, postgraduates and career changers. They are usually shorter (around a week), making them more manageable for those working full-time or with previous experience.
• Spring schemes typically target penultimate-year law students and final-year non-law students as they can align well with university breaks.
• Summer schemes are longer and cater to a broader range of applicants. However, their length may make them less suitable for those already in full-time employment.

It is important to emphasise that this is a general guide, each firm has its own criteria, and it’s entirely possible to secure a winter scheme as a penultimate-year student or a spring scheme as a postgraduate. The suitability of each scheme often comes down to what stage you are at and what fits best with your schedule.

What is the application process?

While every firm is different, the vacation scheme application process usually follows a structure that looks something like this:

• Online Application Form This includes your personal details, academic background and often a few longer questions exploring your motivation for law, your interest in the firm and your commercial awareness.
• Online Tests Many firms include a test stage, ranging from a Watson Glaser test to a Situational Judgement test. The type of test will be clearly outlined on the firms application page and it is essential to prepare for that specific test as each one measures different skills.
• Video Interview / Online Assessment You may be asked to complete a recorded video interview, where questions appear on screen and you have a set time to respond, or you make be asked to take part in a live online interview with someone from the firm.
• In-person Assessment Centre The final stage is usually in-person and may include a group exercise, a written task and an interview. This will usually be the final stage and you will hear back on their decision shortly after!

It is worth noting that some firms have different processes. For example, Shoosmiths placement scheme includes an online application followed by a strengths-based assessment. If successful, you will be invited to a placement week, with one day of the placement being the assessment centre for a training contract. This highlights how important it is to understand each firm’s individual recruitment process, which can be found on their early careers websites.

What are the pros and cons?

Pros:

• Insider Experience: You get first-hand exposure to life as a trainee solicitor, learning what you do and don’t enjoy about the role.
• Training Contract Advantage: Many firms recruit the majority of their trainees through vacation schemes, with some, like Herbert Smith Freehills, recruiting for training contracts exclusively from the schemes.
• Firm Culture Insight: You will experience the firm’s values and working environment before committing to a training contract.
• Build Your Network: From trainees to partners and importantly your fellow scheme participants, it is a great opportunity to build long-term connections.
• Enhances Your CV: Even if you don’t get a training contract, a vacation scheme is a strong indicator of commitment to a legal career.
• It’s Paid!: Most vacation schemes are paid, typically between £350 to £500+ per week, especially at City and Magic Circle firms.

Cons:

• Highly Competitive: Applications can be difficult, with thousands applying for a limited number of places. This can be time-consuming and emotionally draining. That said, do not let this put you off, you are more than capable.
• Time Commitment: Schemes often take place during term breaks, which can limit downtime or your ability to work elsewhere.
• Not Always Essential: You can still get a training contract without one, especially if you have strong experience or apply directly.

Training Contract (Direct Application)

What is a training contract?

A training contract is a two-year period of paid training that you must complete to qualify as a solicitor. During this time, you will be a trainee solicitor, rotating through different “seats”. This structure allows you to gain exposure to a variety of legal areas before deciding where you would like to qualify. The goal of a training contract is to develop the practical legal skills and knowledge you will need to qualify. This would be the same if you got offered a training contract following a vacation scheme.

Who are they for?

Direct training contract applications are typically aimed at, final-year law students and non-law students, postgraduates, career changers or someone who may have missed vacation scheme opportunities or who feels ready to go straight into the process. Applying directly is a great option if you feel confident in your interest in a firm, have relevant experience, or have already graduated. It can also be the best route if you are switching careers or have work or family commitments that make a vacation scheme less suitable.

When should I apply?

The direct training contract application window is usually much larger than vacation schemes. This can range hugely depending on the firm, some opening in October and not closing until May, whilst some close in November. For this, it is important to be very aware of the law firms application time line and take note on whether the firm assesses applications on a “rolling” basis, as this means it is much better to apply early.

What is the application process?

The application process is usually very similar to the process already laid out for vacation schemes. An online application, an online test, an online interview stage and finally an in-person assessment centre. The only difference is that most firms require this assessment centre before offering a training contract whilst not all vacation schemes do. This is because the scheme could consist of an assessment centre day.

What are the pros and cons?

Pros:

• Streamlined Process: You go straight into the application without needing to complete a vacation scheme first.
• Time Efficient: Especially useful if you are already working, studying, or simply want to secure a role without spending weeks on a placement scheme.
• More Flexible: Vacation schemes often take place during set weeks in spring or summer, which may not suit everyone. Direct applications can provide a more flexible route.

Cons:

• No Insider Experience: Without completing a vacation scheme, it is unlikely you will have experienced what life in the firm is really like and whether it is a good fit.
• Sometimes More Competitive: If a firm fills the majority of its training contracts through its vacation scheme, there may be fewer places available through the direct route.

So, Which One is Right for You?

The decision of which route is best for you is an independent and personal one, would your schedule be able to fit in one to four weeks of work experience? Do you feel that you need that time to really know whether the firm is the right place for you? These are all questions that only you can answer. Hopefully this gave you more of an insight and The Student Lawyer has discussed Vacation Schemes and Training Contracts in more detail on their website!