example cover letter for law vacation scheme

• Skip to content

Applications

How to write winning covering letters for law firms.

targetjobs editorial team

24 Mar 2023, 17:42

When applying for a training contract or vacation scheme, your covering letter may be the first part of your application a law firm considers.

Your covering letter creates a powerful first impression, so make it easy for the recruiter to see that you have strong potential as a lawyer.

Many law graduate jobs at solicitors’ firms in the UK will ask you to apply for a training contract with a covering letter. Read this advice from recruiters at Slaughter and May, Cleary Gottlieb and Ince & Co, then follow our law cover letter template.

Some recruiters will want you to upload your covering letter as part of an online application form (such as Baker McKenzie and Jones Day), while others – usually smaller, high street law firms – will want you to send the letter alongside a CV (see our law CV example here ).

• Cover letter template: see our annotated law covering letter sample for more tips and format examples .

How to write a law cover letter tip #1: use the letter to explain why you want to be a solicitor at that particular law firm

A covering letter is a golden opportunity to explain your motivations for becoming a lawyer and for applying to that specific firm. ‘My advice is to use the cover letter to introduce yourself and to explain why you are applying to that firm,' says Janine Arnold, trainee recruitment manager at Slaughter and May . ‘Be sure to include any additional information that you feel is relevant to your application.’

If you’re uploading a covering letter as part of a larger application form you should avoid repeating examples you’ve used to answer questions on the form. Give as broad a picture of your skills and experience as possible and only repeat something if you think it is particularly significant to that law firm. Your covering letter is an introduction to get the recruiter’s attention – a sample of your potential, if you like – not your overall application.

‘A well-written, succinct, persuasive covering letter crafted by an aspiring trainee solicitor who has really thought about the firm stands out,’ says Nichola Rowe, director of legal human resources at Cleary Gottlieb . ‘Ask yourself: what sets this firm apart from other law firms and how do my individual skills and experiences marry with that firm?’.

How to write a law cover letter tip #2: how long should it be?

A covering letter should be a maximum of one page, with a font size of 11 or 12. Slaughter and May ’s Janine Arnold agrees: ‘A lengthy covering letter is not necessary; aim for it to be no longer than one side of A4.' Remember that some firms will give a word count for the covering letter they want you to write as part of your application. It's important to stick to that word count. It shows that you can write succinctly and follow instructions.

Get the insights and skills you need to shape your career journey with Pathways. We’ll show you exactly what goes into a convincing cover letter, so you can give yourself the best chance of getting to the next stage of the application process.

How to write a law cover letter tip #3: the format law firms like

The best law cover letter examples have a clear structure, such as:

1. The introduction to your cover letter

Introduce yourself, explain what stage you are at in your degree course (including the university you’re attending), state that you are applying for a training contract and where you read about the law firm. This should only be a sentence or two.

2. A paragraph on why you want to work at that law firm

The second paragraph should cover why you want to be a solicitor and why you want to work for that law firm in particular. Highlight any experiences you’ve had that have convinced you that you want to be a solicitor, such as vacation schemes, open days or insight days. You can even mention mini-pupillages – it will impress graduate recruiters if you’ve put the effort into comparing the two sides of the legal profession, as long as you have good reasons for picking a career as a solicitor (this could come up at interview).

Make it clear why you want to work in the particular area of law that the firm focuses on. For example, if it’s a commercial firm you’ll want to draw on any work experience you’ve had at other commercial firms. Show off your research about the firm by explaining your interest in their main legal practice areas – don’t just say ‘I am interested in shipping law’, for example, but provide evidence of that interest.

You might also want to mention the firm’s training structure. Some firms will have compulsory seats, in which case you’ll need to show an interest in those areas. If you’ve chosen a firm that doesn’t have compulsory seats, or has no seat structure at all (such as Jones Day for example), then you could explain why this appeals to you above a more defined training contract structure.

3. A paragraph highlighting why you're a good fit for the law firm

Next, you need to pitch yourself to the recruiter. Make it clear that you are suited to a career as a solicitor: highlight achievements that show you have the competencies the firm has asked for. If the firm hasn’t specified exactly what it's looking for, see our article here on the skills most legal recruiters want from applicants. Don’t just say ‘I have good communication skills’ – you need to mention an achievement that hinged on your use of those skills.

4. The ending to your law covering letter

Close by referring the recruiter to your CV or application and stating your availability for interview(s) or assessment centre(s).

How to write a law cover letter tip #4: explain any extenuating circumstances

'Covering letters should also explain any mitigating circumstances relating to exam results and to address any questions that you may reasonably expect to arise from your application, such as any gaps in your CV,’ explains Janine.

How to write a law cover letter tip #5: proofread your cover letter before you hit ‘send’

Once you’ve put your covering letter together, don’t be tempted to rush it off. Ask friends, family and your university careers adviser to check it. ‘There is no good excuse for spelling errors, especially when you’re applying for a job that requires scrupulous attention to detail,’ points out a legal recruitment adviser at Ince & Co . ‘The number of applications we receive that contain errors is surprising. Your application is all we’ve got to go on, so you owe it to yourself to ensure it’s not let down by something so easily avoidable.’

Remember that law firms will be judging your ability to communicate professionally with clients on the professionalism of your covering letter – you’re making a pitch, just like you would do as a practising lawyer.

Legal recruiters at major law firms read through hundreds, if not thousands, of applications from aspiring trainee solicitors each year and will only spend a minute or so reading your covering letter. Some recruiters say that they make their decision paragraph by paragraph – if you haven't impressed upon them that you would be a good fit for their firm halfway through the cover letter, they might not even read the rest. Your covering letter creates a powerful first impression, so make it easy for the recruiter to see that you have strong potential as a solicitor by following the tips above.

In other news: Massive changes to the way solicitors qualify are on the horizon. Do you know how they will affect you? Find out here .

targetjobs editorial advice

This describes editorially independent and impartial content, which has been written and edited by the targetjobs content team. Any external contributors featuring in the article are in line with our non-advertorial policy, by which we mean that we do not promote one organisation over another.

People reading this also searched for roles in these areas:

• Law graduate jobs
• Law training contracts
• Law vacation schemes

Related careers advice

What is the solicitors qualifying examination (SQE)?

• Law solicitors +1

Law application form questions: examples of how to answer the extracurricular activities question

• Law solicitors +2

Law application form questions: examples of how to answer the ‘why commercial law?’ question

How can I talk about Brexit in a training contract interview?

Training contract deadlines

Twelve jobs you can do with a law degree

How to become a lawyer in the UK

• Law solicitors +3

Ten ways to get your legal CV noticed by top law recruiters

We've got you

How to Write a Legal Cover Letter

The vacation scheme process: its importance and why to take part.

Structured Finance and Derivatives News – Collateralised Fund Obligations and FX Swaps

• Tips for Students
• careers advice
• cover letter
• law careers
• tips for students

Article written by Caitlin Graham, Lancaster University LLB graduate.

This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to write a legal cover letter – whether it is for a vacation scheme, a mini-pupillage, or a more general legal work placement.

Your first step is to select your font. As I’m sure you will assume, it is advisable that you choose a traditional and clear font, such as Times New Roman or Calibri, so that your letter looks formal and professional.

Further, it is a good idea to use the same font that you used for your CV to show consistency.

Overall Layout

The first thing you should write is your full name and address out in the top right-hand corner.

Below on the left-hand side, write the address of the addressee of the covering letter.

Next, underneath the addressee’s address, write the date out on the right-hand side in full e.g. 1 st December 2022 (instead of 01/12/22).

After this, on the left-hand side below the date, you should address the letter. It is preferable to find out what the name of the person who oversees applications for work experience placements. However, if you are unable to find this out, you should write: ‘Dear Sir/Madam’.

It is important to note that it is generally asked by companies to keep cover letters to a one-side A4 page. If you find that you have extra space, you could add another paragraph explaining why you are interested in law.

Introduction

The first paragraph of your cover letter should be kept relatively short (around two to three sentences).

You should begin by briefly introducing yourself e.g. “I am a final-year undergraduate law student from [name of university]”.

Then, you should explain why you are writing this letter. For example: “I am writing to apply for a mini-pupillage at [name of chambers]”.

The second paragraph of your cover letter should explain why you are applying to that particular company.

Aim to link your personal motivations and qualities with that of the company’s whilst explaining what attracts you to that firm/chambers/company.

The third paragraph of your cover letter should show why you are a suitable candidate for the position that you are applying for.

First focus on the skills and qualities that you have which are most relevant to the job advertised.

Further, remember to support your claims that you have certain skills by giving evidence. For instance, you may have developed good verbal communication skills by having worked in a customer-facing environment such as a shop or a bar.

Concluding your Cover Letter

A simple and effective way you could draw a close to your covering letter is by thanking the addressee for taking their time out for reading your application.

Finally, you should conclude your cover letter by writing “Yours sincerely” or “Yours faithfully”, depending upon how you addressed the letter. By this, it means, if you wrote “Dear Sir/Madam”, you should finish your letter with “Yours faithfully”, whereas if you know the name of the addressee, your cover letter should end with “Yours sincerely”.

Imaan Fatima

Related posts.

Mastering Problem Question Answers: A Guide for Law Students

A Law Student’s Guide to London

Embracing the Final Year of Law School

Comments are closed.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Careerinlaw.net | UK

Legal Cover Letter Guide for Training Contracts and Vacation Schemes

Home » News » Legal Cover Letter Guide for Training Contracts and Vacation Schemes

What Is a Legal Cover Letter?

Structure of a Legal Cover Letter

• The introduction should grab the reader’s attention and provide a brief overview of who you are and what position you are applying for.
• The body of the letter is where you discuss your qualifications, experiences, and skills, making sure to align them with the position’s requirements and the firm’s values.
• The conclusion wraps up your letter, often with a call to action or a statement of enthusiastic anticipation for a potential interview.

Cover Letter Format and Layout

Writing an Effective Legal Cover Letter

• Step 1: Start with a Strong Opening –  Address the letter to a specific person and state the position you’re applying for.
• Step 2: Engage with Personalized Introduction –  Tailor your introduction to the firm and the legal role, showing your knowledge and interest.
• Step 3: Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences –  Focus on legal experiences, education, and skills that directly apply to the job.
• Step 4: Use Specific Examples –  Illustrate your abilities and achievements with specific examples from your career or education.
• Step 5: Conclude with a Call to Action –  End your letter by reiterating your interest and requesting an interview.

Starting Your Cover Letter: Best Practices for Opening Lines

• The Importance of Your Opening Line – The opening lines should be concise and impactful. Begin by stating the position you are applying for and where you found the listing. This not only shows your direct interest but also helps the employer understand the context of your application. A compelling start could also include a brief mention of why you are particularly interested in this role or firm, perhaps referencing a recent case or the firm’s philosophy that resonates with you.
• Add a Personal Touch – Tailoring the introduction involves showcasing your knowledge of the law firm and the specific legal position. Mention any direct connections you have to the firm, like a referral or a previous encounter with one of their lawyers. This personal touch demonstrates your proactive approach and genuine interest in the firm.

Body of the Cover Letter

• What to Include: Skills, Experience, and Qualifications – Focus on the most relevant experiences and skills that apply to the position. For a legal cover letter, emphasize any legal work, internships, or education. Don’t just list your experiences; explain how they make you a good fit for this specific role. Use examples to demonstrate your skills, such as a successful negotiation or a research project that you completed during your LPC course .
• How to Write About Legal Experiences and Education – When discussing legal experiences and education, be specific. Mention any particular areas of law you’ve studied or worked in, notable cases you’ve been involved with, or any research you’ve conducted. If you’ve had any significant achievements or have been recognized in your field, this is the place to highlight them.
• Tailor Your Cover Letter for a Law Firm – It’s crucial to tailor it to the specific firm’s ethos, practice areas, and the role you’re applying for. Research the firm thoroughly and mention aspects of their work that align with your experiences and interests. Show them why you are not just a fit for the legal industry in general but for their firm in particular.

Concluding Your Cover Letter

• How to Effectively Conclude and Call to Action – Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the firm, and politely express your desire for an interview. A strong conclusion reaffirms your fit for the role and can make your application memorable.
• The Importance of a Strong Closing in Legal Applications – In legal applications, a strong closing is crucial as it demonstrates your ability to conclude arguments effectively—a key skill in the legal profession. It’s also your final opportunity to express your keen interest in the position.

Writing a Cover Letter for Vacation Schemes and Internships

• Understanding the Purpose of Your Application – The primary goal of your cover letter for these programs should be to highlight your enthusiasm for the law, your academic accomplishments, and any extracurricular activities or previous work experiences (legal or otherwise) that demonstrate relevant skills. It’s essential to convey your commitment to pursuing a career in law and your interest in gaining hands-on experience. You may go as far back as your A-Level law course or as recent as your SQE prep course .
• Highlighting Academic and Extracurricular Achievements – Use your cover letter to draw attention to your academic strengths, particularly in law-related subjects. Mention any law-related projects, dissertations, or presentations that you have undertaken. For example, you may have done something extraordinary during your PGDL course . Additionally, highlight your participation in extracurricular activities, especially those that demonstrate skills useful in the legal profession, such as debate clubs, moot court competitions, or volunteer work.
• Demonstrating Interest in the Specific Firm or Area of Law – Research the firm or organization offering the vacation scheme or internship. Tailor your cover letter to reflect an understanding of what they specialize in and express why you are interested in that area of law. If the firm is known for a particular type of law, show how your interests and experiences align with this.
• Reflecting on What You Hope to Gain and Offer – Be clear about what you hope to gain from the experience and how it fits into your longer-term career goals. At the same time, discuss what you can bring to the table. Even if you don’t have direct legal experience, skills such as research, analysis, teamwork, and communication are highly relevant and valued in legal settings.
• The Importance of Professionalism and Clarity – As with any legal cover letter, maintain a professional tone and clear structure. Ensure your passion for law and eagerness to learn come through, but balance this with a formal and respectful approach that reflects the professionalism expected in the legal field.

Writing a Cover Letter for Training Contracts

• Tailoring Your Approach to the Firm – Each law firm has its unique characteristics and areas of expertise. Tailor your cover letter to reflect an understanding of the firm’s specializations, values, and culture. Express how these align with your career aspirations and why this particular training contract appeals to you.
• Highlight Unique Experiences or Skills – While your legal experience may be limited at this stage, focus on transferable skills and experiences that demonstrate your potential as a trainee solicitor. This could include analytical skills from academic projects, teamwork and leadership experience from extracurricular activities , or any legal work experience you may have.
• Demonstrating Long-Term Interest – Firms want to invest in trainees who have a genuine interest in staying with the firm post-training. Express your long-term career vision and how it aligns with the opportunities at the firm. Show that you have a keen interest in growing within the firm and contributing to its future successes.
• Conveying Enthusiasm and Professionalism – Your enthusiasm for the law and the specific training contract should shine through in your cover letter. However, balance this enthusiasm with professionalism, showing that you understand the serious commitment of a training contract and are ready to meet its challenges.
• Articulate Your Vision for Contributing to the Firm – Instead of just focusing on what you hope to gain from the training contract, turn the tables. Articulate a vision of how you see yourself contributing to the firm. Maybe you have ideas for community engagement initiatives or are interested in contributing to the firm’s legal research publications.

Legal CV vs Legal Cover Letter

Top 5 tips for you to succeed, tip #1 – the length of your legal cover letter, tip #2 – what not to include in a legal cover letter, tip #3 – addressing the cover letter, tip #4 – customize for each application, tip #5 – proofread multiple times, frequently asked questions, how can an applicant effectively research a law firm to tailor their cover letter more specifically to that firm, what are some common mistakes in legal cover letters that can negatively impact an applicant’s chances, how should an applicant handle gaps in their legal experience or education when writing a cover letter, in what ways can an applicant demonstrate their potential for long-term growth and contribution to a law firm, study law in the uk.

• Name * First Last
• Your Nationality * Your Nationality Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands
• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

What makes a good vacation scheme application?

Vacation schemes are a great way to get first-hand experience of working in a law firm. Even better, if you perform well and impress your colleagues, you’ve got a very good chance of being offered a training contract at the end.   

Competition for vacation scheme places can be fierce, but with some thorough planning and research here’s how you can make your application stand out from the crowd.  

• Do your research  

It sounds obvious, but before you start your application you need to research the firm. This means finding out in which areas of law the firm practises, what the culture is like and how the firm markets itself. If you want to go the extra mile, you could also try finding out what the firm’s future plans are and how it intends to make them happen. Having this knowledge will help shape your answers to the questions on the application form and will help you to tailor your responses accordingly.  

2. Answer the question  

Before you start writing, read through the entire application form; this will help focus your mind on the questions to hand, as well as give you an idea of exactly how much work there is to be done! Read and re-read each individual question and think carefully about what the firm is asking of you, rather than what you would like the firm to be asking you! Precision and attention to detail are important attributes in a lawyer and so a recruiter will want to see that you have answered the question at hand.  

3. Numbers game  

Sending out hundreds of applications with the same answers copied and pasted into each form isn’t advisable. But, at the same time, applying for vacation schemes and training contracts is still a bit of a numbers game. There’s a balance to be struck between spending enough time tailoring your application to each firm and applying to enough firms to give yourself a good chance of succeeding. Think carefully about where this balance lies for you.  

4. Clear, concise and correct

Write your responses to the application form questions in simple language. At larger firms in particular, recruiters will read through hundreds, if not thousands, of applications and so you will do well to get your message across clearly. It hopefully goes without saying that there shouldn’t be any spelling, grammar or punctuation mistakes in your application form. It’s a good idea to write your answers in Word first to make sure they’re correct.  

5. Check, check and check again  

Proofread your work. Once you’ve finished a draft, wait for a couple of hours, or even overnight, before you look at it again. A fresh pair of eyes is more likely to pick up on mistakes. If you prefer reading over things in hard copy, print off your application form to give yourself the best chance of spotting errors. Ask a friend or a family member to read over your work too.  

6. Timing is everything

Send in your application ahead of time. Some firms review on a rolling basis and applying earlier will mean that the recruiter will have more time to read through your application properly. What’s more, an application that has been written and researched in plenty of time is more likely to read better than one which has been thrown together at the last minute!

7. Tailor made

Be sure to tailor your application to the firm you’re applying. You can do this by mentioning something specific to the firm or linking your in each of your answers. Each application is different and each firm will be trying to elicit slightly different information from you. A recruiter will be able to spot an application form which has been copied and pasted several times over.  

Applying for vacation schemes can be a lengthy process, but by investing enough time and energy into your applications, you will reap the benefits in the long run. Good luck and don’t give up!  

Username or email  *

Password  *

Remember me --> Sign In

Forgotten password?

[email protected]

Guide to Law Vacation Schemes

Vacation schemes are the first rung of the ladder in many aspiring solicitors' careers. Use this page to educate yourself about this vital legal work experience.

Vacation Schemes: The Facts

• Learn about these work placements
• See what kinds of salaries are on offer
• Find out when to apply

Jump to Section

• Deciding on Law
• How to Become a Lawyer
• Areas of Law
• Solicitor vs Barrister
• What is a Solicitor
• Becoming a Barrister
• Legal Executive
• What Is A Legal Secretary?
• How to Become a Judge
• Legal Apprenticeships
• Studying Law at University
• Law at Oxbridge
• Studying Law Abroad
• Personal Statement
• Law Research Techniques & Resources
• Commercial Awareness
• Law Work Experience

Vacation Scheme Applications

• Vacation Schemes: FAQs
• How To Convert A Vacation Scheme Into A Training Contract
• Case Study: Vacation Scheme (Bird & Bird)
• Case Study: Vacation Scheme (Pinsent Masons)
• Case Study: Vacation Scheme (Simmons & Simmons)
• Law Courses
• Non-Law Students
• PGDL (Conversion)
• Bar Training Guide

Training Contracts

• Law Firm Applications
• Pupillage: a Guide for Aspiring Barristers
• Law Firm Insights
• Networking Guide
• Diversity In Law

If you want to  become a solicitor , doing a vacation scheme is a great way to show recruiters that you’re committed to a legal career. It will also give you a taste of what working at a law firm might be like before you start applying for training contracts.

What Is a Vacation Scheme?

A vacation scheme is a way of gaining invaluable work experience at a law firm. Schemes commonly last between one and four weeks and give you an opportunity to:

• Experience first-hand what life as a trainee solicitor is like
• Explore the firm’s key  areas of legal practice  and client base
• Understand the type of tasks you will be expected to perform as a trainee solicitor
• Understand the culture and work ethic of a law firm
• Establish whether you are suited to a career in law

Want to know more about vacation schemes? Find out more from Raj Karia, Head of Corporate, M&A, Securities, MEA at  Norton Rose Fulbright  in the video below.

What Do Law Vacation Schemes Involve?

Work-Based Tasks During your vacation scheme, you will be expected to perform tasks that a trainee solicitor would. You will be supervised, supported and ultimately assessed by one of the firm’s partners or associate solicitors, assisting on a variety of deals and/or cases. You will also have an opportunity to work alongside and observe current trainees.

Day-to-day vacation scheme tasks may include:

• Performing legal research
• Drafting, amending and reviewing legal documents
• Attending and taking minutes of meetings
• Attending court
• Proofreading
• Performing administrative tasks such as filing, document management and photocopying  
• Group Exercises 

Some law firms like to set group tasks, projects and exercises to simulate a scenario a solicitor would face, for example, a mock negotiation. They’re great chances to demonstrate the following to your law firm:

• Effective communication
• Problem solving
• Commercial awareness

Visit our  What Makes a Good Lawyer?  page to find out more about the core skills law firms will be looking for you to demonstrate during law vacation schemes. Ensure that you show these core skills to the best of your ability to give yourself the best opportunity to shine. 

• Socialising 

Law firms tend to embrace socialising and networking amongst fellow vacation scheme students and the law firm’s employees by organising social events. These could include lunches, dinners and drinks out. Use these events to connect with as many people as possible and broaden your network.

Launch Your Law Career with TLP Aspire

Sign up for our Ultimate ‘Get Into Law’ Conference for career-boosting insights.

Law Vacation Scheme Benefits

• You’ll get a genuine insight into life as a trainee solicitor at a particular law firm
• You can broaden your network and make vital links and contacts with experienced lawyers
• You will realise whether a career in law is right for you
• You’ll get constructive feedback on your work, allowing you to develop your core skills
• Your CV will look great when you start your  training contract applications
• At the end of a vacation scheme, you may be considered for a  training contract .

Your salary will depend on the law firm and the location of your vacation scheme. It could range from merely covering travel expenses to a weekly salary of up to £500. Take a look at our deadlines calendar  for specific law firm salaries.

When to Apply

You should apply in the penultimate year of your undergraduate degree.  

• Application deadlines for spring/summer vacation schemes tend to be around January time
• Application deadlines for winter vacation schemes tend to be around October/November time

Other Options

If you do not manage to secure a vacation placement, there are plenty of other work experience opportunities available. Options include:

• Sending an ad hoc CV and covering letter to smaller/high street law firms that do not run vacation schemes
• Applying for  mini pupillages  or other work experience in a court setting
• Exploring summer schemes and legal  internships  run by the larger commercial organisations such as investment and commercial banks, media and telecoms companies and accountancy firms 
• Sending an ad hoc CV and covering letter to smaller commercial organisations that do not run structured schemes

Looking for Opportunities?

Check out our deadline calendar to see which firms are hiring

Law Firm Opportunities

Law Firm Directory

Explore key stats, training opportunities and more with our detailed law firm listings.

Stay ahead of the game and keep track of upcoming training contract deadlines.

Vacation Schemes

Keep track of the latest deadlines & get your foot in the door of a top law firm.

Law Firm Open Days

Don't miss an opportunity to meet law firms & register for upcoming open days.

Law Work Experience: Your Guide to Success

Loading More Content