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How to write a cover letter for a law firm.

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Introduction

Having to write a law cover letter is more common than candidates might think. Although most law firms now use application forms with a short answer question format, many law firms ask you to submit a cover letter (sometimes within the wider context of an application form). Therefore, it is always important to have your legal cover letter-writing skills up to scratch.

But many candidates don't know where to start. What should you include? If there is no word limit, how long should it be? Should you be writing an introduction or other pleasantries? There are so many questions and doubts shared by the majority of candidates.

We hope to answer some of these questions and guide you on how to write a legal cover letter in the context of applying to law firms for vacation schemes and training contracts.

What to expect

Over the course of this article, we will look at:

• what a legal cover letter is, and what's its purpose;
• a general structure for writing a law cover letter; and
• some top tips and tricks for writing a good legal cover letter.

Understanding a law cover letter

What is a legal cover letter.

A legal cover letter is, traditionally, a one-page document that introduces the applying candidate and explains why they would be a good fit for the firm and the role they are applying for.

Having said that, unless stated otherwise, there is no stipulation as to what can or cannot be included in such cover letters. As we will discuss, however, there are some general unwritten rules.

What is a legal cover letter's purpose?

We can examine a legal cover letter's purpose from two perspectives: graduate recruitment or the law firm you are applying to, and the candidate who wishes to become a trainee solicitor at the firm.

From the firm's/graduate recruitment team's perspective, a legal cover letter's purpose is to get a broad snapshot of a candidate. They hope that your cover letter will give them a sense of your written communication skills, motivations, relevant competencies, and prior work experience.

In this way, a cover letter can massively simplify a law firm's application process and make the reviewing of each candidate much easier. After all, there is far more room for you to go wrong in an open-ended cover letter. This means that candidates can be more readily rejected and the pool of 'good' candidates can be more quickly refined.

From the perspective of the applying candidate, naturally, much of this purpose is shared. The candidate wants to use their cover letter to demonstrate to the law firm why they are the best fit for the role in that specific firm. To achieve this, the best candidates will know that they must discuss their motivation for the career and the firm, and the best skills and experience that they could use in the role.

You may choose to consider a cover letter like a sales pitch. The law firm wants you to pitch yourself to them, and you must successfully convince them of your suitability. But beware - you're not a salesperson out of Mad Men.

As we will discuss, you must be precise and concise in what you write. You can sell yourself best when you make clear arguments backed up by specific evidence.

What structure should I use?

Many candidates do not know where to start with a legal cover letter. They panic about whether to include addresses, introductions and so on. We hope that the following will give you some guidance on what to include and what you can leave out.

The structure of a legal cover letter

The addresses.

Traditionally, as with all letters, you would need to put both your name and address (in the top right of the letter), and the name and address of the recipient (below your address but on the left), in the cover letter.

In the modern age, it is unlikely that you will be delivering a cover letter by hand or mailing it in the post. Therefore, if you are writing your cover letter as part of an online application form, you do not need to include any addresses in your cover letter.

However, if you are writing your cover letter in a separate word document and sending it to the firm (by attaching it to an application form or emailing it), it may be wise to include such names and addresses.

Firms like Slaughter and May require you to attach a cover letter to your online application. Given the firm's preference for tradition, it is prudent to adhere to traditional letter-writing rules.

In the UK, the address section should be structured as follows:

• Your name, followed by your address should be on the top right of the letter.
• Standard titles, such as Mr, Mrs, Ms, Dr, and so on, should not have any punctuation marks (to include one is an Americanism).
• If the recipient is female and you do not know her married status, use 'Ms'. When in doubt, this is also the title to use.
• Your address is followed by a line break and the date.
• Below the date, on the left-hand side, you should write the name, company, and address of the recipient. If you do not know the recipient's name, address it to the team or department you are sending the letter to (such as 'Graduate Recruitment Team'). If you do not know the team or department you are addressing the letter to, use 'Dear Sir/Madam'.

Legal Cover letter example of the address section

Mr John Smith 1 Acacia Avenue Hamleton AB1 2CD Ruritania

1st April 2022

Mrs Jane Doe BigLaw LLP 1 King Street VW1 2XY Urbenstan

The introduction

After you have written the address section (or omitted it, as discussed above), you must begin with a salutation and a short paragraph that introduces yourself and your reason for applying. This can be kept very short. You should include the following:

• The appropriate salutation of 'Dear [title][full name],'.
• A short paragraph summarising your immediate academic background, and your reason for applying.
• The best candidates will link an event to their reason for applying.

An example of an introductory paragraph

Dear Mrs Jane Doe,

I graduated from the University of Bookhead in 2021 with a First in my LLB Law degree. Following my discussion with Mr David Gold at the 2022 BigLaw networking event in Hamleton, I am writing to apply for a 2022 vacation scheme at BigLaw.

The Main Body

With most of the technicalities out of the way, you must now focus on the main content of your cover letter. We will get into what exactly to write in a later section, but for now, you should know that you should split your main body into three sections. Depending on the permitted length of your cover letter, this may be three paragraphs.

As an aside, if you do not know how long your cover letter should be, you need to keep it to one A4 page. Some law firms will allow you two pages but do your research beforehand.

The three sections of your answer should be a discussion of your:

• motivation for the career;
• motivation for the firm; and
• the reasons why you are the best candidate for the role at that specific firm (think about what your competencies, skills, and strengths are).

If you have read any of our previous articles, you will know that this follows a very typical 'why law, why firm, why me'-style of structure. This is the main bulk of your letter!

If you are limited concerning space, you can integrate the third section into the previous two. However, you must be extra careful to ensure the clarity and concision of your writing!

Ending the letter

You should sign off the letter by simply writing the correct valediction and your name.

• If you know the name of the recipient, write 'Yours sincerely,'.
• If you do not know the name of the recipient, write 'Yours faithfully,'.

You should avoid any other kind of valediction so as not to come across as too informal or inappropriate.

You may also have a short ending sentence to allow the letter to end smoothly. We suggest words to the effect of 'Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you'.

Cover letter examples of valedictions

In the case that you know the recipient, Mrs Jane Doe:

Yours sincerely,

In the case that you do not know the recipient and are addressing it to 'Sir/Madam':

Yours faithfully,

What should I write about?

Now that you are familiar with the structure of a legal cover letter, you need to consider the content that you must include in the main body of the letter. You may need to cut down on this content in some areas; however, this article aims to give a thorough overview of what the optimal legal cover letter includes.

As a reminder, your main body should have three sections addressing 'why law, why firm, why me'.

Why do you want to be a commercial solicitor?

We have technically covered this in another article, ' How to Answer "Why Commercial Law" '; however, here are a few of the key points.

First, you should use a PEE/AL structure . You should start your paragraph off with a clear, relevant point: 'I am pursuing a career as a commercial solicitor because [insert specific reason here]'. This must then be followed up with a personal example that demonstrates the existence of that reason. You should then explain your evidence and how it demonstrates the existence of that reason. You must then link your answer back to the question of why you want to be a commercial solicitor by explaining why the existence of that reason is important, attractive, and/or suitable for you.

Second, you should look to include anywhere between two to three points to answer this question fully. If you only address one facet of the career, you risk your motivation looking superficial. If you include more points, your cover letter may become too lengthy and verbose.

Third, your chosen reasons for the career must be specific and address the whole career. You must give reasons as to why you are interested in law and commerce, and why you wish to pursue a legal career as a solicitor (as opposed to a barrister or another career).

Fourth, you must try to select some unique or uncommon facets of the career. Too many candidates cite an 'intellectual challenge' as a reason for their motivation for the career. This is too vague and too common of an answer. You need to choose something personal to you, given your interests and your work experience.

We suggest reading our article ' How to Answer "Why Commercial Law" ' for more in-depth advice and guidance.

Why do you want to train and work at this firm in particular?

Once again, we have given most of our advice on this matter in our article, ' How to Research Law Firms '. Here are some of our key points of advice:

First, your answer should be split into three parts: the firm's work, training, and culture (in that order of priority). Culture is a mercurial thing, and can be omitted if you are short on space. However, if you are omitting the paragraph on culture, you should try to integrate some reference to culture in your answer if possible.

Second, when discussing the firm's work, drill down into their practice area specialisms (and why they interest you), and their business strategy (and why that suits you or aligns with your ambitions).

Third, when discussing a firm's training, examine the size of the firm's trainee intake, their training contract seat structure, and any other relevant activities or opportunities open to trainees.

Many law firms have small or large trainee intakes and have similar seat structures. What will really differentiate a law firm is the unique opportunities that trainees get alongside their traditional training contract. For example, a firm might have a special committee that allows trainees to get involved with business development right from day one.

Fourth, culture should only be referenced if you have some personal experience with it. Have you spoken to someone at the firm? Have you undertaken prior work experience at the said firm? Did you attend the law firm's open day or insight scheme? These are the kinds of experiences that will allow you to discuss culture without your answer sounding vague or unsubstantiated.

We suggest reading our article ' How to Research Law Firms ' for more in-depth advice and guidance.

Why would you make for a good trainee solicitor at this firm?

Across our previous blog articles , we have also touched on the relevant competencies and skills that law firms look for. Some of our key pieces of advice are as follows:

First, you need to familiarise yourself with the main competencies that law firms look for. Amongst others these are teamwork, organisation, determination, resilience, dealing with difficult people, interpersonal communication, and integrity.

Second, you must still stick to a clear PEE/AL structure in your answer. Your point is the particular skill that you are claiming to have. Your evidence is a personal experience in which you developed or demonstrated the skill. You must then explain how your evidence developed or demonstrates the skill. Finally, you must link your discussion back to the question, and demonstrate how that skill would make you a good trainee solicitor at the firm in question.

Third, ideally, you should include some specific discussion of the firm and why the skills you are claiming to have would be especially useful there. For example, motivation or determination would be especially important when training at a firm with a small trainee intake or low headcount. This is because you will need to take on more responsibility at an earlier stage in your career and have the discipline and initiative to get on with tasks without being prompted.

Fourth, as mentioned, you must explain how you would employ your skills in the position you're applying for. Many candidates forget to give a specific explanation of how they would employ, for example, their collaborative skills in the context of being a trainee solicitor. You must give a short hypothetical description of the skill in action in the role.

For example, you could explain that your attention to detail would be particularly important when being tasked with reviewing common contracts, such as NDAs. Many individuals would gloss over these documents as they are often very similar and based on a template. However, this means that small things can easily slip by that should have been caught!

Some extra tips

So far, we have covered the structure and content of your cover letter. What now follows is a selection of tips and reminders that are useful to bear in mind when writing your covering letter.

Proofread your work

Cover letters are a test of your writing skills - having an error-free cover letter is non-negotiable. If you have spelling mistakes, get the firm name wrong, or just have the odd typographical error, you taking on a huge risk of being rejected. Those in the legal profession pride themselves on its written accuracy and powers of articulation. Law firms will have these kinds of errors count against you in a big way.

Before you submit your cover letter, proofread your work and use a spellchecker such as Microsoft Word or Grammarly. You may even get a family member or trusted friend to check your work for errors. It can be helpful to have a fresh pair of eyes look over your work to help you see the wood through the trees.

Use the appropriate tone

A cover letter is a piece of professional, written communication. As a result, you should adopt formal writing conventions. You must not use contractions, such as 'don't' or undefined abbreviations. If you are using a name over and over again such that an abbreviation may be appropriate, you must write it out in full and put the abbreviation in brackets afterwards. You may then use the abbreviation or acronym. For example:

The Sterling Overnight Index Average ('SONIA') is an interest rate benchmark. SONIA was reformed in 2018.

Finally, your language should align with the professional expectations the firm has of you. Your future employer wants to know that you can be trusted to speak with clients and your colleagues appropriately. Your choice of language reflects not only your professionalism but also your judgement. You must avoid slang and the excessive use of idioms. You need to keep your writing clean, formal and straightforward.

Employ the right format

If you are writing your cover letter in a text box in an application form, you will not be able to format your writing beyond including line breaks. However, if you are drafting your cover letter in a separate document, you must use the correct font.

We recommend a font size of 12 and a formal font typeface such as Times New Roman, Arial or Georgia. We suggest you avoid fonts like Calibri. They can across as slightly informal.

Your paragraphs should be separated with line breaks and your margins should be no narrower than the 'narrow margin' option in Microsoft Word. Ideally, as mentioned, it should be one page in length (or a maximum of two).

You must remember that your cover letter may be printed out and analysed by a partner in an interview. Therefore, if your font or margins are too small or your font choice is poor, you may inadvertently frustrate them and taint their initial impression of you. Anything that you can do to avoid this is worth doing!

Over the course of this article, we have looked at how to write a cover letter for a law firm. Specifically, we have covered what a legal cover letter is and what its purpose is, a general structure for writing a law cover letter, and some top tips and tricks for writing a good legal cover letter.

Our summary

Our advice can be summarised as follows:

• A cover letter tests your written communication ability, motivations for the career and firm, and why you think you'd be a good fit for the role.
• Think of the cover letter as a sales pitch. But focus on clarity and concision, rather than a salesperson-style, flowery approach.
• Your cover letter should be structured with the following sections: your name and address, the recipient's name and address, a salutation and short introduction, the main body, a short ending sentence and the appropriate valediction.
• The main body of your cover letter should address your motivations for the career, the firm, and why you think you would be a good fit for the position you're applying for.
• You should proofread your work before submission. Use spellcheckers like Microsoft Word and Grammarly to assist you with this. You may also ask a family member or trusted friend to proofread your work too!
• Use the appropriate tone. A legal cover letter is a piece of professional communication, and your language and phraseology must reflect this.
• Your formatting is also important. Use a size 11 formal font, such as Times New Roman or Arial. Do not use excessively narrow margins. Your cover letter must be printed off without any cut-off problems and easily read by the graduate recruitment team and your interviewer.

So, what next?

If you are ready to move from research to action, you should look at our application database BEFORE you put pen to paper on your applications. You wouldn't walk into an exam hall without carefully reviewing past papers.  It's exactly the same with applications to law firms. If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.

Most candidates read a few well-intentioned but obvious articles on how to apply to law firms.  Most candidates then spend a couple of hours writing an application before optimistically submitting it.  But most candidates don't even get an interview.  Every year, thousands of candidates are part of the 90% that are rejected at first round.

Join us as part of the successful 10% instead. Let us give you an unfair advantage: through our comprehensive analysis of successful applications to every major law firm, our qualified lawyers will break down the ingredients of a phenomenal application.  We will help you beat the odds, secure your interview and then avoid final-round failure at your assessment centre.

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How to Write a Legal Cover Letter

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

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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

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UCL Law Careers Blog

Insights and information on careers in law for students

• Vac Scheme Advice – CVs and Cover Letters

By Stephen Gurman, on 11 November 2013

“As the time is approaching to look for vacation scheme placements, here are a few things to think about as you put your CV and cover letter together:

• You want to be sure that you can be contacted easily so make sure to include an email address, a mobile telephone number, a land line and a mailing address (yes, we still use old-fashioned post!).  It is also helpful to include an address during term time and a permanent address, so that a vacation scheme/training contract offer does not get sent to your school address noted on a CV you prepared 6 months ago, when you have changed flats.  If your contact details change after you have applied, let us know.
• Speaking of email addresses, you want to have one that is professional : [email protected] is not ideal for applications to law firms!  Communications with firms should be professional at all times, so be mindful of typos and spelling errors in email traffic, setting up interviews, asking questions, etc.  Recruiters have sharp eyes, and will notice small details.
• Spelling errors and typos, as I am sure you have read many times, are an absolute no-no in applications.  An essential part of being a lawyer is paying attention to detail , and you don’t want to fall at the first hurdle.  Double and triple check your CV and cover letter for errors and be very careful with spell check.  One of our vacation scheme students told me that he heard of an incident where spellcheck changed “madam” to “madman”.  While I might find it funny to receive a letter addressed to “Dead Madman”, I am not sure how far your application would get.  This goes without saying, I think, but be absolutely certain that you have the name of the firm correct (we are Davis Polk, not David Polk, for instance).  You won’t be surprised to learn that the applications with incorrect firm names do not generally get past the graduate recruitment team.
• Avoid cutting and pasting at all costs.  Enough said.
• Be concise!   Attorneys need to be succinct, so demonstrate your ability to be concise right from the get go.  A cover letter should not be more than one page and a CV certainly not more than two pages.  Include your grades in your CV, so they are easy to spot.  Do not achieve this by using a really small font.  Use your editing skills instead.
• State the obvious .  We don’t want to spend a lot of time searching for relevant information so clearly set out when you graduated or your expected year of graduation.  If there are gaps in your CV (when you took time out to travel or work, for example), briefly explain them on the CV or in the cover letter. If you graduated two years ago, let us know what you have been doing since you finished school.  Provide us with as much information as possible, but in as few words as possible!
• Go to law fairs on campus and any networking events put on by firms you are interested in.  It is a great opportunity to make contacts and drop some relevant information into a cover letter.  We write the content on our website, so if you regurgitate it back to us, we know.  If you have a conversation with one our attorneys at a law fair or over drinks at an information session, you will learn more about our firm and the kind of work we do than you can from reading our website.  Let us know in our cover letter what you found interesting about our firm or why you think you want to work here given the information you received following meeting someone who works here.”

If you are interested in learning more about a career at Davis Polk, please visit www.davispolk.com/careers/uk .

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Tags: application , cv , vacation scheme

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Nov 14, 2023

Written By Lewis Ogg

Vacation Schemes: Complete Guide & Application Assistance

Vacation schemes are synonymous with modern law firm application processes, with nearly all aspiring lawyers having to do at least one in their search for the elusive training contract. This article will walk you through each step of the vacation scheme process, offering tried and tested advice and assistance to break into the legal field.

What are vacation schemes?

Vacation schemes are structured work experience opportunities offered by law firms, where applicants get an insight into their culture and firms get a personal insight into your work. These internships are usually your first chance to gain practical legal experience.

Several established application periods exist for vacation schemes, with Winter, Spring and especially Summer being the most common. These internships are a microcosm of life as a trainee, with participants engaging in in-tray, negotiation, and presentation exercises. Interns are also usually well-compensated for this trainee work.  

These schemes are overwhelmingly aimed at students in or after their second year of LLB or non-law finalists. They’re also open to graduates. While this might seem very early to be thinking about where you want to train after your SQE, remember that firms recruit two years in advance. Few applicants get a training contract on their first application cycle, so starting as early as possible is key.

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Researching law firms and opportunities

When applying for a vacation scheme, it is important to consider both what you want from a law firm and what law firms want from you. Think about the type of work you want to do, where you want to do it, and in what kind of working environment. Attending networking and insight events is a great way to get a feel for whether a firm's culture is right for you. It is also worth remembering that big firms often have minimum GCSE, A-Level, or University requirements that applicants must meet, although many take into consideration extenuating circumstances.

There is a huge variety of scheme opportunities, from the Magic Circle right down to high-street firms, and one of the hardest things for students is keeping track of the opportunities available. Law firm websites, legal job boards, career fairs and professional networking events are fantastic ways to hear about posting and get to know recruiters, which I would encourage any prospective applicants to embrace fully. 

Networking is an integral part of the application process, as this is the best opportunity to establish whether firms fit the description of their working priorities and skills. Remember not all law firms are the same, and your application to and experience in them will differ significantly. For example, working at a transaction-heavy American firm like Kirkland Ellis in London will be very different to training at a regional-orientated full-service firm like Walker Morris in Leeds. 

Crafting an effective application

The typical application process for a firm will start with an online application form (usually your CV and a cover letter) followed by a number of psychometric assessments. If you progress from this initial sweeping screening process, you will usually have a short phone interview. If successful, you will progress to an Assessment Centre with fellow applicants as the final stage. 

Throughout applying, it is vital that students remain vigilant to deadlines, which can vary massively depending on the firm. A useful tactic for effective applications is to keep a clear spreadsheet that prioritises the firms you want to apply to and makes their deadlines clear.

CVs and cover letters can make or break your applications. With CVs, make sure you take the time to discuss the skills you developed and your responsibilities. It is not essential to have previous legal work experience; just make sure you discuss all your experience with an eye on having the skills of a good solicitor. With cover letters, research and personalisation are everything. Avoid copying and pasting; take the time to research every firm in detail and relate your experience to your findings. 

Law firms are very passionate about their firm culture and the work that they do, so make sure you research both in-depth and give attention to them in your application. Every sentence in your CV and cover letter should be written to help the recruiter understand why you want to be a commercial solicitor and work at their firm. 

Navigating the assessment process

Assessment centres have become a mainstay in the process because they allow firms to assess your skills in various ways. Common assignments during the day-long centres include: working in teams on presentations, doing written or in-tray tasks, rapid-fire interviews, or further psychometric assessments. Put together, these activities are designed to give firms a rounded picture of your skills and weaknesses. 

When it comes to interviews, remember examples, examples, examples! It is hard to stress this point enough. Anyone can talk theoretically about their teamwork skills or their determination, but the best candidates can show rather than tell their interviewers that they possess these skills. Many people find this particularly difficult to recall on the spot. The best way to develop this technique is through frequent practice and writing down your essential experiences to make them easier to recall. 

The key to any part of the application process is practice: whether it's for psychometric tests, assessment centres, or interviews, the only way to keep progressing is through targeted practice. If you want to refine your skills and techniques further, explore the Allaboutlaw website, where you will find a wealth of resources and guides.

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Making the most of the scheme

Throughout the whole process, it is vital you remain positive and professional. Punctuality, body language, and correct spelling, punctuation and grammar can make a huge impression on recruiters. Possessing these skills demonstrates that you possess both the professional and social skills to fit in with their organisation. 

As mentioned above, networking can be one of the most beneficial aspects of participating in a vacation scheme. Remember, you will not get a training contract from every vacation scheme, so by building your professional network, you can retain connections between opportunities.

Keeping notes is a beneficial habit to keep up with throughout your vacation scheme. Try to note what you have learnt and what aspects of the work you enjoyed. This will all come in handy if you have to make another application in future.  

Usually, the goal at the end of a vacation scheme is to get a training contract. While this is a massive part of the process, remember that there is a huge variety of skills and experiences you can get from internships, you might find it takes a number of schemes before you secure a training contract.

Vacation schemes are an integral part of the application process and will be the final hurdle to securing a training contract for many. All of the guidance we’ve given is designed to allow you to slowly turn yourself into the best applicant you can possibly be and improve your chances of success. 

Getting a training contract is a long process of development of which every aspiring lawyer is capable with enough time and dedication. Don’t let rejection frustrate or slow you down; it is a natural part of the process. Take stock of the advice in this article, keep growing and improving, and soon, you will excel in each stage.

Vacation Scheme

• 10 Secrets About Vacation Schemes They Don’t Want You to Know
• 6 typical vacation scheme interview questions
• 6 vital vacation scheme dos and don'ts
• 7 simple ways to impress on a vacation scheme
• Can you apply for vacation schemes as a graduate?

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Vacation schemes

These legal placements provide a vital insight into what it's like to work at a law firm. Firms often recruit trainees from their vacation schemes so don't pass up on these opportunities

What is a law vacation scheme?

Lasting anything between one week and a month, a vacation scheme will help you to improve your skills and legal knowledge and give firms a chance to take a closer look at you. You'll meet partners, associates, solicitors and trainees and find out more about the structure of work and training, the culture of the firm, and what cases and transactions actually involve.

It's also a good opportunity to gain a better understanding of the skills and personal qualities that the firm is seeking and what they mean in practice. Learn more about the skills you need to succeed in law .

The structure of law vacation schemes varies with each firm, but generally you'll be assigned a supervisor and a buddy and placed with two practice groups. You'll get the opportunity to work on live cases and transactions and you'll also get to shadow lawyers, sitting in on client meetings and observing them giving legal advice. There may also be workshops, seminars and presentations for you to attend and, depending on the size of the firm, some social events.

Will it help me get a training contract?

Some firms automatically treat  work experience  candidates as applicants for  training contracts , while others ask students to apply separately.

If you can't get on a vacation scheme all is not lost. You could arrange some  work shadowing , which is a much shorter stint of experience that will still provide a little bit of insight. Or you could use your time to do pro bono work, which will also show your commitment to a career in law. Alternatively, do some work experience in another sector or get a part-time job. While this may not provide you with specific legal skills, it will build your soft skills, demonstrate your proactive, determined nature to recruiters and give you real life examples to use in interviews.

Remember, qualifying via the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE) means that you no longer have to complete a training contract. You'll still need to do two years qualifying work experience (QWE) but this can be completed in a number of ways. While it's expected that many firms will continue to run traditional training contracts, you can also qualify as a solicitor through working as a paralegal, completing a placement as part of a sandwich year or volunteering in a student law clinic.

Which firms offer vacation schemes?

All firms listed below run vacation schemes or legal work experience placements. When choosing a scheme, it's important to do your research to ensure it meets your needs. If you require more information about a programme before making an application, contact the firm directly.

• Addleshaw Goddard
• Baker McKenzie
• Bevan Brittan
• Burges Salmon
• Cleary Gottlieb
• Clifford Chance
• Clyde & Co
• Freshfields
• Herbert Smith Freehills
• Hogan Lovells
• Irwin Mitchell
• Kirkland & Ellis
• Latham & Watkins
• Macfarlanes
• Mills & Reeve
• Norton Rose Fulbright
• Penningtons Manches Cooper
• Shearman & Sterling
• Stephenson Harwood
• Slaughter and May
• Taylor Wessing
• Travers Smith
• Trowers & Hamlins
• Walker Morris
• White & Case
• Womble Bond Dickinson

This is just a selection and is by no means an exhaustive list. If you're interested in a particular firm check on their website to see if they run vacation schemes or legal placements.

What are the application deadlines?

Placements with the biggest firms are usually at Easter, Christmas or during the summer of law undergraduates' penultimate year (or the final year for non-law students). Many of the larger firms open for applications in the autumn and may have pre-Christmas closing dates for Easter and summer vacation work. An increasing number of firms are also providing vacation schemes or  virtual work experience  for first-year students.

Deadlines for summer legal placements tend to fall between January and April, several months ahead of training contract applications. However, the best advice is to research early, as increased competition for places means that vacation schemes may be brought forward. Firms may be quite specific about what sort of applications they want and when, such as final-year non-law students at Easter and penultimate-year law students in the summer.

There isn't a magic number in regard to placements - the more experience you get the better. If you're unsure what you want to do, complete vacation schemes in different-sized firms and in those that offer a variety of specialisms to help you decide which  practice area  is right for you. Make sure that the schemes you're applying to are worthwhile and will add something to your development - don't just do them to fill up your CV.

How do I apply?

Law firms receive hundreds of applications, and because of this not all will wait until the deadline to shortlist applicants. Starting early and getting help with your application gives you the best chance.

Draw up a list of firms you'd like to apply to and schedule time to research the organisation. Most large and mid-sized firms have multi-stage application processes, which start with registration and an online application form. Smaller firms require a completed online application form, or a CV accompanied by a cover letter.

Whatever documents you send, this is your opportunity to explain why you want the vacation scheme and what you'll be bringing to the firm. Get help and advice on  writing your legal CV and cover letter .

You may also need to attend a one-to-one or panel  interview  where you could be asked questions including:

• Why do you want to be a solicitor?
• Who are our main competitors?
• What stories in the business press have caught your eye?

You should prepare responses beforehand and ensure you have examples to draw upon. Take a look at the  9 questions you might be asked in a law interview .

Will I be paid on a vacation scheme?

Most firms pay something, even if it's just expenses. The amount that firms pay varies so check with them before applying.

For example, currently per week you will be paid:

• Travers Smith - £750
• Hogan Lovells - £500
• Slaughter & May - £450
• Clyde & Co - £400
• Trowers & Hamlins - £400 (in London) £300 (Birmingham, Exeter and Manchester)
• Baker McKenzie - £386.75.

You should receive at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW) in the UK if you're performing the role of a worker. From April 2024, this currently stands at £8.60 for 18 to 20 year olds. Those aged 21 and over should receive the National Living Wage (NLW) of £11.44.

What makes a good application?

• Know what's happening in the legal profession  e.g. firm mergers, partner moves, new client panel wins and law firm revenues and profitability.
• Allow plenty of time to research the firm , practice areas and high-profile cases. Focus on one application at a time and ask your university's careers services to review it before sending.
• Be clear about why you want a law career . It's a challenging option and you need resilience and determination; demonstrate your passion and be confident that you are committed to this career.

How do I make the most of my vacation scheme?

Complete all tasks to the best of your ability and ensure the work that you submit is to a high standard. Going above and beyond the requirements will get you noticed for the right reasons, as will being proactive and asking for work if you have time on your hands.

Take every opportunity to get involved with practical, legal tasks and demonstrate a willingness and enthusiasm to contribute to the work of the departments that you're based in. Offer to help if you're able but keep a record of the work you've done and who you've done it for.

Use your buddy to find out what life at the firm is really like for a trainee and take every opportunity to get inside hints and tips from the employees that you spend time with. Embrace every opportunity to make contacts and speak to as many colleagues as possible. Also make sure you take part in any social events that you're invited to.

Find out more

• Read up on the reality of working in law .
• Find out how much lawyers earn .

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Guide to vacation schemes 2023

What is a vacation scheme, what are the benefits of a vacation scheme, who can apply to a vacation scheme, which law firms offer vacation schemes, when are vacation scheme application deadlines, how many vacation schemes should i apply for, how to get a vacation scheme, how to write a cv for a vacation scheme, how to write a cover letter for a vacation scheme, vacation scheme application tips.

• What to expect during a vacation scheme?

Are vacation schemes paid?

How to prepare for a vacation scheme.

• Make the best out of your vacation scheme

Does a vacation scheme lead to a training contract?

A law vacation scheme is a one or two-week internship or work experience placement with a law firm, usually taking place in either the Spring, Summer or Winter. Vacation schemes are used by law firms to seek out new talent. So, if you're interested in applying to a particular firm, completing a vacation scheme is a great way to test them out as well as to get yourself noticed and fast-tracked onto a training contract. In some firms, 90% of their training contract cohort comes directly off the back of vacation schemes, so they are extremely beneficial to increase your chances of securing a training contract. 

A key benefit of completing a vacation scheme is the increased likelihood of securing a training contract later on. However, there are also many other benefits. 

Having the chance to network and engage with experienced lawyers is very useful for advice and also for securing roles later on in your law career. Learning about different law firms and the way they operate and run provides valuable insight for your future career and interviews. In addition, the experience gained on a vacation scheme is useful in a wide range of real-life working scenarios in your career. 

A vacation scheme is also a great way to demonstrate your aptitude and enthusiasm to a company to increase future job opportunities as well as potentially earn good money. 

Find out how to turn your vacation scheme into a training contract offer .

Vacation schemes are open to students both studying law and non-law undergraduate degrees. However, when you can apply differs depending if you are studying law or not. Non-law students can apply in the final year of their undergraduate degree at the earliest, whereas law students can apply from their second year onwards. 

Vacation schemes are not just for undergraduate students. Graduates and post-graduates are also welcome to apply as firms encourage people from various stages in their careers to reach out.

If you’re in your first year and are looking to do a vacation scheme, there are some firms that organise first-year-specific vacation schemes. However, open days and insight programmes are more likely to be targeted at first years, so make sure to look out for these. 

If you’d like to see how Bright Network member Imaadh secured a first-year scheme, check out his success story to learn how you can too.

Many law firms offer vacation schemes. This includes but is not limited to:

• Bird & Bird
• Latham & Watkins
• Hogan Lovells
• Slaughter and May
• Clifford Chance
• Slater & Gordan
• Simmons & Simmons
• Macfarlanes

If you want to know more, see all law employers .

Vacation schemes take place during the summer, spring and winter university holidays. 

Generally, applications for spring and summer vacation schemes take place between October and January. Many firms run their applications on a rolling basis, meaning they may accept applicants and close the opportunity before the deadline to submit your application has passed. This is why getting your application in as early as you can is important. 

Winter vacation schemes have a shorter window to apply with applications usually opening in October and closing in November. In some cases, winter vacation schemes can be less competitive due to the smaller time for applications. 

Clearly, opening and closing dates vary by firm so do make sure you research an individual firm's details as part of your planning and preparation.

As they can be competitive, we recommend that you apply for more than one vacation scheme. If you only apply to one vacation scheme, the chances of securing it are slim. In most cases, this isn’t a reflection on you and is purely because firms receive a huge number of high-quality applications.

We also recommend that each application you make is tailored to the specific law firm you’re applying to. Therefore, if you apply for too many, you run the risk of your applications feeling not specific enough and rushed. 

A reasonable and realistic number of applications at a good standard may be between 5 and 7 vacation schemes, depending on your timeframe and other commitments. The absolute maximum we recommend you apply to would be 10 to make sure they’re tailored to the firm.

The application for a vacation scheme generally involves you sending in a CV and cover letter and then being invited in for an interview .

The law firm is looking for two key things: genuine interest in the law and demonstrable experience of the relevant skills required to be a successful lawyer. Therefore, make sure your CV includes any events or insight days you have attended as well as any relevant journals you have read. Also, try to highlight skills from your extra-curricular activities which are relevant to law, such as research, presentations, teamwork, attention to detail and so on. 

If you are looking for a way to improve your skills for your applications, complete our Academy course on transferable skills .

When writing a CV for a vacation scheme you must include all your relevant experiences and skills. 

The personal profile section should include your career aims and areas of law you wish to specialise in. Make sure these are aligned with the particular firm. In terms of work experience, it’s fine if you don’t have any pre-existing law work experience, but be certain to add any other law-related involvements such as law society at your university. You should also include two references on your CV. One could be a university lecturer and the other someone you have worked for previously.

CV advice and templates 

Read our article on 5 ways to make your CV stand out . This includes focusing on results, using LinkedIn and keeping it concise. 

When writing cover letters for vacation schemes, each one must be tailored to the firm. Don’t make the mistake of writing one cover letter and using it for every firm you apply to.

A cover letter is a perfect opportunity to show your motivations for working in law and for choosing that specific firm. Use it to introduce yourself and explain why you are applying to that firm and include any additional information that you feel is relevant to your application.

If you’re uploading a cover letter as part of a bigger application form, make sure you don’t repeat examples you’ve used to answer questions on the form. Give as wide a picture of your skills and experience as you can and only repeat something if you think it is particularly significant. 

Take a read of our advice on structuring a cover letter and writing a good cover letter . These are really important as the cover letter is the first impression you give to the potential employer. 

General advice for applications would be to:

• Create a list of all the firms you would like to apply for
• Apply to several, well before the deadlines
• Search for relevant skills and attributes of a successful lawyer
• Be prepared to discuss your reasons for application
• Regularly check business publications such as the Financial Times and The Economist

Read our 10 tips for a successful vacation scheme application

What to expect during a vacation scheme

Every firm is different, so tasks may vary depending on the law firm which you do your vacation scheme with. However, as an idea, in a vacation scheme, daily tasks may include but are not limited to:

• Performing paralegal research
• Reviewing legal documents and proofreading
• Attempting group projects
• Stimulating real working scenarios such as mock negotiations and attending court
• Administrative tasks
• Attending seminars, workshops, and Q&As with partners, associates or trainees and
• Attending social events

Some of your time on a vacation scheme is about you getting to know what the firm does and more about their work. You’ll also have lots of time to get to know the trainees, associates and partners too to really help build your network. 

Salaries may vary from firm to firm for a vacation scheme, but all vacation schemes are paid work. It’s definitely not the most important factor to check when choosing where to apply as you should be applying to firms that specialise in the areas of law that you are most interested in working in long term. To help you out, law firms traditionally cover food and travel expenses for your time working there. 

You’re entitled to earn the National Minimum Wage . This is lower for 18-20-year-olds when it is £6.83 per hour. At 21-22, it is £9.18 per hour and the general national living wage is £9.50 per hour. 

It’s important you prepare for your vacation scheme to ensure you get the most out of it. Here is our advice on how you should prepare to get the best out of it and increase your chances of securing a training contract: 

Decide on goals

Get organised early on and form a plan with your vacation scheme goals Write down specifically what you are hoping to get out of it. The plan you create makes navigating through the scheme easier and coming up with ideas of what you would like to achieve is a great way to impress your employers.

Prepare questions to ask

Having a list of questions before you start shows genuine interest and enthusiasm. Split your queries into a few questions for each department and also be sure to have some prepared to ask trainees about training contracts if you’re interested in pursuing one as advice from them is very useful to help you secure a training contract.

Plan your first day

Your first day is your only chance to make a first impression. Plan your journey in advance and arrive on time or early. Ensure you’re dressed to match the firm’s dress policy and be polite and confident when meeting people. It may also be a good idea to know a bit about who you are meeting on the first day and what their roles involve before you get there. 

Make the best of your vacation scheme

It’s important to try to get as much as possible out of your vacation scheme. During the vacation scheme, you are monitored constantly so making good impressions is vital! Here are some tips for making the best out of your vacation scheme:

Be proactive

If you’re finished with tasks that you have been set, make sure you let whoever set them know. If there are times when you have no set work to do, make yourself useful in other areas and see where else you can help out. This will be noticed. 

Building connections and a network is very important while on a vacation scheme. Attend organised social events and start to build a rapport with lots of different people, not just the other people on the vacation scheme but also those working above you or on other teams. 

A great way to start networking is by adding everyone you meet on LinkedIn. It gives you a longer-lasting connection with them and lets you learn more about them. You may find you went to the same university or have similar interests.

Read how to perfect your LinkedIn profile for more advice on using LinkedIn to the fullest.

Every day of your vacation scheme you work on a variety of tasks for different people. Keep track of what you do and for whom. These notes are really valuable to you at any training contract interview, especially if it’s at the same firm.

This scheme also may be your one chance to gain insight into the firm. Furthermore, keeping a record of the work you and others do is crucial when making applications later on. You’re also able to look back at these notes later to assess whether the firm was a good fit for you. 

A career in law is hard work and all firms expect aspiring lawyers to be hardworking and proactive. Always show a good attitude and work as efficiently, productively and professionally as you can. 

After the vacation scheme

When you leave, make sure to send a thank you email to people you worked closely with and highlight how much you enjoyed it. After that, keep in touch with those you worked with on LinkedIn if appropriate. 

Finally, make sure you are consistently demonstrating the skills the firm wants to see in a potential future lawyer. These may include teamwork, effective communication, problem-solving and commercial awareness

Having experience of any kind in the legal industry can help you to secure a training contract. Up to 80% of training contract offers can come from vacation schemes so they are a great way to get noticed for a training contract offer. However, you can also get exposure through work shadowing or insight days as well as vacation schemes. 

Following the advice above may increase the likelihood of your vacation scheme leading to a training contract offer as it potentially sets you apart from the other students doing the vacation scheme.

Key takeaways

Vacation schemes are a perfect way to get ahead in your law career, particularly to secure a training contract and boost your CV. They take place in the spring, summer and winter so be sure to be ready to submit applications. Once you are offered a vacation scheme use our tips to guarantee you make the most of your vacation scheme.

Are you excited to take the first step towards a rewarding career in law? Explore available vacation schemes that you could apply for now.

legal careers guide

6. legal cvs and covering letters.

Despite the widespread use of application forms, the CV is still a vital tool in the recruitment process. This Step guides you through the process of constructing a legal CV and writing a successful covering letter.

Updated Resource Book coming soon

Writing Legal CVs and Covering Letters

The curriculum vitae (CV) is the traditional method of application and is widely used throughout the legal profession. You will still need a CV, even if you are applying to organisations that use application forms, for two main reasons.

• The information on your CV forms the basis of many of the answers you will need to give on application forms
• Having an up-to-date law CV is useful when applying for work experience or to give information to a useful contact.

Before you start drafting

Think about the type of organisation or specific organisation you are applying to. What are they likely to be looking for in a candidate? See your work from Step 1 and 4.

Know what skills and experience you have to offer a prospective employer. See your work from Step 2.

Know what you want to use the CV for. Is it to apply for work experience or a speculative application? See your work from Step 2 and 3.

Tips for a good law CV

• Target your legal CV – you need to adapt your CV to each individual recruiter so that they are able to see how you could fit in with their organisation.
• Length – keep it to no more than two sides of A4 paper.
• Make it easy to read – create a clear structure, leave enough white space and make use of formatting like headings.
• Look professional – use plain white paper, a size 11 standard font like Arial or Calibri, and avoid photos and exclamation marks.
• Correct spelling and grammar is essential – don’t rely on spellcheck; proofread several times to make sure your CV is error free.
• Be honest whilst ensuring you are making the most of what you have to offer.
• Focus on your cover letter as much as your CV.

Legal CV structure and layout

There is no single correct way to lay out a law CV and you will have to try different structures to see which one works best for you.

A traditional structure contains the following information:

Personal details

Include your name and contact details such as address, email address and phone number as a heading. You don’t need to put the words ‘Curriculum Vitae’ on your CV.

Education and training

Arrange your education in reverse chronological order, with your most recent example displayed first. Include the name of the institution, subjects, dates and your grades. Detail any professional legal qualification you have such as the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) . Don’t forget to mention the areas of law that you studied and state your dissertation title if relevant.

Employment and work experience

Depending on how much experience you have, you might want to separate out and highlight any legal, commercial or voluntary experience. Describe your key tasks and responsibilities, mentioning the positive results of your actions. Apply your law work experience to demonstrate your passion and part-time or voluntary work to show your transferable skills such as teamwork and communication.

Additional skills

A brief mention of other relevant skills you have such as the languages you speak, a proficiency in software packages or technical skills such as programming languages.

Extracurricular activities

Mention things you do outside of work and the classroom such as sports and clubs. Experiences such as membership in the Law Society or starting a new club at the University will help you stand out.

Stating ‘references available on request’ will usually suffice.

Legal Covering letter tips

• Aim for a professional and personable tone
• Fonts and formatting – maximum of one side of white A4 paper, with the same font as your legal CV. Proofread carefully to avoid spelling and grammar mistakes.
• Find out who you are addressing – find out the name of the recipient if possible and sign off ‘Yours sincerely’. Try to avoid using Dear Sir or Madam, but if you do remember to use ‘Yours faithfully’ instead.
• Signing off – be polite, say thank you and that you look forward to hearing from them.

Legal Covering letter structure and layout

The purpose of your application.

Talk about the opportunity you are applying for and where you saw it.

Why are you applying to them?

Explain why you are interested in their organisation.

Why should they pick you?

Explain what you have to offer that is relevant to them and the opportunity. This could be your performance on your degree, recent work experience with a similar organisation or experience in their area of practice.

Activity – CV Makeover

In this activity, you can practise applying your knowledge of CV writing as you try to improve the legal CV of a fictitious student named Georgina Berry.

Download CV Makeover Activity ➔

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m making speculative applications. who do i address the covering letter to.

Call the firm you’re targeting, explain that you’d like to send your CV in as a speculative application and ask who to best address the letter to.

If you’re unable to get a specific name, use “Dear Sir/Madam” and you’ll need to sign off as “Yours faithfully”.

I spoke to someone at a law fair recently. Should I mention this in my cover letter?

Definitely mention that you spoke to a representative from the organisation, and give the name of the event. This is evidence to back up your interest in the organisation and shows that you have done your research.

It is a useful tip to write down the name of whoever you speak to as soon as possible. Usually exhibitors wear name badges but if not, politely ask if you can take their name at the end of your discussion.

I have a substantial previous career. Is it important to fit it all on 2 sides of A4?

It is important to keep to the two page limit, so you will need to work out a way of cutting down the content without losing your key selling points.

If you’ve accepted your place or are currently studying with us, seek advice from our careers advisers.

Next step: 7

Go to step 7 in the Student Employability Programme.

Employability

Find out how to make the best start to your career through our Employability and Careers Service.

Sample cover letter for Internship position at city law firm

Vacational scheme.

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am writing to apply for a summer vacation scheme at name of law firm as advertised on your graduate recruitment website. I am currently in the second year of my law degree at Birmingham University. Please find my CV attached.

While at university I have sought out experience relevant to a career as a solicitor. I recently undertook a two-day insight placement at City law firm Tower & May. I shadowed a trainee in a property law seat and spoke with partners from other practice areas in order to broaden my knowledge of working as a solicitor. I was able to contrast this experience with my two- week placement at the high street firm Porters, in which I observed solicitors as they acted for local businesses who wanted to expand. My supervisor requested that I draw up a list of the relevant issues affecting a chain of vet surgeries purchasing another practice; I presented my findings to an associate and was commended for the commercial awareness I displayed in highlighting the potential disadvantages of the acquisition. After comparing these experiences with my time spent in open court sessions at Norfolk County Court, I have determined that I would be most suited to a career at a City law firm and am now seeking experience in this environment.

I am particularly interested in multi-jurisdictional mergers and acquisitions and have been following the expansion of UK law firms into new territories, such as Australia and Morocco, in recent months. I have spoken to solicitors from your firm in this field at graduate recruitment events and, for this reason, I am very interested to find out more about your firm’s M&A seat and would like to speak with your current trainees about their experience of working with overseas offices. I believe that my language skills in French and Spanish will benefit me when dealing when dealing with colleagues in your French and Spanish offices.

My ability to work well with clients has been enhanced by my time working as a customer services assistant at Sainsbury’s – my ability to build a rapport with customers earned me a quick promotion. I have put this skill to good in use in my role as student manager of the university legal advice clinic, in which I persuade local law firms to supply solicitors. In my role as president of the university law society, I have arranged guest speakers including Peter Lodder QC. By collaborating with other members of the Law Society committee, my colleagues and I increased the society’s membership by 30 per cent within six months.

I am available for interview at any time and look forward very much to your response. Yours sincerely,

Joanna White 

• Skip to content

Make the most of your law vacation scheme: ten top tips for placement success

targetjobs editorial team

Last updated: 25 Jan 2023, 13:38

A vacation scheme is essential preparation for a solicitor's training contract and making a good impression could lead directly to a graduate job in law. Here’s ten top tips on how you could turn your vac scheme into a training contract.

Be professional – sell yourself and be yourself.

Ten vac scheme tips : 1. Be yourself | 2. Do research | 3. Follow the news | 4. Play the part | 5. Network | 6. Build your skills | 7. Have fun | 8. Reflect and learn | 9. Follow up | 10. Apply for training contracts

Vacation schemes (also known as vacation placements or vac schemes) are your opportunity to ‘test drive’ law firms in preparation for training contract applications. They are a crucial step on the road towards a graduate job as a trainee solicitor, so it’s well worth putting in the effort to make sure you stand out and impress the law firms.

Many law firms use their vacation schemes as opportunities to find graduate trainees – how you perform on your vac scheme will likely affect your chances of securing a training contract with the firm. Helen Cannon, graduate manager at Irwin Mitchell, explains: 'Over the last few years, the majority of our training contract offers have gone to people who have undertaken a placement with us. It’s a chance for them to get to know us, for candidates to showcase their skills in a practical environment and for us to see whether they would be a good fit for our firm.’ She adds that, ‘Getting a legal work placement doesn’t guarantee you a training contract, but it does mean you’re in a positive position.'

Here are some top tips for what you should be doing before , during and after your vacation scheme to ensure you make the best use of this experience and give yourself the best chance of securing a training contract off the back of it.

BEFORE YOUR VACATION SCHEME…

1. congratulate yourself for getting this far.

Places on vacation schemes are competitive; if you’ve managed to secure one, you’ve already proved that you’re the type of student that law firms are looking for. Keep this in mind during your placement. While you want to make a good impression, you should also be yourself . After all, law firms are looking to see that you’ll fit in and enjoy working at their firm.

2. Do your research

Read up on the structure of the firm, its specialisms and recent deals that it has been involved in. If you know where you’ll be based during your placement, look into that specific department and who you’ll be working with.

Have some intelligent questions ready to show that you’re genuinely interested in the firm’s work. You could even prepare questions for specific people if you happen to think a partner or associate’s record of cases is particularly appealing or if their professional/LinkedIn profile catches your eye during your research. Learning about the firm in advance can also help you overcome nerves, break down barriers and connect with your new colleagues. After all, everyone likes to talk about themselves, and asking questions about people’s work is a great conversation starter. 'Don’t feel like you have to go crazy to get noticed at open days or vacation schemes – just be yourself, ask questions and absorb as much as you can,' advises Ben Wilkinson, a partner at White & Case LLP.

3. Stay up to date with the news

Rather than just finding news online or through social media, it’s well worth your time to start reading a newspaper – as this is what your colleagues at law firms will be doing. However, don’t feel under pressure to know everything ; reading the Financial Times from cover-to-cover will just take up time and you likely won’t retain everything. Instead, pick out a handful of stories relevant to the work of the firm and follow how these stories develop over the course of your placement.

• Commercial awareness and how to achieve it

DURING YOUR VACATION SCHEME…

4. play the part of a lawyer.

You want to show firms that you’re ready to be a lawyer, so you need to act the part of a ready-made lawyer. This isn’t just about whether you’re dressed appropriately or not (though that is a factor), it’s also a question of having the right attitude.

Look like a lawyer

Presentation is important, so make sure you look smart. Some firms operate ‘dress down’ policies, so do check on the dress code, but if in doubt, err on the side of caution: a dark suit and polished shoes should fit the bill. Choose an outfit that is formal, but that you’re also comfortable in. It’s probably not worth it to splash out on designer labels, unless, maybe, you’re going to be working in fashion law.

Be enthusiastic about the work

Don’t expect to only be making cups of tea and coffee, students are considered an integral part of the team from the outset and will have a similar workload to that of trainees. Work can range from undertaking legal research and attending presentations and seminars to organised social events.

Finding yourself in a law firm after student-style living can be something of a culture shock but enthusiasm can help you fit in, get on and impress recruiters and other staff. Say ‘yes’ to tasks that come your way, ask for help if you need it and be receptive to feedback. Lora Froud, a partner at Macfarlanes LLP, told us: ‘Vac scheme students should get out of their comfort zone, seek constructive criticism (and take it graciously when it feels unconstructive!) and learn from it. This attitude gives you access to the best supervisor and work, and makes a lasting positive impression.’

You also need to maintain your enthusiasm for the work across the weeks of your placement and, if you’ve been able to secure more than one, across each vac scheme. 'Be enthusiastic and interested,' continues Ben Wilkinson. ‘The right attitude will get you noticed. It’s arguably the most important factor in determining how you’re perceived by those who are potentially recruiting or supervising you.’

Embrace everything on the vacation scheme

'Be willing to embrace everything the firm offers while you’re on your vacation scheme. Make sure you’ve got nothing planned for the evenings during the two weeks, just in case there’s an event planned or impromptu drinks at the local pub,' advises Ross Buckingham, who undertook a vacation scheme at Mills & Reeve.

The social side of a vac scheme can also be used as an informal barometer of whether you’d fit in with a firm’s culture. Going along to these social events are another valuable opportunity to bond with current trainees and others on your vac scheme. It’s always good to make an impression on your potential future colleagues – so make the effort to go along and join in.

5. Network, network, network!

You can use your vacation scheme to build contacts as well as legal knowledge – after all, relationship management is an essential part of being a solicitor. Social events, lunches and dinners are a great opportunity to network and quiz colleagues. The head of graduate recruitment at the London office of Covington & Burling, told targetjobs Law : ‘Use your time with the firm to network and build relationships. Not only will it impress your peers but it will also provide you with an invaluable insight into the firm's culture. This is what vacation schemes are all about.’

Don’t just talk to the people you’re directly working with either. If you’re interested in the work of another department, seek out opportunities to talk to the professionals that work there. You may even be able to speak to partners and other senior lawyers. ‘Our partners enjoy spending time with the students, talking to them in detail about the work and suggesting opportunities on offer at the firm,’ explains Katherine Pirie, legal resourcing manager at RPC. ‘They are always impressed with those students who arrive well prepared with questions as it often leads to lively and interesting discussions.’ It’s also crucial that you’re getting on well with paralegals, legal secretaries and receptionists, after all, you could be working with these people every day – and they can give you their insights into the firm’s culture.

• Top networking tips for aspiring lawyers

6. Demonstrate the skills needed in law

Aim to come across as reliable and organised and don't be afraid to clarify the urgency of tasks given to you. Find out when the work is needed and meet that deadline. Always remember to take along a pen and paper to meetings. And be aware that certain tasks may require coming in early or staying late. Chris Brown, a partner at Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, advises: ‘treat vacation schemes as a job interview. Work hard, show interest and be enthusiastic.’

If you are lucky enough to go to a client meeting, remember you are there to observe and wait until after the meeting before offering up your thoughts or questions. Let those around you know when you are going to client meetings or will be out of the office. It’s important that your supervisors know exactly what you’re working on at any given time.

Keep track and make notes

With so much packed into a short vacation scheme it can be difficult to remember everything. Consider keeping a diary or some notes to detail what tasks you were involved in, what skills you developed and who you worked with. That way, when you apply for a training contract you’ll have this information on-hand for applications and interviews.

7. Remember to have fun!

When you’re focusing on making a good impression, learning about the law and developing your skills, it can be easy to forget to enjoy yourself. After all, placements are an opportunity for aspiring solicitors to get a taste of what working at a law firm will be like – if you don’t enjoy the two- or three-week placement, it’s unlikely you’ll feel differently about a full-time career as a solicitor.

AFTER YOUR VACATION SCHEME…

8. reflect on your placement.

After your vacation scheme is over, take a couple of hours while it’s still fresh in your mind to reflect on the past few weeks. What aspects did you particularly enjoy or dislike? Did you find the work interesting? Could you see yourself working at that particular law firm in the long term? Thinking about these factors will help you decide which firms you want to apply to for training contracts.

• Read more about the factors you should consider when choosing training contracts

Consider doing more than one vac scheme

You may decide that you would like more work experience, whether to bolster your skills further, experience the culture at a different firm or to explore a specialism that you were unable to during your vacation scheme. Firms may be expecting that aspiring solicitors to have completed more than one vac scheme before making a decision about training contracts.

If you’ve not got another vac scheme lined up, don’t panic! Some firms will accept vac scheme applications from final-year law students, but make sure to read each individual firm’s requirements carefully to check whether this is the case. You could alternatively apply speculatively for ‘ad hoc’ experience with smaller law firms that do not run formal schemes.

9. Follow up with people you worked with

Sending a quick ‘thank you’ email to your supervisor and the people you worked with during your placement is not only a nice thing to do, it will leave a positive impression that might improve your chances of being invited back for a training contract. After all, law firms want people who are nice to work with. If you feel it’s appropriate, you could even connect with people on LinkedIn to keep in touch with them on a longer-term basis.

10. Start looking for training contracts

Even if you’re not invited to interview for training contracts directly off the back of your vac scheme, that doesn’t mean you’ve wasted a couple of weeks. Vacation schemes are extremely valuable pieces of experience and by completing one, you’ve placed yourself in a more competitive position when it comes to training contract applications. Spend some time updating your CV with the experience you gained over the course of your placement, look back on the notes you’ve made to help you and refer to the tasks you carried out during interviews.

• Ten ways to make you’re your CV is noticed by law recruiters
• Preparing for training contract and vacation scheme interview questions

You may also be able to get a foot in the door with law firms in a different way, such as through a paralegal position. Contacts you made through your placement may be able to direct you to any paralegal vacancies that arise at their law firm.

• Find out more about how a paralegal role can be a stepping stone to training contracts 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.

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Training Contract Applications - How Can You Stand Out?

Recruiters can receive hundreds, even thousands, of training contract applications every year. How do you make yours stand out? This guide offers some essential tips.

Training Contract Applications Advice

• Discover what the application process involves
• Get top tips on how to write a knock-out CV
• Learn how to stand out in your cover letter
• Find out what to do once you receive an offer

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Heading into your training contract applications, strong academic records and relevant work experience are a great start. However, learning to sell your unique experiences is just as important.

How To Apply For A Training Contract

To apply for a training contract, you will need to identify the law firms that you want to submit an application to. You will need to work out what kind of law firms you want to apply to. For example, are you interested in commercial law or criminal law? Do you want to work for a city firm or a regional law firm?

You will need to do your research. Once you have chosen which law firms you want to apply to, you need to treat every application like an individual project.

Usually, you will need to complete a training contract application form and submit a solicitor CV and covering letter to each law firm you apply to.

To help you prepare for your training contract applications, Clifford Chance offers a series of Skills Sessions which are designed to help you build your commercial awareness as well as tips and advice on how to apply. 

Take a look at Clifford Chance’s video on how to prepare an application and what you should do you before you apply:

Check out Clifford Chance’s training contract page for more information on their programme structure, benefits and application procedure.

How Many Should I Apply For?

Five to ten law firm training contract applications are recommended. If you try to apply with too many firms, you risk missing deadlines trying to complete them all. If you only apply to one firm, you risk having no other law firms to fall back on if your application is rejected. You need to apply to just enough law firms, but not too many.

See our dedicated guide on law training contracts for more information.

How Competitive Are Training Contracts?

It is no secret that securing a training contract is a difficult process. The odds vary massively between firms. However, at the top end of the scale, at elite US or Magic Circle law firms, you could be roughly looking at a success rate of anything between 20% and 5%. 

Your odds are significantly higher based on a number of criteria, however, including the university you have studied at or the grade you have achieved (e.g. a 1 st compared to a 2:1). 

Which Firms Should I Apply To?

Based on the competitive point above, it is natural to want to apply to a number of different law firms for a training contract. Estimates vary widely between aspiring lawyers, though many will aim to send off somewhere between 5 and 15 applications.

You also need to consider which actual firms pique your interest. Shortlisting firms to apply to can be based on a number of factors, including:

• Practice area specialism
• Law school support (whether firms will cover your fees for the PGDL and SQE / LPC if relevant – plus the provision of a maintenance grant to live on during that time period).
• Firm culture
• Working hours  
• Number of training contracts offered per year
• Any particular benefits/perks .

Who Is Eligible To Apply For Training Contracts?

Eligibility for training contract and vacation scheme applications will vary for each firm. The only way to be sure is to check on each firm’s individual website. If the information is not clear at that stage, feel free to drop an email to the firm’s recruitment team.

Training Contract Deadlines

Each firm sets their own deadlines for training contracts. Most aspiring lawyers will be applying to vacation schemes in the hopes of receiving a training contract at the end of the scheme, but others will submit ‘direct’ training contract applications. These two paths will usually have different deadlines.

Broadly speaking, training contract and vacation scheme application cycles roughly align with the first term of the academic year – you’ll probably be busiest with applications between September and November.

It is also worth noting that some firms deal with applications on a ‘rolling’ basis – meaning they will be accepted or rejected as they come in. Prioritise these applications first.

For an overview of dates, you could take a look at The Lawyer Portal’s training contract deadlines page.

Stand Out In Your Law Interviews

Check out our Training Contract Interview Guide for Top Tips

Training Contract CV

Not all training contract applications require a CV. Those that do will often use them as a key part of the application process, and so it is important to refine yours as much as possible. These are a few key elements of a solicitor CV to consider:

Formalities 

Standing out in your CV does not mean being overly outrageous in your choices of formatting. Stick to safe fonts such as Times New Roman, basic colours and adequate line spacing and borders. Overall, your text itself should do the talking when it comes to your individuality. 

In terms of length, most people can adequately fit their relevant experience onto one side of A4. Aim to stick to one side of A4. 

While not compulsory, it can really help your CV to stand out if you are able to include a few personalised lines at the top of the page providing a broad overview of who you are. This could include your current educational institution, a handful of concise, work experience examples, a few adjectives best encapsulating your character or personality, and a particular area of passion within the legal sector. Keep it short, concise, and relevant.

Many training contract applicants are students or recent graduates. As a result, you are unlikely to have amassed a huge catalogue of work experience. Instead, your educational achievements are likely to shine through the most. Provide details of your grades (anything from GCSE or age 16 onwards is often recommended), as well as predicted grades for university study if you have not yet graduated. 

Not all applicants will have relevant legal work experience at this stage. If you do, then you should certainly include it. If not, use your unique experiences to your advantage. Other easy ways to gain experience with some relevance to law include becoming a brand ambassador. The Lawyer Portal has a shared brand ambassador scheme with law firm Bird & Bird. You can also look out for online virtual work experience programmes.

For each piece of work experience, include the name of the organisation, the name of your specific role, the tasks involved in this role, and the start and end dates. Order your work experience by relevance – the best at the top, then work your way downwards.

Training Contract Cover Letter

Tailor your letter for each firm .

A small number of firms will ask for cover letters . This is an excellent chance to personalise your application, since covering letter for law firms are essentially an opportunity to link your personal experiences and demonstrate how these are closely aligned.  For this reason, cover letters need to be very closely tailored to the firm itself.

Law Cover Letter Format

There is no set structure or format for a covering letter for a law firm, but many will choose to follow some of the following guidelines:

• Stick to one A4 side
• Open the document as you would a letter (with the firm’s name and address, followed by ‘Dear [Insert Firm Name]’, etc.)
• Introduce yourself – your background, how you came to discover the legal industry, etc.
• Hone in on your experience and passion in the legal sector
• Focus intensely on the specifics of the firm you are applying to – why does it appeal to you? What are some recent deals they have worked on that interest you? 

Training Contract Application Questions

The vast majority of applications will feature a handful of boxes asking you specific questions, which you will need to answer in a paragraph or two. Common questions include:

• What interests you about becoming a solicitor?
• Why are you specifically interested in this firm?
• Do you have a particular practice area that interests you?
• Tell us about a recent news story that you think could affect our firm’s work.

Launch Your Career With Clifford Chance

Discover training opportunities to kickstart your solicitor career

The key point to add in terms of differentiating yourself at the interview stage is the fact that your abilities on paper (e.g. educational qualifications, work experience, etc.) have ticked a box. Whether via video call or face-to-face, interviews are your chance to really let your personality shine through. Make sure to come across as personable, engaged and genuinely passionate about participating in a training contract with this firm. Your interviewers may be your supervisors one day – they will also want to see if you will integrate well into the firm’s culture.

Every law firm has a different training contract application process, but you will find that many of the questions give you an opportunity to demonstrate what makes you different from other applicants. Some of the training contract questions might include:

Why do you want to be a lawyer?

If a training contract application asks this question, avoid being overly academic or focusing solely on legal theory. You need to demonstrate how your experiences relate to you wanting to become a lawyer. Make sure your answer is personal, talks about your skills, motivations and relevant experience . You should also cover your short- and long-term career goals.

How would you describe your personality?

A lot of law firms ask this question to assess your character. To answer this question, make sure you use the job specification to guide you. The job specification usually features the type of characteristics a law firm is looking for. Once you know what a law firm is looking for, you can be specific with your answers.

Give an example of a time you demonstrated a specific quality or personality trait. It is important that you can back up what you say when answering personality-focused questions.

Why do you think you are suited to a career with us?

To answer this question, you must do your research on the law firm(s) that you are applying to. Specifically, you should research the key practice area(s) of the law firm, their training program and their culture. You should answer in a natural and structured way.

Law firms are looking for clear communication so that when they first read your answer they can quickly see how you have linked your career aspirations with what they can offer you.

Discuss a news article that interests you.

This training contract application question is designed to assess your commercial understanding, motivation to join a firm and your analytical ability. For this question, you need to fully research the law firm(s) you are applying to for a training contract.

You will need to go beyond the law firm’s website with your research and look at the type of candidates a firm recruits, the skills and qualities the firm values in its people. You should research the firm’s clients, the sectors they operate in, its market position and its strategy.

Training Contract Offer

Once you’ve gone through all the steps of the recruitment process, you should hear back from the firm within a few days to a month on whether you were successful at gaining a place. So what do you do once you’ve received an offer?

It’s important to take some time to carefully consider your options. Evaluate the firm’s culture, values, and the opportunities they offer for professional growth . Consider reaching out to current or former trainees to gain insights into their experiences. If you have multiple offers, compare the benefits, such as practice areas, salaries, and training programs. Take into account your long-term career goals and how each offer aligns with them.

Once you have made your decision, promptly notify the firm of your acceptance and express your gratitude for the opportunity. Remember, this is just the beginning of your legal career, so make sure to start off on the right foot by making an informed decision.

Take a look at Clifford Chance’s video on what the next steps are once you’ve received an offer:

Find out more about what life is like as a trainee at Clifford Chance .

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White & Case Cover Letter

• Thread starter gricole
• Start date Oct 23, 2018

Legendary Member

• Oct 23, 2018

Hi guys, How long should the W&C cover letter be? There is no official word limit on the application from.  

Oliver Gilliland

Distinguished member.

gricole said: Hi guys, How long should the W&C cover letter be? There is no official word limit on the application from. Click to expand...

Oliver Gilliland said: The general rule of thumb is that it should be one side of A4 unless stated otherwise. Click to expand...

Basically what Oliver said, one page, however, if you’re struggling to keep it concise one page and a half can also work.  

Selma95 said: Basically what Oliver said, one page, however, if you’re struggling to keep it concise one page and a half can also work. Click to expand...

gricole said: I have a 400-word cover letter which I think covers both why W&C and why me. Click to expand...

Star Member

• Oct 24, 2018

I spoke to a member of GR who said they also really want to know why commercial law - they're interested in that story especially if you're a non-law student.  

Thanks for sharing Mimi!  

Active Member

• Nov 30, 2018

to whom do i address the cover letter? and if there is no specified person, is it best to say dear sir or madam or to whom it may concern ?  

bob said: to whom do i address the cover letter? and if there is no specified person, is it best to say dear sir or madam or to whom it may concern ? Click to expand...

thank you very much John and Oliver!  

• Dec 1, 2018

I have just been offered a place on W&C's winter vac scheme and my cover letter was around a page and a half and I know others who went over the page limit who got to the interview stage. I definitely think it's a thin line because the 'one-page' suggestion is there so your writing style is concise and informative, however because of the points I was making I was confident I was still being succinct. I've read other people's cover letters under a page which still waffle on certain points, so I think it's just important that when they read it it's very concise, not wordy and every sentence matters.  

• Dec 3, 2018

tylergab said: I have just been offered a place on W&C's winter vac scheme and my cover letter was around a page and a half and I know others who went over the page limit who got to the interview stage. I definitely think it's a thin line because the 'one-page' suggestion is there so your writing style is concise and informative, however because of the points I was making I was confident I was still being succinct. I've read other people's cover letters under a page which still waffle on certain points, so I think it's just important that when they read it it's very concise, not wordy and every sentence matters. Click to expand...

• Dec 7, 2018

tylergab said: I think the starting point for me was thinking about what exact quality W&C has and how that linked or appealed to me. For example, loads of people mention the appeal of W&C's compulsory international seat - so whilst loads of people may say this suits them because they want to work on international work, you could think about: what does this mean for your short-term skills as a trainee? Long-term goals as a lawyer? Everyone can say they like international work (and they know that) so what specific thing shows the reason why you want to? Think about: - Where does W&C's 2020 strategy fit into all the things you look for in a firm? Note: It is only 2018 and they have already surpassed their targets: think about what type of skills or what this means for your career goals to work at a firm that is growing this fast and is forced to find new ways to provide solutions for clients in light of this strategy. - Which practice areas are W&C focusing on and what interests you? It's great to have an amazing answer for what area you're interested in but you can also look in depth at where will this practice area might be in 2050? E.g. if the Oil and Gas industry will be worth X and they work on that area in a specific country and perhaps have a competitive advantage there, what does this mean for you and the firm? Will this practice area change in any way through tech or through changes in the market? - Be bold enough to make suggestions (well thought out commercial ones or perhaps around innovation) if it fits well within your answer - Wouldn't advise referring to them as a US Firm. As a global firm think about what the opportunities are when competing with MC and US firms. - In comparison to other firms, where are the majority of W&C's partners located? and what could this mean for them globally? - What can W&C offer you right now? and how does this differ to what they can offer you in the future? It is recommended to have three clear distinct sections (i) why law (ii) why them (iii) why you - but I didn't do this so I guess it depends on your writing style. Do what fits best with your overall approach and answer and think about your own USP's throughout! Click to expand...

• Dec 16, 2018

Apologies that this is years late! I'm currently on the vac scheme and it's all been quite hectic. I used the phrase 'surpassing its goals' in my application in the context of things mentioned in this article: https://www.whitecase.com/publications/article/firm-strategy-charts-route-growth e.g. seeing 20% growth in its four industry sectors and opening 2 offices in the US this year - but I guess it might be more accurate to say on track to meet them, but I think I meant surpass in terms of they didn't expect this much growth this far into the strategy if that makes sense. Yeah, your last point is strong it's definitely worth mentioning - it might also be good to link your point about working at one of the fastest growing law firms to you and how this will benefit you perhaps short term and long term and in general linking this unique environment to what you want in a firm.  

• Jan 6, 2019

@tylergab How many words was your extracurricular section?  

• Jan 7, 2019

Mine was 330 words so not too long  

• Jan 22, 2019

@tylergab Do you have tips for the video interview? Also, how many questions did they ask?  

• Jan 24, 2019

https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....-tlp-video-interview-simulator.400/#post-4975 Posted the general outline in this forum  

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