1 Basics

• If reading law at university you should try and secure a scheme during the summer before
  your final year.
• If reading other subjects you should apply for a scheme during the summer following your
  third year.
• Most schemes last between two or three weeks, although the size and content will vary
  depending upon the size of the firm.
• Most firms will offer remuneration for the scheme; this is usually at least £100 per week
  outside London and at least £200 per week in a City firm.

2 Why?

• It is an ideal way to finding out whether the law is right for you and the type of firm that
  will suit you best. Although a placement can only provide a snapshot of the working
  environment, it is an opportunity to get a feel for the character of the firm. It
  undoubtedly provides a much better insight than simply attending interviews and open
  days.
• Many firms use the placements as an opportunity to appraise the candidates and are
  looking for people who will fit into the firm. It is effectively a three-week assessment
  period, as seeing how candidates interact and develop in a working environment is far
  more revealing than a paper based application. Attendance on a scheme may well
  enhance your changes of winning a training contract.
• When applying for training contracts most firms will expect you to have undertaken at
  least one or two placements to show that you are serious about entering the profession.

3 What happens?

• This will vary depending on the type of firm. However the core of every scheme is work
  shadowing. Whilst in a particular department you are likely to be asked to do tasks such
  as drafting, taking minutes at clients meetings, writing letters and undertaking legal
  research.
• Most schemes include a full social programme where students can get to know each other
  and other members of the team on a more informal footing.

4 How many?

• Ideally you should aim to secure between one and three placements. In reality, two
  schemes will be enough to give you a general overview of working in the law. If you an
  also show that during your summer you have been travelling, or have developed yourself
  in other ways, this will help to strengthen your application and will show that you are a
  well-rounded character.
• It will be useful to secure experience at different sized firms where the level and type of
  work will be varied. This will allow you to make an informed choice as to the type of firm
  you would like to train at.

5 How and when to apply?

• It is best to plan in advance and start early, as most schemes are extremely competitive.
  In fact, it is said to be harder to secure a work placement than it is a training contract!
  Many firms use the same application structure as for training contracts applications, with
  interviews and assessment days.
• The closing dates for firms vary so it is best check with individual firms to ensure you do
  not miss the all-important deadline.
• If you are unable to secure a placement do not give up. Many firms will run open days for
  those who have been unsuccessful, with lectures, training sessions and a taste of work
  shadowing.

6 Where else?

• The town 'high street' firms of solicitors have not generally taken up the idea of vacation
  placements on a formal basis but if you are unable to get a vacation placement with a
  major firm, you can apply direct to these smaller firms.
• The Government Legal Service (GLS) also offers vacation placements. You can get to work
  for departments such as the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Transport,
  Ministry of Defence, Treasury Solicitor's Department etc. Further details can be obtained
  direct from their website - www.gls.gov.uk
• If you are unable to get a vacation placement with a law firm, you can apply to other
  organisations. Commercial banks, investment banks, oil companies and various other large
  companies run placements in the summer and where possible, you may be able to work
  shadow in their in house legal department. Many law firms look upon the general
  commercial experience gained favourably.
• Shadowing a judge or undertaking a mini-pupillage is also good experience of the legal
  world. It can also help you decide which career path to go down. These are generally
  unpaid but again experience worth having. Most Barristers' Chambers now offer minipupillage
  programmes during the vacation. Full details can be obtained from the Bar
  Council