Training Contracts and Vac Schemes Application Help
Securing a training contract or a place on a vacation scheme is one of the most competitive steps in a legal career. Leading firms receive thousands of applications for a small number of places, so every answer, test and interview counts. Our training contract consultants give you one to one support at each stage, in London, across the UK and online, so you can apply with a clear strategy and the confidence to perform on the day.
Under the SQE route, most commercial firms still recruit future trainees through training contracts, and for many firms the vacation scheme is the main route to a training contract offer. The work you do during a training contract also counts as Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) towards qualification as a solicitor of England and Wales.
How we help
Strategy and firm selection
- Choosing between City, US, international, national and boutique firms
- Matching practice areas and firm culture to your strengths
- Planning your application timetable around deadlines and rolling recruitment
- Open days, insight schemes and first year programmes
Written applications
- Application forms and motivational questions such as "Why this firm?"
- Cover letters and legal CVs
- Presenting work experience, extracurriculars and academic results
- Detailed feedback on drafts until every answer is ready
Online assessments
- The Watson Glaser critical thinking test
- Situational judgement tests
- Verbal and numerical reasoning tests
- Pre recorded video interviews
Assessment centres
- Case studies and written exercises
- Group exercises and negotiation tasks
- Presentations
- Proofreading and drafting tasks
Interviews
- Competency and strengths based interviews
- Commercial awareness questions on deals, clients and the legal market
- Partner interviews and final round practice
- Realistic mock interviews with detailed feedback
On the vacation scheme
- Making a strong impression on supervisors and partners
- Handling research tasks and written work
- Networking with trainees, associates and graduate recruitment
- Preparing for the end of scheme training contract interview
Who we help
- Law students applying for vacation schemes and direct training contracts
- Non law students and graduates planning to convert through the PGDL or the SQE
- Graduates, paralegals and career changers seeking training contracts or QWE
- International students applying to UK and US law firms in London
- Candidates applying for training contracts in Hong Kong and Singapore
Our consultants
Our consultants include trainee and qualified solicitors and graduates who secured places at leading law firms themselves, so they know exactly what graduate recruitment teams look for. Meet Arif and Ezz, two of our training contract and vacation scheme consultants, or browse our team.
How it works
- Tell us about your goals. Request a quote or message us on WhatsApp with the firms and deadlines you are working towards.
- Meet your consultant. We match you with a consultant who suits your background and target firms.
- Work through each stage. One to one sessions online or in person, from your first application to your final interview.
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply for vacation schemes and training contracts?
Many firms recruit for vacation schemes during the autumn and winter of the penultimate year of a law degree, or the final year for non law students. Deadlines vary from firm to firm and many firms review applications on a rolling basis, so it pays to start early.
Can non law students apply for training contracts?
Yes. Many firms recruit non law students and graduates, and some sponsor their future trainees through the PGDL and SQE preparation courses.
Do you help with applications to US firms in London?
Yes. We support applications to UK, US and international firms, and we tailor your preparation to each firm's recruitment process and assessment style.
