Dive into Vacation Scheme Deadlines: A How-to Guide & Live Q&A Registration

Oct 25, 2023

Written By Nandini Jadeja

Gaining a place on a vacation scheme is one the hardest things an aspiring solicitor will have to do. The highly coveted spots are incredibly useful for gaining work experience in a firm, learning about the firm’s culture and working environment, and being one step closer to gaining the all-important training contract. With a new application cycle looming, this article will help you navigate the intricacies of vacation scheme deadlines, from breaking down jargon like ‘rolling deadlines’ to tailoring your applications effectively.

The significance of vacation scheme deadlines

There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to vacation scheme deadlines. Some firms have a long window which gives you several weeks in which you can apply, while others will narrow down the time you have to complete your application. You can find out about each firm’s application window on our website, or by checking each firm’s graduate recruitment page.

Where a firm has a ‘rolling’ deadline, they will be checking applications as they come in and may shortlist people through the application process even before the official deadline. If a firm has a rolling deadline, the earlier you submit your application, the higher your chances are of being shortlisted. For firms who don’t operate on a rolling basis, all applications are reviewed at the same time, but it is advisable not to leave submission till the last minute.

As there are often hundreds of applications for each place, vacation schemes are incredibly competitive. It is crucial to allow yourself plenty of time to submit the application to avoid rushing through it. The vacation scheme itself offers a unique opportunity to show the firm your skills over the course of several days, and compete for a training contract position. The very first contact the firm has with you is your application – getting it in on time is the first test of your ability to manage your time, so make sure you do it well!

Researching law firms and opportunities

With hundreds of firms to choose from, it is vital that you do the necessary research and pick the firm that is right for you. There are several resources you can use to find out more about the firm’s practice areas, culture and values, but the best place to begin is usually the firm’s website itself.

If you are not sure which firm to apply to, don’t be afraid to explore! Firms differ in their size, location, and type of work, and you want to be sure the firms you apply to work around things that you prioritise. There are regional firms, international firms, in-house legal departments in companies, and the Government Legal Department – each with its own unique application process and deadline. So, it’s important you gain an idea of this before you head into writing applications.

Creating a standout application

So, once you have decided on the firms to apply to and are aware of their deadlines, it is time to start drafting the application. There are various components of an application to be aware of, such as the CV, cover letter, additional questions and assessments. Part of being successful is understanding that each component will require time and effort to prepare, and that not all firms will have the same components in their application process. For example, one firm will ask for a cover letter, whereas another will ask you specific questions about the firm.

Specificity is key and should be your number one priority when writing an application. The more you can be specific to the firm, the more it will come across that you have a genuine interest in the firm’s values and practice areas. Researching online and speaking to firm representatives are two of the best ways to establish this; you want to aim to have a tailor-made application for each firm.

The countdown to deadlines

One way to manage your time during the application cycle is to create a timeline. Include deadlines for each firm, what components there are in each application, and allot time to researching, drafting, editing and finally submitting the application. As mentioned earlier, prioritise the rolling deadlines, and, if it helps, make a to-do list for each application, detailing what the different steps are and when you aim to get them done by. By blocking out time in your calendar and breaking down the tasks into manageable chunks, the application won’t feel so daunting. You’ll have enough time to triple-check everything and you can reward yourself once it’s done!

If you are struggling to start a draft, grab some paper and set a 5-10 minute timer. Jot down everything that comes to mind when you think about applying to the firm. What sorts of things do you want to know about? What would make a firm appeal to you? It is much easier to order your thoughts once you have them down on paper.

Tips for meeting vacation scheme deadlines

Small errors can be detrimental when it comes to applications, and they can easily be avoided if you follow these steps and leave enough time to check the application. Tips for checking applications include having someone else read it for you, reading it out loud and checking if you can substitute the name of the firm for another one without changing anything else in the sentence. If you can – it probably isn’t specific enough!

Conclusion

Armed with all this information you are ready to create an application action plan for each firm you’re applying to. The key takeaways here are to research, proofread and submit early. It really is as simple as these 7 steps: choose a firm that suits you, know the requirements for the application, do the research, break down the application into manageable chunks, draft it early, proofread and submit! Good luck!

Vacation Scheme