Skills

Communication Networking Training Motivation

Job Specifications

Get hands-on experience inside a leading global commercial law firm. This three-week Summer Vacation Scheme offers a realistic insight into trainee life — real legal work, client exposure and genuine responsibility — as well as the culture that shapes the firm.

This is the primary route to securing a Training Contract, giving you a direct pathway into a top-tier legal career.

Key Criteria

Strong academic ability (2:1+ typically competitive)
Clear written communication and analytical judgement
Ability to work collaboratively on complex work
Professional curiosity and strong motivation to pursue commercial law
Commitment to attending the scheme in London for the full duration

What you’ll do

During the scheme you will:

Sit within a practice team of your choice
Work on live matters alongside lawyers across international clients
Attend insight sessions on core practice areas, innovation and pro bono
Take part in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion learning and networking
Complete assessed trainee-style tasks
Participate in a group pitch project with your scheme cohort

You gain real legal insight — contributing, not just observing.

Training & support

You’ll receive:

A trainee buddy to support you throughout
Guidance from a qualified Associate acting as your principal
Close contact with the Early Careers team
Networking opportunities through lunches, coffee catch-ups and social events
Access to employee networks, clubs and interest groups

You’ll be welcomed as a future colleague from day one.

Training Contract opportunity

At the end of the scheme, you’ll have a guaranteed interview for a Training Contract with senior lawyers.

Assessment is based on:

Principal feedback
Performance on assessed tasks
Final interview

Full feedback is provided to support your development.

Who can apply

Applications are welcomed from:

Penultimate and final-year undergraduates
Graduates and postgraduates
Law and non-law backgrounds
UK or Irish universities

A genuine interest in commercial law is essential.

Dates & deadlines

Application window

1 September 2025 – 3 December 2025

Programme dates

22 June – 10 July 2026

or

20 July – 7 August 2026

Early applications are strongly advised.

What you gain

Paid, high-impact legal work experience
Exposure to international clients and leading practice areas
Access to an inclusive, high-performance culture
A direct opportunity to secure a Training Contract