Summer Vacation Scheme

Student work experience: Summer Vacation Scheme

We invite seven aspiring solicitors into our office each summer, for a three week structured Vacation Scheme.

The Vacation Scheme is a chance for you to gain a real insight into the workings of a busy London law firm with an extremely interesting and varied client base. You will experience work in two of the firm's departments under the direction of leading practitioners, become familiar with the full range of our practice and, just as importantly, get a true feel for our culture, our people, and the way we work.

Don't just take our word for it; see what past Summer Vacation Scheme participants had to say about the scheme in the quotes below:

When does the Scheme take place?

The Scheme usually lasts for three weeks during July, after the end of the University year.

Should I apply?

The Scheme is open to law and non-law undergraduates who have completed at least their first year of study. Graduates are also welcome to apply.

How does the scheme work?

You will be placed in two different departments of the firm.

In the first few days of the scheme you will receive in-depth inductions into the workings of the firm at all levels and across all departments. You will remain in your first department until the end of the second week, joining your second department in the third week. You should experience a diverse range of activities, such as research, attending client meetings, helping with the drafting of documents, attending legal seminars and visiting clients or courts or other institutions with which the firm is connected to. You will be fully exposed to the work we do.

You should also get a taste of the social life of the firm. There will be a welcome buffet lunch with partners and staff, along with drinks or lunch with trainees already at the firm who will give you their account of life at Winckworth Sherwood. You may well also meet socially with colleagues in your departments.

During your period in each department a current trainee or member of staff will be assigned to look after you, answer any of your queries, and ensure that your time is being well spent.

What about the firm's other departments?

During your stay with the firm, you will receive a presentation from each Head of Department or other senior solicitor about the workings of their own department. Therefore, even though there cannot be time for you to sit in with all of the firm's departments, we hope that you will leave us with a full picture of the firm as a whole.

Will I be assessed?

There is no formal assessment of your work as a whole although you will of course be closely observed, and you will be given a library research test, which will be marked for accuracy.

Will I be paid?

We provide each successful applicant with £150 per week, which is intended to assist with expenses and living costs.

How do I apply?

If you wish to apply for our Summer Vacation Scheme, please complete the online application.

Applications for the 2013 Summer Vacation Scheme are now closed.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in March and early April, in person or by telephone, by one of our trainees who assists the Training partner with the management of the Vacation Scheme. This is an example of the high level of responsibility that the firm gives its trainees. We trust that they will have a keen eye for the candidate who has the right balance of team spirit, good communication skills and a keen intellect. They should also be well placed to answer many of the questions you will have.

Will I be offered a Training Contract if I am successful?

There is of course no guarantee at all that students taking part in the Vacation Scheme will subsequently be offered a Training Contract with the firm. Nonetheless, the Scheme does allow us to get to know you well and, in several cases, students who have attended our Vacation Scheme have gone on to become trainees with the firm.

Click here for details of our Training Contract and to find out more read our Trainee Diary.