Complete Guide to Law Vacation Scheme Applications 2027
Everything you need to know about law vacation scheme applications: deadlines, application strategy, critical-thinking test preparation, interviews and how vacation schemes can lead to training contracts.
Built for students applying to Clifford Chance, Linklaters, Freshfields and other leading firms
In this guide
- 1What a vacation scheme actually is
- 2The 2027 vacation scheme timeline
- 3The application
- 4Free CV checkerFREE TOOL
- 5Online tests
- 6Free psychometric practiceFREE TOOL
- 7The interview: what to expect and how to prepare
- 8Free video interview practiceFREE TOOL
- 9The assessment day: interviews, group exercises and written tasks
- 10Firms and deadlines
- 11Frequently asked questions
Section 1
What a vacation scheme actually is
A vacation scheme is a short placement at a law firm. Duration varies by firm, and eligibility often includes penultimate-year students and, at some firms, final-year students, graduates and non-law applicants. Linklaters' vacation schemes are open to penultimate-year and final-year undergraduates, graduates and postgraduate students. A&O Shearman's summer scheme is for penultimate-year students from any degree discipline.
Vacation schemes usually take place in winter, spring or summer, depending on the firm. Linklaters runs winter, spring and summer schemes. During the scheme you typically gain exposure to legal work, trainees and associates, training sessions and firm events, although the structure varies by firm.
At many firms, vacation schemes are an important route to a training contract, although some firms also recruit substantial numbers through direct applications. Freshfields, for example, says there is no advantage in applying through the vacation scheme over the trainee associate programme, and that approximately half of its trainee intake comes from direct applicants.
Vacation schemes are highly competitive. A vacation scheme can be a valuable step towards securing a training contract.
Who can apply
Eligibility varies by firm. Many are open to penultimate-year students, and some also accept final-year students, graduates and non-law applicants
Duration
Varies by firm, often around two to three weeks
Pay
Pay varies by firm
When it happens
Scheme dates vary by firm and may fall in winter, spring or summer
Competitiveness
Vacation schemes are highly competitive
Why it matters
Vacation schemes can be an important route into training contract offers, depending on the firm
Section 2
The 2027 vacation scheme timeline
Law firm vacation scheme deadlines can be early. Deadlines can fall in autumn or winter, months before the scheme takes place. Planning ahead is essential.
Research which firms interest you and why. Read their recent deals, learn about their practice areas, and understand what distinguishes them from competitors. Develop your commercial awareness by reading the Financial Times legal section, following legal news, and understanding the business side of law.
Application windows vary significantly by firm. Some open in early autumn, while others open later. Linklaters' spring and summer 2026 applications opened on 1 September 2025 and closed 3 December 2025. A&O Shearman's summer 2026 scheme opened 1 December 2025 and closed 18 February 2026. Freshfields says its summer 2027 applications will reopen in Autumn 2026. Follow the firm's process carefully: some review on a rolling basis, while others assess after the deadline.
Many commercial law firms use Watson Glaser or other online assessments. Online assessments can be a major screening hurdle, so practising beforehand is important.
Interview and assessment formats vary by firm and can include live interviews, assessment centres, written exercises and group tasks. Some firms combine these into a single assessment day.
Offer timing and response deadlines vary by firm.
The placement itself. You will typically gain exposure to one or more practice areas and be assessed through your work and interactions. Performance during the scheme and any final assessment may contribute to training contract decisions.
Section 3
How to write a vacation scheme application that gets through
Your CV
Law firm CV screening looks for different signals than other sectors. Academic grades are heavily weighted, and evidence of commercial awareness and communication skills matters as much as work experience:
Academic credentials front and centre. Academic requirements vary by firm, so check each firm's eligibility criteria carefully. A&O Shearman, for example, publicly lists AAB and specific GCSE expectations. Many firms consider academic performance closely, often including degree and school results.
Legal experience if you have it: mini-pupillages, pro bono work, law clinic participation, legal internships. But do not worry if you do not have law-specific experience. Many successful applicants have retail, hospitality or volunteering experience framed around transferable skills.
Evidence of commercial awareness: business-related society roles, work experience in any commercial environment, a finance or economics module, or simply evidence that you follow legal and business news.
Communication and writing skills: debating society, mooting, journalism, essay prizes, any role that demonstrates your ability to write and argue persuasively.
Keep it to one page. Format cleanly. Law firms care about attention to detail.
Cover letter
Some firms use written motivation questions or supporting statements rather than a traditional cover letter. Where a written response is required, the three core questions remain the same:
Why commercial law? Not just "I want to help people." Commercial lawyers help businesses. Show you understand the difference between contentious and non-contentious work, and explain what draws you to the commercial side of law specifically.
Why this firm? Reference a specific deal, case, or practice area. The level of specificity expected is high: name a deal, explain why it interested you, and connect it to the firm.
Why you? Link your experiences to the skills a trainee needs: analytical thinking, commercial awareness, attention to detail, teamwork, and client-facing communication.
Application questions
Many applications include written motivation or commercial-awareness questions, but the format varies by firm. Common themes:
Commercial awareness: "Discuss a current legal or commercial development." Pick something from the last 3 months. Explain what happened, why it matters commercially, and what it means for the firm or its clients.
Firm-specific motivation: "Why have you chosen to apply to this firm?" Reference specific practice areas, deals, international network, training structure, or culture. Be specific enough that the answer would not work for a competitor.
Competency or scenario: "Tell us about a time you demonstrated attention to detail / teamwork / leadership." STAR framework. Specific, honest, and with a clear outcome.
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Section 5
The Watson Glaser and online assessments
Watson Glaser is widely used by many commercial law firms. It is a common screening hurdle for applicants. Some firms also use other verbal or situational-judgement assessments.
Watson Glaser Critical Thinking
Varies by versionProviders: Pearson TalentLens
Exact format can vary by version, but Watson Glaser tests critical-thinking skills such as inference, deduction and evaluation of arguments. Candidates should focus on the information and logic provided rather than outside knowledge.
Verbal reasoning
Varies by firmProviders: Various providers
Some firms use verbal reasoning assessments. Standard True/False/Cannot Say format.
Situational judgement
Varies by firmProviders: Various providers
Professional services scenarios testing judgement and values alignment.
Preparation tips
Complete at least 2-3 full Watson Glaser practice tests before your first live attempt.
The "evaluation of arguments" section often trips up candidates. Practise distinguishing between logically strong and weak arguments regardless of your personal views.
Time pressure is common. Avoid spending too long on any single question.
Focus on the information given in each passage rather than applying outside knowledge.
Practice a psychometric test
The Watson Glaser tests a type of reasoning you rarely practise at university. Doing one practice test before the real thing can be very helpful. Try one below.
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Section 7
The interview: what to expect and how to prepare
Many law firms use live interviews, although some also use pre-recorded video interviews earlier in the process. Interviewers may include partners, associates or graduate-recruitment professionals, depending on the firm. Interview length varies by firm.
The tone is often more conversational than banking interviews but the expectations are high. Interviewers are assessing whether you are someone they would trust to represent the firm in front of clients.
Common question types
Why commercial law?
Show understanding of what commercial solicitors actually do: advising businesses on transactions, disputes, and regulatory compliance.
Why this firm?
Reference specific practice areas, deals, training structure, or international opportunities. Be specific enough that the answer would not work for a competitor.
Commercial awareness
"Tell me about a recent legal or business development." A deal, regulation, or case from the last 3 months with analysis of its commercial significance.
Competency
Teamwork, leadership, attention to detail, resilience. STAR structure with specific, honest examples.
How firms score your answers
Commercial awareness: do you understand the business of law and what drives firms' clients?
Communication: can you explain complex ideas clearly and listen carefully?
Motivation: does your interest in this firm and this career feel authentic?
Attention to detail: do you reference specifics, or speak in generalities?
Professionalism: would a client feel confident in your presence?
Practice a video interview question
Some law firms use pre-recorded video interviews at earlier stages. Even if your firm uses live interviews, practising on camera helps you structure your answers, manage time, and build confidence. Try one question below.
Choose your firm
Your question
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Section 9
The assessment day: interviews, group exercises and written tasks
Assessment days often include interviews and may also include group exercises, written tasks or presentations, depending on the firm.
Partner interview
VariesAn interview with a partner. More conversational than junior interviews but still structured around motivation, commercial awareness, and competency questions. Partners are looking for someone who is intelligent, curious, articulate, and commercially minded. Prepare questions to ask them about their practice.
Group exercise
VariesCandidates discuss a business scenario and reach a recommendation. Assessors look for structured contributions, listening skills, the ability to build on others' ideas, and appropriate leadership without domination.
Written exercise
VariesA case study or memo-writing task. You may be given a set of facts and asked to draft advice, summarise key issues, or write a client letter. The assessment is on clarity of thought, logical structure, and writing quality, not legal knowledge.
Presentation (some firms)
VariesA prepared or impromptu presentation on a commercial topic. Clarity and structure matter more than depth.
How to stand out during the week
Read the firm's recent deals and cases in the week before the assessment. You will almost certainly be asked about them.
For the written exercise: read the instructions twice. Structure your answer with a clear introduction, main points, and conclusion. Write less but write better.
In the group exercise: make your first contribution early so you are established as a participant. Then listen, build on others' points, and summarise periodically.
It is sensible to behave professionally throughout the day, not just in formal exercises.
Prepare 2-3 questions for the partner interview. Good questions show curiosity about the firm's strategy, recent developments, or the partner's own career path.
Section 10
Typical application windows by firm
Application windows vary by firm, so always check the official careers site. The dates below are based on previous cycles.
| Firm | Programme | Opens | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linklaters | Vacation Scheme | Spring and summer 2026 applications were open 1 September to 3 December 2025 | Get alerted |
| Freshfields | Vacation Scheme | Summer 2027 applications due to reopen Autumn 2026. Direct trainee applications also an important route | Get alerted |
| A&O Shearman | Vacation Scheme | Summer 2026 applications opened 1 December 2025 and closed 18 February 2026 | Get alerted |
| Clifford Chance | Vacation Scheme | Check careers site for current dates | Get alerted |
| Herbert Smith Freehills | Vacation Scheme | Check careers site for current dates | Get alerted |
| Hogan Lovells | Vacation Scheme | Check careers site for current dates | Get alerted |
| Ashurst | Vacation Scheme | Check careers site for current dates | Get alerted |
| White & Case | Vacation Scheme | Check careers site for current dates | Get alerted |
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