P.S. This is what the website states but would still be interested in people's opinions!
"If you are eligible for both, the decision is yours, there is no advantage to applying to one vacancy over another - the application and assessment process is the same. If you have not yet undertaken assessed legal work experience (typically a vacation scheme), we would advise you to apply for a vacation scheme in order to ensure you can make an informed decision about training with us. Please only apply for either a vacation scheme or a training contract at any one time. You may apply for a training contract after making an unsuccessful application for a vacation scheme but please do spend time addressing any feedback you receive. You can only take the online assessment once each academic year. You are able to reapply for a vacancy in the same academic year, but you will not be able to retake the assessment in the same window."
Hi
@Ali A, thank you so much for reaching out and thank you for your question which I think can be useful for many people on the thread. In my opinion it is worth applying to a vacation scheme compared to a direct training contract for three main reasons:
1. Despite your experience in a law firm (thanks to your past vacation scheme), it is important to remember that law firms are very different to a certain extent from one another and experiencing multiple vacation schemes is a great opportunity to understand the culture of a firm as well as the different personalities that they tend to hire. In my experience, I met a lot of people with multiple vacation schemes preferring to apply to vacation schemes rather than direct training contracts because not only was it an opportunity to meet new people and expand their networks, but it also gave them an opportunity to understand what kind of culture they mostly fit in. So there is a massive benefit in attending multiple vacation schemes, even if you do not convert them. I know it is easier said than done and it can appear as a waste of your time, but a vacation scheme will give you the opportunity to comprehend law firms better.
2. Secondly, and maybe most importantly, vacation schemes are easier to get than a direct training contract. Whenever I spoke to different graduate recruitment from different firms they all highlighted the fact that they all tend to recruit heavily from their vacation scheme cohorts because they are hiring people that they essentially were able to assess for a longer period of time. This means that they feel more confident in giving vacation scheme students offers and of their potential success at the firm. Overall, you should feel way better about yourself if you apply to a vacation scheme and you successfully convert it!
3. Thirdly, vacation schemes are a good way to understand the ins and outs of different practice areas, what pro bono actually entails and where your interests lie when it comes to practical work. Having done a vacation scheme myself, I can totally see the benefit in attending many and be able to fully comprehend what kind of practice areas I might be interested in and the kind of work they practically do.
This is my own perspective, I am sure that some people would disasgree so it is important to weigh the pros and cons for yourself.
I think that whenever you have this doubt for any application, you should ask yourself three questions:
- Do I feel like I have had enough professional experiences that would showcase how I would succeed as a future lawyer?
- Am I in the position to successfully perform at commercial interviews and case study scenarios better than an individual who did the vacation scheme at firm x?
- Would I bring a different set of skills and experience to the position compared to a vacation scheme participant?
If the answers to all these questions are YES, then I would tell you to consider a direct training contract.
Overall, I understand your concerns but I would say to focus your energy on vacation scheme applications and try to attempt direct Training Contract applications for firms that tend to recruit heavily from them.
From my experience, it feels as though law firms would recruit from direct training contract individuals that worked for 3+ years in a legal position or another position that can contribute heavily to their work, i.e. paralegals, legal assistants, legal research analysts, consultants, bankers, researchers, doctors etc..
Additionally, I think it is important for you to remember that vacation schemes are an opportunity for you to meet as many lawyers, associates and partners and let them know about your journey into the legal profession and why you are interested. It is one thing to say it in an interview and it is another to have a casual conversation with a partner having coffee!
I really hope this application cycle works for you and I am sending you positive energy! Good luck!
