WHAT ARE THEY? First-Year Schemes, Vacation Schemes, Training Contracts

[Amma Usman]

Starting Remarks

One of the greatest assets an individual can possess is access to information. A commonly understated but critical step in career progression is doing extensive research before diving into applications. Another key element is actively seeking out conversations with professionals - people who are specialised in their fields, who understand the process inside out, and who can provide valuable insights.

I say this from personal experience. When I was in my first year, I didn’t fully grasp how the progression from first-year schemes to vacation schemes (VS), to training contracts (TCs) worked. I wasn’t aware of eligibility criteria or the strategic ways to approach applications. I even applied for direct training contracts as a first-year, not realising I didn’t meet the educational requirements to progress in the process. This resulted in wasted time - time that could have been better spent if I had simply been more informed.

I don’t want anyone else to waste their time on things that can easily be fixed with the right information. That’s why I created this simple guide to explain the very basics of first-year schemes, vacation schemes, and training contracts - what they are, which firms offer them, and how to approach them strategically to maximise your chances of securing a role at a top law firm.


1. First-Year Schemes (Insight Schemes)


What is a First-Year Scheme?


A first-year scheme (also called an insight scheme) is a short programme designed to introduce first-year university students to a law firm. These schemes are not just an opportunity to learn about the firm, but also a way to make a strong first impression early on in your legal career. Typically, these schemes were offered to first-year law and second-year non-law students. Though, now more firms are increasingly offering them to first-year non-law students too.


These schemes typically include:

• Workshops on key legal skills (e.g., commercial awareness, negotiation).
• Networking sessions with trainees, associates, and partners.
• Case studies and group exercises to develop practical legal skills.
• Application guidance for future vacation schemes and training contracts.

Some Firms That Offer First-Year Schemes:


Clifford Chance (SPARK Scheme), Linklaters, Freshfields, Slaughter and May, and so on.


Duration:

Most first-year schemes are short - typically 2-5 days long, either in spring or summer.


Strategic Approach to First-Year Schemes:

Applying for first-year schemes strategically can significantly boost your chances of securing a vacation scheme or training contract later. Some firms, such as Clifford Chance’s SPARK scheme, offer a direct fast-track to an assessment centre. This means that if you secure a place on such schemes, you bypass early-stage assessments for the vacation scheme, giving some advantage through building a prior raport with the firm.


Important Note:

This is in no way the only approach, as I have seen many people succeed without. If you don’t secure a place on one, or you attend a scheme that doesn’t fast-track you to a later stage, that’s completely fine. The experience, insight, and intel you gain from these schemes (and even open days (both virtual and in-person)) are still incredibly valuable when applying for vacation schemes/ TCs later on.



2. Vacation Schemes (VS)


What is a Vacation Scheme?


A vacation scheme (VS) is a structured internship at a law firm, usually aimed at penultimate-year law students, final-year non-law students, graduates, and so on. There is the presumption that a vacation scheme is often the main route to securing a training contract, as firms recruit most of their future trainees from their VS cohorts. However, there is a thread here on TCLA which discusses this in more depth: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....eme-vs-direct-tc-applications-2024-2025.9147/.


Vacation schemes typically include:

• Working in different practice areas (e.g., corporate, litigation).
• Attending networking events and socials.
• Participating in case studies and presentations.
• Completing real legal work for clients.
• Formal assessment (interviews, group exercises, or written tasks).

Firms That Offer Vacation Schemes: Several firms do, such as; Clifford Chance, Linklaters, Freshfields, A&O Shearman, Slaughter and May, Latham & Watkins, Kirkland & Ellis, Gibson Dunn, Skadden, Ashurst, Herbert Smith Freehills, Hogan Lovells, CMS .


Duration:

Most vacation schemes last 1-3 weeks, usually held in the winter, spring, or summer.


Why Are Vacation Schemes Important?

• Many firms assess candidates for a training contract during the vacation scheme.
• Performing well on a VS often leads to a training contract offer.
• You experience real legal work and assess whether the firm is a good fit for you.

3. Training Contracts (TCs)


What is a Training Contract?

A training contract (TC) is a two-year structured training programme that graduates complete at a law firm before qualifying as a solicitor. During the TC, trainees rotate through different "seats" (practice areas) every six months, gaining experience in different legal departments. Six months in four seats is a common route among firms, though some firms such as Freshfields, have an eight-seat training contract.

For most firms, prior to starting a training contract, one needs to complete the SQE after studying a law degree. For those with non-law degrees, the PGDL usually needs to be completed before starting the SQE.


What Does a Training Contract Involve?

• Roughly four "seats" in different departments (e.g., corporate, finance, dispute resolution).
• Supervised work under experienced lawyers.
• Client exposure and networking opportunities.
• International and client secondments (at some firms).

Firms That Offer Training Contracts:

Several do, such as Linklaters, Clifford Chance, Freshfields, Sidley Austin, etc.


Duration:

A training contract usually lasts two years before qualification.


Deadline Trackers at TCLA:

Vacation Schemes - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....4-25-with-rolling-non-rolling-checklist.8957/

Training Contracts - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....lines-2024-25-training-starting-in-2027.9085/

First-Year Schemes - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/first-year-scheme-deadlines-2024-25.9090/

Open Days - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....ay-and-insight-scheme-deadlines-2024-25.9218/


Final Remarks:

I hope this guide has been useful and has provided you all with some clarity and support. If there's anything more you'd like to explore or if you need any further assistance, don't hesitate to get in touch via the comments!