Winter, Spring and Summer Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2023-24 (with rolling/non rolling checklist!)

[Jessica Booker]

Urgent - does anyone know what time the NRF Winter Vax Scheme application closes? I can't seem to find any information about the exact time anywhere!!

Tomorrow (from their own website). I’d assume 23.59 BST, but I would always advise never leaving it that late anyway just in case you run into any issues and need to call them for help.

 

[leaaa2023]

@Jessica Booker @Jaysen Any advice for an Insight Day acceptance? How can I make myself stand out? It is a full day and they give a business case study. Pretty nervous.
@axelbeugre

 

[axelbeugre]

@Jessica Booker @Jaysen Any advice for an Insight Day acceptance? How can I make myself stand out? It is a full day and they give a business case study. Pretty nervous.
@axelbeugre

Hey @leaaa2023, I would say that you should treat it as a normal application to a law firm for a VS or a TC.
Applying for an insight day at a law firm is a fantastic way to learn more about the legal industry and experience the culture of the firm. The following advice will assist you in submitting a winning application:

1. Research the Law Firm:
   • Start by researching the law firm thoroughly. Understand its practice areas, clients, and any recent news or achievements. Tailor your application to show that you've done your homework.
2. Tailor Your Application:
   • Customise your application to the specific law firm. Highlight why you are interested in that firm in particular, citing their values, clients, or practice areas that align with your interests.
3. Showcase Your Skills and Experience:
   • Highlight relevant skills and experiences that demonstrate your suitability for a career in law. This could include academic achievements, relevant coursework, internships, or extracurricular activities.
4. Personal Statement:
   • In case you have a personal statement to write (but this tip can be applied to long answers too), write a compelling experiences, both personal and professional, that explains why you want to pursue a career in law, what you hope to gain from the insight day, and how it aligns with your long-term career goals.
5. Attention to Detail:
   • Pay close attention to the application requirements. Ensure you provide all necessary documents and information, and follow any formatting or word count guidelines.
6. Strong Resume:
   • Create a well-structured and concise resume that highlights your relevant achievements, skills, and experiences. Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments. 1-2 pages is the perfect length for the legal sector!
7. Networking:
   • If you have any contacts within the firm, reach out to them for advice and insights. They may be able to provide valuable information and potentially even refer you for the insight day.
8. Proofread:
   • Ensure that your application materials are error-free. Proofread your personal statement, resume, and cover letter to eliminate any grammatical or spelling mistakes. As anyone around you to have a look at it too if that helps!
9. Prepare for Interviews:
   • Be prepared for interviews or discussions that may follow your application. Practice common interview questions and be ready to talk about your interests, experiences, and why you want to join the firm.
10. Be Professional:
    • Demonstrate professionalism and enthusiasm throughout the application process. Treat each interaction with the law firm, whether in writing or in person, as if it were a job interview. This is a key thing to remember as if you are used to do this for insight days, it will come in handy when you apply to vacation schemes.

Remember that the competition for insight days at law firms can be quite fierce. Therefore, putting in the effort to create a strong and tailored application is essential. Best of luck!

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker @Jaysen Any advice for an Insight Day acceptance? How can I make myself stand out? It is a full day and they give a business case study. Pretty nervous.
@axelbeugre

Are you looking for advice on how to apply or have you accepted a place on an open day and want guidance on how best to approach the day?

 

[leaaa2023]

Hey @leaaa2023, I would say that you should treat it as a normal application to a law firm for a VS or a TC.
Applying for an insight day at a law firm is a fantastic way to learn more about the legal industry and experience the culture of the firm. The following advice will assist you in submitting a winning application:

1. Research the Law Firm:
   • Start by researching the law firm thoroughly. Understand its practice areas, clients, and any recent news or achievements. Tailor your application to show that you've done your homework.
2. Tailor Your Application:
   • Customise your application to the specific law firm. Highlight why you are interested in that firm in particular, citing their values, clients, or practice areas that align with your interests.
3. Showcase Your Skills and Experience:
   • Highlight relevant skills and experiences that demonstrate your suitability for a career in law. This could include academic achievements, relevant coursework, internships, or extracurricular activities.
4. Personal Statement:
   • In case you have a personal statement to write (but this tip can be applied to long answers too), write a compelling experiences, both personal and professional, that explains why you want to pursue a career in law, what you hope to gain from the insight day, and how it aligns with your long-term career goals.
5. Attention to Detail:
   • Pay close attention to the application requirements. Ensure you provide all necessary documents and information, and follow any formatting or word count guidelines.
6. Strong Resume:
   • Create a well-structured and concise resume that highlights your relevant achievements, skills, and experiences. Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments. 1-2 pages is the perfect length for the legal sector!
7. Networking:
   • If you have any contacts within the firm, reach out to them for advice and insights. They may be able to provide valuable information and potentially even refer you for the insight day.
8. Proofread:
   • Ensure that your application materials are error-free. Proofread your personal statement, resume, and cover letter to eliminate any grammatical or spelling mistakes. As anyone around you to have a look at it too if that helps!
9. Prepare for Interviews:
   • Be prepared for interviews or discussions that may follow your application. Practice common interview questions and be ready to talk about your interests, experiences, and why you want to join the firm.
10. Be Professional:
    • Demonstrate professionalism and enthusiasm throughout the application process. Treat each interaction with the law firm, whether in writing or in person, as if it were a job interview. This is a key thing to remember as if you are used to do this for insight days, it will come in handy when you apply to vacation schemes.

Remember that the competition for insight days at law firms can be quite fierce. Therefore, putting in the effort to create a strong and tailored application is essential. Best of luck!

thank you very much for this detailed insight! I will take all of this into consideration! I was accepted for an insight day so will prepare for interviews during the insight day

 

[leaaa2023]

Are you looking for advice on how to apply or have you accepted a place on an open day and want guidance on how best to approach the day?

Hi Jessica, I have been accepted to an open day and am wondering how I can stand out. During the open day they are giving a business case study. And I've heard that is a way to fast track you to a TC or VC, so I want to make sure I stand out and wondering how I can do that. I know I can research the firm well, but maybe what I should do and shouldn't do. It will be from 11am to 6:30, so I will be with the firm all day.

 

[axelbeugre]

Hi Jessica, I have been accepted to an open day and am wondering how I can stand out. During the open day they are giving a business case study. And I've heard that is a way to fast track you to a TC or VC, so I want to make sure I stand out and wondering how I can do that. I know I can research the firm well, but maybe what I should do and shouldn't do. It will be from 11am to 6:30, so I will be with the firm all day.

Congratulations @leaaa2023 for obtaining an open day, this is massive and you should be so proud of yourself!!

• Prepare for the Case Study:
  • Study the case materials provided and familiarise yourself with the details. Make sure you understand the legal issues and any relevant laws or regulations.
• Analyse the Problem:
  • Approach the case study methodically. Start by identifying the key issues, relevant facts, and stakeholders involved. Create a structured framework for your analysis.
• Collaborate Effectively:
  • If the case study involves group work, be a team player. Listen actively to others, contribute your insights, and collaborate effectively. Show that you can work well in a team.
• Communicate Clearly:
  • When presenting your findings or discussing the case study, communicate clearly and concisely. Organize your thoughts and speak confidently. Avoid jargon and use plain language.
• Showcase Problem-Solving Skills:
  • Focus on your problem-solving skills. Highlight your ability to identify practical solutions, think critically, and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Be Enthusiastic:
  • Display genuine enthusiasm for the legal field and the firm. Express your passion for the law and your desire to contribute to the firm's success.
• Ask Thoughtful Questions:
  • During discussions or Q&A sessions, ask thoughtful and insightful questions. This shows your engagement and critical thinking abilities.
• Show Your Research:
  • Incorporate your knowledge of the firm and its practice areas into your analysis. Explain how your background and interests align with the firm's work.
• Highlight Relevant Experience:
  • If you have relevant experience, such as internships or coursework, make sure to mention it. Explain how this experience has prepared you for a career in law.
• Be Professional and Polite:
  • Treat everyone you meet with respect and professionalism, from fellow candidates to firm representatives. Politeness and a positive attitude go a long way.

I think it is important to remember that you are already in such a good position having received the offer so be confident during the whole day! good luck with everything!

 

[leaaa2023]

Congratulations @leaaa2023 for obtaining an open day, this is massive and you should be so proud of yourself!!

• Prepare for the Case Study:
  • Study the case materials provided and familiarise yourself with the details. Make sure you understand the legal issues and any relevant laws or regulations.
• Analyse the Problem:
  • Approach the case study methodically. Start by identifying the key issues, relevant facts, and stakeholders involved. Create a structured framework for your analysis.
• Collaborate Effectively:
  • If the case study involves group work, be a team player. Listen actively to others, contribute your insights, and collaborate effectively. Show that you can work well in a team.
• Communicate Clearly:
  • When presenting your findings or discussing the case study, communicate clearly and concisely. Organize your thoughts and speak confidently. Avoid jargon and use plain language.
• Showcase Problem-Solving Skills:
  • Focus on your problem-solving skills. Highlight your ability to identify practical solutions, think critically, and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Be Enthusiastic:
  • Display genuine enthusiasm for the legal field and the firm. Express your passion for the law and your desire to contribute to the firm's success.
• Ask Thoughtful Questions:
  • During discussions or Q&A sessions, ask thoughtful and insightful questions. This shows your engagement and critical thinking abilities.
• Show Your Research:
  • Incorporate your knowledge of the firm and its practice areas into your analysis. Explain how your background and interests align with the firm's work.
• Highlight Relevant Experience:
  • If you have relevant experience, such as internships or coursework, make sure to mention it. Explain how this experience has prepared you for a career in law.
• Be Professional and Polite:
  • Treat everyone you meet with respect and professionalism, from fellow candidates to firm representatives. Politeness and a positive attitude go a long way.

I think it is important to remember that you are already in such a good position having received the offer so be confident during the whole day! good luck with everything!

This is so insightful, I thank you very much for your detailed and helpful responses!!

 

[legally.brown]

Hi guys! I need some input.. I am planning to do my A&O vac scheme test on the deadline day around 11am (deadline is 5pm).. Is this ok?? A&O recruit on a non rolling basis as well.

I want to prep more for the VI and take it when I feel more confident. I am also worried applying on the deadline day will put me in a disadvantaged position. Please advise 🙏🏻 @Jessica Booker

 

[s9111]

Are there any US firms I can apply to as a penultimate year non-law student? Most seem to be final year non-law only! Thanks

 

[Dia. Yaseen]

Hi everyone! Regarding Baker Mckenzie vac schemes, does anyone know when the applications open? On their website it simply says "applications opening soon", and I can't find anywhere to apply for the summer vacation scheme.

 

[axelbeugre]

Are there any US firms I can apply to as a penultimate year non-law student? Most seem to be final year non-law only! Thanks

I think Goodwin accepts penultimate year non law student, Cleary too but I am not really sure. I am sure there is a list on the internet somewhere so it might be worth looking there!

 

[ariellaquint]

has anyone applied to BCLP summer vs yet?

 

[jplaw1010]

has anyone applied to BCLP summer vs yet?

not yet, applications close in early jan so still got a bit of time

 

[aspiringlawyer47]

has anyone applied to BCLP summer vs yet?

I did

 

[RonRod13]

Is anyone else waiting on so many places? When do you usually start hearing back for Spring/Summer Vacation Schemes?

 

[Sunshinepink]

[FOR TRAINING CONTRACT DEADLINES, CLICK HERE]

Hey everyone,

Vacation Scheme application season is here! To make things easier for those of us preparing to apply, I have put together a list to track all the applications and their due dates for the Winter, Spring and Summer Vacation Schemes. I will keep this list updated! Please feel free to drop any suggestions to better utilise this thread.

Thank you and all the best!


Here are the firms that have announced their application opening and closing dates for Winter, Spring and Summer Vacation Schemes 2023/24 so far:

(This list is dynamic and will be updated as firms release their application windows)

Winter Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2023/24:​

August 2023​

Opening Date	Closing Date	Firm Name	Rolling/Non-Rolling
1st August 2023	22nd September 2023	Allen & Overy	Non-Rolling
28th August 2023	29th September 2023 (noon)	Ashurst	Non-Rolling

​

September 2023​

Opening Date	Closing Date	Firm Name	Rolling/Non-Rolling
1st September 2023	13th October 2023	Slaughter and May	Rolling
1st September 2023	20th October 2023	Jones Day	Rolling
1st September 2023	1st October 2023	HSF	Non-Rolling
1st September 2023	27th October 2023	Dechert	Rolling
4th September 2023	22nd October 2023	Travers Smith	Non-Rolling
4th September 2023	5th October 2023	Linklaters	Non-Rolling
7th September 2023	20th October 2023	Covington & Burling	Non-Rolling
11th September 2023	15th October 2023	White & Case	Rolling
12th September 2023	13th October 2023	Norton Rose Fulbright	Non-Rolling
17th September 2023	15th October 2023 (noon)	Sidley Austin	Rolling
18th September 2023	31st October 2023	Hogan Lovells	Rolling
25th September 2023	25th October 2023	Simmons & Simmons	Rolling

October 2023​

Opening Date	Closing Date	Firm Name	Rolling/Non-Rolling
2nd October 2023	23rd October 2023	Stephenson Harwood	Rolling but won't fill up places until after deadline
2nd October 2023	31st October 2023	Burges Salmon	Non-Rolling

​

---

Spring Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2023/24:​

September 2023​

Opening Date	Closing Date	Firm Name	Rolling/Non-Rolling
1st September 2023	1st December 2023	Herbert Smith Freehills	Non-Rolling
1st September 2023	10th December 2023	Skadden	Rolling
1st September 2023	20th December 2023	Willkie, Farr & Gallagher	Rolling but won't fill up places until after deadline
1st September 2023	31st December 2023	Jones Day	Rolling
1st September 2023	31st December 2023	Dechert	Rolling
4th September 2023	3rd November 2023	Mishcon De Reya	Rolling
7th September 2023	15th January 2024	Shearman & Sterling	Non- Rolling
11th September 2023	14th January 2024	White & Case	Rolling
14th September 2023	1st December 2023	Bird & Bird	Rolling
15th September 2023	15th December 2023	Goodwin Procter	Non-Rolling
17th September 2023	7th January 2024	Sidley Austin	Rolling
18th September 2023	3rd December 2023	Latham & Watkins	Rolling
18th September 2023	20th December 2023	Weil, Gotshal & Manges	Rolling
25th September 2023	5th January 2024	Macfarlanes	Non-Rolling

​

October 2023​

Opening Date	Closing Date	Firm Name	Rolling/Non-Rolling
1st October 2023	31st January 2024	Mayer Brown	Rolling
1st October 2023	1st December 2023	Baker McKenzie	Rolling
1st October 2023	4th January 2024	Addleshaw Goddard	Rolling
1st October 2023	7th January 2024	Milbank	Non-Rolling
2nd October 2023	14th December 2023	Linklaters	Non-Rolling
2nd October 2023	5th January 2024	Slaughter and May	Rolling
2nd October 2023	12th January 2024	Burges Salmon	Non-Rolling
2nd October 2023	8th January 2024	Reed Smith	Rolling

---

Summer Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2023/24:​

September 2023​

Opening Date	Closing Date	Firm Name	Rolling/Non-Rolling
1st September 2023	1st December 2023	Herbert Smith Freehills	Non-Rolling
1st September 2023	8th December 2023	Slaughter and May	Rolling
1st September 2023	10th December 2023	Skadden	Rolling
1st September 2023	20th December 2023	Willkie Farr & Gallagher	Rolling but won't fill up places until after deadline
1st September 2023	14th January 2024	BCLP	Rolling
1st September 2023	16th January 2024	Gibson Dunn	Rolling
1st September 2023	31st January 2024	Jones Day	Rolling
1st September 2023	21st January 2024	Dechert	Rolling
4th September 2023	27th October 2023	Allen & Overy	Non-Rolling
4th September 2023	5th January 2024	Mishcon De Reya	Rolling
7th September 2023	12th January 2024	Covington & Burling	Non-Rolling
7th September 2023	15th January 2024	Shearman & Sterling	Non- Rolling
11th September 2023	14th January 2024	White & Case	Rolling
14th September 2023	22nd December 2023	Bird & Bird	Rolling
15th September 2023	15th December 2023	Goodwin Procter	Non-Rolling
17th September 2023	7th January 2024	Sidley Austin	Rolling
18th September 2023	3rd December 2023	Latham & Watkins	Rolling
18th September 2023	20th December 2023	Weil, Gotshal & Manges	Rolling
25th September 2023	5th January 2024	Macfarlanes	Non-Rolling

​

October 2023​

Opening Date	Closing Date	Firm Name	Rolling/Non-Rolling
1st October 2023	1st January 2024	Baker McKenzie	Rolling
1st October 2023	7th January 2024	Milbank	Non-Rolling
1st October 2023	31st January 2024	Mayer Brown	Rolling
1st October 2023	4th January 2024	Addleshaw Goddard	Rolling
2nd October 2023	14th December 2023	Linklaters	Non-Rolling
2nd October 2023	5th January 2024 (noon)	Ashurst	Non-Rolling
2nd October 2023	12th January 2024	Burges Salmon	Non-Rolling
2nd October 2023	31st December 2023	Simmons & Simmons	Rolling
2nd October 2023	8th January 2023	Reed Smith	Rolling

​

Hello if the closing date is the 1st December 2023 then it is midnight 1st December 2023 or 11:59pm 1st December 2023?

TIA