But be under no illusions: you will also be on trial, because in this ever more competitive market most firms (and some more than others) treat the vac scheme almost as a pre-screening exercise when it comes to handing out training contracts. After all, you marketed yourself well on paper when you sent your application form in; now you are just doing it in person.

Law firm salaries compared - Chambers Student Guide Law firm salaries compared - Chambers Student Guide

Even when firms take vac schemers out to snazzy clubs, recruiters' mental notepads will still be out. For detailed information on each firm’s vacation scheme, read the ' Get Hired' features alongside each True Picture .It’ll help you figure out what sort of work might suit you best and will enable you to ask intelligent questions of your supervisors. Same as the training contract really,” one recruiter told us: “Strong academics and an interest in our practice areas. You’ve got to be on your guard, though, because people will be conscious you’re there, and some of our sources did end up concluding: “It can be an artificial exercise – you see what they want you to see. At others, vac schemers may be tied to a trainee or qualified solicitor and what they do will depend on that individual. Intelligent questions pave the road to success, so lay as many down as possible without becoming annoying.

US firms in the UK - Chambers Student Guide US firms in the UK - Chambers Student Guide

If you don't drink alcohol, we strongly recommend going to drinks events regardless – they're great networking and socialising opportunities even if you're on the orange juice.

I remember doing some very serious assignments – although looking back I probably thought they were more serious than they actually were. Lawyers tell us how they spend their days and share some of the trends shaping the work in their area of practice. In addition, many firms treat them as an integral part of the training contract application process.