Vacation schemes

About the scheme

Our vacation schemes are not just an opportunity to see the life of a trainee associate, it’s your chance to live it. You’ll find out whether life at the firm is for you as you take on real work for real clients. You’ll work directly with expert colleagues and gain unique experience, while being supported every step of the way to develop your skills and determine your career direction.

What you need to know

We only recruit trainee associates from our vacation schemes, and to be eligible for the schemes, you must be a graduate, or in your penultimate or final year at university.

If you're unable to take part in a vacation scheme please contact the Early Careers team to discuss options.

How to apply

Key dates

Applications are currently closed for our vacation schemes. Applications will re-open in September 2024.

Register your interest to be the first to hear when applications open

Winter Vacation Scheme:
November/December 2024

Our winter vacation scheme is open to finalists and graduates. The scheme will run from Monday 25 November to Friday 6 December 2024.

Spring Vacation Scheme:
April 2025

Our spring vacation scheme is open to penultimate-year students, finalists and graduates. The scheme will run from Monday 7 - Thursday 17 April 2025.

Summer Vacation Schemes:
June – July 2025

Our summer vacation schemes are open to penultimate-year students, finalists and graduates. The schemes will run from Monday 9 – Friday 27 June 2025 and Monday 7 July – Friday 25 July 2025.

Benefits

£500 per week salary

Hard work deserves good pay. That’s why you’ll earn a competitive salary throughout your time with us on the programme.

Trainee buddy

Trainee buddies are on hand to support you in each of the practice areas you sit in and share their learnings from the firm.

Related links

Your journey starts before you join us. Explore our opportunities to find out more about us and see whether a career with us is right for you.

First year

Join our workshops or become a campus ambassador to gain an insight into life at Herbert Smith Freehills.

Learn more

Open days

Considering a career at a world-leading law firm? Find out more about our work and culture through one of our open days.

Learn more

Trainee associate programme

Our trainee associates are the future, so it’s only right that we invest in them.

Learn more

Any questions?

View a selection of frequently asked questions about life at the firm and our range of opportunities.

FAQs