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. 
How to apply

Key dates

Applications are currently closed for the year and will reopen on 1 September 2023 for our winter, spring and summer vacation schemes.
Winter Vacation Scheme:
​​​​​​​November/December 2023 Our winter vacation scheme application window opens for finalists and graduates on 1 September 2023 and will close on 1 October 2023. The scheme will run from Monday 27 November to Friday 8 December 2023.  
Register your interest
Spring Vacation Scheme: April 2024     Our spring vacation scheme application window opens for penultimate-year students, finalists, and graduates on 1 September 2023 and will close on 1 December 2023. The scheme will run from Monday 8 - Friday 19 April 2024.
Register your interest
Summer Vacation Schemes:
​​​​​​​June – July 2024 Our summer vacation schemes application window opens for penultimate-year students, finalists and graduates on 1 September 2023 and will close on 1 December 2023. The schemes will run from Monday 10 – Friday 28 June 2024 and Monday 8 July – Friday 26 July 2024.
Register your interest

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