in Careers Advice, Job Applications, Training Contracts, Pupillage and Work Experience

Tips for getting the most out of Vacation Placements in Law Firms

5 top tips for getting the most out of your vacation scheme with a solicitors’ firm

If you have any additional suggestions, please email them across!

1. Make notes every day on everything you do – very useful for future application forms and also for remembering at interview.
2. Speak to as many people as possible in the department. Ask questions whenever you can, but don’t be annoying.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for work if you run out – don’t just sit at a desk and pretend to be doing work…
4. In group exercises, be aware that they are probably assessing you – try not to be the leader if you can help it – contribute your ideas coherently but don’t speak over the top of anyone else.
5. Ask your trainee solicitor (on most vacation schemes they attach you to one) lots of questions and make sure he/she remembers you…

Finally, don’t go and make yourself a cup of tea in the middle of the office and then fall flat on your face, spilling tea all over yourself, the floor and the file you were working on.. I remember this only too well….

Jonathan Fagan, MD Ten-Percent Legal Recruitment

Jonathan Fagan

Jonathan Fagan LLM FIRP is Managing Director of Ten-Percent Legal Recruitment. He has been recruiting solicitors and legal support staff for law firms and in house legal departments for over 20 years and handles roles from junior fee earners through to partners and law firm sales/purchases. A non-practising solicitor on the Roll since 2000, he is also the author of a number of legal career books, which are available at www.ten-percent.uk. You can contact Jonathan at cv@ten-percent.co.uk