Thank you @MissAnnaliseKeatingI just wanted to add that Linklaters have announced the application windows for their vacation schemes.
Linklaters | Your application
careers.linklaters.com
The table is now updated with relevant deadlines.
Winter, Spring and Summer Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2023-24 (with rolling/non rolling checklist!)
- Thread starter Niyati Nagda
- Start date
The table is now updated with relevant deadlines.
Thank you very much for sharing and yes this is where I saw it also.
Hello Niyati,
What does Rolling & Non-Rolling mean? Rolling as in the first applications will be looked at first?
Thank you!
Rolling admission means firms review applications as they're sent in; there is no hard deadline by which you need to submit your application.
Hello @Sunshinepink
When applications are reviewed on a Rolling Basis, they are evaluated as they are received, and acceptances are sent out individually in the order they are processed.
To succeed in this scenario, it's advisable to apply to firms as soon as their application windows open. Sometimes, these openings fill up quickly, and some individuals might receive responses while others are still waiting. For example, Slaughter and May.
On the other hand, when applications are considered on a Non-Rolling Basis, they are reviewed only after the application deadline has passed. This process is generally more accommodating, as all applicants are given equal consideration. For example, Herbert Smith Freehills.
Thank you for the question. I hope this helps!
If being a solicitor in a commercial/corporate law firm is your ambition, then I have no doubt you will accomplish this. University grades are certainly important but they are not a golden bullet. It is a big world, London is a big city, and there are opportunities afar when good candidates slip through the cracks.
As a first step, I would make a list of those firms that do not have A Level requirements and apply to those. Off the top of my head, I know Squire Patton Boggs are an insanely impressive firm that do not require A Levels. A friend of mine obtained a vacation scheme with A Level grades worse than yours. He did not receive the TC offer but was told to reapply this year. There will also be BCLP, DWF and others.
Secondly, you should sit down (over the course of a few sessions if it is difficult) and detail what impacted your A Level grades and university grades using Microsoft Word. Law firms will accept a detailed letter if the space that explains your extenuating circumstances needs more space.
Lastly, I advise if this is something you are serious about pursuing long-term to play the long game. I am a career changer and finished the GDL/LPC in 2020. I have been through a few cycles now, making it to the last stage with the offer being elusive. I will pick myself up, gain more experience, and come back. Paralegal roles and applying to firms as an internal candidate are also possibilities. Alternatively, a contact of mine trained via Accutrainee and is now a CMS lawyer. There is no reason to conclude the worst from your circumstances but keep your head up and remain persistent. Best of luck!
Hey everyone,
Just wanted to let you know that we have updated this thread with the recently announced deadlines.
Feel free to drop any questions or suggestions to make the thread even better.
Thanks and good luck!
Just wanted to let you know that we have updated this thread with the recently announced deadlines.
Feel free to drop any questions or suggestions to make the thread even better.
Thanks and good luck!
Hi @Niyati Nagda, will it be possible to create a similar list for first-year opportunities/open days/schemes as well?
Might be helpful in the meantime: https://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/where-to-start/first-year-opportunities
To add to this, Norton Rose Fulbright:
| Scheme | Duration | Dates | Application dates | Eligible |
| Winter Vacation Scheme | 2 weeks | 4 - 15 December 2023 | 11 September – 13 October | Penultimate year, final year and graduates (law and non-law) |
| Summer Vacation Scheme | 2 weeks | 10 – 21 June 2024 | 1 January – 18 February 2024 | Penultimate year, final year and graduates (law and non-law) |
| Summer Vacation Scheme | 2 weeks | 15 July - 26 July 2024 | 1 January – 18 February 2024 | Penultimate year, final year and graduates (law and non-law) |
Is it worth applying to US firms with the following academics:
GCSEs ABBBBCCC; A Levels: AAA; degree: 62.5 (average of 65 with first year exams - Oxbridge).
I did VSs in 2018, 2019 and 2020 but gave up for two years after not converting anything.
GCSEs ABBBBCCC; A Levels: AAA; degree: 62.5 (average of 65 with first year exams - Oxbridge).
I did VSs in 2018, 2019 and 2020 but gave up for two years after not converting anything.
Definitely worth for Squires. Unsure about the rest. Well done on the A Level/Oxbridge turnaround after GCSE. Look at you!
Thank you. I wish firms cared about it, but here we are.
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