non-law applications timeline

[tigr3ss]

Hi all - hoping you don't mind me asking a couple questions! I'm also new here, so I apologise if this is in the wrong place/already discussed in a pinned forum.

For context, I'm a 2nd year non-law at an RG uni, and I'm just kind of exploring my options at the moment. I am aware that if I choose to go into Law, many hours studying, researching, and thinking about 'why' must be done.

However, for the sake of sheer information, I'm trying to parse together when and where things must be done if I were to go into Law. From what I can parse together:

1. As a non-law student, I am to be applying for vacation schemes in my final year. As it is May currently, I would be looking at applying for the winter 2025 contracts? Or Even Easter 2026? (This would be important, as I'd be looking at preparing over the summer, I suppose)

2. As I'm graduating in summer 2026, would I then be applying for Training Contracts for 2028?

3. Would a training contract sponsor me for a GDL course?

Any answers are appreciated, thank you!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi all - hoping you don't mind me asking a couple questions! I'm also new here, so I apologise if this is in the wrong place/already discussed in a pinned forum.

For context, I'm a 2nd year non-law at an RG uni, and I'm just kind of exploring my options at the moment. I am aware that if I choose to go into Law, many hours studying, researching, and thinking about 'why' must be done.

However, for the sake of sheer information, I'm trying to parse together when and where things must be done if I were to go into Law. From what I can parse together:

1. As a non-law student, I am to be applying for vacation schemes in my final year. As it is May currently, I would be looking at applying for the winter 2025 contracts? Or Even Easter 2026? (This would be important, as I'd be looking at preparing over the summer, I suppose)

2. As I'm graduating in summer 2026, would I then be applying for Training Contracts for 2028?

3. Would a training contract sponsor me for a GDL course?

Any answers are appreciated, thank you!

1) There will be winter, spring and summer vacation schemes you can apply to. Winter schemes may open as early as August with application deadlines through to early November. Spring and summer schemes tend to open slightly later in late September/early October and run through to early February (some may close as early as December though).

2) Yes - for most firms you should be aiming for September 2028 or February/March 2029 TC intakes. Some firms who do not require you to do the GDL may take you on in September 2027 or March 2028 though.

3) Many firms to provide sponsorship for the GDL and also provide a maintenance grant. Some firms do not require their trainees to do the GDL and just offer an extended SQE prep course to their non-law future trainees.