• Get Everything You Need to Secure a Training Contract
    Now half the price. Join TCLA Premium for £30/month and get step-by-step application support, daily commercial awareness practice, and 700+ successful examples of past applications and interview experiences. Plus so much more.
    Join Premium →
  • How to Secure a Vacation Scheme (Ropes & Gray)
    1 Dec 2025 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm (UK) Zoom (registration required)
    In this interactive session, Maya Shah, Senior Early Careers Specialist at Ropes & Gray, will walk you through every stage of the firm's application process.
    Register on Zoom →
  • How to Stand Out in Law Firm Interviews (Willkie)
    3 Dec 2025 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm (UK) Zoom (registration required)
    Willkie’s new graduate recruiter and two trainees will break down what the firm looks for at the interview stage, common pitfalls to avoid, and how you can demonstrate confidence, clarity, and genuine motivation throughout an assessment centre.
    Register on Zoom →

Reply to thread

Hi [USER=30299]@billybroughton[/USER]


Thank you for your question!

Summer vacation schemes tend to be relatively longer and thus provide a comprehensive experience. While there isn't direct evidence to suggest that participating in one scheme significantly improves chances of securing a Training Contract over another, you can have more conclusive opinions by closely examining the specific criteria set by individual firms.


Summer schemes often see a larger number of applicants, partly due to visa constraints that international candidates face for winter placements. This broader demographic might intensify the competition for summer placements.


Eligibility for these schemes varies based on the firm. The best source of this information is typically the firm's own website, where they detail the relevant applicants and requisite qualifications. Strategically, you might consider spreading out your applications based on the scheme's duration, your own availability, and where you feel you have the best chances.


If you meet the criteria for winter schemes, it could be beneficial to consider them as an initial focus, although this should align with your own availability and the quality of your application.


All the best : )


Our company is called, "The Corporate ___ Academy". What is the missing word here?

About Us

The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

Get Our 2026 Vacation Scheme Guide

Nail your vacation scheme applications this year with our latest guide, with sample answers to law firm questions.