Winter, Spring and Summer Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2025-26 (with rolling/non rolling checklist!)

J

jingtao1506

New Member
Aug 23, 2025
1
1
sddjjdkqks said:
Hey, thank you for sharing this. This is very helpful. Did they shed any light on what a final year who is an international student should be applying to considering that the Winter Vac Scheme would not be possible due to it being within term time?
Click to expand...
Hi, I emailed them about this a few days ago. Unfortunately, they confirmed that international students in their final year aren't eligible for either the vacation schemes or the training contract. They mentioned we can apply for the TC after graduation. So much for claims that international students face no disadvantages in the application process :)
 
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sddjjdkqks

sddjjdkqks

New Member
Oct 17, 2024
3
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jingtao1506 said:
Hi, I emailed them about this a few days ago. Unfortunately, they confirmed that international students in their final year aren't eligible for either the vacation schemes or the training contract. They mentioned we can apply for the TC after graduation. So much for claims that international students face no disadvantages in the application process :)
Click to expand...
Ah, that's very unfortunate. Thank you for the update! This is very helpful :)
 
F

Faustine

New Member
Aug 18, 2025
1
0
Ram Sabaratnam said:
Hey everyone,

Vacation Scheme application season is upon us! To make things easier for those of us preparing to apply, I have put together a list to track all the applications and their due dates for the Winter, Spring and Summer Vacation Schemes. I will keep this list updated! Please feel free to drop any suggestions to better utilise this thread. Good luck in your application and please keep us posted on your progress!

Here are the firms that have announced their application opening and closing dates for Winter, Spring and Summer Vacation Schemes 2025/26 so far:

(This list is dynamic and will be updated as firms release their application windows)

Winter Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2025/26:​

Specific Dates Released​

Opening DateClosing DateScheme DatesFirm NameRolling/Non-Rolling
1 August 202512 September 20258 Dec – 12 Dec 2025Sidley AustinRolling
4 August 202515 September 20251 Dec – 5 Dec 2025A&O ShearmanTBC
18 August 202512 September 2025 (noon)1 Dec – 5 Dec 2025AshurstNon-Rolling
1 September 202517 October 20258 Dec – 19 Dec 2025DechertTBC
1 September 20251 October 202524 Nov – 5 Dec 2025Herbert Smith Freehills KramerNon-Rolling
1 September 202517 October 20251 Dec – 12 Dec 2025Jones DayRolling
1 September 202528 September 20251 Dec – 12 Dec 2025Norton Rose FulbrightNon-Rolling
4 September 202528 September 202524 Nov – 5 Dec 2025Paul, WeissNon-Rolling
10 September 202510 October 20251 Dec – 12 Dec 2025Hogan LovellsRolling

Spring Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2025/26:​

Specific Dates Released​

Opening DateClosing DateScheme DatesFirm NameRolling or Non-Rolling
11 August 20255 December 202513 Apr – 24 Apr 2026MacfarlanesRolling
1 September 202512 December 20257 Apr – 17 Apr 2026BCLPTBC
1 September 202531 December 20257 Apr – 17 Apr 2026DechertTBC
1 September 202516 January 20257 Apr – 17 Apr 2026Gibson DunnRolling
1 September 20251 December 2025
13 Apr – 24 Apr 2026
Herbert Smith Freehills KramerNon-Rolling
1 September 202528 November 202517 Mar – 28 Mar 2026Jones DayRolling
1 September 20257 December 202513 Apr – 24 Apr 2026Latham & WatkinsNon-Rolling
1 September 202516 December 202513 Apr – 24 Apr 2026Mayer BrownRolling
1 September 20251 December 2025TBCSkaddenNon-Rolling
1 September 202531 October 202513 Apr – 17 Apr 2026Taylor WessingRolling
1 September 202510 December 2025 (mid-day)TBCWillkie Farr & GallagherNon-Rolling
4 September 20255 January 202613 Apr – 17 Apr 2026ForstersTBC
4 September 202521 December 202516 Mar – 27 Mar 2026Paul WeissNon-Rolling
12 September 202512 December 202513 – 17 April 2026GoodwinNon-Rolling
15 September 20259 January 20267 Apr – 17 Apr 2026Sidley AustinRolling
1 October 2025TBC30 Mar – 3 Apr 2026MilbankNon-Rolling
1 October 202510 January 2026TBCTLTTBC
1 October 202514 January 2026TBCVinson & ElkinsTBC


Summer Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2025/26:​

Specific Dates Released​

Opening DateClosing DateScheme DatesFirm NameRolling/Non-Rolling
11 August 20255 December 202522 Jun – 3 Jul 2026MacfarlanesRolling
1 September 202512 December 2026 (noon)29 Jun – 17 Jul 2026AshurstNon-Rolling
1 September 202516 January 20268 Jun – 19 Jun 2026BCLPTBC
1 September 202531 December 202522 Jun – 3 Jul 2026DechertTBC
1 September 202516 January 202622 Jun – 3 Jul 2026Gibson DunnRolling
1 September 20251 December 2025Scheme 1: 8 Jun – 26 Jun 2026;
Scheme 2: 6 Jul – 24 Jul 2026		Herbert Smith Freehills KramerNon-Rolling
1 September 20259 January 202629 Jun – 10 Jul 2026Jones DayRolling
1 September 20257 December 202522 Jun – 3 Jul 2026Latham & WatkinsNon-Rolling
1 September 202516 December 202522 Jun – 3 Jul 2026Mayer BrownRolling
1 September 20255 November 2025 (noon)22 Jun – 3 Jul 2026Pinsent MasonsNon-Rolling
1 September 20251 December 2025TBCSkaddenNon-Rolling
1 September 20255 December 2025Scheme 1 (law students) 22 Jun – 10 Jul 2026;
Scheme 2 (law students) 13 – 31 Jul 2026;
Scheme 3 (non-law students) 1 – 18 Sept 2026		Slaughter and MayRolling
1 September 202528 November 20258 Jun – 19 Jun 2026Taylor WessingRolling
1 September 202510 December 2025 (mid-day)TBCWillkieNon-Rolling
4 September 20255 January 2026Scheme 1: 8 – 12 Jun 2026;
Scheme 2: 15 – 19 Jun 2026		ForstersTBC
4 September 202521 December 202529 Jun – 10 Jul 2026Paul, WeissNon-Rolling
12 September 202512 December 202522 Jun – 26 Jun 2026GoodwinNon-Rolling
15 September 202527 October 20256 Jul – 17 Jul 2026A&O ShearmanTBC
15 September 20256 January 2026Scheme 1: 22 Jun – 3 Jul 2026;
Scheme 2: 6 Jul – 17 Jul 2026		Sidley AustinRolling
30 September 202527 November 2025TBCFreshfieldsRolling
1 October 20252 January 2026TBCDebevoise & PlimptonTBC
1 October 2025TBC29 Jun – 10 Jul 2026MilbankNon-Rolling
1 October 202514 January 2026TBCVinson & ElkinsTBC
3 November 20257 December 2025Scheme 1: 8 Jun – 19 Jun 2026;
Scheme 2: 29 Jun – 10 Jul 2026		Norton Rose FulbrightNon-Rolling
Click to expand...
Hey, thank you for this! Is the A&O Shearman Winter vac scheme application only for final year students? Or can graduated people apply as well?
 
Jaysen

Jaysen

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    • Feb 17, 2018
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    robertg22 said:
    Hey @Jaysen ! Given that Ram has gone on to more grand things in life, should we expect this table to be updated or is this the final version forum members experience? Thanks in advance!
    Click to expand...
    noahsmiit01 said:
    As well as is there going to be the same table but with TC deadlines? Ram mentioned that he will consolidate a list of firms with their deadlines later this month.
    Click to expand...

    Will be keeping this up to date :).
     
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    Harvey Specter

    Harvey Specter

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    Jul 4, 2024
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    Ram Sabaratnam said:
    Hey everyone,

    Vacation Scheme application season is upon us! To make things easier for those of us preparing to apply, I have put together a list to track all the applications and their due dates for the Winter, Spring and Summer Vacation Schemes. I will keep this list updated! Please feel free to drop any suggestions to better utilise this thread. Good luck in your application and please keep us posted on your progress!

    Here are the firms that have announced their application opening and closing dates for Winter, Spring and Summer Vacation Schemes 2025/26 so far:

    (This list is dynamic and will be updated as firms release their application windows)

    Winter Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2025/26:​

    Specific Dates Released​

    Opening DateClosing DateScheme DatesFirm NameRolling/Non-Rolling
    1 August 202512 September 20258 Dec – 12 Dec 2025Sidley AustinRolling
    4 August 202515 September 20251 Dec – 5 Dec 2025A&O ShearmanTBC
    18 August 202512 September 2025 (noon)1 Dec – 5 Dec 2025AshurstNon-Rolling
    1 September 202517 October 20258 Dec – 19 Dec 2025DechertTBC
    1 September 20251 October 202524 Nov – 5 Dec 2025Herbert Smith Freehills KramerNon-Rolling
    1 September 202517 October 20251 Dec – 12 Dec 2025Jones DayRolling
    1 September 202528 September 20251 Dec – 12 Dec 2025Norton Rose FulbrightNon-Rolling
    4 September 202528 September 202524 Nov – 5 Dec 2025Paul, WeissNon-Rolling
    10 September 202510 October 20251 Dec – 12 Dec 2025Hogan LovellsRolling

    Spring Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2025/26:​

    Specific Dates Released​

    Opening DateClosing DateScheme DatesFirm NameRolling or Non-Rolling
    11 August 20255 December 202513 Apr – 24 Apr 2026MacfarlanesRolling
    1 September 202512 December 20257 Apr – 17 Apr 2026BCLPTBC
    1 September 202531 December 20257 Apr – 17 Apr 2026DechertTBC
    1 September 202516 January 20257 Apr – 17 Apr 2026Gibson DunnRolling
    1 September 20251 December 2025
    13 Apr – 24 Apr 2026
    		Herbert Smith Freehills KramerNon-Rolling
    1 September 202528 November 202517 Mar – 28 Mar 2026Jones DayRolling
    1 September 20257 December 202513 Apr – 24 Apr 2026Latham & WatkinsNon-Rolling
    1 September 202516 December 202513 Apr – 24 Apr 2026Mayer BrownRolling
    1 September 20251 December 2025TBCSkaddenNon-Rolling
    1 September 202531 October 202513 Apr – 17 Apr 2026Taylor WessingRolling
    1 September 202510 December 2025 (mid-day)TBCWillkie Farr & GallagherNon-Rolling
    4 September 20255 January 202613 Apr – 17 Apr 2026ForstersTBC
    4 September 202521 December 202516 Mar – 27 Mar 2026Paul WeissNon-Rolling
    12 September 202512 December 202513 – 17 April 2026GoodwinNon-Rolling
    15 September 20259 January 20267 Apr – 17 Apr 2026Sidley AustinRolling
    1 October 2025TBC30 Mar – 3 Apr 2026MilbankNon-Rolling
    1 October 202510 January 2026TBCTLTTBC
    1 October 202514 January 2026TBCVinson & ElkinsTBC


    Summer Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2025/26:​

    Specific Dates Released​

    Opening DateClosing DateScheme DatesFirm NameRolling/Non-Rolling
    11 August 20255 December 202522 Jun – 3 Jul 2026MacfarlanesRolling
    1 September 202512 December 2026 (noon)29 Jun – 17 Jul 2026AshurstNon-Rolling
    1 September 202516 January 20268 Jun – 19 Jun 2026BCLPTBC
    1 September 202531 December 202522 Jun – 3 Jul 2026DechertTBC
    1 September 202516 January 202622 Jun – 3 Jul 2026Gibson DunnRolling
    1 September 20251 December 2025Scheme 1: 8 Jun – 26 Jun 2026;
    Scheme 2: 6 Jul – 24 Jul 2026    		Herbert Smith Freehills KramerNon-Rolling
    1 September 20259 January 202629 Jun – 10 Jul 2026Jones DayRolling
    1 September 20257 December 202522 Jun – 3 Jul 2026Latham & WatkinsNon-Rolling
    1 September 202516 December 202522 Jun – 3 Jul 2026Mayer BrownRolling
    1 September 20255 November 2025 (noon)22 Jun – 3 Jul 2026Pinsent MasonsNon-Rolling
    1 September 20251 December 2025TBCSkaddenNon-Rolling
    1 September 20255 December 2025Scheme 1 (law students) 22 Jun – 10 Jul 2026;
    Scheme 2 (law students) 13 – 31 Jul 2026;
    Scheme 3 (non-law students) 1 – 18 Sept 2026    		Slaughter and MayRolling
    1 September 202528 November 20258 Jun – 19 Jun 2026Taylor WessingRolling
    1 September 202510 December 2025 (mid-day)TBCWillkieNon-Rolling
    4 September 20255 January 2026Scheme 1: 8 – 12 Jun 2026;
    Scheme 2: 15 – 19 Jun 2026    		ForstersTBC
    4 September 202521 December 202529 Jun – 10 Jul 2026Paul, WeissNon-Rolling
    12 September 202512 December 202522 Jun – 26 Jun 2026GoodwinNon-Rolling
    15 September 202527 October 20256 Jul – 17 Jul 2026A&O ShearmanTBC
    15 September 20256 January 2026Scheme 1: 22 Jun – 3 Jul 2026;
    Scheme 2: 6 Jul – 17 Jul 2026    		Sidley AustinRolling
    30 September 202527 November 2025TBCFreshfieldsRolling
    1 October 20252 January 2026TBCDebevoise & PlimptonTBC
    1 October 2025TBC29 Jun – 10 Jul 2026MilbankNon-Rolling
    1 October 202514 January 2026TBCVinson & ElkinsTBC
    3 November 20257 December 2025Scheme 1: 8 Jun – 19 Jun 2026;
    Scheme 2: 29 Jun – 10 Jul 2026    		Norton Rose FulbrightNon-Rolling
    Click to expand...
    I think Skadden has posted their VS dates onto their website for Spring and Summer 2026:

    Spring VS 1: Mon 23rd Mar - Thurs 2nd Apr
    Spring VS 2: Tues 7th Apr - Fri 17th Apr
    Summer VS 1: Mon 15th June - Fri 26th June
    Summer VS 2: Mon 29th June - Fri 10th July

    Applications open on 1st Sept and close on the 1st Dec. I think it’s non-rolling too.​
     
    S

    Sunshinepink

    Legendary Member
    • Feb 1, 2023
    259
    231
    This is also the information for Stephenson Harwood -

    Training contract commencing March or September 2028

    Applications open: 6 October 2025

    Applications close: 27 March 2026

    London spring vacation scheme​

    13 April - 24 April 2026

    Applications open: 6 October 2025

    Applications close: 10am 30 January 2026

    London summer vacation schemes​

    22 June – 3 July 2026

    27 July - 7 August 2026

    Applications open: 6 October 2025

    Applications close: 10am 30 January 2026
     
    D

    deyagakhal

    New Member
    Aug 30, 2025
    2
    0
    Ram Sabaratnam said:
    Hiya @robertg22

    There isn’t an automatic notification when the list is updated, but you can always check by scrolling to the bottom of the post where it says “Last Edited” in small font. I’d recommend bookmarking the page and checking it once or twice a week; I usually update it at the beginning or end of the week.

    Ultimately, it’s up to each candidate to stay on top of deadlines, especially as firms can sometimes update their websites/deadlines without notice or close applications at unexpected times (e.g. noon, 5pm, or 11:59pm). I’ll always flag major changes when I can, but it’s best to keep an eye out just in case.

    Good luck with your applications!
    Click to expand...
    Hello Ram,

    I’ve just graduated from university, and I’m currently in the process of searching for a job. I noticed several firms on the vacation scheme list and was wondering if any of them typically hire recent graduates, or if they only consider current university students for their schemes.

    Also, is it better to wait and apply directly for training contracts, or should I still consider applying for vacation schemes even though I’m no longer in university? I’m a bit concerned because I don't have much work experience and I’m finding the whole process a little overwhelming.

    Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

    Thank you!
     
    T

    trainingcontractapplicant

    New Member
    Aug 30, 2025
    4
    2
    lawyerladyhopefully said:
    When would you say it is too late to apply for a rolling application? Would you say a month, or a matter of weeks?
    Click to expand...
    Hi @lawyerladyhopefully

    Having spoken to Grad Rec from various firms in the past application cycle, I would say that applying just a few weeks (e.g. 2-3 weeks) after an application window has opened (or even in the middle of the application window) will not put you at a disadvantage compared to a candidate who applied on the first day.

    Most firms will receive the vast majority of their applications in the last 2 weeks before the deadline, so if you have a choice, I would avoid applying in that time frame to give yourself the best possible chance of success. However, if you have a strong application and the deadline has not passed yet, I would encourage you to apply regardless (even if you are within the 2-week timeframe before the deadline) as the quality of your application matters most in my opinion! Also, some firms are more rolling than others (e.g. BCLP, Jones Day and DLA Piper are more first-come first served from my experience), so a firm might not even be fully rolling even if it says it is 'rolling'.

    As a rule of thumb, I would say that applying in the first two thirds of the application window is 'safest' – your application is very likely to be considered and not at a particular disadvantage.

    I hope this helps!
     
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    trainingcontractapplicant

    New Member
    Aug 30, 2025
    4
    2
    deyagakhal said:
    Hello Ram,

    I’ve just graduated from university, and I’m currently in the process of searching for a job. I noticed several firms on the vacation scheme list and was wondering if any of them typically hire recent graduates, or if they only consider current university students for their schemes.

    Also, is it better to wait and apply directly for training contracts, or should I still consider applying for vacation schemes even though I’m no longer in university? I’m a bit concerned because I don't have much work experience and I’m finding the whole process a little overwhelming.

    Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

    Thank you!
    Click to expand...
    Hi @deyagakhal

    I am not Ram but thought I would still share my perspective!

    From my experience attending vacation schemes and speaking to Graduate Recruitment from various firms, I have noticed that most firms are very open to hiring graduates! Firms really value the breadth of experiences that graduates ca oftenn bring. I wouldn't say that there are any specific firms in the industry that are more/most inclined to hire recent graduates.

    If a firm only considers current university students, this will be explicitly stated on the 'eligiblity' criteria section of their website. For example, this year, A&O Shearman is only considering university students for their vacation schemes and graduates can only apply for a Direct TC.

    I would recommend that you consider applying to as many vacation schemes as you can (as opposed to direct TCs) because many firms now use vacation schemes as their main recruitment pipeline. You might find this thread (from last year) helpful – it shows where firms typically recruit from (direct TC vs vacation scheme): where firms recruit from. Furthermore, vacation schemes are particularly suitable if you do not have much work experience. Even if you did not convert it, it would still be a very valuable learning experience and bonus point to strengthen your CV for future applications!

    Also, I have found that the threshold to receive a vacation scheme offer is generally lower than for a direct TC. In other words, I think you arer likely to have more success by focusing on vacation scheme applications. Of course, I would still submit a few direct TC applications, if you are able to and for firms where you are not eligible for a vacation scheme.

    Best of luck with your applications!
     
    L

    lawyerladyhopefully

    New Member
    Aug 30, 2025
    3
    0
    trainingcontractapplicant said:
    Hi @lawyerladyhopefully

    Having spoken to Grad Rec from various firms in the past application cycle, I would say that applying just a few weeks (e.g. 2-3 weeks) after an application window has opened (or even in the middle of the application window) will not put you at a disadvantage compared to a candidate who applied on the first day.

    Most firms will receive the vast majority of their applications in the last 2 weeks before the deadline, so if you have a choice, I would avoid applying in that time frame to give yourself the best possible chance of success. However, if you have a strong application and the deadline has not passed yet, I would encourage you to apply regardless (even if you are within the 2-week timeframe before the deadline) as the quality of your application matters most in my opinion! Also, some firms are more rolling than others (e.g. BCLP, Jones Day and DLA Piper are more first-come first served from my experience), so a firm might not even be fully rolling even if it says it is 'rolling'.

    As a rule of thumb, I would say that applying in the first two thirds of the application window is 'safest' – your application is very likely to be considered and not at a particular disadvantage.

    I hope this helps!
    Click to expand...
    Thank you so much! I have drafted my White & Case, and Taylor Wessing ones but I have a call with some trainees to give me advice this week. So I assume it is in my best interest to talk to them first, and not just apply because it is the first day?
     
    BPP

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