The problem is that universities do not teach you how to research a firm properly, build commercial awareness or write applications. Candidates are left piecing together advice from friends, online forums and past rejections, without knowing what recruiters actually want.
What recruiters see
One major international firm received 1,600 vacation scheme applications for just 20 places. The recruiter explained that 60% were “completely generic” and discarded at the first sift. Another Magic Circle recruiter said most candidates “haven’t taken the time to sell themselves properly.”
Sources: recruiter comments reported by the University of Warwick careers service and LawCareers.Net.
More than 98% rejected
Reported by the firm's graduate recruiter, April 2021.
Every firm runs a version of the same process, and every stage is testing something different.
Your grades, CV and written answers. Firms read for precision, genuine motivation and evidence that you understand what they actually do.
60% cut at the first sift for being genericMost large firms use the Watson Glaser or a similar critical thinking test, scored against the rest of the applicant pool rather than a fixed pass mark.
Cut-offs are typically highRecorded answers to set questions, sometimes live. Firms watch for structure, clarity and composure on camera.
Tests communication under pressureCase studies, group exercises and interviews in a single day. This is where commercial thinking is tested hardest.
Tests commercial awarenessOne to two weeks working inside the firm, treated as an extended interview. For many firms this is the main route to a training contract.
The main route to an offerUsually with partners. Your story, your motivation and your view on the business of law all need to hold up in the room.
Tests judgment and presenceSome firms recruit directly for a training contract without a vacation scheme. The stages are broadly the same either way.
Sources: YourLegalLadder and AllAboutLaw (Watson Glaser benchmarks), The Lawyer and White & Case (vacation scheme conversion), University of Warwick careers service (first sift).
A typical cycle, exact dates vary from firm to firm.
Firms publish vacation scheme and training contract vacancies at the start of the academic year.
Winter vacation scheme applications usually close between late October and mid November.
31 January is the most common deadline for summer vacation schemes at large firms.
Online tests follow soon after applications close, with assessment centres running through winter and spring.
Spring and summer schemes take place, with training contract offers typically made in the weeks after.
Sources: targetjobs application timeline, YourLegalLadder deadline guides, Legal Cheek deadlines calendar.