Vac Scheme Woe

Dear Oracle

I'm a final-year LLB student, on course for a 2:1. In my second year I was keen on becoming a barrister so didn't apply for any law firm vac schemes. Now I've decided I want to be a solicitor. Will firms want to give a vac scheme place to a third-year student?

The Oracle replies

The majority of vacation schemes are designed for second year students who are also in the process of applying for training contracts, as law firms use the schemes to identify potential trainees. As a result, you may find that quite a few firms will not consider final year students for their vac schemes. However, you could try getting around the problem. Be entirely honest about your reasons for applying for a scheme so late. Be clear about what has made you decide to become a solicitor rather than a barrister and make a strong case by demonstrating not only that you have properly analysed both roles, but that you can articulate how your strengths and skills are best suited to the role of a solicitor. I assume that you have undertaken at least one mini-pupillage and that you can therefore show what has changed your thinking about the Bar.

As you will not yet have applied for training contracts, you will be aware that many firms recruit two years in advance, and that for many their vacancies will be for 2007 entry. Some firms may have places left for 2006 but you will need to contact the firms you would be interested in to see what the position is. They may well consider you for a training contract even if they won't look at an application for a vac scheme. You might find that you are interested in the smaller firms that do not recruit two years in advance. If this is the case you should approach them for some work experience, as many do not have organised vac schemes. If you find that you are only interested in the larger firms and that you are looking at 2007 entry, you are looking at a year out anyway. If this proves to be the case you could avoid all mention of your change of heart and present the idea that since you are intending to take a year out, the end of final year is the most appropriate time to apply for a vac scheme as it fits the "two year in advance" rule! You should give some thought to which of these options suits your particular circumstances and ambitions the best.