Training contracts and vacation schemes: first come, first serve?

Dear Oracle

Do certain law firms give vacation schemes and training contracts out on a 'first come, first served' basis? If so, how do I find out which those firms are?

The Oracle replies

While it's unlikely that law firms will have an official 'first come, first served' policy when it comes to offering places for vac scheme and training contracts, if you think about it, you're much more likely to be successful if you submit your application early.

As you are no doubt already aware, distinguishing yourself from the myriad of other slick, A-graded, legally experienced wannabe lawyers out there is not easy. Finding that 'thing' to mark you out from your rivals is crucial, as recruiters will remember the concert-level pianist or the person who'd volunteered for an interesting charity project, where they might not the applicant who played in the uni netball team.

Of course, not everybody is blessed with an amazing talent or has had the opportunity to have fantastic CV-boosting experiences, but one easy thing everyone can do is get their application in way ahead of time. It makes sense from a recruiter's perspective because early applicants show eagerness, dedication, a genuine desire to work for the firm, good organisational skills and discipline - and that's before their form has even been read! Conversely, those submitting their forms a few minutes before the close of the deadline will reveal poor planning and organisation, and a lack of commitment/motivation - certainly not traits at the top of most legal recruiters' lists.

So although 'first come, first served' is probably not going to be the official policy trumpeted at many firms, it's a good idea to assume that, in reality, it probably is.