What do you do if you don't have a vacation scheme?

Aug 18, 2022

Written By Helena Kudiabor

Whether you applied for vacation schemes and were rejected, or simply missed the deadline, try not to panic if you don’t have a vacation scheme! There are still a number of ways you can gain legal work experience, and make yourself more attractive to employers.

Shadowing

Shadowing a solicitor or barrister is a great way for you to learn more about life as a lawyer. It involves following a legal professional around as they complete their daily tasks, such as reviewing case files and meeting with clients.

Although it’s typically unpaid, it’s a valuable opportunity for you to understand the day-to-day responsibilities of a lawyer. The person you shadow will also give you advice about how to be a successful lawyer, and how they got to where they are today.

Unlike the more formal application process needed for vacation schemes, shadowing opportunities don’t require a formal application. Opportunities are sometimes advertised but can often be found by emailing your local law firm or chamber, providing a CV and cover letter and expressing interest.

Law societies

If you’re a university student, your student union will likely have a law society. Getting involved with the society is a great way to meet and network with fellow law students, and gain tips and tricks on a successful application. In addition to socials, many societies offer career-based events, such as informational workshops and networking with legal professionals.

A number of universities even offer a mooting society. Mooting is a mock court proceeding, in which students argue a fictitious legal case. It gives you experience within preparing for a case, and appearing in court. If you win your case, you could progress to national and even international applications, a great boost to your CV.

Pro bono work

Pro bono is short for pro bono publico, a latin phrase meaning for the public good. Pro bono lawyers provide free legal services to those who cannot afford or don’t have access to lawyers. Completing pro bono work demonstrates that you’re genuinely passionate about law, and that you’re altruistic, given that pro bono work is unpaid.

Law firms are passionate about giving back to their local communities and providing pro bono services, so completing pro bono work will enhance your application. A number of organisations offer pro bono work to students, such as the National Centre for Domestic Violence and Amnesty International.

Watch a court case

A number of law courts in the UK (even the supreme court) allow the general public to watch court cases. Watching a couple of court cases in an amazing way for you to learn some legal terminology, and find out more about current cases. If you find a topic you’re particularly interested in, you can delve deeper into it by reading legal books and listening to podcasts.

In interviews, candidates often asked about why they want to be a lawyer or the areas of law they’re interested in, so completing some legal research allows you to delve deeper into the topic of your choice.

Legal Work Experience