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What is a vacation scheme?
A vacation scheme is a one-week period of work experience offered by Michelmores to prospective trainee solicitors looking to secure a training contract with the Firm. The aim of the week is to allow applicants the opportunity to experience life as a solicitor and the culture of Michelmores.
Vacation schemes are available to both law and non-law students. You are eligible to apply from your penultimate year of a qualifying law degree or final year of your degree if you’re not studying law to allow time for you to complete the SQE and PDGL, if applicable, before commencing a training contract. Michelmores’ vacation scheme takes place in June. First year students cannot apply to our vacation schemes but please see more information on other events open to all here.
What will you get out of a vacation scheme?
A vacation scheme is a unique opportunity to gain hands on experience of what it is like to work as a solicitor at Michelmores. If you take part in one of our vacation schemes you will be placed in one of our teams for the week and assist or shadow work being done in that team. This allows participants to build an initial understanding and foundation of the practical skills required for undertaking legal work. Alongside this you will also attend skills and knowledge workshops and network with trainees and other colleagues across the firm. Not only is this an opportunity for personal development but also an opportunity to start building relationships and your personal brand within the firm.
The week also comprises of various assessments designed to showcase your abilities, this will include a written task, group work, an article discussion and interview. In this respect, a vacation scheme is a unique opportunity to showcase who you are and your skills over a longer period of time than a traditional assessment day.
My own thoughts and experiences
I attended a Michelmores’ summer vacation scheme in 2022 and came away from the week knowing it was the firm for me. During the week I sat in the Exeter Commercial team and, amongst other things, had the opportunity to attend a client call and undertake small drafting tasks. At the time I was still studying for my undergraduate degree and as such, it was an invaluable insight into the legal world outside of academia.
Whilst the week involves an interview and assessments in order for the firm to judge if you are successful in the process for a training contract, this does go both ways. The week is also an opportunity for you to decide if Michelmores’ culture is right for you and effort is made to showcase the true culture of Michelmores – something that I have found to directly translate to my time at the Firm.
A few others that I met on my vacation scheme also secured training contracts with Michelmores. As such, it was great to be able to see familiar faces on day one of my own training contract. This made the first days, weeks, or months feel less daunting when I knew that I had specific people to turn to if I had any issues.
What are Michelmores looking for?
Michelmores are looking for distinctive individuals who think creatively and commercially and collaborate well with others. The Firm has a distinct culture and with Destination 2030 driving this forward, Michelmores are looking for individuals who demonstrate the right values and behaviours. Further to this, Michelmores is looking for candidates not only passionate about law but also a career specifically at Michelmores. With all this in mind and the ambitions of the Firm, those who display traits of future leaders and a growth mindset will be top of Michelmores’ list.
Applications are now open for our Exeter and Bristol Vacation Schemes with an application deadline of 17 February 2026. To apply and learn more please click the link here.