Application deadlines
Vacation scheme, training contract and first-year deadlines. Sign up to track the ones you are applying to.
| Firm | Closing date | Track application |
|---|---|---|
| Winston Taylor Spring Vacation Scheme | 30 Oct 2026 | Sign up to see profile |
| Freshfields Summer Vacation Scheme | 30 Oct 2026 | Sign up to access |
| Cleary Gottlieb Winter Vacation Scheme | 30 Oct 2026 | Sign up to see profile |
| Macfarlanes Spring Vacation Scheme | 30 Oct 2026 | Sign up to see profile |
| Norton Rose Fulbright Training Contract | 30 Oct 2026 | Sign up to see profile |
| Pinsent Masons Summer Vacation Scheme | 4 Nov 2026 | Sign up to see profile |
| Fieldfisher First Year Scheme | 6 Nov 2026 | Sign up to access |
| Withers Training Contract | 6 Nov 2026 | Sign up to access |
Your questions, answered.
How the UK application cycle runs, and what the dates above actually mean.
When do training contract applications open?
Most UK firms open training contract applications in September or October, with deadlines commonly falling between December and July depending on the firm. Many firms recruit on a rolling basis, so applying early in the cycle is usually an advantage. The tracker above shows each firm’s current opening and closing dates.
When are vacation scheme deadlines?
Winter vacation scheme deadlines tend to fall in October and November, spring and summer scheme deadlines between November and January. Exact dates vary by firm, and popular schemes can close early when they fill up.
What is the difference between a vacation scheme and a training contract?
A vacation scheme is a short placement, usually one or two weeks, that lets you experience a firm and often doubles as an extended interview. A training contract is the two-year qualifying period of employment you complete to become a solicitor. Many firms recruit most of their trainees from their vacation schemes.
Do law firms recruit on a rolling basis?
Many do. Rolling recruitment means applications are reviewed as they arrive, and offers can be made before the published deadline. For those firms, submitting a strong application early matters more than the deadline itself.
How many firms should I apply to?
Quality beats quantity. Most successful candidates focus on a smaller number of well-researched, tailored applications rather than dozens of generic ones. Use the tracker to shortlist firms and keep on top of each deadline.