Vacation schemes

Gain first-hand experience of life at Penningtons Manches Cooper and discover what it’s like to build a career with us. Our vacation schemes offer students and aspiring solicitors the opportunity to experience our collaborative culture, work on real legal matters and develop a deeper understanding of the legal profession. Schemes are available in our Birmingham, Cambridge, Guildford, London and Oxford offices.

Key information

We run two one-week vacation schemes each year:

Spring vacation scheme: 12 April – 16 April 2027

Summer vacation scheme: 28 June – 2 July 2027

There are 12 places available on each scheme. Please note that not all offices participate in every scheme, so we recommend checking office availability before applying.

Our vacation schemes are paid to help cover travel and accommodation expenses, with participants in London receiving £485 and those based in our other UK locations receiving £445. Payment is made in advance of the scheme, and participants also receive a daily allowance towards lunch costs during their placement.

Application process

Applications for both the Spring and Summer 2027 vacation schemes open on 5 October 2026.

Application
Submit your application and tell us more about your academics and work experience.

Video interview
We’ve introduced a video interview stage to help bring your application to life. Through an AI-powered platform, Bright Apply, you’ll have the opportunity to share your reasons for applying to Penningtons Manches Cooper and demonstrate the skills, strengths and potential that make you a great fit for the firm.

Assessment centre
Successful candidates will be invited to attend an online assessment centre where we’ll explore your strengths, motivations and potential through a range of activities including a; one to one interview, written exercise and a fictitious client interview. Assessment centres run between January- March.

Vacation scheme
In March candidates will be informed if they have been successful in securing a place on one of our vacation schemes. Irrespective of the outcome the Early Careers team will provide you with feedback from the assessment centre to help with your development in the future.

Pathway to a training contract

Our vacation schemes are a key route into our trainee solicitor programme.

When you apply for a vacation scheme, you’ll automatically be considered for our 2029 trainee solicitor intake. During the scheme, you’ll be assessed through a combination of practical exercises and performance feedback. Successful candidates may be invited to a final-round training contract interview following completion of the scheme.

What we’re looking for

We’re seeking talented, ambitious individuals who are passionate about pursuing a career in law and who demonstrate:

• strong academic achievement and intellectual curiosity;
• commercial awareness and an interest in our clients’ sectors;
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• a collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively as part of a team;
• motivation, resilience and a willingness to learn.

Eligibility criteria

Applications are welcomed from:

• penultimate and final-year law undergraduates;
• final-year non-law undergraduates;
• postgraduate students;
• career changers;
• candidates who have achieved, or are on track to achieve, a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in any discipline.

We do not have minimum A-level grade requirements.

We recognise that individual circumstances can affect academic performance. If your grades do not reflect your abilities due to extenuating circumstances, please provide details within the mitigating circumstances section of your application so these can be considered fairly.