Vacation schemes

We offer vacation schemes in our Basingstoke, Birmingham, Cambridge, Guildford, London, Oxford and Reading offices. You will spend time working in one of the firm’s practice areas in either business services, dispute resolution, private individuals or real estate. Throughout the week you will gain hands-on experience, enabling you to develop an understanding of our work and culture.

About the programme

There will be opportunities to be involved in real assignments, such as drafting documents, attending client and team meetings, conducting research, or occasionally attending court hearings and arbitrations. You’ll be allocated a trainee buddy and a senior mentor, who will be on hand to support and guide you throughout your time with us. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet our CEO to learn more about the firm’s vision and strategic objectives, and to network with colleagues across the firm.

Key information

We run one winter and two summer vacation schemes annually, each lasting one week. There are 12 places available per scheme. Not all offices will host vacation schemes during these weeks, so please check location availability before applying. The dates for the next recruitment cycle are as follows:

Winter scheme: Monday 15 December – Friday 19 December 2025
Summer scheme one: Monday 15 June – Friday 19 June 2026
Summer scheme two: Monday 29 June – Friday 3 July 2026

The programme is paid: £485 in London and £445 in other UK locations, helping to cover travel and accommodation costs. This will be paid in advance of the scheme. In addition, we provide a daily subsistence allowance to cover lunch expenses during your time with us.

Application process

Applications for both our winter and summer vacation schemes will open on Monday 15 September. Please note that each programme has a different deadline – details below.

If you apply for a vacation scheme, you’ll automatically be considered for our 2028 trainee solicitor programme. During the week, you’ll be assessed to determine whether you’re invited to a final-round training contract interview, which will take place after your scheme. The way we assess candidates can vary from year to year, but it often includes a written exercise alongside feedback from your supervisor and trainee buddies.

If you require individual arrangements or adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the early careers team at  traineepost@penningtonslaw.com.

What are we looking for?

The vacation scheme is primarily aimed at candidates looking to begin a training contract in two years’ time. While there may be opportunities to start earlier (subject to completion of certain qualifications), this is not guaranteed. We’re looking for dedicated, diverse candidates with a strong academic record and commercial awareness.

Eligibility criteria

penultimate or final-year law undergraduates, final-year non-law undergraduates, postgraduates and career changers;
no minimum A-level grade requirements;
having, or being on track for, a 2:1 degree in any discipline;
a commitment to a career in law;
being a great team player; and
exceptional communication skills.

We understand that extenuating circumstances can affect academic performance. If you don’t meet these criteria and feel your grades aren’t a true reflection of your abilities, please include some context in your application, and this will be taken into consideration.