Allen & Overy

Gain some first-hand experience

Choosing the right career is a big decision. There are lots of questions you need to ask yourself. What type of law do I want to practise? What type of firm would suit me best? What will the work really be like? The best way to answer these questions is to get first-hand experience of life in a law firm and that's exactly what our vacation schemes offer.

During your placement you will assist a partner or senior associate on real deals. You will sit in two departments (one in the shorter winter and spring programmes) and we will ask you in advance what area most interests you. You'll also work with fellow vacation placement students on a case study project designed to sharpen your research skills and expose you to our broad range of practice areas. We'll pair you up with a "buddy" – a current trainee who'll be able to answer your questions, offer you advice and generally help you feel at home during your time with us.

Alongside your legal work you'll take part in workshops and attend presentations and talks aimed at informing you about our work and helping you to develop the skills you need to be a successful commercial lawyer such as negotiation, presentation and interview skills.

There's also plenty of time to socialise with other Allen & Overy people during your placement. There are informal drinks with your department, lunches with your buddy and social events organised by the Graduate Recruitment team. 

Schemes are held in our London office during the winter, spring and summer vacations. Spring and summer schemes are for undergraduates at the end of their penultimate year of study of their undergraduate degree, or at the end of the second year of a four-year course if the third year is spent abroad.  Applications are welcomed from both law and non-law students.  Winter schemes are for final year non-law undergraduates and graduates.  We pay our vacation placement students £250 per week.  For details on when to apply please see our application timetable.

The 2008/2009 Vacation programmes will be held on the following dates:

Winter: Monday 15 December - Friday 19 December

Spring: Monday 30 March - Wednesday 8 April

Summer:  Monday 15 June - Friday 3 July; Monday 6 July - Friday 24 July; Monday 27 July - Friday 14 August

Our Open Days provide a fantastic insight into the real work of an international legal practice and the career opportunities available with us. They are run throughout the year, in November, January, April and June. These days will give you an in-depth insight into our work environment and culture.  For further information on our open days please click here.