Allen & Overy

Get an insight into Allen & Overy

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 practice?  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 placements offer.  We offer three programmes - winter, spring and summer - and have approximately 120 vacancies available throughout the year.

In each of our placements you will assist your trainer - a partner or associate - on real deals and sit in two departments (one during the shorter winter and spring programmes).  We will ask you in advance what area interests you most.

Alongside your legal work you will join with fellow vacation students on a case study project designed to sharpen your research skills and expose you to our broad range of practice areas.  In addition, our workshops, practice area presentations and other talks have been designed to inform you about our work and help you to develop the skills you need to be a successful commercial lawyer, such as negotiation, presentation and interview skills.

During your placement there will also be plenty of time to socialise with other Allen & Overy people and we'll pair you up with a "buddy" - a current trainee who will be able to answer your questions, offer you advice and generally help you feel at home during your time with us.  Informal drinks with your department, lunches with your buddy and social events organised by the Graduate Recruitment team are just some of the opportunities you will have to get to know us.

Winter

Our five day Winter vacation programme is for finalists, graduates and career-changers from any degree discipline.  The programme runs in December.

We will be accepting applications for this year's Winter vacation programme from 1 October - 31 October 2008.

The next Winter vacation programme will be held from 15 December - 19 December 2008.

Spring

Our Spring vacation programme runs for ten days during the Easter vacation period.  It's for penultimate year undergraduates (and second years on a four-year course featuring a third year abroad) from any degree discipline, and may suit if you have a busy summer planned or want to get some legal work experience at a different time of the year.

The next Spring vacation programme will be held from 30 March - 8 April 2009.

Click here for application dates.

Summer

Our three week Summer vacation programme is also for penultimate year undergraduates (and second years on a four-year course featuring a third year abroad) from any degree discipline.

The 2009 Summer vacation placements will be held on the following dates:

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

Click here for application dates.

International Internships

As a new addition to our summer vacation programmes, our international internships allow a total of 12 students to work in one of four key international offices (Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong and New York), following a three week placement in London.

Take a look at our application timetable for further details about how and when to apply.