Vac Scheme or Training Contract? 7 Essential Steps You Can Take Right Now!

Enhance Your Opportunities

The competition in the graduate recruitment landscape is at an all-time high, with unprecedented numbers of students pursuing law degrees and a growing contingent of non-law graduates opting to transition into the field. The allure is clear: promising career advancement, appealing salaries, and intellectually stimulating work that is billed by the hour.

However, when that rejection email arrives, it can feel like the goal is slipping further away. The essential thing to remember is that it only takes one affirmative response. Nearly every accomplished lawyer I’ve spoken with has faced rejection before achieving their current success.

If you haven’t secured a vacation scheme or training contract just yet, keep pressing on. Many of the top firms in the country still have application deadlines open until June, which means there’s still time to act.

Here’s how to make the most of that time:

1. Register for Dynamic Export’s Spring Virtual Vacation Scheme and Law Fair

You might think this is a self-serving recommendation (and to an extent, it is). Nevertheless, I believe no event has been more beneficial in guiding my applications. The event takes place from 23–25 March and features only firms that still have open deadlines.

The virtual law fair was incredibly helpful for my applications. Hearing directly from early talent teams and current trainees provided valuable insights into succeeding in the application process and what life is truly like at the firm. You can participate from the comfort of your home and freely visit as many different firm booths as you wish. Firms I hadn’t considered before came onto my radar, while others I thought were ideal gradually fell off my list.

The virtual vacation scheme also helped me gain a better understanding of the work performed by commercial lawyers. Workshops break down various practice areas, with experienced lawyers discussing their day-to-day responsibilities. I attended one that clarified projects work, an area I hadn’t previously considered seriously, and it became a topic I researched further and mentioned in my applications. Each workshop includes a case study that simulates real-life tasks, making it excellent preparation for assessment centers.

2. Familiarize Yourself with Different Practice Areas

The term ‘commercial law’ encompasses a wide range of specializations. Within this domain, commercial lawyers might focus on areas such as corporate law, dispute resolution, employment, finance, intellectual property, real estate, sustainability, technology, and many others. During a standard training contract, trainees rotate through four six-month ‘seats’ (i.e., areas of practice), so having a broad understanding of the work conducted in each area is advantageous.

The best way to gain exposure often comes through webinars. Dynamic Export hosts webinars with leading firms that spotlight their various practice area specializations throughout the application season. Participating in these not only enhances your knowledge but also provides concrete points to reference in applications, showcasing genuine interest in both the firm and its operations.

If you seek additional resources, the Dynamic Export Podcast has recently launched its ‘Practice Area Deep Dive’ series.

3. Understand the Role of a Commercial Lawyer

It’s one thing to know that corporate lawyers may advise on mergers or that projects lawyers might engage in significant infrastructure developments. It’s another to articulate what that entails in practice: the documents drafted, the queries clients have, and what a typical day looks like. Engaging with lawyers through LinkedIn, attending open days, or joining webinars offers invaluable insights into the day-to-day reality of the role. Grasping this reality will assist you in addressing the often-challenging application staple: “Why commercial law?”

If you can clearly explain what the role entails and why it genuinely excites you, your enthusiasm for applying will stand out.

4. Know What Trainee Lawyers Do

Understanding the responsibilities of trainees and how they differ from those of senior lawyers is equally important. In dispute resolution, a trainee might handle disclosure tasks, create initial drafts of court documents, and ensure all procedural requirements are fulfilled. However, they are unlikely to determine the litigation strategy.

In corporate law, a trainee may conduct due diligence, draft supporting documents, and communicate with internal departments. However, they typically won’t lead negotiations. This distinction is significant. A training contract represents a considerable investment for a firm, as most firms cover law school fees and pay a trainee salary that can exceed £60k over two years. Firms want to see that you have conducted your research and understand the role you are applying for—that of a trainee, not a senior associate or partner.

5. Cultivate Your Commercial Awareness

To use a somewhat cliché analogy, commercial awareness is akin to a muscle. If you don’t exercise it, it weakens! No one becomes ‘commercially aware’ overnight, but there’s no better time to start than now. A useful introduction is All You Need To Know About The City by Chris Stoakes, which provides a quick overview of business and economic concepts in straightforward language.

Regularly consuming business news is equally crucial. The Financial Times and The Economist are excellent resources if you have access, while CityAM is a reliable free alternative. If you encounter unfamiliar terms while reading, create your own glossary and jot down any jargon for future reference.

Another useful practice is to ask yourself: ‘What impact might this news story have on a law firm and its clients?’ This exercise is beneficial for applications and interviews, as well as essential in practice.

6. Keep Track of Deadlines

Lack of organization can derail an otherwise strong application cycle. Life tends to get busy as deadlines approach. Make it a point to record important dates well in advance and plan backwards, allowing yourself ample time for research, drafting, and revisions. Submitting a hurried application at midnight rarely showcases your best efforts. Good organizational skills not only enhance quality but also help maintain your peace of mind.

7. Strengthen Your CV

A solid academic record alone no longer suffices to secure a prestigious position. Firms seek well-rounded candidates who possess transferable skills and a demonstrable passion for commercial law. If possible, engage in extracurricular activities. The skills you develop are transferable to a corporate setting, including teamwork, leadership, communication, and organization—topics you can discuss in your applications.

Participating in virtual internships, such as Forage, and virtual vacation schemes can also demonstrate your commitment to this career path and bolster your skillset. Additionally, attending webinars and legal events can be beneficial. While you shouldn’t name every event you’ve attended, referencing one that is particularly relevant to the firm—especially if they hosted it—can help you stand out among other candidates.

Final Thoughts

If you don’t secure a training contract this cycle, remember that time hasn’t been wasted. During my first application cycle, I had little understanding of the process. Looking back at those applications now, I feel a sense of embarrassment. However, that experience—answering application questions, navigating online tests, and preparing for interviews—laid the groundwork for the following year when I approached applications with significantly more clarity and focus.

Time flies, and before you know it, September will be here. By taking some time this summer to reflect on which firms truly interest you and conducting early research, you’ll be in a much stronger position for the next cycle and significantly less stressed when deadlines approach.

Rejection may sting, but remember it only takes one affirmative response!

Interested in connecting with top law firms from the comfort of your own home? Join us for The Dynamic Export Spring Virtual Vacation Scheme and Law Fair 2026, happening from Monday, 23 March to Wednesday, 25 March 2026. Register now to participate!