Vacation Scheme 2025 - Cambridge

We offer vacation scheme placements 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. 

A large proportion of our training contract positions are recruited through our vacation scheme, so if this is your end goal, applying for the scheme is a good route to take. If you are applying for our Vacation Scheme Programme in 2025 you will also be applying for our Trainee Solicitor Programme in 2027 and do not need to make a separate application

We run one Spring and two Summer vacation schemes each year. There are ten places available on each scheme across all of our locations. The dates of our 2025 vacation schemes are as follows: 

Spring scheme: Monday 7 April - Friday 11 April 2025

Summer scheme one: Monday 9 June - Friday 13 June 2025 

Summer scheme two: Monday 23 June - Friday 27 June 2025 

Throughout the week you will get hands-on experience enabling you to develop an understanding of our work and culture. You can expect to be involved in real assignments, whether this be drafting documents, attending client and team meetings, conducting research and sometimes even attending court hearings or arbitrations.  You will be allocated a trainee buddy and senior mentor who will be on hand to support and guide you throughout your time with us.  During your week at the firm, you can also expect to get involved with:  

• Introductory sessions to our practice areas; 
• Team building session with your fellow vacation scheme participants;  
• The opportunity to meet with our CEO to learn more about the firm’s vision and strategic objectives; 
• The chance to meet members of our PennFuture committee, our junior lawyer led networks that aim to bring together junior lawyers from each of our offices; and 
• Networking and social opportunities with colleagues across the firm. 

The vacation scheme is open to candidates who are planning to take up a training contract in two years’ time.  We are looking for dedicated, diverse candidates with a strong academic record and commercial awareness.   

Eligibility criteria:    

• Penultimate year or final year law undergraduate, final year non-law undergraduate or post-graduates/career changers 
• No minimum A-Level grade requirements   
• Have, or be on track for a 2:1 degree in any discipline  
• Dedicated to a career in law 
• Be a great team player 
• Have exceptional communication skills    

We understand that extenuating circumstances can happen during studies and therefore if you do not meet these criteria and feel that your grades do not reflect your abilities, please include the context of this within your application and this will be considered.

At our firm, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a priority and at the heart of everything we do. We actively want to attract a diverse workforce and welcome applications from everyone, from all backgrounds. We are committed to promoting an inclusive culture where everyone can be their full selves and experience being seen and heard. You can find out more about our firm’s commitment, initiatives and Pennclusion committees here.

We ensure that there are equal opportunities and treatment for all job applicants and employees, at all stages of the recruitment process and employment, regardless of age, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and social background.

We are committed to ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to apply and be considered for any role, and our recruitment process is accessible to all candidates. If you would like to request an adjustment (including requests for alternative formats) to our process, please contact the early careers team at TraineePost@penningtonslaw.com