London Vacation Scheme 2027

BCLP is a global law firm with a major London practice advising leading businesses on complex legal matters. The London office has a strong focus on areas including real estate, financial services and corporate transactions, alongside a broad range of other commercial practices. Its lawyers work with major international clients and collaborate across BCLP's global network.

The Vacation Scheme

BCLP's two-week London Vacation Scheme is designed to give students direct experience of life at the firm and the work carried out by its lawyers.

Each scheme takes approximately 15 students, allowing participants to work closely with lawyers and gain meaningful exposure to the firm's practice. Participants become part of a legal team and are given the opportunity to work on live projects rather than simply observe the work of others.

What Participants Can Expect

Participants are involved in a range of activities during the two-week programme, including legal research, client meetings, court runs and presentations.

The scheme also includes partner-led talks and workshops, giving participants an opportunity to learn more about the firm's practice and the work undertaken by its lawyers. Participants have lunch with partners and meet regularly with their supervisor throughout the scheme.

The programme is designed to provide a realistic introduction to working at BCLP and to give participants an opportunity to experience the firm's working environment first-hand.

Working in London

BCLP's London office provides exposure to high-profile commercial work across a range of sectors. The firm highlights its work with major FTSE 100 and Fortune Global 500 clients and its involvement in cross-border matters spanning more than 130 countries.

The office operates in an open-plan environment where lawyers at different levels work closely together. The firm's London recruitment materials emphasise collaboration, mentorship and direct client exposure as important parts of the trainee experience.

Eligibility

The London Vacation Scheme is open to:

Law students: Second and third-year students, or third and fourth-year students on a four-year law degree.

Non-law students: Third-year students, or final-year students on a four-year non-law degree.

Graduates and postgraduates: Graduates and postgraduate students from any discipline.

BCLP welcomes applications from graduates of any discipline and from any university. The firm also uses the Rare Contextual Recruitment System as part of its recruitment process.

Application Process

The application process for the London Vacation Scheme is the same as the process used for BCLP's London Training Contract.

Online Application

Candidates complete an online application form covering areas including career motivation, the skills required to become a successful solicitor, reasons for applying to BCLP and commercial awareness.

Online Assessment

Candidates who progress are invited to complete BCLP's bespoke online assessment. The strengths-based assessment includes scenario-based questions designed to test situational judgement, critical reasoning and verbal reasoning.

First-Stage Interview

Successful candidates are invited to a first-stage interview with two Associates or members of the recruitment team.

Assessment Centre

Candidates who progress through the interview stage attend an assessment centre where they are assessed by BCLP Partners. Successful candidates are then offered a place on the Vacation Scheme.

From Vacation Scheme to Training Contract

The London Vacation Scheme is closely connected to BCLP's graduate recruitment process. It provides candidates with an opportunity to experience the firm before deciding whether to pursue a career there.

Candidates who apply for the Vacation Scheme and are unsuccessful cannot be reconsidered for a London Direct Training Contract during the same recruitment cycle. They may, however, apply again in a future recruitment season.

Training at BCLP

BCLP's London training contract involves four six-month rotations across different parts of the business. Trainees receive department-specific training, work on live client matters and are encouraged to develop both contentious and non-contentious experience.

Trainees can also undertake client and international secondments. BCLP states that trainees receive 232 hours of training by the time they qualify.

Why Apply?

The BCLP London Vacation Scheme provides an opportunity to experience the firm's work directly, rather than simply learning about it through presentations. Participants work on live projects, meet lawyers and partners, attend workshops and gain insight into the type of work undertaken by trainees.

For students considering a career at BCLP, the scheme also provides an opportunity to understand the firm's working environment and assess whether it is the right setting for their own career.

Key Dates

Applications open: 13 October 2026

Application deadline: 4 January 2027 at 12:00 UTC

Vacation Scheme 1: 30 March to 9 April 2027

Vacation Scheme 2: 12 to 23 April 2027

BCLP runs approximately 15 places on each London Vacation Scheme.

How to Apply

Candidates interested in the BCLP London Vacation Scheme 2027 should apply through BCLP's graduate recruitment process when applications open on 13 October 2026.