Vacation Scheme

Dentons' two-week Vacation Scheme gives candidates the opportunity to experience life at a global commercial law firm while working on real client matters.

From the beginning of the scheme, participants join one of Dentons' practice areas and work alongside a supervisor and wider team. The programme combines practical legal work with training, networking and development opportunities, giving participants an insight into the work of a commercial lawyer and the culture of Dentons.

What the Scheme Involves

Participants will work on real client work and challenging tasks, gaining practical experience and contributing to their team's work.

The programme also includes interactive training sessions and Lunch & Learns with teams including Responsible Business, Talent Development and Pro Bono. Firm-wide networking and social events provide opportunities to meet lawyers, trainees and other colleagues across Dentons.

Participants will develop their commercial awareness and legal knowledge while gaining a better understanding of the different practice areas and career opportunities available within the firm.

From Vacation Scheme to Training Contract

The Vacation Scheme is Dentons' sole route to the UK and Dublin Trainee Solicitor Programme.

Participants are assessed for the Trainee Solicitor Programme throughout the two-week scheme. Performance during the placement and a final reflective interview form part of the assessment process.

Candidates do not need to submit a separate application for the Trainee Solicitor Programme after completing the Vacation Scheme. Successful candidates are assessed for a training contract in the same office where they completed their Vacation Scheme.

Vacation Scheme Dates

The 2027 schemes are scheduled as follows:

Location Dates
London 5–16 April 2027
Milton Keynes 5–16 April 2027
Scotland 7–18 June 2027
Dublin 14–25 June 2027
Middle East July/August 2027

Who Can Apply

The eligibility requirements vary according to location.

London and Milton Keynes

Applicants must be:

Penultimate-year England and Wales LLB Law students.
Final-year non-law students.
Graduates.
Students undertaking the two-year accelerated England and Wales Law LLB.

Applicants must also have the right to work in the location for which they are applying. Dentons does not sponsor candidates for a visa for the Vacation Scheme.

Scotland

Applicants must be studying for a Scots Law LLB and be in their penultimate year, final year or already graduated. Students undertaking the two-year accelerated Scots Law LLB are also eligible.

Dublin

The Dublin Vacation Scheme is open to applicants from all degree disciplines who are in their penultimate year, final year or have graduated.

Candidates should have strong academic performance, including at least 480 points in the Irish Leaving Certificate or equivalent post-16 education, together with a 2:1 or higher undergraduate degree.

Middle East

The Middle East Vacation Scheme is available to eligible candidates who meet Dentons' requirements for the relevant office and have the right to work in the location.

Payment

Vacation Scheme participants receive £500 or €500 per week, depending on location, together with a £250 or €250 grant.

The two-week programme therefore provides paid work experience alongside the opportunity to be assessed for a future training contract.

Practice Areas

Practice areas are allocated according to availability. Candidates cannot choose their specific practice area in advance, but the Vacation Scheme provides opportunities to learn about the different practice areas operating in the chosen location and meet lawyers from across the firm.

Dentons' UK practice is organised across Commercial, Corporate, Real Estate, Banking and Dispute Resolution. Work can involve areas including technology, media and telecommunications, employment, projects, mergers and acquisitions, competition, tax, real estate, banking, restructuring, litigation and regulatory matters.

What Dentons Looks For

Dentons' recruitment process is designed to assess candidates beyond grades and previous experience.

The firm looks at how candidates approach challenges, work with others and demonstrate their motivation to pursue a career in law. The recruitment process is intended to give candidates opportunities to demonstrate their potential throughout the different stages rather than relying solely on academic achievement.

Recruitment Process

Applications for Dentons' Vacation Schemes follow a structured recruitment process:

Application form
Online assessment
Interview
Assessment centre

The online assessment includes scenario-based, numerical and verbal questions. It is designed to assess how candidates approach different work-related situations and does not require prior legal knowledge or experience.

Dentons reviews applications after the relevant deadline rather than on a rolling basis, so there is no advantage to submitting an application immediately after applications open.

Deadline: 23 November 2026