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Careers

UK - Winter Vacation Scheme

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Uniquely You at Ashurst Perkins Coie

What better way to experience working life in a global law firm than by attending our Winter Vacation Scheme.

You will step into the shoes of a trainee at Ashurst Perkins Coie while spending time getting to know our practice groups over the course of one week. This opportunity allows you to learn about the work we do, the clients we work with and most importantly, you get to experience Ashurst Perkins Coie culture.

Our scheme will build your skills and knowledge and you will find no two days will be the same.

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What we can offer you

Guaranteed Training Contract interview

We guarantee all Vacation Scheme participants the opportunity to interview for a Training Contract with two of our partners at the end of your scheme.

Supportive environment

You will be allocated work and be supervised by one of our lawyers who will provide you with stimulating on the job tasks. We will also match you with a mentor who can support you and offer guidance.

Learning and Development

Through our induction sessions, practical workshops, team building events and networking opportunities you will be able to develop and hone the key skills needed to be a successful trainee.

Benefits

You will be paid £650 per week.

SMART Commitment

Ashurst Perkins Coie is a partner of Aspiring Solicitors' Social Mobility and Real Talent (SMART) Commitment initiative. The program provides confidential funding for eligible candidates from lower socio-economic backgrounds to cover business attire and accommodation costs during Ashurst Perkins Coie's Vacation Scheme. Participation is confidential and anonymous. Details on applying for support are given to successful Vacation Scheme candidates.

The recruitment process

Applications are open to finalists and graduates of all degree disciplines. To qualify, you should be on track to achieve a 2.1 in your undergraduate degree.

If you haven't met this criteria and there are mitigating circumstances, you will have an opportunity to provide us with this information on your application.

Our online application form allows you to showcase your talent, your passion for the industry and your knowledge of our firm. You will have the opportunity to share your insights into the legal industry and more details about yourself.

Note:
You cannot apply for both a vacation scheme and a training contract in the same recruitment window. Please only apply for one opportunity during the recruitment window. If you complete a vacation scheme with us, you will be interviewed for a training contract at the end of the scheme.

After the application closing date, we will ask you to complete an online assessment. The assessment measures a range of critical reasoning and behavioral strengths that align to a trainee role at Ashurst Perkins Coie. The assessment has been designed to give you a realistic preview into life at the firm and the types of scenarios you might experience as a trainee.

While we recommend completing the online assessment in one sitting, it is untimed so you can complete it at your own pace. It will take around 60 minutes to complete, and you will have 7 days to complete the test once from the time you receive the link. Once completed, you will be sent an individual feedback report outlining your key strengths and development areas.

You can learn about the types of questions you may be asked in the assessment here. Please note that if you do not complete the test within the specified time, we will be unable to progress your application.

If you meet the requirements of the online tests and application, you may be invited to book a place at an online assessment center. You will complete a written case study facilitated by a member of the Early Careers team. This exercise is designed to evaluate your analytical and problem-solving skills.

If you reach the benchmark at the assessment center, you will be invited to the final stage, which involves attending an in-person assessment day at our office. During this stage, you will meet current trainees for a Q&A session and take part in a guided tour of the office to learn more about Ashurst Perkins Coie . The process includes a group exercise to assess your teamwork, collaboration, and further analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as an interview with an Associate and a member of the Early Careers team.

We are committed to making all stages of our recruitment process accessible to candidates with disabilities or long-term health conditions. If you consider yourself to have a disability or a long-term health condition, please feel able to be open about this at any point during the recruitment process. If you are not sure what adjustments you require, we will work with you to establish the most suitable adjustments at each stage of the recruitment process. Please note that our online application form includes a section which allows you to advise us of any extenuating circumstances that are relevant for us to consider when reviewing your application form.

Please get in touch if you would like to talk to us about any queries you may have on your disability or long-term health condition and the recruitment process. Any information disclosed on your disability will remain strictly confidential.

Key dates

Applications for our Winter Vacation Scheme program 2026 will open in August 2026.

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Case studies

UK Winter Vacation Scheme - trainee perspectives

Read what trainees Tara Khanna and Milly Rawlinson had to say about their experience on our Winter Vacation Scheme.

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Case studies

Commercial Awareness and Legal Tech - Saba Nasrolahi

"Commercial Awareness needs to be grown organically so that you are able to use it practically and genuinely"

Read more
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Case studies

Trainee Insights by Kelsey Reid-Jones

Kelsey discusses her journey to Ashurst Perkins Coie and life as a member of the Global Loans team.

Read more
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Applicant Resource Hub

For answers to all of your FAQs and information on application and interview tips, the benefits we provide, life at Ashurst Perkins Coie, our L&D programs and our commitments to diversity, inclusion, and opportunity for all.

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Diversity, Inclusion & Opportunity

We have deep and enduring commitments to diversity, inclusion, and opportunity for all.

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Contact us

If you can’t find answers to your questions on this page or on the Applicant Resource Hub then please contact our Early Careers team.

Agencies

Agency submissions and candidate introductions will only be accepted with prior approval from a member of the Ashurst Perkins Coie Talent Acquisition team. To submit or introduce a candidate, an agency must have valid agreed terms of business in place with Ashurst Perkins Coie. Any agency submissions or candidate introductions made without prior approval or without the agreed terms of business in place will be considered invalid.

Privacy Policy UK

Ashurst Perkins Coie is committed to protecting your privacy. For more information on how we collect and use your data during the recruitment process for Early Careers opportunities in the UK, please visit our Early Careers UK Privacy Policy.