Vacation Scheme

The week will comprise a series of practical exercises, talks and networking opportunities within our Film, Television & Games, Music, Corporate & Commercial, Employment, Immigration and Dispute Resolution teams.  Each attendee will receive £400 towards their expenses during the five day programme.

We typically aim to recruit trainee solicitors from the vacation scheme to join our funded 3-year training programme, run in collaboration with the College of Legal Practice.  The programme enables you to combine working with studying for the SQE exams. Click here for more information about the SQE programme.

All details can be found below, including the requirements, application form, deadline and process.

Timings and Availability

We hope the information below will assist candidates in planning their availability:

• Vacation scheme interviews will take place at our offices during the weeks of 18 and 25 May and week commencing 1 June.
• Applicants will need to be available to participate in the vacation scheme at our London offices from 29 June – 3 July 2026.
• Participants of the vacation scheme who are subsequently offered a place on our training programme, will need to be available to join the firm on a full-time basis from September/October 2026.

Application Requirements and Considerations

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our teams and we welcome and encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in our workforce and across the legal profession.   We’re keen to see applications from anyone who:

• Demonstrates a genuine commitment to pursuing a career as a solicitor in the worlds in which we are immersed: media, technology and the creative industries; and

• Has an academic background evidencing the applicant’s ability to cope with the demands of the role of a solicitor – we will only consider applicants to have graduated and attained a 2.1 degree in Law OR graduated and attained a 2.1 degree in another subject and completed the law conversion (GDL or the equivalent) by time of joining.  If you have extenuating circumstances on attainment level let us know, and we will consider your application.

Interviews

Applicants will be notified by no later than 12 June 2026 whether they are being offered an interview for a place on our vacation scheme. Full details and suggested preparation will be sent to candidates ahead of time to support them to perform at their best during the recruitment process.

Reasonable Adjustments

We are committed to supporting all candidates to give their best throughout the recruitment process. For some candidates, appropriate adjustments to the environment or process can provide the support they need to reach their potential. Therefore, please do let us know if you require any adjustments for the interview/recruitment process and contact the People Team so we can implement provisions prior to your arrival. We can be contacted by email at peopleteam@leeandthompson.com. Any information that you provide for the purposes of making reasonable adjustments will not form any part of the decision-making process.

Applications Process and Tips

Please download and complete our application form:

Vac Scheme 2026 – Application Form

Once downloaded, please enable editing to complete your form. As part of the application form, you have an opportunity to write a personal statement and to let us know more about you and your passion for a career in the law.  Click here for some tips on completing this part of the form.

Please note that CV-only applications will not be considered.

Deadline

The completed form should be emailed to: vacscheme@leeandthompson.com to reach us by 5:00pm on Friday 3 April 2026 (any applications received after this will not be considered).