Vacation Schemes
Our vacation schemes are so much more than two or three weeks of work experience in a law firm. They're a launch pad for your career. Around three quarters of our trainees are recruited through the vacation scheme, so it's a fantastic opportunity for you to stand out and get started on your journey. Apply today to develop your skills, build your network and experience life at the firm.
With three-week programmes running in the summer and a two-week programme running in the winter, our vacation schemes are the perfect way to take the first steps into your journey as a lawyer.
You'll be treated like one of the team and experience the recognition and support you’ll get as a Hogan Lovells Cadwalader trainee – getting involved in major client projects across a range of practices and jurisdictions. We’ll give you an authentic, challenging and rewarding experience, so you can get a real taste of your career ahead. Whether you find yourself drafting documents, attending client meetings, researching cases or even in court, you'll be guided by our experts and working alongside similarly talented and ambitious potential lawyers.
At the end of the scheme, having experienced exactly what it’s like to work as part of our team, advise our clients and develop skills on real projects – you’ll have an automatic interview to earn a training contract with us.
Winter
Scheme runs 30 November - 11 December 2026
Applications open: 1 September 2026
Applications close: 5 October 2026
Apply for Winter Vacation Scheme
Summer
Scheme 1: 21 June – 9 July 2027
Scheme 2: 19 July – 6 August 2027
Applications open: 1 September 2026
Applications close: 10 December 2026
Apply for Summer Vacation Scheme
Salary - £500 per week
What we look for
Adaptable
People who love to meet changing demands and find the best fit.
.webp "Ambition")
Ambition
People who are self-motivated and push themselves hard.
.webp "Collaboration")
Collaboration
People who enjoy achieving results by working as part of a team.
Critical Reasoning
The ability to evaluate information efficiently and to make evidence-based judgements in the workplace.
.webp "Effective Communication")
Effective Communication
Ability to communicate clearly with colleagues and clients through effective listening, speaking and writing.
Growth
People who look for ways to grow and develop, whatever they are doing.
.webp "Initiative")
Initiative
People who take the initiative and make decisions, to get things started.
.webp "Innovation")
Innovation
People who approach things in ingenious and new ways.
Motivation
Motivation for a career in commercial law at Hogan Lovells Cadwalader.
.webp "Personal Responsibility")
Personal Responsibility
People who take ownership of their decisions and are always accountable.
.webp "asset-7")
Resilience
People who take hardships in their stride, recovering quickly and moving on.
.webp "Technology Focus")
Technology Focus
People who focus on technology, keeping up to date with new developments.
.webp "Work Ethic")
Work Ethic
People who are very hard working and put a lot of effort into everything.
Before you apply, do your homework.
Before submitting your application to Hogan Lovells Cadwalader trainee, it’s essential to understand the firm’s culture, values, and practice areas. One great way to gain insight is by tuning in to the HLC Legal Lounge podcast. Hosted by Hogan Lovells Cadwalader trainees and featuring a mix of interviews and topical discussions, the podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at life at the firm - from landmark cases to career journeys and practical tips for aspiring lawyers.
Candidate Preparation Hub
Before you apply to us, we recommend you visit our candidate preparation hub, where you’ll be able to find out more about our assessment process and access practice tests and hints and tips.
.webp)
Have a Question?
Our Early Careers team receive hundreds of questions every week - so there’s a good chance yours is already answered! Check out our FAQ section first to find quick, clear answers before getting in touch.
.webp)