No surprises here: the first step in law is often research! If you’re looking for a vac scheme, start by researching firms that you think will be a good fit for you – both in terms of the areas of law they specialise in as well as their culture. Since application forms take time to fill out, it’s worth applying to a few firms that are more likely to be a good fit for you, rather than firing off generic applications to as many firms as possible. A good way to find out about whether firms have a good culture is by reading the Firm of the Year results on RollOnFriday or by reading the inside view on Chambers Student Guide. Make a shortlist of your favourite firms and prioritise their applications.
Summer schemes usually open in Autumn and close at the end of January – so make sure you’ve given yourself enough time in advance to prepare. And don’t despair if you’re too late, as some firms will run other vacation schemes or work experience programs at Easter or in the winter. Researching all your options will help you out here.
Focus on the quality, not the quantity of your applications. Firms will respond better to applications that are specific and show an interest in working for the firm in question. HR are not interested in reading another copy-and-paste submission!
Use your extra-curricular credentials! Many application forms contain questions about your strengths and skills. You can also take it for granted that most other applicants that you are competing with will have grades that are just as good as yours or better. So anything you have done outside of classes can help you stand out and show off your skills. Have you improved your teamwork or leadership abilities? If so, then mention it in your application!
Having any prior work experience is a great boost to your application. See if you can get a placement or work-shadowing opportunity somewhere (even if it is just for a day or two). Look for opportunities with local firms, and send some speculative emails stating that you would like to undertake some work experience, asking if this is something they could offer. Remember that you can take advantage of this at any point in your degree.
Volunteering is another great way to stand out and demonstrate your skills too. And if you can find a way of volunteering that’s relevant to an area of law, even better.
Finally, take advantage of the resources at your law school. Talk to your careers advisor. Talk to your tutors and skills advisors. They might have good ideas about how you can stand out in your application.
Good luck!