Hannah Solel (HS): What sets Hunters’ vac scheme apart from other schemes?

Amy Scollan (AS): Anyone wondering whether a career in law is for them – whether they’re just leaving university or considering a career change – would really benefit from a place on the Hunters’ vac scheme.  We’re not just going to sit our vacation students at a desk, or ask them to do the photocopying.  The scheme has been crafted to ensure that those who take part will finish the week with a real understanding of what life in a leading London law firm looks and feels like. Our participants will have the opportunity to see how all aspects of a law firm work: from marketing, to compliance, to finance.  Of course, students will spend time doing legal work within each of our departments, and will move around the firm in the same way that trainees do.

The vacation scheme won’t just be based in our wonderful Lincoln’s Inn offices.  We’ll also go and talk to some barristers about their work and how it intersects with ours; and we’ll go on a tour of the Royal Courts of Justice.  There’s also likely to be time for a quick drink in the Seven Stars pub on Carey Street (an establishment frequented by many a Lincoln’s Inn lawyer!).

Most importantly, our vacation scheme students will leave us better equipped to embark on a career in law.  We’re thrilled that the scheme will include world-class training from international speaker and presentation coach Luan de Burgh.  Luan will provide training about interview performance, how to give a presentation, and how best to present yourself in client meetings, both remotely and in real life.  I suggest that anyone who’s not familiar with Luan’s work takes a few minutes to read his articles in The Lawyer and look at his video content on YouTube.

I think our offering will be difficult to beat.

HS: Why was the scheme designed in this way? What was the thinking behind it?

AS: The programme has been designed in close collaboration with Hunters’ current trainees, and is designed to give participants as much exposure as possible to life in a law firm.   I lead the firm’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy.  Hunters is committed to doing our part to open up the profession to as wide a range of talented people as possible.   With this in mind, the scheme has been developed with ED&I at its core.

Vacation scheme students will be paid £325 per week.  We understand that not everyone can afford to take a week out of their lives unpaid; especially during the holidays, when so many people are working to support their studies.  Similarly, there is a smart-casual dress policy, so there’s no obligation for participants to buy a suit they might not be able to afford.

Additionally, we have reached far and wide to encourage applications from as broad a range of candidates as possible.  We welcome applications from final-year undergraduates in any discipline, and graduate from any discipline, whatever stage of their life and career they’ve reached.

The applications will also be shortlisted for interview on a blind/anonymous basis, to reduce the impact of unconscious bias.  We want the best candidates to apply, irrespective of background.

Our vacation scheme has been paused for the past two years because of covid, so emerging from lockdown has provided an exciting opportunity to refresh and revive it.

HS: What do you hope those attending the summer 2022 scheme will have gained after their week at Hunters?

AS: A good understanding of life in a law firm, confidence to pursue a career in law, new friends and contacts.

 HS: When is the deadline?

AS: Very soon! Thursday 28 April. Applications are made online only.

HS: Any top tips for interview process?

AS: Be yourself.  Bring your whole self to the interview, and don’t be concerned if you might be different from what you think or imagine a lawyer to be.  We welcome diversity.

For further details on the firm’s vacation scheme, or to apply, click here.