Vacation Scheme
About the Scheme
Our Vacation Scheme is designed to give those considering applying for a Solicitor Training Contract starting in September the opportunity to experience working with a top-tier corporate law firm and learning from our legal professionals.
Students can expect to spend a week working with partners, solicitors, and trainees across a range of specialist areas of law. Interns will advise on real-life scenarios, participate in skills workshops, negotiate and mediate with partners, solicitors, and trainees, and get involved in social activities with members of the firm.
We run two one-week long schemes
- Summer 2026 dates will be released soon, keep an eye on our LinkedIn for updates.
Who can apply?
This scheme is open to law graduates and those in or entering the final year of study of a qualifying law degree.
What are we looking for in students?
· Motivated, high achievers
· Attention to detail
· Problem-solvers and lateral thinkers
· Good communicators and team players
Comments from former vacation students
Common questions & answers
What will I learn?
You will experience life as a trainee solicitor in the largest independent law firm in Northern Ireland.
What will I be doing?
Rotating through a number of vibrant practice areas in our firm, meeting experts in their fields, carrying out trainee solicitor tasks, getting a feel for the firm, and having fun!
Who can I discuss the programme with before I apply?
Our recruitment team, you can email Marie (marie.mckeown@carson-mcdowell.com)
Will I be paid?
Successful applicants to the summer vacation schemes will be provided with a £100 subsistence allowance to cover lunches and travel costs for the week they are attending.
What does the interview process involve?
Applicants will be required to submit online applications by 7 March 2025. From those applications, 20 will be invited to attend one of two group assessment events. From those 20 applicants attending the group assessments, 10 will be offered a place in our summer vacation scheme 2025, being held on the week commencing 9 June 2025 or 23 June 2025.
Build your career at Carson McDowell:
Our Vacation Scheme has closed for 2025. Keep an eye on our LinkedIn page for updates regarding our 2026 Vacation Scheme.
