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, this year the dates are:
- 9 - 13 June 2025
- 23- 27 June 2025
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:
Click Apply to download our application form. Your completed form must be returned via email to recruitment@carson-mcdowell.com by 5.00pm Friday, 7 March 2025.
