Winter Vacation Scheme 2026

Ashurst Perkins Coie - Winter Vacation Scheme 2026

Reading about us is a great start — but nothing compares to experiencing life at Ashurst Perkins Coie first-hand. Our Winter Vacation Scheme gives you the chance to step inside the firm for a week, get a real taste of the work we do, and discover whether this is the place where you want to launch your career.

Who is this for?

This one-week scheme, running from 30 November to 04 December 2026, is designed for final-year university students and recent graduates who are ready to explore what a career at Ashurst Perkins Coie could look like.

What will your week look like?

You'll be embedded in one of our departments, working alongside a qualified solicitor on live matters — not hypothetical exercises, but the real thing. Throughout the week you'll also take part in interactive workshops that shine a light on our specialist practice areas, and join social events where you can connect with our partners, associates, and current trainees in a more relaxed setting.

Following the scheme, you will be interviewed for a Training Contract in January 2027. Please note that Training Contract offers are primarily for a start date in September 2028, March 2029 and September 2029.

Key dates and how to apply

Applications are open from 17 August 2026 to 11 September 2026 at 12 noon. Assessment Centres and Interviews will take place from mid to end of October 2026.

Once you've submitted your online application, we'll invite you to complete our online testing. You'll be given a set window to finish the assessment, and we're unable to extend this unless there are extenuating circumstances — if the tests aren't completed in time, we won't be able to progress your application. Should you need any adjustments, please don't hesitate to get in touch and we'll be happy to help.

We don't recruit on a rolling basis — all applications will be reviewed after the closing date, so there's no advantage to applying early.

A few important things to note

• Overseas candidates: If you're outside the UK this academic year, please make this clear in your application and include the dates you'll be available to attend an interview in London.
• One application per recruitment year: You cannot apply for both a Vacation Scheme and a Direct Training Contract within the same recruitment cycle. Our Direct Training Contract window opens in January 2027 — if you're applying for this Vacation Scheme, please do not also submit a Direct Training Contract application, as we won't be able to progress it.

Find out more about us

Curious to learn more before you apply? Explore one of our virtual experience programmes to build your skills and get a flavour of life at Ashurst. You can also visit our Emerging Talent Hub , packed with insights from our people and helpful resources on the application process.

Ahead of our closing date on 11 September, we're hosting "Behind the Scenes with Ashurst Perkins Coie" — a virtual mini-series open to all students and graduates, and especially useful if you're thinking about applying.

For full details on eligibility, the application and assessment process, key dates, and FAQs, head to our website.