Winter Vacation Programme

We know the importance of maximizing our candidates' exposure to all aspects of our specialised practice and providing them with the appropriate guidance and training to ensure a meaningful articling experience. Vacation Scheme candidates are given the opportunity to work closely with both Associates and Partners, while being given the freedom to act independently.

Dumelang

Applications for our Winter Vacation Scheme will be open from the 20th April to 20th May.

Apply here

Overview

Our vacation schemes in both our Johannesburg and Cape Town offices can be flexible with the dates to fit with the term times at your university. The scheme is aimed at penultimate-year and final year law students.

Successful vacationers will be offered the opportunity to apply for our candidate attorney positions. As we know the importance of maximizing our candidates' exposure to all aspects of our specialised practice, we provide them with the appropriate guidance and training to ensure a meaningful experience.

Candidates are given the opportunity to work closely with both associates and partners, while being given the freedom to act independently. A healthy balance is maintained between theoretical and practical tasks.

We hire our Candidate Attorneys through our Vacation Programmes.

What to expect

Be immersed in our firm and the work we do from day one
Unrivalled training and support, from fee earners and HR
Experience real work by observing cases, drafting responses, providing advice and preparing research
Get involved in significant deals, meetings and negotiations
See how our lawyers provide a complete legal service to clients in our core practice areas
Attend seminars, networking events and social events with colleagues and clients

What sets our programme apart?

Global perspective with local expertise

You’ll experience the unique blend of South African legal practice within an international firm, preparing you for cross-border work.

Real work, real impact

Unlike schemes that focus on observation, we involve you in meaningful tasks by placing you with a buddy who will assign tasks such as; drafting, research, and client-focused projects.

Structured mentorship

Our program pairs you with experienced lawyers who guide your development and share practical insights.

Inclusive culture

We foster collaboration and diversity, ensuring you feel supported and valued from day one.

About you

Successful candidates will:

You must be either a penultimate year or final year law student.
70% overall academic average
BA Law, BCom Law, LLB or LLM
Permanent South African Residency or Citizenship

More information

Johannesburg: 29th June 2026 - 3rd July 2026

Cape Town: 6th July 2026 - 10th July 2026

Ensure you submit your curriculum vitae, full academic transcript, ID copy, and matric certificate. Applications that do not comprise of all supporting documentation will be rendered as incomplete.

Applications will be open from 20th April 2026 to 20th May 2026.

Starting your journey as a Candidate Attorney (CA) is an exciting step toward qualifying as an attorney in South Africa. It’s a period of intensive learning, practical exposure, and professional development. At Clyde & Co, our vacation scheme is designed to give you a real insight into this journey, offering hands-on experience in a global law firm environment.

The vacation scheme is more than just a short-term program; it’s a gateway. Many participants progress to articles with us, where they gain exposure to high-value commercial work, litigation, and advisory matters. This experience builds a strong foundation for admission as an attorney and opens doors to a career with international reach.

If your application has been selected, you will be invited to one HR interview to be recruited to our Vacation Scheme.

If participating, you will be invited to an interview with our Partners at the end of your Vacation Scheme to apply for a Candidate Attorney position.

Chloe

Candidate Attorney

“The Programme gave me valuable exposure to real legal work, where I developed my research skills and gained insight into marine law. I learnt the importance of commercial awareness, collaboration, and applying feedback, and I left the Vac Programme more confident and better prepared for my career as a Candidate Attorney.”