Student Vacation
Programme

Let’s spend time together

We offer a formal Student Vacation Programme to law students. The programme enables law students to obtain a practical sense of the day-to-day activities of a corporate lawyer. This is an opportunity to experience the law in action and develop your skills.

During the vacation programme, you will be assigned to a team of professionals (Directors, Associates and Candidate Attorneys). Your day-to-day activities may include training sessions; discussion forums; consultations, drafting of documents, court attendances; group activities and legal research.

Benefits

Our annual vacation programme for law students is extremely popular and has gained a reputation as an exciting and rewarding experience.

We attract students from universities across the country, as part of this programme.

We include various training sessions and skills development initiatives as part of the vacation programmes. It therefore provides you with the opportunity to experience the law in action and to develop your professional skills.

Apply now

Eligibility

Applicants are required to apply at least two years in advance of them completing their LLB.

Programme dates

Winter Vacation programme: July annually

Summer Vacation programme: December annually

Application window

Winter Vacation Programme (June/July 2024) - Application dates: 01 February 2024 - 31 May 2024

Summer Vacation Programme (November/December 2024) - Application dates - 01 August 2024 - 31 October 2024

Our in-house training covers

Library orientation

Legal research

Drafting of legal documents

Computer skills

Practice management sessions

Various specialist legal topics

Rotations

Your application roadmap

Online application

Graduate recruitment team interview

Completion of online assessments

Completion of written assessment

Placement in vacation programme in office of preference

Online application

Graduate recruitment team interview

Completion of online assessments

Completion of written assessment

Placement in vacation programme in office of preference

The Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr vac programme was brilliantly structured, the combination of work, information sessions and fun. I loved my time here! The vac programme is what you make of it, if you have an open mind, a positive attitude and a good work ethic you will leave a richer, more well-rounded person.
Student feedback

Every single person at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, from the cleaner to the executive is living the firm values, that was an amazing thing for me to witness.
Student feedback

Frequently
asked questions

How long is vac work?

Our Vacation Programme is spread across a period of two-weeks comprising of a number of activities i.e., assessments, training, CA related work and a final interview for Practical Vocational Training.

What do law students do during vac work?

Students’ day-to-day activities may include a series of assessments, training sessions, discussion forums, consultations, drafting of documents, court attendances, group activities and legal research.

What are the benefits of applying for vac work?

Part of the benefits of applying at CDH are:

An intricate understanding of how our firm works.
Training sessions and skills development initiatives.
Opportunity to experience our corporate culture whilst working on real matters with a practising team.

During which year of studies should I apply for vac work?

Applicants are required to apply at least two years in advance of them completing their LLB.

How can one strengthen one's application?

An updated CV and motivational letter increase the applicants’ chances of a more positive outcome. A strong application needs to be concise and clear in a neat layout.

What is the turnaround time on queries or application process?

Queries are responded to within 48 hours of acknowledgement of your email.

Each stage of the recruitment process is depended on the influx of applications received during the applicable Vacation Programme season.

More to explore

All

All articles

article 2 minutes

A message from our chairperson, Tim Fletcher

Tim Fletcher describes the culture of CDH and outlines key tips for new Candidate Attorneys.

article 4 minutes

Tips on preparing for your interview

This article covers tips on preparing for your interview, what to expect, how to prepare, as well as general do's and don'ts.

article 20 Minutes

Online guide for law students

Need a guide to help you navigate the application process? From writing a motivation letter, structuring your CV to preparing for the all-important interview, this is your passport to figuring it all out.

podcast 19:18 Minutes

What Directors expect from their juniors

Chairperson, Tim Fletcher and CDH Partner Njeri Wagacha speak to Graduate Programme Manager, Boipelo Mathodlana.

article 5 minutes

How to optimise your Candidate Attorney application

This article covers general application tips, tips on structuring your cover letter and tips on compiling and polishing your CV.

podcast 11:30 Minutes

Funding your studies to expand your opportunities

In this Graduate Matters Edition, Boipelo Mathodlana, Malebo Maholo, Priscilla Brandt, Liso Zenani, and Luyolo Mfithi discussion on funding studies to expand opportunities.

podcast 09:54 Minutes

Balancing the scale of gender in dispute resolution and the legal sector

In episode two of our CDH Women in Law podcast series we speak with Lucinde Rhoodie, a Director in our Dispute Resolution practice. Lucinde delves into balancing the scale of gender in dispute resolution and the legal industry.

podcast 16:51 Minutes

Women empowerment through impact litigation

Our Pro Bono and Human Rights practice Director Brigitta Mangale and Senior Associate Elgene Roos join CDH Conversations to discuss the role of impact litigation in enforcing and protecting the rights of women in South Africa.

Ready to take the next step?