Build a Career with Purpose

Vacation Work Programme

Cox Yeats invites applications from high-achieving law students.

During the programme, participants are exposed to each of our specialist practice areas and complete practical tasks within each team. The programme also includes a moot exercise, providing an opportunity to develop advocacy and analytical skills.

Students who perform well may be invited to apply for the Candidate Legal Practitioner Programme.

Candidate Legal Practitioner (CLP) Programme 

Start your legal career with hands-on experience at Cox Yeats through our structured Candidate Legal Practitioner (CLP) Programme.

Our recruitment process begins with Vacation Work, where law students and recent graduates gain first-hand exposure to the firm and our way of working. Top-performing candidates may be selected to join our CLP Programme.

As a Candidate Legal Practitioner, you will be placed within a specific practice team aligned to your interests and strengths. Rather than following a rotational structure, our programme is designed to foster deep specialisation, allowing you to develop focused expertise within your chosen area of law.

You will work closely with experienced practitioners, contribute to live matters, and gain meaningful, practical experience from the outset. This is supported by ongoing mentorship and regular in-house training, ensuring that your development is both structured and continuous.

Through exposure to high-quality legal work and top-tier clients, you will build the technical skills, professional confidence, and commercial awareness required to succeed in the legal profession. Our programme also supports your preparation for the Attorneys’ Admission Examinations.

At Cox Yeats, we look for individuals who are committed, accountable, and eager to learn. If you take initiative, think innovatively, and uphold the values of integrity, professionalism, and client service, you will thrive in our environment.

FAQs for Aspiring Candidate Legal Practitioners

About the CLP Programme

• What can I expect as a Candidate Legal Practitioner at Cox Yeats?
  Candidate Legal Practitioners are placed within specific practice teams based on their interests and strengths. While exposed to a range of matters within their teams, the firm does not follow a rotational structure, with a focus instead on developing deep specialisation. CLPs work closely with senior practitioners, receive mentorship, and contribute to live matters.
• What will I gain from the experience?
  You will benefit from regular in-house training, exposure to high-quality legal matters and top-tier clients, and mentorship from experienced practitioners. This combination of training, specialisation, and practical experience equips you with the skills and confidence required to succeed in the legal profession.
• What does Cox Yeats expect from its CLPs?
  CLPs are expected to demonstrate commitment, accountability, and a strong willingness to learn. We look for individuals who take initiative, think innovatively, and uphold the firm’s values of integrity, professionalism, and client service.

CV Writing Tips

• What should I include?
  A concise academic and extracurricular record, leadership roles, achievements, and any legal exposure.
• Tips for structure and tone:
  Use clear formatting. Start with education, then experience, achievements, and skills. Be honest and keep it relevant.
• Common pitfalls to avoid:
  Spelling errors, vague descriptions, missing contact details, and overly long submissions.

Motivational Letter Guidance

• Why do we ask for one?
  We want to understand who you are beyond your CV, your values, motivations, and aspirations.
• What do we look for?
  A clear sense of purpose, alignment with our firm’s culture and values, and a genuine interest in commercial law.
• How do I stand out?
  Be specific, personal, and well-structured. Avoid clichés and show why Cox Yeats is your firm of choice.

Application Requirements

• What must I submit?
  • Academic transcript
  • Updated CV
  • Motivational letter

• How will my application be assessed?
  Applications are reviewed holistically. We assess academic performance, writing quality, leadership, motivation, and alignment with our values.

Advice from Our Current CLPs

“Come prepared. Learn about the firm and its practice areas, it shows.”
— Bryhton, CLP (2025)

“Be authentic. Your values and passion matter just as much as your marks.”
— Kajal, CLP (2025)

Apply for Graduate Recruitment

If you’re a student or graduate interested in our CLP Programme or Vacation Work, submit your application online: https://leap.ly/opportunities/901