TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

Status
Not open for further replies.

Abii

Legendary Member
Junior Lawyer
Feb 1, 2021
280
871
Well that brings all outstanding applications to close for me with a second vac scheme offer! Definitely going to celebrate this weekend as my LPC exams are over as well!

I made 5 applications this cycle, 2 direct TC 3 VS. I received 1 post VI PFO for a VS, 2 post final AC/Interview PFOs for the TCs and 2 vac scheme offers! This is my third cycle and the first time I've got any offers, I didn't even make it to AC in my first cycle!
 

AspiringTrainee

Legendary Member
Junior Lawyer
  • Sep 22, 2021
    133
    670
    Does anyone know the general dress code for vac schemes? I have a friend in finance who got judged for not having an expensive suit 😭😭
    as long as it’s smart business wear aka suits it’s fine. If you get judged for the cost of a suit - I would argue that firm is not worth your commitment.
     

    AspiringTrainee

    Legendary Member
    Junior Lawyer
  • Sep 22, 2021
    133
    670
    Also apparently I heard that at Travers Smith the lawyers don't wear a suit but don't know if that is still the case.
    That’s true. Some firms have a more a smart casual policy - which I believe is more and more common. Though I think for people on vacation schemes it’s best to stick to smart business wear unless otherwise stated.
     

    Aga123+

    Legendary Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
  • Aug 2, 2021
    137
    241
    In general does anyone have advice regarding dress code for women on a vac scheme? Can skirts be above the knee (not high though), do you have to wear heels or can you wear smart shoes like loafers? Alsooo can you wear tight clothing (appropriate ofc)? Just stressing about this currently 😭
    The advice I've gotten from female associates is that as long as you style your clothes right, wear the right lengths, and go for modesty over shock, most clothing choices should be fine.

    For skirts, they usually advise over the knee, but still, if you dress it correctly, you should be fine with a skirt/dress somewhat above the knee. And for heels, a mid-heel is usually fine (I think this is about 2 cm - 6 cm).

    At the end of the day, it is about you feeling comfortable and being able to complete tasks with ease, not having to worry about or fuss with your clothes throughout the day.

    Hope that helps :)
     

    rightletsdothis

    Distinguished Member
  • Jan 30, 2022
    71
    247
    Does anyone know the general dress code for vac schemes? I have a friend in finance who got judged for not having an expensive suit 😭😭
    Was this Harvey Specter from suits dishing out that comment?? We all know everyone is born with the cash for a bespoke savile row suit! Also, if you don’t know, be conservative. Suit, shirt, tie. Done. It’s very simple:) . Dress codes are getting more and more relaxed in the UK I’d say.
     

    tc.la.vs

    Esteemed Member
    Mar 1, 2021
    76
    420
    In general does anyone have advice regarding dress code for women on a vac scheme? Can skirts be above the knee (not high though), do you have to wear heels or can you wear smart shoes like loafers? Alsooo can you wear tight clothing (appropriate ofc)? Just stressing about this currently 😭
    I will literally fall and stack it if I wear heels or at the very least will walk very embarrassingly so it'll be flat shoes for me. am with you tho - trying to work out what is appropriate but feel like/hoping people won't be too judgy
     

    Rob93

    Legendary Member
    Dec 29, 2020
    627
    1,677
    That’s true. Some firms have a more a smart casual policy - which I believe is more and more common. Though I think for people on vacation schemes it’s best to stick to smart business wear unless otherwise stated.
    Yeah I think even at the more relaxed firms businesswear is best for short term things like open days, vac schemes and ofc interviews. On vac schemes maybe dress down on Fridays if casual Friday is an actually instituted norm.
     
    • Like
    Reactions: AspiringTrainee

    Rob93

    Legendary Member
    Dec 29, 2020
    627
    1,677
    Yeah I think even at the more relaxed firms businesswear is best for short term things like open days, vac schemes and ofc interviews. On vac schemes maybe dress down on Fridays if casual Friday is an actually instituted norm.
    I think though that wearing a suit during a vac scheme is a logical extension of the 'dress for your day' policy that tends to sit behind smart-casual, insofar as the vac scheme is in some sense a protracted interview.

    Realistically though grad rec will likely be forthcoming about what is or is not expected on a given scheme, if they say smart casual is fine it probably won't be held against you (though I would tend to lean a bit towards smart more than casual in a placement context)
     
    Status
    Not open for further replies.

    About Us

    The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

    Newsletter

    Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.