TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[FTS209990]

I would wait back to here from firm C before speaking to firm B. And it wasn’t a mistake if you have been offered a conflicting scheme after you have confirmed something. Be mindful that firm B might not be able to move you though, so assuming you receive an offer from firm C, you may have to choose between firms B and C.

Thank you for responding! @Jessica Booker

I thought it was a mistake because if I had told firm B my preferred date was 10 June, I could have potentially participated in all three VS.

So do you think it’s better to ask firm B if they could move me later on? I just thought asking now would give them more time to make arrangements (if even possible).

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker

Hi, I was wondering if I could your opinion on this. So I have only secured one vacation scheme this summer so far and I am really keen on the firm. However, I have no idea how many people they will keep on so I don't know if I would be better off making more applications just to be safe? There's a few firms I am kind of interested in (but not massively). Thank you!

Generally I would advise making a broader range of applications. You could always wait until your vacation scheme concludes though to work out if you need to do this or not. If firms’ deadlines are before you would know this, then I’d recommend applying anyway.

 

[TonyStark]

Can anyone recommend any resources that would help me understand what a trainee is expected to do in the main departments of a law firm e.g. what are the tasks/what are the main deliverables that are being produced?

 

[Aga123+]

Can anyone recommend any resources that would help me understand what a trainee is expected to do in the main departments of a law firm e.g. what are the tasks/what are the main deliverables that are being produced?

Probably Jake’s book:

Training Contract Handbook

This is the latest edition, published in 2024. This handbook is for: (a) students looking to learn more about what commercial lawyers do, whilst...

shop.citycareerseries.com

It’s on Amazon too -

 

[gazdgazd11]

Do you guys think it’s okay to commute from London to reading everyday for a 5 day vacation scheme or too risky with train strikes etc? I’ve never been to reading and not sure how reliable the commute is but I could save money this way

 

[Deleted member 17013]

Do you guys think it’s okay to commute from London to reading everyday for a 5 day vacation scheme or too risky with train strikes etc? I’ve never been to reading and not sure how reliable the commute is but I could save money this way

I know someone who did it the other way round

 

[bangarangbass39]

Do you guys think it’s okay to commute from London to reading everyday for a 5 day vacation scheme or too risky with train strikes etc? I’ve never been to reading and not sure how reliable the commute is but I could save money this way

It’s fine. I commuted from Northamptonshire into London for two weeks. They might be a slight delay by like 5-10mins on the odd ocasion once you’re on the train, but it’s fine. I wouldn’t worry about it. The services run well. Even with strikes. Not all services are cancelled, they’ll let you know if it is.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Do you guys think it’s okay to commute from London to reading everyday for a 5 day vacation scheme or too risky with train strikes etc? I’ve never been to reading and not sure how reliable the commute is but I could save money this way

You should be fine as the Elizabeth line will run when the trains don’t and vice versa.

 

[gazdgazd11]

Thanks everyone!

You should be fine as the Elizabeth line will run when the trains don’t and vice versa.

 

[tcplease2345]

I did not mention two of my internships in the GS vetting check form. As I do not have references for them since, one was volunteer work and the other was a virtual internship. It wont be an issue right? I am worried as GS seems quite strict with their vetting checks and they are taking so long.

 

[Nine]

Any news from SH?

 

[beepee123]

Has anyone done RWK Goodman's Video Interview for the VS yet?

hey yes i have - have you heard back yet?

 

[beepee123]

They've sent out the VI interviews - haven't heard anything since

 

[beepee123]

Just got a VI invite

have u heard back yet?

 

[tcplease2345]

I did not mention two of my internships in the GS vetting check form. As I do not have references for them since, one was volunteer work and the other was a virtual internship. It wont be an issue right? I am worried as GS seems quite strict with their vetting checks and they are taking so long.

Any help on this. As I also mentioned a forage internship in my experience on my CV but I obviously do not have a reference. Will it count against me?

 

[bangarangbass39]

Any help on this. As I also mentioned a forage internship in my experience on my CV but I obviously do not have a reference. Will it count against me?

Don’t worry about it. You’ll still get the offer. They know what forage is. I mentioned a legal cheek vacation scheme on my CV. With onboarding, which is the most important part just leave it out. For the volunteer reference when onboarding have a persons (someone who’s willing to give a reference) contact details

 

[tcplease2345]

Don’t worry about it. You’ll still get the offer. They know what forage is. I mentioned a legal cheek vacation scheme on my CV. With onboarding, which is the most important part just leave it out. For the volunteer reference when onboarding have a persons (someone who’s willing to give a reference) contact details

The issue is I did not mention them both on the on boarding form as I thought I do not have a reference so I shouldn't mention it. But they are mentioned in my CV. Plus I for got to mention the internship was from forage on my CV. I am just hoping for the best, possible they skip it!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I did not mention two of my internships in the GS vetting check form. As I do not have references for them since, one was volunteer work and the other was a virtual internship. It wont be an issue right? I am worried as GS seems quite strict with their vetting checks and they are taking so long.

If they were on your original application/CV this could cause some additional checks.

If the virtual programme was on something like Forage, that is not an issue but if it was a paid scheme that was just done virtually you will need to provide the details.

The volunteer role is likely to not need a reference though.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Any help on this. As I also mentioned a forage internship in my experience on my CV but I obviously do not have a reference. Will it count against me?

The Forage programme is not work experience so this is not an issue.

 

[tcplease2345]

The Forage programme is not work experience so this is not an issue.

I mentioned it on my CV under work experience with the name of the firm the work experience was for but I for got to mention it was through forage as I did not know when I applied that you cannot count forage as work experience. That's why I am worried and they did not even get back to me yet. So if they ask me about it should I just say it was through forage and I forgot to mention that?