TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Miss Chocolate]

It should be fine tbh. You can rock up to the VS with your Montblanc briefcase like:
​

no stop i am crying 🤣🤣🤣🤣

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

It's not about pretending to be from a disadvantaged background. My concern is that an expensive item would be offputting and create a bad impression. I know not to wear Ferragamo/Hermes ties or bold chalk stripe suits.

My example of the Birkin bag was very different where it was probably 15+ times the value of what a Montblanc briefcase would be. The Birkin bag person also made their bag the centre of attention a lot, which didn't go down well as it was seen as very show-off.

I don't think it will cause a bad impression to take it into work - they are generally subtle and its likely to be the case that most people won't even spot what it is. Those that do probably own one themselves and maybe also bring it into work.

As suggested elsewhere, it would be a similar value to an iPhone or an expensive laptop, so its not really an issue.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Typically, how long do law firms take to give TC offers following a Spring VS? And how long do candidates usually have to accept these? Thanks!

Can be anything offering immediately and giving a few weeks to make a decision on the offer all the way through to not making offers until the end of the summer or giving you to mid-September to accept.

This is a very legitimate question to ask the graduate recruitment/HR team as part of your vacation scheme (if they don't tell you) so you can manage your expectations and other recruitment processes accordingly.

 

[Legallywhatever]

For questions like 'what aspects of the solicitor role do you find most interesting', should a lot of the focus be on commercial-driven interests?

 

[STEM Student]

Sorry if I’m getting a bit annoying (just a bit anxious), have NRF given out summer vac scheme offers yet.

Also how do I gauge if I did well in my AC or not - it was my first ever one. Never done an hour long interview before in my life.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

For questions like 'what aspects of the solicitor role do you find most interesting', should a lot of the focus be on commercial-driven interests?

It doesn't have to be - it can be any element that you think you will find interesting, but I would just make sure that the combination of the aspects you identify couldn't apply to lots of other careers/areas of law. But not everything has to be commercial.

 

[lawstudent272003]

Is anyone doing the OC Talent Programme in APRIL?

 

[berocca567]

If a 'cover letter' is just one question on an application form, alongside other standard questions (e.g. 'What's your proudest achievement'), do you still need to structure it with 'Dear Graduate Recruitment', and introduce yourself? It isnt as a document but just in an answer field

 

[👩🎓]

Hi @Jessica Booker

When answering this question, What are you looking for from your Training Contract? would you draw upon firm specific aspects which align with the firm's training structure or discuss more generally what you are expecting from your training contract at any firm?

Thank you

 

[Chris Brown]

I probably sound like a broken record but has anyone heard back from Paul Hastings at all re the SVS (‘Phirst Steps’)? The deadline passed around 3 weeks ago. Not sure whether to assume PFO yet. They said they’d get back to successful candidates in March and April. 🥲​

 

[JR8]

Just gave the Browne Jacobson telephone interview!
Think it went alright🤞🏻

For anyone waiting, my interviewer said that their ac is on 23rd April and they’re gonna get back to applicants on the week commencing 7 April (post TI)! (This is for vac scheme I’m not sure about DTC).

Good luck!!!
I received the feedback report on 20th Feb but nothing since then. When did you receive the email asking you to book the phone call?

 

[Maddy]

Has anyone heard back from Ropes & Gray's PE transaction paralegal position?

 

[BobThebIlly]

I probably sound like a broken record but has anyone heard back from Paul Hastings at all re the SVS (‘Phirst Steps’)? The deadline passed around 3 weeks ago. Not sure whether to assume PFO yet. They said they’d get back to successful candidates in March and April. 🥲​

I'm also concerned about this bc I haven't heard anything either. What a shame

 

[BobThebIlly]

Also, does anyone have any suggestions for a smart backpack for a VS? I'm a woman and cannot handle shoulder bags but I really don't own a smart backpack. Any recs are welcomed lol

 

[Mathlaw432]

Good luck to everyone who did their ropes AC, fingers crossed for tomorrow !!

 

[thelawstudent]

Sorry if I’m getting a bit annoying (just a bit anxious), have NRF given out summer vac scheme offers yet.

Also how do I gauge if I did well in my AC or not - it was my first ever one. Never done an hour long interview before in my life.

Yeah - i believe a fair few have been handed out now.

Dont worry - i am in same boat as you. I havent heard back .

I did my ac a while ago now, i was on the second AC. been pretty anxious and was waiting by my phone most of last week.

I think the main thing is to have some hope. Offers are usually staggerred.

Hoping good news for all related to NRF this week 🔥❤️

 

[User5678]

Good luck!!!
I received the feedback report on 20th Feb but nothing since then. When did you receive the email asking you to book the phone call?

Good luck to you too!!

I got an email on the 17th March.
I also applied first week feb and gave the assessment on 8th Feb so I’m assuming you’ll hear back soon (vac scheme, unsure about DTC)

 

[berocca567]

How likely is it to get a Direct TC or even a VS having graduated from a non-law degree? is there any point at this point

 

[User5678]

How likely is it to get a Direct TC or even a VS having graduated from a non-law degree? is there any point at this point

Yes absolutely, a lot of people who do non law degrees get a tc either directly if they have work experience (in some cases even without) or via VS.

Fun fact- the team I sat in, most associates did non law degrees at uni (mostly lit or history)!
Even if you look at trainees at a firm generally, it’s usually a pretty good mix!

Hang in there, you got this!!

 

[aphelion]

Also, does anyone have any suggestions for a smart backpack for a VS? I'm a woman and cannot handle shoulder bags but I really don't own a smart backpack. Any recs are welcomed lol

There's a brand called New Rebels which does rolltop waterproof backpacks in a wide range of colours - I have one I use for work and I've seen lots of other people in the City using them. They're about £40 so it depends on your budget.