TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Thank you! Second this- @Jaysen @Jessica Booker As there is no word limit, is there a minimum word count you would suggest?
I tried emailing Natalie, but the emails just bounced back

I’d probably say up to 1,000 words in total if there is no word limit. I know @Jaysen has been emailing Natalie so we’ll see if we can get any more precise guidance.

 

[ashwright]

You’ll be a final year student.

Thank you so much, Jessica! I really appreciate it 🙏

 

[trainee4u]

Anyone know if this is good enough for SH's SJT?

Verbal High
Numerical Medium
Grit 7/9
Applied Intellect 4/9
Creative Force 6/9
Digital Mindset 9/9

Anyone got through with a 4?!?

Apparently this is specifically NOT good enough
"
Thank you for completing the Amberjack assessment for your Stephenson Harwood application.


Unforunately, your overall score has not met our criteria and we are unable to progress you to the next stage of the process on this occasion.


You should have received a personalised feedback report from Amberjack. Please take some time to read through this and think about how you can best prepare for future assessments."

Very silly process:

* Apply in February for Spring VS (or summer)
* Ignored for Spring VS, eventually invited to perform Amberjack and VI (which is time consuming as unlimited time) for summer
* Further delay and told rejected on basis of Amberjack alone, Vi apparently a total waste of time.

If this is so, why not just cut people off after the AJ process and not waste their time getting them to do the VI

 

[Milpasoak]

As @Chris Brown has pointed out, that is not the case. This is a feeder programme to their Legal Business Analyst programme that is also mentioned in my post. We will check with the firm on the eligibility point as this has been raised in our WhatsApp chats as to whether graduates can apply.

Vacation schemes with any firm don't lead to permanent employment though, only a fixed-term contract of two years if you secure a TC.

Just following-up on this, has there been any clarification as to whether or not graduates can apply to the Perkins Coie Intern (Vac Scheme)? I know that in their listing it says only 'First, penultimate or final year of university'. Thanks

 

[Amma Usman]

If I was offered a TC at a firm that wanted me to start my studies in a year's time, would it be possible they would offer me some sort of employment at the firm for a year before then? For example as a legal assistant or within a non fee-earning part of the business?

I've seen some people who have worked as paralegals for a year before starting their PGDL or SQE, but I don't have a law degree so trying to figure out what sort of employment would be viable or useful!

This is a possibility for sure, as I’ve seen many people do this. If such roles are unavailable, however, it’s always worth applying to other firms for maybe a paralegal position. If you have at least 6-12 months availability prior to starting your studies, a lot of these roles are available and recruiters often advertise them on LinkedIn.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hello! I have been allocated to a seat for a VS in an area that I am not particularly familiar with. I've read the firm pages on it, but otherwise have no idea how to prepare! There are lots of resources online and not sure where to start. Any help would be much appreciated

The way I see it, the department you are allocated to matters less than your ability to make the most of it. I have spoken to many lawyers that have said their qualification options surprised them. So I’d say just be open minded, ask as many questions as posssible, and try not to let any form of noise deter you from enjoying the seat. At vac scheme stage also, it’s totally fine and normal to not be familiar with the practice you are allocated to, which is why you can schedule coffee chats with lawyers to help you understand it more.

In terms of preparation, I’d say a lot of it is on the job. General industry and firm awareness will certainly help, but the best questions often come up in the moment, or within an exciting conversation with someone!

Best of luck with the seat. You will do great!

 

[S7321]

They might be able to put you forward for a role if they are recruiting for something suitable, but there would be no guarantees of you 1) securing the role over other candidates or 2) there even being an appropriate role to put your forward for.

There is no harm in mentioning this interest to them though so they can keep you in mind for any opportunities that arise.

This is a possibility for sure, as I’ve seen many people do this. If such roles are unavailable, however, it’s always worth applying to other firms for maybe a paralegal position. If you have at least 6-12 months availability prior to starting your studies, a lot of these roles are available and recruiters often advertise them on LinkedIn.

Thanks both, appreciate this a lot!

Amma, is it realistic I could secure one of those roles without having any legal experience nor a law degree?

 

[Amma Usman]

Hey @Jessica Booker For Percins Coie, they say to have the cover letter include:

• What attracts you to the LBA program?
• What is a recent story in the news that could impact a Perkins Coie client and what could that effect be?

In terms of content, would you suggest the cover letter to directly addresses these 2 points and have the common 'why me', 'why commercial law' or, to just have the 2 points mentioned above in the cover letter?

There does not seem to be a word count limit, but I will send Natalie an email clarifying that.

-Thanks in advance

In situations like this, I often ensure to hit the points they mentioned first - and in that order.

If the word count permits, I will then cover the three why’s - commercial law, the firm, and me. However, the first questions (what attracts you to the LBA programme) could also enable you to indirectly weave in those elements anyway. You just have to be explicit in saying things like “I am drawn to the LBA at Perkins Coie specifically because of XYZ”.

Ensure to use the proper formalities and sign offs, as well as answering the questions directly and in individual paragraphs for clarity.

 

[NMA]

Hi @Jessica Booker, I am curious - out of worry to be honest - whether a firm cares if I have made previous application to their VS/TC and been rejected? Is there a limit to the number of times that I can apply? I am worried Recruitment will look down on/less favorably on my application if I have applied more than once before. Even just applications that were not submitted but started. Should I just delete my account history (assuming this is possible) or make new ones under a different email?

In my experience it doesn't matter. When I did a VS AC for A&O, in my feedback call when I got rejected they were happy for me to apply again the following year for the direct TC route which I got to the AC for. I also applied for the VS for Hogan Lovells in my final year and didn't even make it to the AC stage, but applied for the direct TC route the year after which I secured.

But there will likely be a limit to how many times you can apply, which in my experience, only takes effect once you reach AC stage/attend the VS and are not offered a TC at the end. But if you were rejected at application stage previously, you should deffo try again the next cycle as that will not hinder you at all as long as you improve it.

 

[joaohmnk]

I’d probably say up to 1,000 words in total if there is no word limit. I know @Jaysen has been emailing Natalie so we’ll see if we can get any more precise guidance.

Hey @Jaysen @Jessica Booker is there any update on this? I know some of their analysts wrote a one-page CL, but that seems insufficient, at least to me lol.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

After nearly six years, I will be concluding my involvement with TCLA this Sunday (15 June).

It has been a genuine privilege to support thousands of aspiring lawyers during that time. From answering late-night forum and WhatsApp questions to reviewing applications and advising many of you in one-to-one calls, I have been fortunate to play a small part in the journeys of so many within the TCLA community.

The most rewarding part has always been seeing so many of the individuals I have interacted with go on to become successful vacation scheme students, trainees, and qualified lawyers across the legal sector. It has been inspiring, humbling, and a constant reminder that talent flourishes when given the right support.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey and for allowing me to contribute along the way.

 

[YnoFeedback?]

In my experience it doesn't matter. When I did a VS AC for A&O, in my feedback call when I got rejected they were happy for me to apply again the following year for the direct TC route which I got to the AC for. I also applied for the VS for Hogan Lovells in my final year and didn't even make it to the AC stage, but applied for the direct TC route the year after which I secured.

But there will likely be a limit to how many times you can apply, which in my experience, only takes effect once you reach AC stage/attend the VS and are not offered a TC at the end. But if you were rejected at application stage previously, you should deffo try again the next cycle as that will not hinder you at all as long as you improve it.

I appreciate your insight!

 

[LiveLaughLawyer]

Hiya,

I have my first vacation scheme, how do I best prepare to convert the vacation scheme into a Training Contract ?

Thank you

 

[Chris Brown]

After nearly six years, I will be concluding my involvement with TCLA this Sunday (15 June).

It has been a genuine privilege to support thousands of aspiring lawyers during that time. From answering late-night forum and WhatsApp questions to reviewing applications and advising many of you in one-to-one calls, I have been fortunate to play a small part in the journeys of so many within the TCLA community.

The most rewarding part has always been seeing so many of the individuals I have interacted with go on to become successful vacation scheme students, trainees, and qualified lawyers across the legal sector. It has been inspiring, humbling, and a constant reminder that talent flourishes when given the right support.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey and for allowing me to contribute along the way.

Thank you for everything you have done for all of us on TCLA over the past six years. You are genuinely an absolute superstar! 🥳

Thank you so much for helping so many of us achieve our dreams of pursuing a career in the legal profession and in city law! 😅

Your contributions have been monumental and are greatly appreciated! Best of luck with the future @Jessica Booker (the GOAT). 🐐​

 

[adrian_nlh]

After nearly six years, I will be concluding my involvement with TCLA this Sunday (15 June).

It has been a genuine privilege to support thousands of aspiring lawyers during that time. From answering late-night forum and WhatsApp questions to reviewing applications and advising many of you in one-to-one calls, I have been fortunate to play a small part in the journeys of so many within the TCLA community.

The most rewarding part has always been seeing so many of the individuals I have interacted with go on to become successful vacation scheme students, trainees, and qualified lawyers across the legal sector. It has been inspiring, humbling, and a constant reminder that talent flourishes when given the right support.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey and for allowing me to contribute along the way.

Goodbye Jessica! Thank you so much for everything and good luck in all your future endeavours.

 

[Kakaboo]

Hi! I’ve tried to message my trainee on LinkedIn but they haven’t accepted after a week. The early careers person is doing a talk at my uni tomorrow after should I approach and ask if there’s any way to contact them before the scheme? Thanks

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi! I’ve tried to message my trainee on LinkedIn but they haven’t accepted after a week. The early careers person is doing a talk at my uni tomorrow after should I approach and ask if there’s any way to contact them before the scheme? Thanks

Hey! Totally get the nerves - especially when you’re hoping to feel connected before the scheme starts. But honestly, there’s no need to stress. It’s completely normal not to have heard back yet, especially as trainees can be super busy. You’ll meet everyone on the first day and there’ll be loads of time to get to know each other and catch up then.

You’re already doing great by being proactive. Good luck, you’ve got this!

 

[linkedinwarrior245]

Hi, I've never posted something like this before, but I feel very lost about what to do. I'm currently on a vacation scheme and I'm considering quitting because it is seriously affecting my physical and mental wellbeing, as I haven't had a break since my spring vac and I had final uni exams in between. I had to jump right into this. I've already called in sick (it's only week 1), but I fear it would look very bad if I pulled out of it because it shows that I couldn't push myself to complete it.

For context, I already have a TC offer from my previous vac and I have not accepted it yet because I wanted to weigh out my options.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi, I've never posted something like this before, but I feel very lost about what to do. I'm currently on a vacation scheme and I'm considering quitting because it is seriously affecting my physical and mental wellbeing, as I haven't had a break since my spring vac and I had final uni exams in between. I had to jump right into this. I've already called in sick (it's only week 1), but I fear it would look very bad if I pulled out of it because it shows that I couldn't push myself to complete it.

For context, I already have a TC offer from my previous vac and I have not accepted it yet because I wanted to weigh out my options. But I feel like I'm at my limit.

You ultimately need to do what is best for your health - you shouldn’t compromise that.

Rather than quitting the vacation scheme, consider speaking to the graduate recruitment team about the possibility of deferring your scheme to a later date, whether that be later this summer or even in the next cycle.

However, this may not be appropriate if you hold an offer already and are in a position where you need to accept that offer and start your legal training before you could complete another scheme with the current VS firm.

The firm may also be able to offer you a direct TC recruitment process instead if you did decide to withdraw from the programme.

 

[lawstudent2]

Idk if this is the right place for this but is it true that you need more extensive legal experience to go through the direct TC process successfully. I don't have a vac scheme this summer or anything more than a few days in a couple legal offices and am trying to decide if it's worth my time to apply to some direct TCs this summer or just prep for applications next year (will be my third year of uni also for context). Any insights appreciated, thanks