TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[V2002]

Hello, Has anyone completed an AC for Morgan Lewis? Any guidance or tips would be much appreciated, especially on how to structure a case study panel interview! I have never done one.

 

[Future Trainee 2027 secured]

Getting a paralegal role can be tough too though.

That's true, I found that my experience in another sector was actually key to securing the paralegal position - I have been informed that they were hiring for a really long time but applicants didn't have the relevant experience. I was lucky as the field I worked in gave me indirect exposure i.e. I understood how the product worked from a front-of-house perspective, even though I had never worked in the legal field previously. My experience is extremely non-traditional so I wouldn't advise it, I can only say I was fortunate and it worked for me - but if you are struggling with getting a TC or paralegal role, I may suggest looking at other areas - compliance, audit, tax, finance to build experience and get money and apply in your downtime along side - Again I was very lucky (1 application cycle and 1 firm) and please take this with a pinch of salt - however I can't see getting experience in something else as a downside as everything is transferable (if you don't believe me I was told an applicant who was a chef was given a TC two years ago which is amazing - demonstrating that many skills are sought after and experience is also invaluable)

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Hi @Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman , hope you are well. Could you please share any compilation of the best tips that ensure how to convert your VS to a TC? (in case something of this sort exists on the forum?) Thanks in advance

 

[TortillaTC]

When did people start receiving the WG after submitting their app to Hogan Lovells?

 

[financelawyer]

Hi has anyone found success in reapplying to firms after being rejected at app stage or even interview stage ?

and if I do apply, should I completely change all the answers ?

should I mention how I have improved on the feedback given from the last AC?

and do firms acc compare w previous applications by the same person at all

 

[lawstudent2]

Anyone know which firms are strict on grades? I know that essentially all say a 2.1 is fine but I've heard that some, such as slaughters, are stricter and want a high 2.1 only. Since my grades are a low 2.1 I want to make sure I am applying to suitable firms and am not wasting any time

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Anyone know which firms are strict on grades? I know that essentially all say a 2.1 is fine but I've heard that some, such as slaughters, are stricter and want a high 2.1 only. Since my grades are a low 2.1 I want to make sure I am applying to suitable firms and am not wasting any time

Slaughter and May and Jones Day. Not "strict", but they do pay attention to grades beyond whether it's a 2.1.

 

[lawstudent2]

Slaughter and May and Jones Day. Not "strict", but they do pay attention to grades beyond whether it's a 2.1.

Thanks that's helpful to know

 

[Gr33n]

The weekend during a vac scheme never really feels like a proper wknd tbh

 

[ashwright]

Quick question about commercial awareness!

Even though I regularly read the FT + listen to FT adjacent podcasts, I still find myself lacking a lot of the foundations of commercial awareness. I read most of 'All You Need to Know about the City' a couple of years ago and made loads of flashcards - I found this super helpful in learning the basic ideas of profit, debt, shares, M&A etc.

I wanted to check if you guys have any recommendations for similar resources which help build the foundations? I'd appreciate anything with a 1.) similar general finance theme and/or 2.) a similar beginner's guide more geared towards law + practice areas. A more 'law-specific' resource would be nice because I'm not super familiar with practice areas etc. Reading law firms' website descriptions of practice areas is a bit more ambiguous than I'd like.

Investopedia is great but a more structured resource (e.g., course, book) would be preferred! I know the TCLA offers courses but I'm not too sure which would be best for my very basic needs. Thank you in advance!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

I feel I am in a little bit of a pickle, but I can't be the only one, right? Does anyone else work full-time?

I am a few years since graduating and despite a few vac schemes, I have no TC offer. I am in a legal role now but it is not permanent and I have recently found myself worrying a lot about next steps.

Last cycle, I was quite burn out for multiple reasons and didn't apply to many, but I said to myself that I want to give applications a strong go this cycle and see what happens, but I'm not sure what job I will take up after my current one.

I have tried for paralegal roles at law firms, but they always want very specific experience in X practice area. And even then, would this be a good idea? Working long hours and little time to apply for TCs.

It feels very crushing doing such jobs because you know your heart is not fully in it (no progression) and you know what you want is a TC to progress your career. What should I do please? Should I apply for Master's degrees? Should I continue working full-time? I have spent so much time and energy since graduating thinking about this odd situation (honestly, there is nothing like being a law grad!) and even thought about alternative careers because of lack of progression and development. But I think I still want to do a TC and qualify as a lawyer.

Would really appreciate any advice, and if you are in a similar situation, feel free to DM me. Let's talk!

Hiya @Lastseasonwonder

Wanted to add some more suggestions in addition to the great advice that you've already received on here.

First, I just want to say you're definitely not alone in feeling stuck at this stage. Over the past year, I've met many capable candidates finding themselves in similar situations post-graduation. I'm also sorry to hear that you're feeling burnt out. Hoping you can find a way around that in the upcoming cycle. While many candidates see paralegal as the default next step, it’s not always the most strategic one. Although highly specific practice area experience can help, it's not necessary and securing/enduring these roles can be. exhausting.

1. Consider alternative roles that build relevant skills: You don’t need to be a paralegal to get a TC. Roles in compliance, legal tech, business development, or operations (either within law firms or adjacent sectors) can help you build exactly the sort of skills that firms are looking for at the TC application stage. Similarly, roles at regulators, in research, or in high-responsibility admin positions often offer client exposure and project work. What matters is evidence of growth and transferable experience. These jobs may also be far more helpful in allowing you to have the time to prepare applications, and to avoid feeling burnt out (which is mostly what I'm worried about). That said, paralegal roles can be useful when they give you exposure to quality legal work, the chance to build relationships with lawyers, or the ability to apply internally. If you’re applying to firms that hire their paralegals into TCs or that value sustained legal experience, then it may be worth pursuing, but only if it leaves you with enough headspace to build a strong application cycle alongside it.
   
   
2. Doing an LLM: I've already mentioned this, but doing an LLM is not a requirement for a TC (and in most cases that I've seen, it won’t meaningfully strengthen your application). The few times I've seen it make a difference are when the LLM is highly specialised and directly aligned with the kind of firm or practice you’re targeting (e.g. IP or maritime focussed LLMs). Otherwise, there's a risk of investing a lot of time and money into something that won’t move the needle. That said, an LLM may give you more breathing room to focus on subjects you're genuinely interested in and could give you more room to prepare well drafted applications during your degree, but this is still a very costly way to achieve that "breathing room".

Hope this isn't rehashing anything you might already know, but definitely don't hesitate to post here if you have any other questions or need any help with the application process. Hang in there @Lastseasonwonder 🙏

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Hiya @Lastseasonwonder

Wanted to add some more suggestions in addition to the great advice that you've already received on here.

First, I just want to say you're definitely not alone in feeling stuck at this stage. Over the past year, I've met many capable candidates finding themselves in similar situations post-graduation. I'm also sorry to hear that you're feeling burnt out. Hoping you can find a way around that in the upcoming cycle. While many candidates see paralegal as the default next step, it’s not always the most strategic one. Although highly specific practice area experience can help, it's not necessary and securing/enduring these roles can be. exhausting.

1. Consider alternative roles that build relevant skills: You don’t need to be a paralegal to get a TC. Roles in compliance, legal tech, business development, or operations (either within law firms or adjacent sectors) can help you build exactly the sort of skills that firms are looking for at the TC application stage. Similarly, roles at regulators, in research, or in high-responsibility admin positions often offer client exposure and project work. What matters is evidence of growth and transferable experience. These jobs may also be far more helpful in allowing you to have the time to prepare applications, and to avoid feeling burnt out (which is mostly what I'm worried about). That said, paralegal roles can be useful when they give you exposure to quality legal work, the chance to build relationships with lawyers, or the ability to apply internally. If you’re applying to firms that hire their paralegals into TCs or that value sustained legal experience, then it may be worth pursuing, but only if it leaves you with enough headspace to build a strong application cycle alongside it.
   
   
2. Doing an LLM: I've already mentioned this, but doing an LLM is not a requirement for a TC (and in most cases that I've seen, it won’t meaningfully strengthen your application). The few times I've seen it make a difference are when the LLM is highly specialised and directly aligned with the kind of firm or practice you’re targeting (e.g. IP or maritime focussed LLMs). Otherwise, there's a risk of investing a lot of time and money into something that won’t move the needle. That said, an LLM may give you more breathing room to focus on subjects you're genuinely interested in and could give you more room to prepare well drafted applications during your degree, but this is still a very costly way to achieve that "breathing room".

Hope this isn't rehashing anything you might already know, but definitely don't hesitate to post here if you have any other questions or need any help with the application process. Hang in there @Lastseasonwonder 🙏

HI Ram, for #2 - I'm actually confused if doing an LLM gives applicants the right to be on a vac scheme, something that wouldn't be possible for international students at all since nearly all firms have confirmed that they do not sponsor visas for a scheme. But here again, I've heard that the visa that LLM students are on doesn't permit them to be a part of the schemes. Could you clarify what the actual position is here? Thanks in advance.

 

[llblawstudent]

Hey guys, two questions here. Has anyone heard back from the DAC Beachcroft Vac Scheme? They said they'd get back to successful candidates by early August, but their applications were rolling so just curious if anyone has heard back yet.
Secondly, and I know this has probably been asked to death but slightly worried about my first year grades (bit of a unique situation): I did far better than I thought I did in first year, coming near the top of my cohort and getting four Firsts out of six. However, I did get a 58 in Tort. My average is still obviously high 2:1. No mitigating circumstances, just a bad day at the office. Was wondering what the approach is now? I have really good grades that aside (all the way back to GCSEs and A-Levels) and obviously very high grades in uni other than Tort so was wondering if the move is to bother applying for the Slaughters, Jones Days of the industry? And also generally, how screwed am I for next year lol

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

HI Ram, for #2 - I'm actually confused if doing an LLM gives applicants the right to be on a vac scheme, something that wouldn't be possible for international students at all since nearly all firms have confirmed that they do not sponsor visas for a scheme. But here again, I've heard that the visa that LLM students are on doesn't permit them to be a part of the schemes. Could you clarify what the actual position is here? Thanks in advance.

Hi! I can help with this.

If you're an international applicant (like me), as a starting point, you will have no right to work in the UK. Very few firms are willing to sponsor a visa just for a vacation scheme.

Studying an LLM will require you to obtain a Student Visa. A Student Visa will allow you to work 20 hours per week max during term time. However, outside of term time, you will be allowed to work full-time without any specific limits. Therefore, on a Student Visa, you will be able to take part in vacation schemes that fall outside of your university's term time. Check the university's academic calendar to be sure.

Completing an LLM will give you the right to apply for a Graduate Visa. For the duration of your Graduate Visa, you will be able to work full-time in the UK without restrictions, which will allow you to take part in any vacation scheme. A Graduate Visa, right now, is issued for 2 years (though the government will likely soon reduce its duration to 1.5 years). It will start running from the date on which it is granted.

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Hi! I can help with this.

If you're an international applicant (like me), as a starting point, you will have no right to work in the UK. Very few firms are willing to sponsor a visa just for a vacation scheme.

Studying an LLM will require you to obtain a Student Visa. A Student Visa will allow you to work 20 hours per week max during term time. However, outside of term time, you will be allowed to work full-time without any specific limits. Therefore, on a Student Visa, you will be able to take part in vacation schemes that fall outside of your university's term time. Check the university's academic calendar to be sure.

Completing an LLM will give you the right to apply for a Graduate Visa. For the duration of your Graduate Visa, you will be able to work full-time in the UK without restrictions, which will allow you to take part in any vacation scheme. A Graduate Visa, right now, is issued for 2 years (though the government will likely soon reduce its duration to 1.5 years). It will start running from the date on which it is granted.

thank you so much!!!! just one follow up, on the graduate visa, someone who has done an LLM can literally stay anywhere in the UK, not work at all and only focus on tc apps, correct? or is it compulsory that on a grad visa the person has to work somewhere?

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

thank you so much!!!! just one follow up, on the graduate visa, someone who has done an LLM can literally stay anywhere in the UK, not work at all and only focus on tc apps, correct? or is it compulsory that on a grad visa the person has to work somewhere?

No need to work. You're entirely correct.

 

[BobThebIlly]

Hey guys! I'm going into my final year and starting to think about vac scheme applications again. I'm a bit confused about how to approach winter vs summer scheme... should I focus more on one over the other? Does it actually make a difference in terms of chances or outcome? Would really appreciate any advice on how to split things up or plan ahead!

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Hey guys! I'm going into my final year and starting to think about vac scheme applications again. I'm a bit confused about how to approach winter vs summer scheme... should I focus more on one over the other? Does it actually make a difference in terms of chances or outcome? Would really appreciate any advice on how to split things up or plan ahead!

As someone who has done a winter and a summer scheme this year: No difference in terms of competition or chances of converting as a general rule. Grad rec is very experienced in balancing these. Sometimes it happens that there's fewer or more people converting one or the other. But that's more about the individuals in the schemes.

 

[legallybrunette8]

HI Ram, for #2 - I'm actually confused if doing an LLM gives applicants the right to be on a vac scheme, something that wouldn't be possible for international students at all since nearly all firms have confirmed that they do not sponsor visas for a scheme. But here again, I've heard that the visa that LLM students are on doesn't permit them to be a part of the schemes. Could you clarify what the actual position is here? Thanks in advance.

Hey! I can be of some help here as well.

As @billyonthespeeddial mentioned, you'll only be be able to do a vac scheme outside of term time. I'm doing an LLM this year, and honestly, was not able to apply to any vac schemes as the LLM in most cases will still go on during the summer, which is when most vac schemes take place. I was only able to apply to direct TCs which massively reduced my chances imo.

But the good news, is that you'll also be able to apply for a graduate visa upon completing the LLM. Here, you'll be able to complete all types of schemes with no restrictions.

Hope this helps!!

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Hey! I can be of some help here as well.

As @billyonthespeeddial mentioned, you'll only be be able to do a vac scheme outside of term time. I'm doing an LLM this year, and honestly, was not able to apply to any vac schemes as the LLM in most cases will still go on during the summer, which is when most vac schemes take place. I was only able to apply to direct TCs this year which massively reduced my chances imo.

But the good news, is that you'll also be able to apply for a graduate visa upon completing the LLM. Here, you'll be able to complete all types of schemes with no restrictions.

Hope this helps!!

noted, thanks a ton!