Not vac scheme related but has anyone on this forum applied to the MoJ Summer Internship Scheme? (I've applied as I think it would be a great legal experience working in the tribunals and courts).
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Yep I applied too! Not heard anything back yet but still very early days so wouldn't really expect to
Bclp (I’ve done one there in 2023). I don’t know if they still offer it but worth checking!
Hi!
When I submitted my direct training contract application to Reed Smith last cycle, I included my upcoming vacation schemes to give context that I'd be gaining further legal experience between applying and any later stages. I didn't usually include them for vacation scheme applications themselves, but it felt more relevant in the DTC context.
That said, I think either approach is absolutely fine - you won't be penalised for including them, but they're unlikely to add significant weight to your application either
Hello!
Congratulations on the Farrer & Co vacation scheme - that is amazing news, and I really loved my vacation scheme at the firm last year (so I'm sure you will too!)
When I completed the scheme, you would sit in two different departments over the two weeks (so I sat in Residential Property and IP & Commercial) - I believe these were randomly allocated, so you don't necessarily indicate any preferences! The structure of the scheme was split into time within your allocated department, and sessions that gave you insights into various areas at the firm. I personally found that this worked really well, as it gave you a good balance of each - just make sure that you communicate to your supervisors when you have to attend a session, etc. I also had enough time to arrange coffee chats with people at the firm, and everyone was super willing to meet with me and chat about their work! I remember that one of the vacation schemers even managed to arrange a coffee chat with Julian Smith, who is Private Solicitor to the King!
In the teams I was in, I was given work from my supervisor but also got to complete tasks for other associates and partners in the teams too! I also got to attend the team meetings and meet everyone, which really did make me feel like part of the team for a week, haha! Whilst the teams I was in might be viewed as quite "generic", the work that Farrers does in those areas is often very unique given their client base - I did a lot of research on bona vacantia for the Residential Property team, which was super interesting to learn about!
The sessions themselves were also super insightful - we had an Art Law session, insight into the legal work they complete with schools, and did a tour of the courts. There are also plenty of socials so that you can get to know the other vacation schemers, and speak to lots of trainees! You will also likely have sessions with the ED&I teams and Pro Bono & Responsible Business, which the firm is very passionate about and you have the opportunity to ask lots of questions. The office itself is also fascinating and has a lot of history (which I'm sure they'll discuss on the scheme), although I only stopped getting lost on the last day, haha!
In terms of the assessments on the scheme, last year it was a group case study presentation and an individual interview with a partner. You are given time to work with your group throughout the week, and there are also trainees that you can reach out to who will give you tips for the assessment. I personally didn't find the case study presentation confusing or extremely stressful, and it was nice to work through the problem with other vacation schemers (rather than alone!). The individual partner interview will be scheduled at some point in the scheme, and I would prepare for a typical partner interview (e.g. motivations, commercial awareness, competency questions, etc.). My interviewer was so lovely and arranged a coffee with me in the first week to meet and chat before the interview itself - this definitely helped with the nerves! You are also assessed on the work that you are given by your supervisor, but I'd definitely just give it your best shot and try not to worry too much - I definitely made some silly mistakes on some of the tasks, but I was still invited back for the final TC interview.
If you score well in the interview, group case study and on the tasks set by your supervisor, then you are invited back to a final TC interview after the scheme. When I completed this interview, it was relatively similar to the partner interview except there were two interviewers and there are a few other minor tasks they ask you to complete. I probably can't share more details than that, but they might provide more details in advance!
Overall, absolutely everyone I met on the scheme was friendly and seemed to genuinely love working at the firm! I'm sure that you will have an amazing time, and I wish you the best of luck with the scheme! Just shout if you have any further / follow-up questions
Hi! Sorry just jumping in on this, did you mention this in the Work expereince section or somewhere in an application question?Hi!
When I submitted my direct training contract application to Reed Smith last cycle, I included my upcoming vacation schemes to give context that I'd be gaining further legal experience between applying and any later stages. I didn't usually include them for vacation scheme applications themselves, but it felt more relevant in the DTC context.
That said, I think either approach is absolutely fine - you won't be penalised for including them, but they're unlikely to add significant weight to your application either
Hi!
No worries! I mentioned it in the work experience section - I've had a look at the application I submitted, and I'd put:
Firm X, Role: Vacation Scheme Student - "After a competitive application process, I will be completing a two-week vacation scheme at the firm's office in London in June 2025."
The only schemes I mentioned in application questions were those I had completed, as I referred to specific insights and skills that I had gained on the schemes
cleary gottlieb open day is virtual... i'm still kind of irritated that i had to write a cover letter for an online insight day? I feel like the whole benefit of an open day is getting to go and look at the office and get a feel for the people there (and the free merch) - anything that can be done on an online open day is surely something that they could've just put on youtube etc? also makes it feel like it was probably not that selective (so again why ask for cover letters?)
Sad thing is it was probably still selective despite being online
Congrats to you too!! I’m guessing general motivational questions plus maybe some questions about what we’ve written on our application
@Jaysen love the Corporate Finance YouTube video! Feeling like a finance bro now 
Highly recommend to anyone who struggles with the financial side of commercial law #notsponsored
Highly recommend to anyone who struggles with the financial side of commercial law
#notsponsored
I don't think any "role" per se is "bad" to take up (of course, unless it's the role of the dominator etc.) I think why some people tell you to avoid being timekeeper is because often people fight to keep time, but the person who ends up keeping the time doesn't participate as much in the actual group discussion because they're so focused on the timekeeping.
So if you can keep an eye on the time whilst still being an active participant, I don't think being timekeeper is bad. It is only when that thing becomes your only role is when I would advise against it. And of course, if you take responsibility for something, you have to see it through. If you volunteer as timekeeper but forget to inform everyone there are only 5 mins left...not a great look lol.
So in the true lawyerly fashion: the answer is, it depends.
Hi @Jaysen @Abbie Whitlock , I was wondering whether anyone can offer guidance on case studies involving restructuring and capital markets? I known M&A case studies are very popular but the firm I have got an interview with is also known for restructuring. Any tips/resources would be very helpful, and just in general what would a non-M&A case study look like?
Thanks everyone,
Thanks everyone,
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