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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

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#30,061
Hi, just wanted to get some opinions on this because I might be overthinking it.

I recently progressed to final stage for a training contract at a firm, and they said the next step is an insight day + final interview sometime in May (date not confirmed yet).

I emailed to say I had a prior personal commitment on 11–12 May but that I’d still prioritise attending. They replied saying thanks and that they’ve noted my availability.

Only issue is i have just realised my commitment actually runs until the 13th. Now I’m debating whether to send a quick follow-up to correct it, or just leave it as is and only mention it if the date ends up being the 13th. Am I overthinking this? Would sending another email be annoying at this stage, or is it better to just clarify now?
 
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#30,064
Justin said:
Hi, just wanted to get some opinions on this because I might be overthinking it.

I recently progressed to final stage for a training contract at a firm, and they said the next step is an insight day + final interview sometime in May (date not confirmed yet).

I emailed to say I had a prior personal commitment on 11–12 May but that I’d still prioritise attending. They replied saying thanks and that they’ve noted my availability.

Only issue is i have just realised my commitment actually runs until the 13th. Now I’m debating whether to send a quick follow-up to correct it, or just leave it as is and only mention it if the date ends up being the 13th. Am I overthinking this? Would sending another email be annoying at this stage, or is it better to just clarify now?
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Hey!

I don't think you are overthinking it (+ I would probably be having the exact some worries)! Personally, I would send a quick follow-up now just to clarify to the graduate recruitment team. It is very unlikely to come across as annoying at all - if anything, it shows that you are organised and keen to make sure that they have the accurate information that they need. Something like a small correction is absolutely fine, and I think they'd rather know now then later down the line when they have already made arrangements.

You could keep it really brief, perhaps something along the lines of: "Just to clarify my previous email, my prior commitment actually runs until the 13 May rather than the 12 May - apologies for the confusion. I remain very keen to attend the insight day and will prioritise being available where possible".

This way, you are being clear and organised, but still showing enthusiasm and commitment to the firm! It is probably better to flag it now rather than wait and only raise it if they suggest the 13th, as it avoids any last-minute complications and shows good communication. However, even if you left it, I don't think it'll be a big issue - try not to stress too much about it!

Best of luck with the final stage assessments, I'm sure you'll smash it!! :)
 
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#30,065
Abbie Whitlock said:
Hey!

I don't think you are overthinking it (+ I would probably be having the exact some worries)! Personally, I would send a quick follow-up now just to clarify to the graduate recruitment team. It is very unlikely to come across as annoying at all - if anything, it shows that you are organised and keen to make sure that they have the accurate information that they need. Something like a small correction is absolutely fine, and I think they'd rather know now then later down the line when they have already made arrangements.

You could keep it really brief, perhaps something along the lines of: "Just to clarify my previous email, my prior commitment actually runs until the 13 May rather than the 12 May - apologies for the confusion. I remain very keen to attend the insight day and will prioritise being available where possible".

This way, you are being clear and organised, but still showing enthusiasm and commitment to the firm! It is probably better to flag it now rather than wait and only raise it if they suggest the 13th, as it avoids any last-minute complications and shows good communication. However, even if you left it, I don't think it'll be a big issue - try not to stress too much about it!

Best of luck with the final stage assessments, I'm sure you'll smash it!! :)
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Thank you Abbie for the advice! Just sent it now so fingers crossed! :)
 
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#30,069
i need advice! i have started a paralegal role and been offered a vac scheme. what’s the best way to deal with it? i want to do the vac scheme but dont want to lose my job by lying or even lose it by asking and they fire me later on because they think i want to leave? i am very torn. i also am worried about lying and being found out. it’s only a week, should i just be honest with my job?
 
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#30,074
nicoledm said:
SPB vac scheme offer !! (Manchester and heard via email today)

On my birthday as well 🥳
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Amazing news, huge congratulations - happy birthday too!!! I hope you celebrate twice as much! 🥳 🥳

Dance Party Dancing GIF
 
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#30,075
elizabethkate said:
i need advice! i have started a paralegal role and been offered a vac scheme. what’s the best way to deal with it? i want to do the vac scheme but dont want to lose my job by lying or even lose it by asking and they fire me later on because they think i want to leave? i am very torn. i also am worried about lying and being found out. it’s only a week, should i just be honest with my job?
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Hey!

Congratulations on the vacation scheme!! This is a relatively common situation, so I'd try not to panic. A lot of people do vacation schemes while working as paralegals (+ I know of a few people who did this at my old firm), and employers in the legal sector are generally aware that their paralegals will be applying for these sorts of opportunities.

I would really avoid lying if you can. It might feel like the easier option in the short term, particularly as the scheme is only a week, but in a legal environment things like trust and integrity matter a lot. If it ever came out, it could reflect worse on you than simply asking the question in the first place. Additionally, being honest about the fact you are completing a vacation scheme doesn't mean you are signalling that you are about to leave. It is all in how you frame it - you can make it clear that you are enjoying the role, and that this is just an opportunity that would be valuable for your development and long-term goals. If you give plenty of notice and show that you are still committed to working hard in your current role, I think most reasonable employers will be understanding.

It is also worth keeping in mind that, generally speaking, there is often a gap between receiving a training contract offer and actually starting the SQE or the TC itself. Firms know this, and they also know that most people don't intend to stay in paralegal roles long term - these roles are often seen (on both sides) as a way to build experience before securing a TC. Therefore, doing a vacation scheme alongside a paralegal role isn't unusual and shouldn't come as a shock to your employer, especially since the gap means that you probably won't be leaving your paralegal role right away.

Overall, I would say that honesty is the safer and more professional route here. I appreciate that it is an uncomfortable situation, but I'd say it'll probably be the better option out of the two.

Congratulations again, and I hope you are able to sort it with your current firm!! :)
 
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