TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Jessica Booker]

Hi! Could anyone please share some tips on conducting legal research during a vacation scheme? What’s an ideal structure and what level of analysis is required? Thank you.

Unfortunately there is not an "ideal" structure or level of analysis. This will vary from firm to firm, even supervisor to supervisor, and even task to task.

It is really important to get clarity on the expectations from the person who is giving the task to you so that apply the circumstances you face rather than applying broad expectations. It is important you tailor your approach to the individual requirements you face.

In terms of tips, my advice would be:​

The following questions are reasonable questions to ask when being given legal research:

• Are there any resources you recommend I utilise?
• Is there a particular template you would like the research note presented in/specific length of note you would recommend?
• Are there any elements you want the research to focus on?
• Clarity on how much time should be spent on the task/any deadlines for it

Setting these expectations early on will help you be more efficient and is likely to help yu produce a higher standard of work.

Also factor in the following:

• Time to gather some initial feedback, and then time to revise the document based on the feedback. Your first draft you show to someone should not be the final version of the document.
• It will probably take you at least 25% more time than you expect - its better to over anticipate the time needed and get time back than underestimate it and then have to decline other tasks

Other thoughts:

• Ensure the research is appropriate to your audience - this will be different if they are lawyers vs a specific client vs general marketing/business development research.
• Many firms have knowledge management lawyers, professional support lawyers or library staff who might be able to help guide you if your supervisor/person who allocated the task is not available.
• Trainees will also be a good resource to bounce ideas off of on how to approach the task or to get some initial feedback.
• There might be internal resources, including similar or previous examples of research notes on the firm's filing systems. For instance, if the research is for a particular client, try to see if there have been similar notes created for the same client on similar topics. If they were sent to the client, this gives you a very strong indication of the format/length to most likely aim for.
• If your task is effectively a simulation that has been allocated by Graduate Recruitment rather than a "live" task given to you by the department, even though it is assessed, you cannot put the majority of your time towards it or allow the work your department gives you to becomes a lesser priority. I have lost count how many vacation scheme students have put their all into a research task at the cost of engaging with their department's work, and have not converted to a TC because of it. Such tasks should be things you can balance with other tasks/commitments built into the scheme, whether this is other tasks (like group exercises) or work given to you by your department.
• There is no such thing as perfect, so you can't aim for this!

 

[Userwe01]

Unfortunately there is not an "ideal" structure or level of analysis. This will vary from firm to firm, even supervisor to supervisor, and even task to task.

It is really important to get clarity on the expectations from the person who is giving the task to you so that apply the circumstances you face rather than applying broad expectations. It is important you tailor your approach to the individual requirements you face.

In terms of tips, my advice would be:​

The following questions are reasonable questions to ask when being given legal research:

• Are there any resources you recommend I utilise?
• Is there a particular template you would like the research note presented in/specific length of note you would recommend?
• Are there any elements you want the research to focus on?
• Clarity on how much time should be spent on the task/any deadlines for it

Setting these expectations early on will help you be more efficient and is likely to help yu produce a higher standard of work.

Also factor in the following:

• Time to gather some initial feedback, and then time to revise the document based on the feedback. Your first draft you show to someone should not be the final version of the document.
• It will probably take you at least 25% more time than you expect - its better to over anticipate the time needed and get time back than underestimate it and then have to decline other tasks

Other thoughts:

• Ensure the research is appropriate to your audience - this will be different if they are lawyers vs a specific client vs general marketing/business development research.
• Many firms have knowledge management lawyers, professional support lawyers or library staff who might be able to help guide you if your supervisor/person who allocated the task is not available.
• Trainees will also be a good resource to bounce ideas off of on how to approach the task or to get some initial feedback.
• There might be internal resources, including similar or previous examples of research notes on the firm's filing systems. For instance, if the research is for a particular client, try to see if there have been similar notes created for the same client on similar topics. If they were sent to the client, this gives you a very strong indication of the format/length to most likely aim for.
• If your task is effectively a simulation that has been allocated by Graduate Recruitment rather than a "live" task given to you by the department, even though it is assessed, you cannot put the majority of your time towards it or allow the work your department gives you to becomes a lesser priority. I have lost count how many vacation scheme students have put their all into a research task at the cost of engaging with their department's work, and have not converted to a TC because of it. Such tasks should be things you can balance with other tasks/commitments built into the scheme, whether this is other tasks (like group exercises) or work given to you by your department.
• There is no such thing as perfect, so you can't aim for this!

Thank you Jess!!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi! Could anyone please share some tips on conducting legal research during a vacation scheme? What’s an ideal structure and what level of analysis is expected? Thank you.

Hiya @Userwe01

I don't have much to add to the brilliant advice you've already received from @Jessica Booker, but have just mentioned a few thoughts below.

If you haven’t already, I'd recommend getting some practice with Practical Law and LexisNexis. These are two of the main tools you'll likely use during a vac scheme. In my own experience, practical Law is especially good for overviews of legal topics. By contrast, I've found Lexis helpful for delving a bit deeper into case law and finding commentary where things didn't always make the most intuitive sense. I also think that familiarising yourself with these tools is particularly important in developing the confidence to adequately search terms, filters, and find precedents.

In terms of writing up your research, I've often found it helpful to start with a short summary of your findings before going into more detail. When fleshing out your points, I'd also suggest that you keep track of where you found your information. I’ve received particularly good feedback whenever I've included references or hyperlinks, especially if you're using internal resources or subscription databases. This is also important since it demonstrates your ability to "back up" your work and also demonstrates that you're being thorough and helpful to whoever is reading your research.

Good luck with your scheme!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

How many suits would I need for a two-week vacation scheme? And what are the acceptable colours? I have heard that black suits are not usually acceptable, but the only suit I currently have is black.

Absolutely agree with Jess’s advice. During my schemes, I rotated between the only two suits I had (one navy and one mid-grey). That said, I definitely remember people wearing black suits and still making excellent impressions and securing training contracts. I've also been at firms where vacation schemers appeared to be dressed slightly more relaxed. For instance, I’ve seen men in suit pants/trousers with a button-up shirt and a nice sweater vest or half-zip jumper, and they looked completely appropriate. I'd be curious to know @Jessica Booker's thought on this, but my impression has been that, as long as you look neat and professional, feel comfortable, and show that you’ve made an effort, that should be good enough as far as your wardrobe is concerned.

If you're concerned about the black suit, you could soften it with a lighter shirt or a subtle tie. Don’t let the lack of multiple suits stress you out. Good luck with your scheme

 

[sc13]

Hi everyone! Have the CRS AC coming up soon, wanted some tips for the group exercise we’ve just been given two of the topics that will be discussed but I’m feeling a bit stressed about the format (discussing 7 topics in 30 minutes in groups of 7), I’m not sure what the best way to make a valuable contribution in such a setting would be.

 

[safari3]

Hi! Does anyone have any advice / resources for building legal research skills prior to a vacation scheme? As well as any other preparation tips? Thank you!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi! Does anyone have any advice / resources for building legal research skills prior to a vacation scheme? As well as any other preparation tips? Thank you!

These two posts maybe helpful:

TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

It’s odd because on Chambers Student it says the minimum A-level requirement is 136 UCAS points (AAB) and 2:1 at degree level. On Legal Cheek, it says BBB at A-level and 2:1. On their website, there is no mention of A-level grades at all, only the 2:1 requirement. It’s probably a good idea to...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

It’s odd because on Chambers Student it says the minimum A-level requirement is 136 UCAS points (AAB) and 2:1 at degree level. On Legal Cheek, it says BBB at A-level and 2:1. On their website, there is no mention of A-level grades at all, only the 2:1 requirement. It’s probably a good idea to...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[Life_of_PFOs]

Hi everyone,
I am a penultimate-year law student. I have applied to 10 vacation schemes, but I was rejected from all of them. Despite these setbacks, I still want to develop transferable skills over the summer. What opportunities/work experience should I look for?​

 

[mfuturetrainee]

Hi everyone,
I am a penultimate-year law student. I have applied to 10 vacation schemes, but I was rejected from all of them. Despite these setbacks, I still want to develop transferable skills over the summer. What opportunities/work experience should I look for?​

getting a part time / summer job was gold for me!

 

[Life_of_PFOs]

getting a part time / summer job was gold for me!

@mfuturetrainee Thank you for the suggestion!

 

[Gr33n]

Hi everyone! Have the CRS AC coming up soon, wanted some tips for the group exercise we’ve just been given two of the topics that will be discussed but I’m feeling a bit stressed about the format (discussing 7 topics in 30 minutes in groups of 7), I’m not sure what the best way to make a valuable contribution in such a setting would be.

What are the 7 topics and what is the objective of the group exercise

 

[Jessica Booker]

What are the 7 topics and what is the objective of the group exercise

Please remember that sharing this type of information in the forums is against our terms, as it undermines recruitment processes. More details can be found here: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/help/terms/

 

[applebunny]

Has anyone heard from SH for summer 2?

 

[Izzy1026]

Hi everyone, for those who are doing PGDL or other courses at ULaw, may I ask when does the winter break start? I am trying to book in advance my trip home for Christmas but not sure how early I should book …

 

[londonlawyer]

Absolutely agree with Jess’s advice. During my schemes, I rotated between the only two suits I had (one navy and one mid-grey). That said, I definitely remember people wearing black suits and still making excellent impressions and securing training contracts. I've also been at firms where vacation schemers appeared to be dressed slightly more relaxed. For instance, I’ve seen men in suit pants/trousers with a button-up shirt and a nice sweater vest or half-zip jumper, and they looked completely appropriate. I'd be curious to know @Jessica Booker's thought on this, but my impression has been that, as long as you look neat and professional, feel comfortable, and show that you’ve made an effort, that should be good enough as far as your wardrobe is concerned.

If you're concerned about the black suit, you could soften it with a lighter shirt or a subtle tie. Don’t let the lack of multiple suits stress you out. Good luck with your scheme

Thank you! @Ram Sabaratnam

 

[Apple]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jess, I've sent you a private message about mitigating circumstances if you get the time to look at it. Thanks

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi everyone! Have the CRS AC coming up soon, wanted some tips for the group exercise we’ve just been given two of the topics that will be discussed but I’m feeling a bit stressed about the format (discussing 7 topics in 30 minutes in groups of 7), I’m not sure what the best way to make a valuable contribution in such a setting would be.

Hiya @sc13

I actually found this to be the most fun part of the AC once it got going! One thing I’d really emphasise is that the exercise isn’t about picking the “correct” view in relation to any given topic (there usually isn’t one). I was surprised by how many different approaches people took to each topic. What really mattered was how we engaged with each other, not what side we took. So even if a topic isn’t something you're completely familiar with, there are still really valuable ways to contribute. A few things that helped me:

Think broadly: I found it helpful to reflect on some of the big issues facing the legal profession and the UK more generally. Doing a quick PESTLE analysis for each topic (or just mentally considering political, economic, social, tech etc. angles) gave me a good starting point for framing my thoughts.

Ask commercially aware questions: If you're unsure how to make a strong point, asking thoughtful questions can be just as effective. It shows you’re thinking critically and can help move the discussion forward, which assessors will definitely notice. I used this approach for a few topics I knew less about, and it went down well with others and my assessors.

Build on others' ideas: You don’t always have to bring brand new points to the table. Showing that you’ve listened and then asking someone to expand, or gently challenging a point in a constructive way, can really show your collaboration skills. It’s a great way to engage meaningfully without needing to dominate.

Best of luck and happy to answer any more questions if that's helpful 😊

 

[johnnn821]

Hey guys, to those who have an insight day and a final interview with Hill Dickinson could you please tell me whether your interview is taking place during the insight day or whether it is on the 18th? I am very confused so would appreciate any insight.

 

[jasonbourne]

hey guys, so I received an email from a firm offering me a place on their vac scheme, which I replied back saying I accepted. This was on the 19th May. I didn't hear back, so I sent a follow-up email to ensure that my email wasn't lost and to reiterate my acceptance. That was on the 27th May.

I still haven't heard back and the scheme is due to start on the 9th June. Should I be worried or am I getting a little too excited lol. I don't want to miss out on my place and I want to ensure I have time to prepare for it to make a good impression and ensure I am able to convert it. It was literally my last vac scheme application, all the rest were rejections so I don't want to potentially 'lose' it

 

[Kakaboo]

Just seen the gov’s plans to get rid of level 7 apprenticeship funding. I am in the final round for a solicitor level 7 apprenticeship. Does this mean it will be cut? I’m very worried and upset