TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

TCLA Community Assistant · May 26, 2025

Chris Brown said:
On Legal Cheek, it says that Burges Salmon have a minimum A-level requirement of BBB and a 2:1 at degree level. However, on their website FAQ it says they consider mitigating circumstances and won’t automatically screen out applications that don’t meet the minimum academic criteria. I don’t think it’s a strict requirement. Best of luck with your Burges Salmon application!

Burges Salmon - Legal Cheek

The Legal Cheek view on Burges Salmon, featuring trainee and newly qualified pay, our insider scorecard and all the key facts and figures.

www.legalcheek.com

Trainee application and FAQs

Explaining the process and answering your questions to help ensure you leap into an exciting legal career.

www.burges-salmon.com

I think if they had a minimum requirement for A-levels it would be referenced on this page of their website but there is no reference to A-levels at all, only the 2.1.

Chris Brown · May 26, 2025

Jessica Booker said:
I think if they had a minimum requirement for A-levels it would be referenced on this page of their website but there is no reference to A-levels at all, only the 2.1.

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 email graduate recruitment to clarify what the A-level requirements are @Legallywhatever. 🥲

Burges Salmon LLP - True Picture - Chambers Student Guide

Burges Salmon LLP - True Picture. The student’s guide to careers in the law.

www.chambersstudent.co.uk

londonlawyer · May 26, 2025

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.

Mug Fan · May 26, 2025

londonlawyer said:
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.

One.

Can’t go wrong with navy.

Black not really an issue regardless. I wouldn’t bother getting a new one unless you’re so stressed about it you think it’ll affect your performance.

TCLA Community Assistant · May 26, 2025

londonlawyer said:
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.

I am tagging in @Ram Sabaratnam and @Andrei Radu who might be better placed to advise on this from their recent experiences from their schemes.

Navy or dark grey are the safest choices for suit colours. Those who disapprove of black suits tend to be more traditional people, often from private educational backgrounds, or who started their careers before offices embraced a more casual dress code.

You may not need to wear a suit every day though. If you're more cautious about your attire, wearing black trousers without the suit jacket is less noticeable than wearing a full black suit.

Kakaboo · May 26, 2025

Legallywhatever said:
Does anyone know if Burges Salmon are strict with their A-Level grade requirements?

No but for the direct TC they are very strict on people having done a vs before

Amma Usman · May 26, 2025

ish12345 said:
Hi, I have been asked to send in a headshot and bio for the firm I am completing a VS with in a few weeks time. Please may someone advise what to include in the bio? They specified that it is a couple lines about yourself to share with colleagues before I arrive for the scheme.

Hey,

Try to keep it all-rounded in three aspects; (1) academic, (2) professional, (3) hobbies/lighter things. There is usually not much space to say a lot, so you will need to be concise with all three, hitting the nail on the head with the most important points worth mentioning. I have been getting a lot of private messages on this lately and seen that there is a common misconception that the bio needs to be heavily entrenched like an ‘elevator pitch’. Not necessarily. Though, still including a few achievements and examples from your professional background will certainly be helpful.

I have quoted below a more detailed post from @Jessica Booker to help.

Jessica Booker said:
Has the firm given you an example or any guidance on how to write it? A lot of firms do so that your writing is going to be fairly consistent with other vacation scheme students. If they have given this to you, then always follow their structure and guidance first.

If they haven't provided anything to you, then something like the following length would be appropriate:

Jess studied Economics and Social Studies at the University of Manchester, graduating with a first-class honours in 2004. Since then, she has worked in the Early Careers sector for a range of companies across the legal, professional services, investment and FMCG sectors. Before her career, Jess was a Chef, working in various pubs and also as a Chalet host in the French Alps. She continues to love both cooking and skiing, as well as trying to keep up with her hyperactive dog, Dennis. Jess looks forward to understanding more about the firm's clients during the vacation scheme, as well as learning more about the firm's diversity initiatives.

It might be that they want you to write in the first person though - I have just written in the third person due to habit!

Ultimately try to include:

- Key and relevant facts about your background
- 1 or 2 key achievements (I included my degree classification)
- Something about your interests - what you do outside of work/study
- Something interesting about you - maybe something more unique (why I always throw in the fact I was a chef)
- If you feel comfortable doing so, something slightly light-hearted or that could be a conversation starter (why I reference my dog. Dennis!).
- Adding some kind of reference as to what you hope to gain by attending the scheme

londonlawyer · May 26, 2025

Mug Fan said:
One.

Can’t go wrong with navy.

Black not really an issue regardless. I wouldn’t bother getting a new one unless you’re so stressed about it you think it’ll affect your performance.

Jessica Booker said:
I am tagging in @Ram Sabaratnam and @Andrei Radu who might be better placed to advise on this from their recent experiences from their schemes.

Navy or dark grey are the safest choices for suit colours. Those who disapprove of black suits tend to be more traditional people, often from private educational backgrounds, or who started their careers before offices embraced a more casual dress code.

You may not need to wear a suit every day though. If you're more cautious about your attire, wearing black trousers without the suit jacket is less noticeable than wearing a full black suit.

Thank you, @Mug Fan and @Jessica Booker !

lawstudent272003 · May 26, 2025

Hi can anyone who has done the CRS AC or VS please message me. PLEASE!

Legallywhatever · May 26, 2025

Chris Brown said:
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 email graduate recruitment to clarify what the A-level requirements are @Legallywhatever. 🥲

Burges Salmon LLP - True Picture - Chambers Student Guide

Burges Salmon LLP - True Picture. The student’s guide to careers in the law.

www.chambersstudent.co.uk

@Jessica Booker @Chris Brown thanks both!

Legallywhatever · May 26, 2025

Kakaboo said:
No but for the direct TC they are very strict on people having done a vs before

Oh no aha! Haven't done one so that's a bit tricky

adrian_nlh · May 27, 2025

sammy01 said:
anyone know if fried frank sends out WG invites automatically? Or do they review your app first?

They will review your app first.

Userwe01 · May 27, 2025

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.

TCLA Community Assistant · May 27, 2025

Userwe01 said:
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 · May 27, 2025

Jessica Booker said:
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 · May 27, 2025

Userwe01 said:
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 · May 27, 2025

londonlawyer said:
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 · May 27, 2025

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 · May 28, 2025

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!

TCLA Community Assistant · May 28, 2025

safari3 said:
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: