TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Amma Usman]

To add to this: I’ll give you a whistle stop tour of some tips that were helpful for me during my scheme. I recently converted a VS

First, carry around a notepad and pen around you can have conversations with people or anyone can say something potentially useful during the scheme so just write down their name and 1-3 useful pieces of advice that you gleaned from the conversation and then you’ll be able to augment it later to see if it can be utilised. Make a point of connecting with people outside of your supervisor and trainee buddy because everyone can give feedback on you. Don’t go overboard trying to meet everyone be strategic. For instance, on my scheme I figured out who were on the hiring committee and focused on them because I knew they would be in the wash up meeting at the end! Listen more than you speak. Can’t overstate that enough! Don’t be over enthusiastic! Be yourself, be interested. When your supervisor gives you work, remember they are your client, ask when they want the work by, how they want the work, the style, format etc., anything and ofc be inquisitive about how the work fits into the larger deal etc. Basics like grammar and spelling should be absolutely pinned down. If you run late with work because you’ll be doing other activities on the scheme, just let the person know give updates so they know how ur getting on with the work.

I am a firm believer in there is no such thing as a stupid question but there is such a thing as a lazy question. Whenever you need to ask a question to ur supervisor or trainee buddy or someone who has given you work, do some preliminary research beforehand. Then if you have a question go to the person and say I have this question and having done some research this is what I’ve arrived at but I just wanted to check that my understanding is right. This shows initiative, research skills and that you’re interested and keen.

Every firm is different in terms of final assessment/big interview. At my firm we had a 5 min presentation, followed by ques on the presentation, then that was followed by motivational/competency questions. Keep on top of commercial awareness, all the topical issues that are unfolding globally. Know your application and what you wrote in it. It is possible that one or both people conducting the interview will try to push you; don’t fold if you can substantiate your position they are testing to see if you are actually confident in the things you are saying.

In interview the question on why the firm, they’ll be wanting to see whether your position has changed mentally from what I term as: ‘I’m interested in a commercial law career and I’d like to explore this at the firm. Then you do your VS and they are wanting to see your position drastically change to I’m certain I want to be a commercial lawyer and I want to start my career at the firm’. The difference between those two positions is that you’ll have all your existing reasons but then you have acquired new interactions at the firm, work you’ve done that can better substantiate those reasons as well as having new experiences that add to the existing reasons so they want to see what you’ve gained from the VS so you have to go beyond what you said in your VS.

One question I got that initially threw me was: Some law firms are listing on the stock exchange can you discuss a few issues with that. This was something I had never encountered before as it’s not really impacting big firms, but I was able to tackle it well based on my knowledge about listing on the stock exchange and then extrapolate that into my knowledge of how firms operate, the duties lawyers owe to clients and professional regulatory bodies etc.

Good luck!

@Legal Wizard , this is really good advice. The name is very befitting - truly a Legal Wizard haha!

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi @Andrei Radu if I am asked what attracted me to apply for a work experience a firm. How can i go about answering it.

Hi there @tosin4774 ,

Just to add to @Andrei Radu ’s amazing response on this, I’ve linked a thread below which you may also find useful:

Why This Firm? 🤔💭 : Crafting Applications

Hi TCLA Community! 😁 I created this thread because we all know that October is the season of drafting more and more applications for law firms. Knowing that you want to work at a particular firm is one thing; effectively demonstrating why that specific firm interests you is another. There are...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

In summary of the link above, I like to approach such questions almost like an equation:

(What I know) + (What I don’t yet know) = A Knowledge Gap
A Knowledge Gap × The Right Environment (i.e. X firm) = Accelerated Growth

So rather than just listing what you admire about the firm, frame it as the essential multiplier that bridges the gap between where you are and where you want to be. For example, if you already understand the basics of private equity but haven’t yet seen how it plays out in cross-border deals, and the firm is known for exactly that, then…that’s your equation in action.

This makes your answer both personal and forward-looking…you're not just choosing the firm because of its rankings or status, but because it’s the right environment to turn your current potential into future impact.

Best wishes with the application. Let us know if you’ve got any more questions. We’d be more than happy to help xx.

 

[ohnoselim]

anyone who applied for the norton rose open day heard anything back since the rare recruitment email?

 

[Kakaboo]

Then why not offer all interviewees training contracts then? It's a broken and unfair recruitment process. I will keep saying this no matter what. Many people are overlooked or discriminated against and 'fairness' doesn't really exist.

I’m no recruiter

 

[Kakaboo]

The funding isn't being cut until January 2026, so if the programme is due to start in 2025, this will not be a problem.

2027 as it is a training contract x

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

2027 as it is a training contract x

Which firm is this for?

Generally the Graduate Apprenticeships only need to be recruited a maximum a year in advance (and some firms recruit for them to start the next September), so it would be slightly strange for a firm to be recruiting for 2027 if it was a GA model of training.

But if the firm is advertising a 2027 GA model of training contract, yes there is a risk it could be cut, unless they are willing to fund the training themselves and not from their apprenticeship levy. It would be something to speak to the firm about if you are concerned.

 

[tosin4774]

Hi there @tosin4774 ,

Just to add to @Andrei Radu ’s amazing response on this, I’ve linked a thread below which you may also find useful:

Why This Firm? 🤔💭 : Crafting Applications

Hi TCLA Community! 😁 I created this thread because we all know that October is the season of drafting more and more applications for law firms. Knowing that you want to work at a particular firm is one thing; effectively demonstrating why that specific firm interests you is another. There are...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

In summary of the link above, I like to approach such questions almost like an equation:

(What I know) + (What I don’t yet know) = A Knowledge Gap
A Knowledge Gap × The Right Environment (i.e. X firm) = Accelerated Growth

So rather than just listing what you admire about the firm, frame it as the essential multiplier that bridges the gap between where you are and where you want to be. For example, if you already understand the basics of private equity but haven’t yet seen how it plays out in cross-border deals, and the firm is known for exactly that, then…that’s your equation in action.

This makes your answer both personal and forward-looking…you're not just choosing the firm because of its rankings or status, but because it’s the right environment to turn your current potential into future impact.

Best wishes with the application. Let us know if you’ve got any more questions. We’d be more than happy to help xx.

Thank you

 

[londonlawyer]

Hi there @tosin4774 ,

Just to add to @Andrei Radu ’s amazing response on this, I’ve linked a thread below which you may also find useful:

Why This Firm? 🤔💭 : Crafting Applications

Hi TCLA Community! 😁 I created this thread because we all know that October is the season of drafting more and more applications for law firms. Knowing that you want to work at a particular firm is one thing; effectively demonstrating why that specific firm interests you is another. There are...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

In summary of the link above, I like to approach such questions almost like an equation:

(What I know) + (What I don’t yet know) = A Knowledge Gap
A Knowledge Gap × The Right Environment (i.e. X firm) = Accelerated Growth

So rather than just listing what you admire about the firm, frame it as the essential multiplier that bridges the gap between where you are and where you want to be. For example, if you already understand the basics of private equity but haven’t yet seen how it plays out in cross-border deals, and the firm is known for exactly that, then…that’s your equation in action.

This makes your answer both personal and forward-looking…you're not just choosing the firm because of its rankings or status, but because it’s the right environment to turn your current potential into future impact.

Best wishes with the application. Let us know if you’ve got any more questions. We’d be more than happy to help xx.

Hi Amma, could you please tell me how I should apply this approach at a TC interview at the end of the scheme? From what I know, the firm places an emphasis on being open-minded regarding practice areas but has a strong private equity practice. Could you please advise me on how I can modify this approach to ensure that the interviewers can see that I'm open to various practice areas?

Thank you.

 

[applebunny]

What are some insightful questions to ask future trainees to prep for the vacation scheme?

 

[Gr33n]

Hey congrats that’s amazing! Was that an email or a phone call? I’m certain I’ve been rejected as I got a very average amberjack score) and screwed up the interview bit too haha

It was a phone call. I didn’t do that well on the test or VI so don’t worry maybe they’re still hope

 

[FM302989]

Hi! I’d really appreciate thoughts from anyone who’s been in a similar position or has insight into how this is generally viewed in the industry.

I’ve been lucky enough to be offered a training contract offer at "Firm A" after a recent vac scheme (🥳). I really enjoyed it and I do see it as my top choice right now. However, I also have a vac scheme coming up at "Firm B", and I’m unsure whether I should still attend.

A few details for context:

- I haven’t received any of the funding yet (Firm A’s offer is still conditional: I’ve signed the offer letter and they’re currently doing background checks), and I haven’t received the formal TC agreement yet.
- Firm B’s vac scheme offer doesn’t mention anything about being unable to participate if you’ve accepted a TC elsewhere.
- Firm A also hasn’t said anything explicitly about not doing vac schemes elsewhere since offering the TC - but I can assume they probably expect a degree of commitment once you’ve accepted?
- Firm B is a strong firm, but I don’t know much about the culture since I haven’t interacted with them yet.

What I’d really love to know is what is the unwritten rule around this? Is doing a vac scheme after accepting a TC “normal” or does it raise eyebrows? How do firms typically react if they find out? Would it look odd if I later added Firm B’s vacation scheme to my CV/LinkedIn even though I’ve accepted a TC at Firm A?

And I guess the main question is - is there even any point in doing a vac scheme at Firm B if I have received an offer elsewhere?

Any advice would be so appreciated! Thanks so much in advance.

@Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu

Still attend - nothing to lose

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi! I’d really appreciate thoughts from anyone who’s been in a similar position or has insight into how this is generally viewed in the industry.

I’ve been lucky enough to be offered a training contract offer at "Firm A" after a recent vac scheme (🥳). I really enjoyed it and I do see it as my top choice right now. However, I also have a vac scheme coming up at "Firm B", and I’m unsure whether I should still attend.

A few details for context:

- I haven’t received any of the funding yet (Firm A’s offer is still conditional: I’ve signed the offer letter and they’re currently doing background checks), and I haven’t received the formal TC agreement yet.
- Firm B’s vac scheme offer doesn’t mention anything about being unable to participate if you’ve accepted a TC elsewhere.
- Firm A also hasn’t said anything explicitly about not doing vac schemes elsewhere since offering the TC - but I can assume they probably expect a degree of commitment once you’ve accepted?
- Firm B is a strong firm, but I don’t know much about the culture since I haven’t interacted with them yet.

What I’d really love to know is what is the unwritten rule around this? Is doing a vac scheme after accepting a TC “normal” or does it raise eyebrows? How do firms typically react if they find out? Would it look odd if I later added Firm B’s vacation scheme to my CV/LinkedIn even though I’ve accepted a TC at Firm A?

And I guess the main question is - is there even any point in doing a vac scheme at Firm B if I have received an offer elsewhere?

Any advice would be so appreciated! Thanks so much in advance.

@Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu

You may not get the formal agreement until just before your TC starts. If you have received a TC offer letter, this could be your formal offer.

If there is no chance of you accepting a TC offer from firm B over firm A, you should withdraw your candidacy from the VS. There is little value in continuing with the vacation scheme - you don't need the experience now you have secured your preferred TC.

If you want to work out whether Firm B is better suited to you than firm A, then you can proceed with the VS given neither of your offers have a term restricting you from doing so.

There are no unwritten rules about this. Some would argue that you should stick to the "voluntary code of recruitment for trainee solicitors" which can be found here https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topic...ry-code-of-recruitment-for-trainee-solicitors. However, as you can see, this hasn't been reviewed or updated since 2015 and firms are not sticking to this, so I don't see why candidates should. Just to highlight it is just a voluntary code - there is no regulatory requirements to stick to this, its just considered best practice.

Firms would only find out if you told them or you put it in the public domain like on LinkedIn. Now they could ask you as part of your scheme or TC conversion interview, and at that stage I would encourage people to be honest.

As for LinkedIn, no one would know when you got the offer or when you accepted it, so it wouldn't look odd to have a VS on your LinkedIn. You can also change your "future trainee" dates on LinkedIn to only cover the period you start a sponsored course, so it wouldn't look like your VS was after you had accepted an offer based on the information on LinkedIn.

The only final point to make, is that your "funding" commitment with Firm A could start from the point you submit forms to the GDL/SQE prep provider. I have seen people financially tied to the firm because they have effectively signed up to a GDL/SQE course even if that has not started.

 

[futuretrainee2025]

What is the department/area of law?

Tax

 

[trainee4u]

Hey congrats that’s amazing! Was that an email or a phone call? I’m certain I’ve been rejected as I got a very average amberjack score) and screwed up the interview bit too haha

I feel the same. My AJ was not bad, and my interview I put quite a bit of effort into except obviously read and still managed to cut off half-way through last sentence, but realistically experience is if anyone else has got an offer etc. it's PFO for sure.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Missed a vacation scheme this year? There's still time! The TCLA team are excited to share the following opportunity.

Perkins Coie London has just announced its vacation scheme. It runs this summer. And you can apply in the next two weeks.

It's a firm that has a huge presence in the US, especially in the tech sector - working with clients like Amazon, Meta and Amazon. What's interesting about the London-side is it's new, fast-growing, and operates very much like a start-up. This is a chance to join the firm as it builds its London practice.

It is a very unique vacation scheme (which tells you a lot about the firm), including gamified AI case studies, masterclasses to boost skills and commercial awareness, and a group pitch to a Founder/General Counsel client. As well as being a paid position, the firm will cover the cost of accommodation and travel.

Want to apply directly instead? The firm is also hiring for its Legal Business Analyst role.

For the vacation scheme, apply here by 23 June 2025.

 

[tarastar]

Does anyone know how to pass the Macfarlanes online test? What skills are they looking for as strengths/weaknesses?

 

[zonnonomo]

Does anyone know how to pass the Macfarlanes online test? What skills are they looking for as strengths/weaknesses?

they are very big on resilience

i went to their AC last year and my top 3 strengths were resilience, collaboration and adaptability

and my weakness was personal responsibility iirc

 

[KBanana]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some practical advice on how to deal with very busy supervisors during VSs. I’ve noticed I tend to get great feedback from more involved supervisors (the ones who check in regularly, have tasks planned for you etc), but I struggle with very busy/hands-off supervisors.

In a recent VS that I didn’t convert, one of my supervisors (let's call them supervisor 1) checked in with me throughout the day, planned my tasks ahead of time, and gave me excellent feedback. Whereas supervisor 2, who was quite busy, gave me bad feedback (GR didn't tell me the specifics, just that I scored poorly in their evaluation). I don't think my work quality was the issue as all my work was reviewed by another lawyer (supervisor 2 was too busy to review it), and I only received positive feedback for my work. Therefore, I think the problem might be that I bothered supervisor 2 too much.

As supervisor 2 didn't check in with me, I tried to be proactive: I’d stop by their office (I was seated away from them) once or twice a day (usually morning/lunch and before leaving) to say hello, let them know what I was working on, and ask if they needed help. They also didn't give me any tasks initially, so I asked others around for tasks (I thought that was better than doing nothing). I did get tasks from others, but eventually a more senior lawyer intervened, said they would speak with my supervisor about the situation, and after that I started receiving tasks from them. I feel terrible, as I didn't mean to create more stress for supervisor 2 - I just didn't want to sit idle all week and was concerned I’d have nothing to speak about in the upcoming partner interview (as we were told it would be based on the tasks we completed).

Thankfully, I have another VS starting soon. However, I’m worried I might face a similar situation. So my questions are:

- With busy supervisors, how often should you try to speak to them in a day?​

- Is it better to wait for them to approach you/check in instead?​

- How many tasks would you typically be expected to complete in a week?​

- If your supervisor doesn't give you tasks, how long should you wait before asking others?​

I’d really appreciate any practical tips or insights (including advice that goes beyond my specific questions!). Thank you!

@Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman

 

[aspiringcatsolicitor]

Hiya, any 2025 graduates here planning to take a year to focus on applications in the next cycle? Would love to connect and possibly set up a group chat

 

[Chris Brown]

Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating it. I hope you guys have a great day and weekend! 🥳​