TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Idk if this is the right place for this but is it true that you need more extensive legal experience to go through the direct TC process successfully. I don't have a vac scheme this summer or anything more than a few days in a couple legal offices and am trying to decide if it's worth my time to apply to some direct TCs this summer or just prep for applications next year (will be my third year of uni also for context). Any insights appreciated, thanks

For some firms this will be the case. For instance, I think (if I remember correctly) Linklaters state you need a certain number of weeks of legal work experience to go forward for their direct TC.

But for most firms it won’t be as simple/binary as needed a certain length of work experience. Some firms will look more at your work experience holistically (both legal and non legal) while others may look at your motivations and other evidence for pursuing a commercial legal career and weigh this up alongside your work experience. For instance, if you can show strong and clear motivations and show other evidence of learning more about the career outside of legal work experience, this could replicate (or be stronger evidence) than describing a vacation scheme experience.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

How long after a final interview for a vac scheme should we wait to expect to hear back?

I was told in the interview that we should hear back on the 12th (or after, the details is a lil fuzzy). I understand things can delay the feedback and it’s not easy to decide. But the radio silence is excruciating.

My interview was in the last week of May.

This is still quite early based on what you have said, especially if the point was you would hear after the 12th rather than by the 12th.

I know it can feel like a lifetime while you are waiting to hear back. The problem for the firm is it feels the complete opposite - two weeks can pass by and it can feel like a couple of hours, especially at this time of year when there can be a lot of things going on. Unless the scheme is due to start on the 23 June, I would wait until the end of next week before chasing them up for a decision.

 

[lawstudent2]

For some firms this will be the case. For instance, I think (if I remember correctly) Linklaters state you need a certain number of weeks of legal work experience to go forward for their direct TC.

But for most firms it won’t be as simple/binary as needed a certain length of work experience. Some firms will look more at your work experience holistically (both legal and non legal) while others may look at your motivations and other evidence for pursuing a commercial legal career and weigh this up alongside your work experience. For instance, if you can show strong and clear motivations and show other evidence of learning more about the career outside of legal work experience, this could replicate (or be stronger evidence) than describing a vacation scheme experience.

Okay amazing thanks so much

 

[bangarangbass39]

This is still quite early based on what you have said, especially if the point was you would hear after the 12th rather than by the 12th.

I know it can feel like a lifetime while you are waiting to hear back. The problem for the firm is it feels the complete opposite - two weeks can pass by and it can feel like a couple of hours, especially at this time of year when there can be a lot of things going on. Unless the scheme is due to start on the 23 June, I would wait until the end of next week before chasing them up for a decision.

Apologies. I meant to say after a vac scheme. So after the final interview for the TC.

But thank you for the perspective. Of course the doomerism is not great but the wait feels like it’s going on forever. I usually don’t care waiting, I’m not naturally impatient. But right now it’s just eating me up I can’t bare it😅

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Apologies. I meant to say after a vac scheme. So after the final interview for the TC.

But thank you for the perspective. Of course the doomerism is not great but the wait feels like it’s going on forever. I usually don’t care waiting long but right now it’s just eating me up I can’t bare it😅

I still think this is the case even if it after a VS (and probably even more so)! Maybe if you haven't heard back towards the end of next week, maybe send the GR team asking for clarity as to when you will hear back so you can then know for certain as to when you will hear back and then you can just focus on other things until then. I suspect the fuzzy details of when you will hear back probably isn't helping with your uncertainty, so it could help to get clarity on that.

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

Hey everyone! My name is Vera, and I am Head of Product here at TCLA. We're about to run two Personal Service programmes (both starting next Monday!) that I think some of you might be interested in.

The Application Personal Service, run by my brilliant colleague @Aks.Khurana (future trainee at Latham & Watkins), is the most hands-on application support we have ever run at TCLA. You’ll work with Aks to write at least two stand-out applications to your dream law firms.

The Assessment Centre Personal Service, run by me (future trainee at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer), is a 1-to-1 practical preparation programme to become an assessment centre pro. If you have previously reached the AC stage and were unsuccessful, or are about to have a direct TC/ vacation scheme exit interview, this programme is for you.

Application Personal Service.

• Work with Aks through a 30-minute call every week for eight weeks, as we map out your application strategy, write your applications, and provide you with guidance on how to handle each part of the application process – from time management to SJTs
• Get personalised 1-2-1 feedback on your answers to your application questions each week
• Sit with Aks as we dissect what is working and what needs to be improved
• Map out your personalised application strategy, so you know exactly what to do once the cycle opens

By the end, you’ll walk away with:

• At least two applications ready to be submitted by August/September
• A strategy of exactly which applications you will send and when this application cycle
• The confidence that you will pass the application stage this year

You’ll also get:

• Access to a private WhatsApp group for ongoing questions and support
• 2 months of free access to TCLA Academy — our new flagship commercial awareness platform for commercial law training

→ View full programme
→ Sign up to Cohort 1

Assessment Centre Personal Service.

The programme extends up to four weeks, but if you have an interview coming up sooner, we will fit and adapt the programme to your deadline. You can go as far as completing all four interview sessions and three AC-style tasks in one week – the choice is yours.

Each candidate will get:

• 4 hours of 1-to-1 interviews, fully tailored to your individual situation
• A personalised improvement plan developed from a pre-programme assessment of your interview readiness
• ‘Homework’ assignment after each session, so you can keep progressing between sessions
• 3 assessment centre-style tasks to complete in your own time – client pitch presentation and research task based on the firm you have an interview with or are planning to apply to, and a written case study
• Practical guidance on how to ace each of these tasks and detailed feedback with a marking rubric on your performance
• Live strategy workshop and Q&A with the TCLA team on staying interview-ready
• Free four-week access to TCLA Academy – our flagship commercial awareness platform

→ View full programme
→ Join Cohort 2

If you're not sure which programme is right for you or just want to talk it through, please private message either me or @Aks.Khurana - we'll be happy to set up a quick 5-minute call.

Let’s make this the cycle that changes everything!

 

[xanderlawyer]

Would just like to express a massive appreciation to @Jessica Booker for all the support and advice you have provided to us throughout the application season. Your insight has been invaluable for many students and you will be missed! I wish you the best of luck for the future!

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

Has anyone heard back from wiggin (DTC)?

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi, good evening! Does anyone here complete WFW VI for this cycle? Really appreciate any insights!!! Thanksss! Please DM🙏🙏🙏🙏

Hey,

Congrats on the VI.

I’m unsure about WFW as I’ve never completed it before, but this comprehensive guide by @Andrei Radu will help - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....de-for-competency-interview-preparation.9380/

 

[Amma Usman]

Hiya,

I have my first vacation scheme, how do I best prepare to convert the vacation scheme into a Training Contract ?

Thank you

Hiya,

Huge well done on the scheme. I’ve quoted a post with some tips to help.

Another thing to add to the below is that you shouldn’t feel the need to overwhelm yourself with prepping over so much data before starting. A lot of it will be on the job (this is, of course, assuming that the firm has not told you to prep anything in advance).

I trust you. You’re gonna do very well

Hey @Chelsea101 , just before @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Jessica Booker jump in, I’ve included a few pointers below:

1. Be Proactive from the Start: Law firms value self-starters who can anticipate needs and take initiative without waiting to be asked. On your first day, introduce yourself to your team, ask how you can assist, and familiarise yourself with the work. Offer to help with smaller tasks, such as proofreading, researching, or preparing documents, even if they are not explicitly assigned to you. If you find yourself with downtime, politely ask your supervisor if there’s anything additional you can assist with.



2. Understand the Work Beforehand: Familiarity with the firm’s work areas shows preparation and allows you to contribute meaningfully. Research the firm's key practice areas, landmark deals, and recent cases before starting. Pay attention to client industries, market trends, and legal developments. If you know your practice area placements in advance, review introductory resources, articles, or deals related to those areas. If not, be prepared to adapt by understanding the firm’s general focus areas.


3. Schedule coffee chats with lawyers from practice areas you’re genuinely interested in. During a VS, you’ll be surrounded by a plethora of legal talent - make the most of the learning opportunity!


4. Show a Genuine Interest in Learning: Firms look for trainees who are curious and eager to grow professionally. Approach tasks with an open mind and ask intelligent questions to deepen your understanding of the legal and commercial context. For example, instead of just editing a document, ask how it fits into the broader transaction or case.


5. Exceed Expectations in Your Work: Exceptional work leaves a lasting impression and demonstrates your potential as a trainee. Take your time to ensure accuracy and quality in your work. Proofread carefully, double-check details, and ask for clarification if unsure. Submit your work on time or, ideally, ahead of deadlines. If feedback is provided, take it constructively and implement it immediately—this shows you can learn and adapt quickly.


6. Show Commercial Awareness: Commercial lawyers are not just legal experts—they are also business experts. Keep up with current events and consider how they impact the firm’s clients. During tasks, think beyond the legal issue and consider the broader business or strategic implications.


7. Maintain professionalism at all times.


8. Gather feedback and reflect.


Final Advice: Beyond technical ability, demonstrate qualities like adaptability, resilience, and teamwork. These are essential skills for a trainee.


Good luck, you’ve got this!

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi, I've never posted something like this before, but I feel very lost about what to do. I'm currently on a vacation scheme and I'm considering quitting because it is seriously affecting my physical and mental wellbeing, as I haven't had a break since my spring vac and I had final uni exams in between. I had to jump right into this. I've already called in sick (it's only week 1), but I fear it would look very bad if I pulled out of it because it shows that I couldn't push myself to complete it.

For context, I already have a TC offer from my previous vac and I have not accepted it yet because I wanted to weigh out my options.

I don’t have anything to add to Jess’ great advice. But I just wanted to check in and ask how you’re doing mentally. It sounds like you’ve been carrying a lot, and I hope you’re being gentle with yourself through it.

Sometimes it can help to take a walk without your phone or earbuds, just to let your mind breathe a little. Even ten minutes of quiet can bring a bit of clarity. And if you can, talking to someone you trust might take some of the weight off. Whatever you choose, please remember that your wellbeing matters so much. You're doing your best, and that’s more than enough.

 

[dlc3266]

is Perkins Coie DTC rolling?

 

[MiddleEast]

Hi all. My summer VS with white & case starts next week and it includes presentation, assessment, interviews. Any insights I would truly appreciate. All the best,

 

[tryingtogetajob555]

Hi there,

I have a vacation scheme at Devonshires next week and I was just wondering if anyone has done it before that can offer any tips or advice?

Any general advice for what to prepare for beforehand would be really helpful!

 

[trainee4u]

Hi there,

I have a vacation scheme at Devonshires next week and I was just wondering if anyone has done it before that can offer any tips or advice?

Any general advice for what to prepare for beforehand would be really helpful!

Hi,
I think you will find some tips on here about converting VS in general.

When I spoke to the firm they cited that their VS students were competing with their paralegals for places, and that while the paralegals are more experienced, they sometimes don't understand the business that well.

Perhaps by reading up on the firm you can demonstrate your greater commercial awareness in the context of Devonshires, its clients, and the social housing market in general.

 

[Amma Usman]

I'm curious but has anyone heard of people that failed ACs because of being bad players in group exercises? How common are they? I feel they are quite pointless as I feel grad rec fails no one because of them, I'd be really curious to hear @Amma Usman and anyone else who is able to contribute

Hiya! Really good question - I’ve responded to it under your other post in the direct TC thread.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi @Chelsea101 I have just found one from 2021 that seems to include many useful resources and tips, you can take a look here. Since I have had a good VS conversion rate and since WVS are approaching, I am also planning to soon write a detailed guide on the topic, so be on the lookout for that !

Besides this, I have quoted bellow a great post from @Jessica Booker outlining the biggest mistakes people make during vacation schemes.

Hey!

I don’t have much to Andrei‘s great response on this. I’ve quoted a post on the past which I made on this. Best of luck on the VS..!

Hiya @sc13


Looking back, I think there were a few key changes I made that helped me convert later VS schemes. Interestingly, the feedback I received from earlier schemes wasn’t really about the quality of my work, but rather about my soft skills and how I came across more broadly. There were three points of feedback that were made to me, and which I still think about:

1. I came across as quite self-deprecating in my humour (which some partners took as a lack of confidence in myself).
2. There was uncertainty about whether I genuinely wanted to pursue commercial law, particularly given my previous non-law background.
3. I had a tendency to overextend myself (taking on too many tasks without always checking how long things would take or what was feasible within my schedule).

These were all areas I worked hard to improve in my second cycle, especially the first and third points. If you’re someone who’s ever struggled with imposter syndrome, it can be easy to default to self-deprecating humour in professional settings. But I learned the hard way that how you speak/joke about yourself really does shape how others perceive your confidence and potential (same point also applies if you're someone who is constantly trying to oversell your experiences/background to others). There’s a line between being arrogant and underselling yourself, and finding that balance made a big difference. On the overstretching point, I started being much more conscious about what I could realistically take on. I made a habit of asking how long a task might take before accepting it, and I tried to be more open about my current workload. That helped me build more accurate expectations for myself and others.

Taking all that on board gave me a much more grounded and self-aware approach when I went into interviews and vac schemes the second time around.

Hope that helps. Wishing you the best of luck with your scheme coming up

Hi there,

I have a vacation scheme at Devonshires next week and I was just wondering if anyone has done it before that can offer any tips or advice?

Any general advice for what to prepare for beforehand would be really helpful!

Huge congrats on the VS.

I’ve quoted a few posts from the team to help.

 

[legalxp2]

Does anyone have insights on the cover letter for Perkins Coie. I don't think anyone on the forum received a definitive answer on their qs

 

[FM302989]

Does anyone have insights on the cover letter for Perkins Coie. I don't think anyone on the forum received a definitive answer on their qs

Treat it like a normal cover letter.

- Address it to the head of grad rec/HR unless another name is suggested
- Para intro to yourself, what stage you're at
- Why PC, their training and the work they do and how you'd be a good trainee as a result
- Brief paragraph on extra curriculars etc. where you can show your key competencies
- no more than one page

Use that for all cover letters you need to do. Unlikely to be any different for other firms

 

[Amma Usman]

Hey,

Usually, “Dear Graduate Recruitment Team” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is fine.

Three key things to cover include;

- Why commercial law.
- Why X firm.
- Skills, experiences, achievements, which make you stand out as a candidate - essentially “why you”.

In situations like this, I often ensure to hit the points they mentioned first - and in that order.

If the word count permits, I will then cover the three why’s - commercial law, the firm, and me. However, the first questions (what attracts you to the LBA programme) could also enable you to indirectly weave in those elements anyway. You just have to be explicit in saying things like “I am drawn to the LBA at Perkins Coie specifically because of XYZ”.

Ensure to use the proper formalities and sign offs, as well as answering the questions directly and in individual paragraphs for clarity.

Does anyone have insights on the cover letter for Perkins Coie. I don't think anyone on the forum received a definitive answer on their qs

The firm has actually listed its requirements on their website. Feel free to head on over to TCLA Directory and click on Perkins Coie. We’ve highlighted the requirements there too.

There are also two posts I’ve quoted which should help. One on general cover letters, the other on the firm specifically.