• 📅 Vacation Scheme Applications 2025–26

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  1. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    The proposal still needs to be implemented - it may not happen, especially given the backlash from many sectors. It would also only apply to GSAs after a period of time after the proposal was implemented. It would not be backdated for programmes already in progress. Therefore it is unlikely to...
  2. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    The reference check companies are likely to know if there are certain universities who don't provide this. It is a bizarre attitude to take, especially given how prevalent educational fraud is. Hundreds of thousands of employers will need this information each year, so I suspect there is a way...
  3. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    You usually get one later in the day. We wait for the 4pm deadline and then send confirmations out to everyone (e.g. they are not automated).
  4. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    They would have possibly done, but the government is now looking to change apprenticeship funding for Level 7 (degree and graduate level apprenticeships) across all sectors which would stop firms being able to fund this level of apprenticeships through the levy and that effectively they would...
  5. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Read the job description carefully and look for the skills or qualities they are saying are important to the role. These are likely to be the basis of the competency questions you are asked. Be prepared to summarise your journey (academic and employment to date) - summary is important here, you...
  6. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    You can just give your faculty's admin office. It does not need to be someone who vouches for you personally - the reference just needs to verify your grades.
  7. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I don't think this is the issue as effectively the GSAs are funded from the apprenticeship levy (which is why it cannot be paid back). The levy is effectively a tax on employers as they can only spend it on apprenticeship training, otherwise it goes to waste (well just goes to the government if...
  8. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Solicitor apprentices, whether degree or graduate level, won’t have to pay back their fees. Employers cannot reclaim costs back from apprentices.
  9. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I don’t have a list of these details to be able to comment on who does or doesn’t. Just based on the number of conversations I have about this topic, it’s not rare. I think a lot of it can come down to discretion rather than a hard policy too. Some firms will just see it as appropriate to get...
  10. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Please can I remind people to keep things civil and avoid speculation, especially in conversations regarding a named individual. Just as we wouldn’t expect judgement and negative comments within our community, it is not appropriate to direct the same behaviours to someone just because they are...
  11. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Yes - that would be considered normal.
  12. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    There isn’t a set time but I’d generally say around 90 minutes each way is commutable distance. Many people working in law firms are doing that type of commute anyway.
  13. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    If you mean you replied yesterday, I would wait until the end of the week before chasing up. If it is was last Monday, then it’s okay to follow up. Generally give HR at least three working days between emails unless it’s super time urgent (eg something is happening that week).
  14. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Discretion is often applied based on circumstances. But I wouldn’t say it’s only people who are flunking the SQE badly that are getting their TCs rescinded. Heard from enough people who failed only one of the FLK assessments and others who have only been a few percentage points off passing.
  15. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I wouldn’t say “most” firms at lenient on resits. There are enough out there that do not allow resits and will rescind offers - whether they then clawback money is another matter though.
  16. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Could be, but could easily be waiting for that information before deciding too.
  17. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Very likely real - I know Chris too and he wouldn’t make this type of stuff up. These policies are very real. I have seen them, actioned them, and heard about them through people who have contacted me about them. Having to pay back immediately is ridiculous - most people couldn’t do that. But...
  18. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Can you just update your voicemail to say you are abroad and change your settings so you cannot accept calls? This would be more productive than emailing them. Dont worry about them incurring costs. They make hundreds of international calls daily - it’s not a cost they will even worry about.
  19. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    It’s part of their early checking process. They often check academic references in particular before deciding offers to ensure your grades are what you have said they are and that there aren’t any conduct issues with your time at university.
  20. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Do you have any email correspondence from your school that confirms the results (from when you got them)?

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