Hello, I did ICSE board and law firms do not mind as long as you have achieved the equivalent grade. Do let me know if you need any help with applications 😁
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23
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Jessica Booker
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No - it’s quite common to see these grades in applications. Many recruiters know what they are, and those that don’t can find quick comparisons to work out what they are roughly equivalent to in terms of A-levels. Some candidates also provide a rough calculation themselves as to what it is equivalent to (if they have a reliable source for this info).
Are Forage courses helpful in preparing for Vacation Schemes? I have been doing them to prepare for my VS in a few weeks, but I don't know if they are helpful or not. Are the tasks in Forage schemes similar to the tasks I would be given in a VS? Some of the tasks I have done in Forage are legal research, writing memos, interpreting contracts. Are these the sorts of things I will be doing in the VS? I really don't know what to expect in my VS and am SO NERVOUS. What is the best way to prepare???
I think it's non-rolling as their website says that they will review all applications received after the deadline.
This will definitely help IMO. Writing memos, reading contracts and legal research are tasks that you may be asked to complete on the VS. I know certain firms even use Forage to set the tasks to complete. However, I would not overwhelm myself and try completing as many as possible.
Hi Guys, I have been a longstanding member of TCLA. I've faced countless of rejections after rejections. I must say this wouldn't have been possible without the support and encouragement of all of you guys. I remember posting about how hopeless and lost I felt about my training contract journey. So many of you guys messaged me and kept me motivated. Thanks to each one of you. I have now secured my training contract following my Spring vacation scheme. Thanks @Jaysen and @Jessica Booker for everything you do for us, aspiring solicitors 
Congrats champ!Hi Guys, I have been a longstanding member of TCLA. I've faced countless of rejections after rejections. I must say this wouldn't have been possible without the support and encouragement of all of you guys. I remember posting about how hopeless and lost I felt about my training contract journey. So many of you guys messaged me and kept me motivated. Thanks to each one of you. I have now secured my training contract following my Spring vacation scheme. Thanks @Jaysen and @Jessica Booker for everything you do for us, aspiring solicitors
Jessica Booker
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This is amazing news - congratulations!!Hi Guys, I have been a longstanding member of TCLA. I've faced countless of rejections after rejections. I must say this wouldn't have been possible without the support and encouragement of all of you guys. I remember posting about how hopeless and lost I felt about my training contract journey. So many of you guys messaged me and kept me motivated. Thanks to each one of you. I have now secured my training contract following my Spring vacation scheme. Thanks @Jaysen and @Jessica Booker for everything you do for us, aspiring solicitors
Congratulations, this is very inspiring to hear!Hi Guys, I have been a longstanding member of TCLA. I've faced countless of rejections after rejections. I must say this wouldn't have been possible without the support and encouragement of all of you guys. I remember posting about how hopeless and lost I felt about my training contract journey. So many of you guys messaged me and kept me motivated. Thanks to each one of you. I have now secured my training contract following my Spring vacation scheme. Thanks @Jaysen and @Jessica Booker for everything you do for us, aspiring solicitors
Hey @LS_1998 ,
The following things really helped me during my VS, I hope they can help you out too:
- Keep a diary throughout the whole VS with notes of my conversations with lawyers; every talk was given by the firm; my experiences with the work; keeping a note of how I felt I was progressing and what I was learning at the end of each day
- Actively reaching out to other lawyers (perhaps in areas of particular interest) to have coffee chats with them or even just simply emailing to ask particular questions (lawyers are busy people). By the time of your exit interview, you should have a complete view of the firm and how it fits against your career goals/aims and your skillset. Ideally, you shouldn't have any outstanding questions. That way, when you are asked 'Why X firm' you can offer a tailored answer.
- Find out where the firm's areas of growth (from any talks or coffee chats) and work out whether they align with your career interests
- Appearances are key. Make sure you are respectful and engaged in every conversation/activity. Good manners may seem like an obvious trait to demonstrate but you would be surprised how negatively impactful even one slight slip in manners or tone or not paying attention can be. The firm is putting in a huge amount of effort into ensuring your VS is a fruitful experience for everyone involved, make sure your conduct on the VS simply reflects your respect for that fact and your desire to learn )
- Put your absolute all into the work they give you. Of course, ask questions when needed, but also make sure you try to answer them yourself first via any research channels. Practice researching if you haven't already - universities often provide Westlaw and Lexis Nexis introductions (you can access Westlaw and Lexis Nexis via some university services too, have a play around and become accustomed to those sites).
- Group exercises: Put your absolute all into the group exercise (aligning with the comments in the above post I made). Spend ample time preparing for it too! The key word here is, of course, teamwork. You can demonstrate and achieve this skill in numerous ways. First, depending on the exercise, communicate with your team members both before and, often during, the exercise in hand. For example, in a negotiation, have you adequately delegated each role and made sure everyone is saying something? Never bombard the exercise with only your ideas - give your peers space to speak - but equally never stay too quiet because, well, your ideas matter too and you need to demonstrate your creativity in response to the assessors. Second, the way you communicate is important. In the case of a negotiation, being adequately deferential to all your peers is necessary - indeed, you are trying to obtain a compromise which requires not only persuasiveness to get your client's side over but also ample respect for the other side too to find that middle ground. Lastly, identifying the straightforward will be as important as adding a flare of creativity to your answers which you should communicate - even if you may think you are wrong - at the appropriate stage i.e. during your delegated time to speak or during tough stages of negotiation, for example. As you can see your style of communication will be important in your demonstration of teamwork, so practising through debating, mooting or other advocacy-based exercises can be helpful or even just watch advocacy in action.
Agree with @Jessica Booker - university accommodation is the best shout and you can book it via this website https://www.universityrooms.com/en-GB/city/london/home/
I was at International Hall during my time at UCL (in Bloomsbury) and that is a great hall with good facilities in a lovely (and very central) area.
Thank you so much! How are your law firm applications holding up? Which year are you in?
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