TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Aga123+]

Can anyone recommend any resources that would help me understand what a trainee is expected to do in the main departments of a law firm e.g. what are the tasks/what are the main deliverables that are being produced?

Probably Jake’s book:

Training Contract Handbook

This is the latest edition, published in 2024. This handbook is for: (a) students looking to learn more about what commercial lawyers do, whilst...

shop.citycareerseries.com

It’s on Amazon too -

 

[gazdgazd11]

Do you guys think it’s okay to commute from London to reading everyday for a 5 day vacation scheme or too risky with train strikes etc? I’ve never been to reading and not sure how reliable the commute is but I could save money this way

 

[Deleted member 17013]

Do you guys think it’s okay to commute from London to reading everyday for a 5 day vacation scheme or too risky with train strikes etc? I’ve never been to reading and not sure how reliable the commute is but I could save money this way

I know someone who did it the other way round

 

[bangarangbass39]

Do you guys think it’s okay to commute from London to reading everyday for a 5 day vacation scheme or too risky with train strikes etc? I’ve never been to reading and not sure how reliable the commute is but I could save money this way

It’s fine. I commuted from Northamptonshire into London for two weeks. They might be a slight delay by like 5-10mins on the odd ocasion once you’re on the train, but it’s fine. I wouldn’t worry about it. The services run well. Even with strikes. Not all services are cancelled, they’ll let you know if it is.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Do you guys think it’s okay to commute from London to reading everyday for a 5 day vacation scheme or too risky with train strikes etc? I’ve never been to reading and not sure how reliable the commute is but I could save money this way

You should be fine as the Elizabeth line will run when the trains don’t and vice versa.

 

[gazdgazd11]

Thanks everyone!

You should be fine as the Elizabeth line will run when the trains don’t and vice versa.

 

[tcplease2345]

I did not mention two of my internships in the GS vetting check form. As I do not have references for them since, one was volunteer work and the other was a virtual internship. It wont be an issue right? I am worried as GS seems quite strict with their vetting checks and they are taking so long.

 

[Nine]

Any news from SH?

 

[beepee123]

Has anyone done RWK Goodman's Video Interview for the VS yet?

hey yes i have - have you heard back yet?

 

[beepee123]

They've sent out the VI interviews - haven't heard anything since

 

[beepee123]

Just got a VI invite

have u heard back yet?

 

[tcplease2345]

I did not mention two of my internships in the GS vetting check form. As I do not have references for them since, one was volunteer work and the other was a virtual internship. It wont be an issue right? I am worried as GS seems quite strict with their vetting checks and they are taking so long.

Any help on this. As I also mentioned a forage internship in my experience on my CV but I obviously do not have a reference. Will it count against me?

 

[bangarangbass39]

Any help on this. As I also mentioned a forage internship in my experience on my CV but I obviously do not have a reference. Will it count against me?

Don’t worry about it. You’ll still get the offer. They know what forage is. I mentioned a legal cheek vacation scheme on my CV. With onboarding, which is the most important part just leave it out. For the volunteer reference when onboarding have a persons (someone who’s willing to give a reference) contact details

 

[tcplease2345]

Don’t worry about it. You’ll still get the offer. They know what forage is. I mentioned a legal cheek vacation scheme on my CV. With onboarding, which is the most important part just leave it out. For the volunteer reference when onboarding have a persons (someone who’s willing to give a reference) contact details

The issue is I did not mention them both on the on boarding form as I thought I do not have a reference so I shouldn't mention it. But they are mentioned in my CV. Plus I for got to mention the internship was from forage on my CV. I am just hoping for the best, possible they skip it!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I did not mention two of my internships in the GS vetting check form. As I do not have references for them since, one was volunteer work and the other was a virtual internship. It wont be an issue right? I am worried as GS seems quite strict with their vetting checks and they are taking so long.

If they were on your original application/CV this could cause some additional checks.

If the virtual programme was on something like Forage, that is not an issue but if it was a paid scheme that was just done virtually you will need to provide the details.

The volunteer role is likely to not need a reference though.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Any help on this. As I also mentioned a forage internship in my experience on my CV but I obviously do not have a reference. Will it count against me?

The Forage programme is not work experience so this is not an issue.

 

[tcplease2345]

The Forage programme is not work experience so this is not an issue.

I mentioned it on my CV under work experience with the name of the firm the work experience was for but I for got to mention it was through forage as I did not know when I applied that you cannot count forage as work experience. That's why I am worried and they did not even get back to me yet. So if they ask me about it should I just say it was through forage and I forgot to mention that?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I mentioned it on my CV under work experience with the name of the firm the work experience was for but I for got to mention it was through forage as I did not know when I applied that you cannot count forage as work experience. That's why I am worried and they did not even get back to me yet. So if they ask me about it should I just say it was through forage and I forgot to mention that?

There is nothing to worry about - at best you’d provide the certificate you received for completing the programme, but I doubt they would even ask for it given they see forage programmes all the time.

 

[tcplease2345]

There is nothing to worry about - at best you’d provide the certificate you received for completing the programme, but I doubt they would even ask for it given they see forage programmes all the time.

Thank you so much! I was really worried!

 

[rapunzel]

Do you guys think it’s okay to commute from London to reading everyday for a 5 day vacation scheme or too risky with train strikes etc? I’ve never been to reading and not sure how reliable the commute is but I could save money this way

Hey I take the Elizabeth line often into London and I would say it’s pretty unreliable and there have been a lot of occasions where the service has just stopped out of nowhere and I’ve been put off my daily commute by an hour or longer.