TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi! Could anyone please share some tips on conducting legal research during a vacation scheme? What’s an ideal structure and what level of analysis is expected? Thank you.

Hiya @Userwe01

I don't have much to add to the brilliant advice you've already received from @Jessica Booker, but have just mentioned a few thoughts below.

If you haven’t already, I'd recommend getting some practice with Practical Law and LexisNexis. These are two of the main tools you'll likely use during a vac scheme. In my own experience, practical Law is especially good for overviews of legal topics. By contrast, I've found Lexis helpful for delving a bit deeper into case law and finding commentary where things didn't always make the most intuitive sense. I also think that familiarising yourself with these tools is particularly important in developing the confidence to adequately search terms, filters, and find precedents.

In terms of writing up your research, I've often found it helpful to start with a short summary of your findings before going into more detail. When fleshing out your points, I'd also suggest that you keep track of where you found your information. I’ve received particularly good feedback whenever I've included references or hyperlinks, especially if you're using internal resources or subscription databases. This is also important since it demonstrates your ability to "back up" your work and also demonstrates that you're being thorough and helpful to whoever is reading your research.

Good luck with your scheme!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

How many suits would I need for a two-week vacation scheme? And what are the acceptable colours? I have heard that black suits are not usually acceptable, but the only suit I currently have is black.

Absolutely agree with Jess’s advice. During my schemes, I rotated between the only two suits I had (one navy and one mid-grey). That said, I definitely remember people wearing black suits and still making excellent impressions and securing training contracts. I've also been at firms where vacation schemers appeared to be dressed slightly more relaxed. For instance, I’ve seen men in suit pants/trousers with a button-up shirt and a nice sweater vest or half-zip jumper, and they looked completely appropriate. I'd be curious to know @Jessica Booker's thought on this, but my impression has been that, as long as you look neat and professional, feel comfortable, and show that you’ve made an effort, that should be good enough as far as your wardrobe is concerned.

If you're concerned about the black suit, you could soften it with a lighter shirt or a subtle tie. Don’t let the lack of multiple suits stress you out. Good luck with your scheme

 

[sc13]

Hi everyone! Have the CRS AC coming up soon, wanted some tips for the group exercise we’ve just been given two of the topics that will be discussed but I’m feeling a bit stressed about the format (discussing 7 topics in 30 minutes in groups of 7), I’m not sure what the best way to make a valuable contribution in such a setting would be.

 

[safari3]

Hi! Does anyone have any advice / resources for building legal research skills prior to a vacation scheme? As well as any other preparation tips? Thank you!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi! Does anyone have any advice / resources for building legal research skills prior to a vacation scheme? As well as any other preparation tips? Thank you!

These two posts maybe helpful:

TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

It’s odd because on Chambers Student it says the minimum A-level requirement is 136 UCAS points (AAB) and 2:1 at degree level. On Legal Cheek, it says BBB at A-level and 2:1. On their website, there is no mention of A-level grades at all, only the 2:1 requirement. It’s probably a good idea to...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

It’s odd because on Chambers Student it says the minimum A-level requirement is 136 UCAS points (AAB) and 2:1 at degree level. On Legal Cheek, it says BBB at A-level and 2:1. On their website, there is no mention of A-level grades at all, only the 2:1 requirement. It’s probably a good idea to...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[Life_of_PFOs]

Hi everyone,
I am a penultimate-year law student. I have applied to 10 vacation schemes, but I was rejected from all of them. Despite these setbacks, I still want to develop transferable skills over the summer. What opportunities/work experience should I look for?​

 

[mfuturetrainee]

Hi everyone,
I am a penultimate-year law student. I have applied to 10 vacation schemes, but I was rejected from all of them. Despite these setbacks, I still want to develop transferable skills over the summer. What opportunities/work experience should I look for?​

getting a part time / summer job was gold for me!

 

[Life_of_PFOs]

getting a part time / summer job was gold for me!

@mfuturetrainee Thank you for the suggestion!

 

[Gr33n]

Hi everyone! Have the CRS AC coming up soon, wanted some tips for the group exercise we’ve just been given two of the topics that will be discussed but I’m feeling a bit stressed about the format (discussing 7 topics in 30 minutes in groups of 7), I’m not sure what the best way to make a valuable contribution in such a setting would be.

What are the 7 topics and what is the objective of the group exercise

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

What are the 7 topics and what is the objective of the group exercise

Please remember that sharing this type of information in the forums is against our terms, as it undermines recruitment processes. More details can be found here: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/help/terms/

 

[applebunny]

Has anyone heard from SH for summer 2?

 

[Izzy1026]

Hi everyone, for those who are doing PGDL or other courses at ULaw, may I ask when does the winter break start? I am trying to book in advance my trip home for Christmas but not sure how early I should book …

 

[londonlawyer]

Absolutely agree with Jess’s advice. During my schemes, I rotated between the only two suits I had (one navy and one mid-grey). That said, I definitely remember people wearing black suits and still making excellent impressions and securing training contracts. I've also been at firms where vacation schemers appeared to be dressed slightly more relaxed. For instance, I’ve seen men in suit pants/trousers with a button-up shirt and a nice sweater vest or half-zip jumper, and they looked completely appropriate. I'd be curious to know @Jessica Booker's thought on this, but my impression has been that, as long as you look neat and professional, feel comfortable, and show that you’ve made an effort, that should be good enough as far as your wardrobe is concerned.

If you're concerned about the black suit, you could soften it with a lighter shirt or a subtle tie. Don’t let the lack of multiple suits stress you out. Good luck with your scheme

Thank you! @Ram Sabaratnam

 

[Apple]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jess, I've sent you a private message about mitigating circumstances if you get the time to look at it. Thanks

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi everyone! Have the CRS AC coming up soon, wanted some tips for the group exercise we’ve just been given two of the topics that will be discussed but I’m feeling a bit stressed about the format (discussing 7 topics in 30 minutes in groups of 7), I’m not sure what the best way to make a valuable contribution in such a setting would be.

Hiya @sc13

I actually found this to be the most fun part of the AC once it got going! One thing I’d really emphasise is that the exercise isn’t about picking the “correct” view in relation to any given topic (there usually isn’t one). I was surprised by how many different approaches people took to each topic. What really mattered was how we engaged with each other, not what side we took. So even if a topic isn’t something you're completely familiar with, there are still really valuable ways to contribute. A few things that helped me:

Think broadly: I found it helpful to reflect on some of the big issues facing the legal profession and the UK more generally. Doing a quick PESTLE analysis for each topic (or just mentally considering political, economic, social, tech etc. angles) gave me a good starting point for framing my thoughts.

Ask commercially aware questions: If you're unsure how to make a strong point, asking thoughtful questions can be just as effective. It shows you’re thinking critically and can help move the discussion forward, which assessors will definitely notice. I used this approach for a few topics I knew less about, and it went down well with others and my assessors.

Build on others' ideas: You don’t always have to bring brand new points to the table. Showing that you’ve listened and then asking someone to expand, or gently challenging a point in a constructive way, can really show your collaboration skills. It’s a great way to engage meaningfully without needing to dominate.

Best of luck and happy to answer any more questions if that's helpful 😊

 

[johnnn821]

Hey guys, to those who have an insight day and a final interview with Hill Dickinson could you please tell me whether your interview is taking place during the insight day or whether it is on the 18th? I am very confused so would appreciate any insight.

 

[jasonbourne]

hey guys, so I received an email from a firm offering me a place on their vac scheme, which I replied back saying I accepted. This was on the 19th May. I didn't hear back, so I sent a follow-up email to ensure that my email wasn't lost and to reiterate my acceptance. That was on the 27th May.

I still haven't heard back and the scheme is due to start on the 9th June. Should I be worried or am I getting a little too excited lol. I don't want to miss out on my place and I want to ensure I have time to prepare for it to make a good impression and ensure I am able to convert it. It was literally my last vac scheme application, all the rest were rejections so I don't want to potentially 'lose' it

 

[Kakaboo]

Just seen the gov’s plans to get rid of level 7 apprenticeship funding. I am in the final round for a solicitor level 7 apprenticeship. Does this mean it will be cut? I’m very worried and upset

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

hey guys, so I received an email from a firm offering me a place on their vac scheme, which I replied back saying I accepted. This was on the 19th May. I didn't hear back, so I sent a follow-up email to ensure that my email wasn't lost and to reiterate my acceptance. That was on the 27th May.

I still haven't heard back and the scheme is due to start on the 9th June. Should I be worried or am I getting a little too excited lol. I don't want to miss out on my place and I want to ensure I have time to prepare for it to make a good impression and ensure I am able to convert it. It was literally my last vac scheme application, all the rest were rejections so I don't want to potentially 'lose' it

Given the scheme is in less than two weeks I would call them tomorrow - if they have not responded to email there is no point emailing again. I would call instead.

Just check your junk mail and that your email was correct on your application just in case either of these points could be the issue as to why you haven't received anything yet. With the scheme effectively starting a week Monday, I would expect the firm to have been in contact by now.

 

[jasonbourne]

Given the scheme is in less than two weeks I would call them tomorrow - if they have not responded to email there is no point emailing again. I would call instead.

Just check your junk mail and that your email was correct on your application just in case either of these points could be the issue as to why you haven't received anything yet. With the scheme effectively starting a week Monday, I would expect the firm to have been in contact by now.

Thank you Jessica, and yes it's pretty strange. I've checked my junk too and nothing is there. I'll give them a call tomorrow