TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[lawyer195]

Hi everyone, I was just wondering if anyone has had any experience with W&C's telephone interview?

 

[Gr33n]

For those of you who subscribe to littlelaw- what do you guys think of the course he's released? Reckon its worth it?

You shouldnt need to pay to get a job. That is ridiculous in my opinion. Don't fall for it and line his pockets. Hes not going to tell you anything you cant find online or at an open day.

 

[BobThebIlly]

You shouldnt need to pay to get a job. That is ridiculous in my opinion. Don't fall for it and line his pockets. Hes not going to tell you anything you cant find online or at an open day.

Adding to this, I honestly think any questions you have can be answered on this free TCLA forum which doesn’t require a £40+ membership. I also skimmed through his email, and it looks like he's only focusing on the initial written application, which the TCLA forum has already helped me with a lot

 

[trainee4u]

For those of you who subscribe to littlelaw- what do you guys think of the course he's released? Reckon its worth it?

No.
And particularly the "buy now the price goes up on Wednesday" thing is very sneaky.

 

[trainee4u]

thank you so much!!!! just one follow up, on the graduate visa, someone who has done an LLM can literally stay anywhere in the UK, not work at all and only focus on tc apps, correct? or is it compulsory that on a grad visa the person has to work somewhere?

graduate visas have these features:

* non-settlement route (so counts towards possible 10-year ILR but not towards the preferred 5-year route)
* no requirement to actually be in the UK, except during application - you can treat it as a 2-year holiday visa; this differs from settlement route visas where if you have extended/extensive absence from the UK your visa could not be renewed
* Mandatory NHS fee makes it quite expensive (~£3k) however, if you're not staying in the UK - a 2-year visitor visa is a cheaper "holiday visa" (at ~£500, but you can't work, and must pay for NHS services if used)
* no work restrictions
* no public funds (benefits, etc.)
* find a job (or get married (long-term unmarried relationship also possible) to a UK national) or get kicked out at the end - so it's fine for a firm to employ you on grad visas for VS, but for a TC you'd need to be sponsored

main problem with VS as overseas students during student visa (as distinct from G v) is that the term can be technically non-stop with no holiday timetabled, meaning you can't do a VS at all during a year-long master's course. this would be something to check when choosing a uni, as it would be formal term dates, not "when lessons are scheduled".

 

[adrian_nlh]

For those of you who subscribe to littlelaw- what do you guys think of the course he's released? Reckon its worth it?

It's not. He's great for commercial awareness, but he should probably just stick to that. The course is very obviously a money-grab, and will probably contain tips that you can find widely available online, and even right here on TCLA (both the forum and the main website). It probably won't be that helpful to applicants, imo.

 

[jojo23]

No.
And particularly the "buy now the price goes up on Wednesday" thing is very sneaky.

Why would I spend money on it when I can buy food with that money🤣🤣🤣

 

[jojo23]

It's not. He's great for commercial awareness, but he should probably just stick to that. The course is very obviously a money-grab, and will probably contain tips that you can find widely available online, and even right here on TCLA (both the forum and the main website). It probably won't be that helpful to applicants, imo.

Honestly, even though I've not had any success this cycle, the advice here has been valuable and will be invaluable next cycle

Also.. I'm cheap 💀

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

o

graduate visas have these features:

* non-settlement route (so counts towards possible 10-year ILR but not towards the preferred 5-year route)
* no requirement to actually be in the UK, except during application - you can treat it as a 2-year holiday visa; this differs from settlement route visas where if you have extended/extensive absence from the UK your visa could not be renewed
* Mandatory NHS fee makes it quite expensive (~£3k) however, if you're not staying in the UK - a 2-year visitor visa is a cheaper "holiday visa" (at ~£500, but you can't work, and must pay for NHS services if used)
* no work restrictions
* no public funds (benefits, etc.)
* find a job (or get married (long-term unmarried relationship also possible) to a UK national) or get kicked out at the end - so it's fine for a firm to employ you on grad visas for VS, but for a TC you'd need to be sponsored

main problem with VS as overseas students during student visa (as distinct from G v) is that the term can be technically non-stop with no holiday timetabled, meaning you can't do a VS at all during a year-long master's course. this would be something to check when choosing a uni, as it would be formal term dates, not "when lessons are scheduled".

omg! thanks a ton.

 

[rapunzel]

Hi everyone, I was just wondering if anyone has had any experience with W&C's telephone interview?

I did their video interview but not the telephone interview for their vac scheme.

 

[DisciplineTC2526]

Hiya @Lastseasonwonder

Wanted to add some more suggestions in addition to the great advice that you've already received on here.

First, I just want to say you're definitely not alone in feeling stuck at this stage. Over the past year, I've met many capable candidates finding themselves in similar situations post-graduation. I'm also sorry to hear that you're feeling burnt out. Hoping you can find a way around that in the upcoming cycle. While many candidates see paralegal as the default next step, it’s not always the most strategic one. Although highly specific practice area experience can help, it's not necessary and securing/enduring these roles can be. exhausting.

1. Consider alternative roles that build relevant skills: You don’t need to be a paralegal to get a TC. Roles in compliance, legal tech, business development, or operations (either within law firms or adjacent sectors) can help you build exactly the sort of skills that firms are looking for at the TC application stage. Similarly, roles at regulators, in research, or in high-responsibility admin positions often offer client exposure and project work. What matters is evidence of growth and transferable experience. These jobs may also be far more helpful in allowing you to have the time to prepare applications, and to avoid feeling burnt out (which is mostly what I'm worried about). That said, paralegal roles can be useful when they give you exposure to quality legal work, the chance to build relationships with lawyers, or the ability to apply internally. If you’re applying to firms that hire their paralegals into TCs or that value sustained legal experience, then it may be worth pursuing, but only if it leaves you with enough headspace to build a strong application cycle alongside it.
   
   
2. Doing an LLM: I've already mentioned this, but doing an LLM is not a requirement for a TC (and in most cases that I've seen, it won’t meaningfully strengthen your application). The few times I've seen it make a difference are when the LLM is highly specialised and directly aligned with the kind of firm or practice you’re targeting (e.g. IP or maritime focussed LLMs). Otherwise, there's a risk of investing a lot of time and money into something that won’t move the needle. That said, an LLM may give you more breathing room to focus on subjects you're genuinely interested in and could give you more room to prepare well drafted applications during your degree, but this is still a very costly way to achieve that "breathing room".

Hope this isn't rehashing anything you might already know, but definitely don't hesitate to post here if you have any other questions or need any help with the application process. Hang in there @Lastseasonwonder 🙏

Thanks very much for this.

Could I please DM you? I have a specific question I would like to ask.

 

[Deek14]

Anyone heard back from W&C post VI for their training contract? Progression to next stage or PFO?

 

[ashwright]

For those of you who subscribe to littlelaw- what do you guys think of the course he's released? Reckon its worth it?

I'm so glad you asked this question because I was (in a moment of panic) thinking about going for it. I think it was the idea of having a 'writing structure' which seemed appealing - although in my heart of hearts, I know such things can produce formulaic answers which might not get me far.

The responses you got reminded me that the community here on TCLA already has all the answers, not only for my general queries, but also for my niche personal questions. Thanks again 🙏

 

[jojo23]

I'm so glad you asked this question because I was (in a moment of panic) thinking about going for it. I think it was the idea of having a 'writing structure' which seemed appealing - although in my heart of hearts, I know such things can produce formulaic answers which might not get me far.

The responses you got reminded me that the community here on TCLA already has all the answers, not only for my general queries, but also for my niche personal questions. Thanks again 🙏

I feel like the help we receive on here feels more genuine too🥺

You know what made it worse.. he released an email saying something like 'i made a mistake so I'm extending the discount for another 24hrs.' Translation: nobody is buying what I'm selling 🤣

 

[jojo23]

This is probably a stupid question, but, how many applications should you make per scheme (winter, spring, summer). I can't decide how to split it or which firms should go where etc., more so If I plan on applying to a high number (30+)

 

[a0]

This is probably a stupid question, but, how many applications should you make per scheme (winter, spring, summer). I can't decide how to split it or which firms should go where etc., more so If I plan on applying to a high number

I split mine in half 😭 I'm applying to 11 with 5 for spring and 6 for summer. none for winter because I'm an international student and the dates never align

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Thanks very much for this.

Could I please DM you? I have a specific question I would like to ask.

Hiya @DisciplineTC2526 - absolutely

 

[MiddleEast]

Would it be possible to renegotiate your TC salary if you become qualified in another jurisdiction before starting your TC?

 

[jojo23]

I split mine in half 😭 I'm applying to 11 with 5 for spring and 6 for summer. none for winter because I'm an international student and the dates never align

That's a pretty fair split to be fair. I think for me the problem is that there are certain firms where I can only apply for winter schemes (due to being a graduate), others i can be more flexible and luckily some allow you to apply for all 3 in a preference order, but the issue is that it's hard to decide. For example (from memory) Freshfields i can only apply for winter, hsf kramer i could do any but I wouldn't know which to pick

 

[trainee4u]

Would it be possible to renegotiate your TC salary if you become qualified in another jurisdiction before starting your TC?

You're either a trainee or you're not, they wouldn't pay some trainees more than others. If you want to enter as a NQ then you'd need to find another role & pass SQE.