TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[sc13]

@Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam I got a call last Wednesday for a vacation scheme offer which I was unable to accept because my dates for another offer clash (spring) and the other scheme (summer) dates are during term time (I'm international). I still managed to express my enthusiasm for the firm and ask if I could be swapped on to the DTC AC to which the grad rec said that would be absolutely fine but I haven't received any email confirmation since, should I email them? also for future reference am I better off not telling them over the call that I'm no longer available? (sorry just feeling a bit paranoid they're going to rescind the offer)

 

[sibs23]

Bates Wells VS offer! I was overthinking and doubting myself so much after the AC so this has come as a surprise 😊

 

[TC129129]

Bates Wells VS offer! I was overthinking and doubting myself so much after the AC so this has come as a surprise 😊

Congrats! When did they call you?

 

[sibs23]

Congrats! When did they call you?

Thank you! About half an hour ago

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam I got a call last Wednesday for a vacation scheme offer which I was unable to accept because my dates for another offer clash (spring) and the other scheme (summer) dates are during term time (I'm international). I still managed to express my enthusiasm for the firm and ask if I could be swapped on to the DTC AC to which the grad rec said that would be absolutely fine but I haven't received any email confirmation since, should I email them? also for future reference am I better off not telling them over the call that I'm no longer available? (sorry just feeling a bit paranoid they're going to rescind the offer)

From what you have said, I sense they are probably waiting for you to confirm in writing you are declining the vacation scheme offer. Unfortunately saying this over the phone isn't sufficient - they will need something in writing from you first and I suspect then they will reference the direct TC process from there.

I would email them confirming you are declining the vacation scheme offer and that as per your phone conversation you look forward to hearing more about the direct TC recruitment process instead.

You would have needed to tell the firm one way or another you were not accepting the offer - I think it is better to do this over the phone so you can show your enthusiasm for the firm (positive tone is much easier to pick up in a call than in an email) and also discuss what the alternatives are. So it is not an issue that you called them. Whatever way you told them, the process from there on for the direct TC process would have been the same.

I doubt they will rescind any offer to convert to a direct TC process, but this is likely to include further assessments - firms rarely will just offer TCs off the back of VS assessments.

 

[NJS]

@Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam (or really anyone on here!) would you happen to know if Morgan Lewis reads applications if you fail the SJT? Or is it effectively unread? I want to reapply for the training contract after a VS rejection at application stage this cycle (that I suspect was my poor track record with SJTs) and I worked really hard on my answers and I cannot comprehend a way to make them better - I was just wondering if it's ok to reuse them? Thank you!

Is the Morgan Lewis SJT automatic?

 

[mulan0]

@Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu Hi I am currently struggling to pick between two paralegal job offers. Am I OK to message you to get your advice? Thanks!!

Wow congratulations that’s impressive! Do you have any application/interview tips? I find paralegal roles are also quite competitive 😫

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu Hi I am currently struggling to pick between two paralegal job offers. Am I OK to message you to get your advice? Thanks!!

I have responded via PM.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi all - is anyone aware of where I might be able to find information about smaller-scale firms in London and the surrounding area that are still accepting Summer VS applications?

Lawcareers.net has a useful list of work placement deadlines for a broad range of firms: https://www.lawcareers.net/Solicitors/WorkPlacementDeadlines

 

[johnnn821]

Anyone heard from WBD for London?

 

[wise readers]

Hello everyone! I just wanted to ask for some advice, I am lucky to have 2 summer scheme offers, but they overlap by a week.

I have confirmed the first scheme as I was offered a month ago, and I only attended the other interview as it had already been scheduled. The second offer came last Thursday and I told them I couldn't do it (they don't have other dates), and since grad rec told me I had to do the full scheme.

I have asked to be considered for the direct TC, but is this selfish? I am just so terrified of not getting a TC offer this year so it would be nice to have some options, but I would probably take firm 1 over firm 2.

Ahhh what should I do lol

 

[Apple]

Hello everyone! I just wanted to ask for some advice, I am lucky to have 2 summer scheme offers, but they overlap by a week.

I have confirmed the first scheme as I was offered a month ago, and I only attended the other interview as it had already been scheduled. The second offer came last Thursday and I told them I couldn't do it (they don't have other dates), and since grad rec told me I had to do the full scheme.

I have asked to be considered for the direct TC, but is this selfish? I am just so terrified of not getting a TC offer this year so it would be nice to have some options, but I would probably take firm 1 over firm 2.

Ahhh what should I do lol

I don't see why it would be selfish, you don't have a TC yet so are interviewing for a TC, thats what everyone does.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hello everyone! I just wanted to ask for some advice, I am lucky to have 2 summer scheme offers, but they overlap by a week.

I have confirmed the first scheme as I was offered a month ago, and I only attended the other interview as it had already been scheduled. The second offer came last Thursday and I told them I couldn't do it (they don't have other dates), and since grad rec told me I had to do the full scheme.

I have asked to be considered for the direct TC, but is this selfish? I am just so terrified of not getting a TC offer this year so it would be nice to have some options, but I would probably take firm 1 over firm 2.

Ahhh what should I do lol

Not selfish at all - it’s a standard request to ask for a direct TC process when declining a VS place. The firm will be used to having this question posed to them and will have a fairly standard process/policy on how they will respond to the request.

 

[LB24]

Hi,

Does anyone have any resources that they would recommend to best prep for an AC?

 

[rapunzel]

Love to see this Rapunzel! What a lovely way to start off the week.. this is the energy the world needs! The name is also really befitting haha!

Hahaha thanks Amma! 😊

 

[aphelion]

TW and their 'week commencing 17 March' please just tell us something it's been 3 weeks since my AC 😭

 

[Amma Usman]

thank you so much! it was advertised as a type of work experience that they will provide at any given time for the right candidate. so ultimately i will give it until the end of march/ start of april. do you reckon that the most appropriate thing is to give a call or send an email? ive never really done the whole informal thing before so i dont want to feel like im pestering the firm.

I would recommend sending an email in this situation. It allows you to follow up professionally while giving them the space to respond when convenient. An email also helps ensure your message is clear and documented, which is often preferable when enquiring about opportunities like this.

 

[marisachr]

PFO post-interview from one of my top firms...Feeling defeated, especially because they said I was very close to making it

 

[Amma Usman]

PFO post-interview from one of my top firms...Feeling defeated, especially because they said I was very close to making it

It’s completely normal to feel this way right now, but try to see this as a sign that you’re on the right path. Being told you were close means that they saw your potential, your skills, and your ability to succeed. That recognition is huge, and it’s something you can build on. Use this moment to reflect, improve, and come back even stronger. Rejection isn’t the end of the road; it’s just a detour that brings you closer to the right opportunity. Keep pushing forward, stay resilient, and remember that every step, even the setbacks, brings you closer to where you want to be. You've got this. And we’re rooting for you, always! 🚀🚀🚀

 

[Amma Usman]

Bates Wells VS offer! I was overthinking and doubting myself so much after the AC so this has come as a surprise 😊

Wow, congratulations on the Bates Wells VS offer! It’s amazing how things work out when you least expect it, and this is just the beginning of many more exciting opportunities to come your way. You’ve earned it, and I hope you take a moment to really appreciate how far you’ve come. Congratulations once again! 🚀🚀🚀💃