TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Gr33n]

The AC is on the VS itself. The final stage prior to the VS is the SJT + VI. 🙂​

Would you mind sharing your online test scores seeing as you got to the vacation scheme?

 

[Gr33n]

Hi everyone, I’m just feeling like poop. Can anyone give me som support or advice as to how to proceed.

I was recently rejected (after interview) from a very prestigious legal internship and have seen the offers go out on LinkedIn. So far I only have one week legal internship under my belt but I’m seeing other students with multiple spring weeks at investment banks and first year schemes and alongside one/two week work placements at city firms through social mobility schemes.

How on earth do I compete with that, when all I have to offer is probono experience and retail, and I’m seeing my peers with PE internships and a different internship each month of June July and August. Surely grad rec is going to take the candidate with a PE internship and multiple investment banking spring weeks and now a two week US firm work experience placement over someone with basic retail and probono experience.

Just feel like giving up and have no more willpower to send out applications when I’m going to look like nothing compared to these people.

I don’t understand how I could even stand a chance next to these people.

I’m really sorry to hear that you feeling like this and this process will really take it out of you. Honestly it can be so soul crushing and demoralising which people don’t talk about enough.

I saw a tiktok recently of a guy explaining that it’s important to be realistic to secure a training contract and so many people want training contracts at SC/MC/US firms but actually it’s only the top 1% or something that actually make it. So potentially it could be a case of targeting too competitive firms? But, in the same breath, if it’s your dream to work at these high prestige firms then go for it, keep pushing and don’t let anyone stop you!

 

[Gr33n]

Anyone know if this is good enough for SH's SJT?

Verbal High
Numerical Medium
Grit 7/9
Applied Intellect 4/9
Creative Force 6/9
Digital Mindset 9/9

Anyone got through with a 4?!?

There’s also the video element too to consider, how do you feel you did on that?

 

[trainee4u]

There’s also the video element too to consider, how do you feel you did on that?

I scrupulously wrote out scripts which were quite ok but read them out, so IDK if that's bad. Also on one I ran out of time in the last second, not sure if that's fatal or not.

 

[Kakaboo]

Hi! I have a VS offer for a firm which is sponsoring a moot/debate I am competing in. Will this boost or hinder my chances of getting a TC?

 

[ish12345]

Hi, I have been asked to send in a headshot and bio for the firm I am completing a VS with in a few weeks time. Please may someone advise what to include in the bio? They specified that it is a couple lines about yourself to share with colleagues before I arrive for the scheme.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi, I have been asked to send in a headshot and bio for the firm I am completing a VS with in a few weeks time. Please may someone advise what to include in the bio? They specified that it is a couple lines about yourself to share with colleagues before I arrive for the scheme.

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Ah I thought pfos post interview, no worries :) Ahh sorry for confusion then!!

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[AnonKn635]

Is it possible to take a year out after the SQE? Eg to take up a masters or would this have to be before SQE, assuming a sep 26 start date

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Is it possible to take a year out after the SQE? Eg to take up a masters or would this have to be before SQE, assuming a sep 26 start date

This may depend on whether the firm has a bespoke SQE course where they have incorporated other modules that are important for their business into the prep course.

If they have, I suspect they would prefer you to study this the year before your TC starts and would encourage you to do the masters before the SQE.

However, some firms might be flexible on this - definitely something to ask the graduate recruitment team when you have received an offer.

 

[legal18]

Hi, can anyone with an interest in shipping law PM me. Thank you

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi! I have a VS offer for a firm which is sponsoring a moot/debate I am competing in. Will this boost or hinder my chances of getting a TC?

Conversion is likely going to mostly come down to your performance in the VS itself, and how much of a cultural fit the firm thinks you would be. The moot/debate competition is unlikely to be a significant factor in their decision-making at this point. That said, to the extent there is any, I expect the impact on conversion chances to be a positive one. I do not see how your participation in this competition could hurt your chances. If your performance is not great and you do not progress to the final stages, it is very unlikely they will independently take note of that - as such, you can simply not mention it. However, if you perform well, this is something you may be able to mention in final interviews. I also know that in the last stages of such competitions, people are sometimes judged by lawyers at the sponsoring firm, and winners sometimes get prizes such as an exclusive office visit. This would enable you to connect with more people in the firm, and thus, in theory, increase your conversion chances.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi! I have a VS offer for a firm which is sponsoring a moot/debate I am competing in. Will this boost or hinder my chances of getting a TC?

This won’t have any impact at all. The moot is not connected when it comes to hiring decisions.

 

[Legallywhatever]

Does anyone know if Burges Salmon are strict with their A-Level grade requirements?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Does anyone know if Burges Salmon are strict with their A-Level grade requirements?

There doesn’t seem to be any A-level criteria at all.

 

[Chris Brown]

Does anyone know if Burges Salmon are strict with their A-Level grade requirements?

There doesn’t seem to be any A-level criteria at all.

On Legal Cheek, it says that Burges Salmon have a minimum A-level requirement of BBB and a 2:1 at degree level. However, on their website FAQ it says they consider mitigating circumstances and won’t automatically screen out applications that don’t meet the minimum academic criteria. I don’t think it’s a strict requirement. Best of luck with your Burges Salmon application!

Burges Salmon - Legal Cheek

The Legal Cheek view on Burges Salmon, featuring trainee and newly qualified pay, our insider scorecard and all the key facts and figures.

www.legalcheek.com

Trainee application and FAQs

Explaining the process and answering your questions to help ensure you leap into an exciting legal career.

www.burges-salmon.com

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

On Legal Cheek, it says that Burges Salmon have a minimum A-level requirement of BBB and a 2:1 at degree level. However, on their website FAQ it says they consider mitigating circumstances and won’t automatically screen out applications that don’t meet the minimum academic criteria. I don’t think it’s a strict requirement. Best of luck with your Burges Salmon application!

Burges Salmon - Legal Cheek

The Legal Cheek view on Burges Salmon, featuring trainee and newly qualified pay, our insider scorecard and all the key facts and figures.

www.legalcheek.com

Trainee application and FAQs

Explaining the process and answering your questions to help ensure you leap into an exciting legal career.

www.burges-salmon.com

I think if they had a minimum requirement for A-levels it would be referenced on this page of their website but there is no reference to A-levels at all, only the 2.1.

 

[Chris Brown]

I think if they had a minimum requirement for A-levels it would be referenced on this page of their website but there is no reference to A-levels at all, only the 2.1.

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 email graduate recruitment to clarify what the A-level requirements are @Legallywhatever. 🥲

Burges Salmon LLP - True Picture - Chambers Student Guide

Burges Salmon LLP - True Picture. The student’s guide to careers in the law.

www.chambersstudent.co.uk

 

[londonlawyer]

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.

 

[Mug Fan]

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.

One.

Can’t go wrong with navy.

Black not really an issue regardless. I wouldn’t bother getting a new one unless you’re so stressed about it you think it’ll affect your performance.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

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.

I am tagging in @Ram Sabaratnam and @Andrei Radu who might be better placed to advise on this from their recent experiences from their schemes.

Navy or dark grey are the safest choices for suit colours. Those who disapprove of black suits tend to be more traditional people, often from private educational backgrounds, or who started their careers before offices embraced a more casual dress code.

You may not need to wear a suit every day though. If you're more cautious about your attire, wearing black trousers without the suit jacket is less noticeable than wearing a full black suit.