TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Kakaboo]

Hi! I’ve tried to message my trainee on LinkedIn but they haven’t accepted after a week. The early careers person is doing a talk at my uni tomorrow after should I approach and ask if there’s any way to contact them before the scheme? Thanks

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi! I’ve tried to message my trainee on LinkedIn but they haven’t accepted after a week. The early careers person is doing a talk at my uni tomorrow after should I approach and ask if there’s any way to contact them before the scheme? Thanks

Hey! Totally get the nerves - especially when you’re hoping to feel connected before the scheme starts. But honestly, there’s no need to stress. It’s completely normal not to have heard back yet, especially as trainees can be super busy. You’ll meet everyone on the first day and there’ll be loads of time to get to know each other and catch up then.

You’re already doing great by being proactive. Good luck, you’ve got this!

 

[linkedinwarrior245]

Hi, I've never posted something like this before, but I feel very lost about what to do. I'm currently on a vacation scheme and I'm considering quitting because it is seriously affecting my physical and mental wellbeing, as I haven't had a break since my spring vac and I had final uni exams in between. I had to jump right into this. I've already called in sick (it's only week 1), but I fear it would look very bad if I pulled out of it because it shows that I couldn't push myself to complete it.

For context, I already have a TC offer from my previous vac and I have not accepted it yet because I wanted to weigh out my options.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi, I've never posted something like this before, but I feel very lost about what to do. I'm currently on a vacation scheme and I'm considering quitting because it is seriously affecting my physical and mental wellbeing, as I haven't had a break since my spring vac and I had final uni exams in between. I had to jump right into this. I've already called in sick (it's only week 1), but I fear it would look very bad if I pulled out of it because it shows that I couldn't push myself to complete it.

For context, I already have a TC offer from my previous vac and I have not accepted it yet because I wanted to weigh out my options. But I feel like I'm at my limit.

You ultimately need to do what is best for your health - you shouldn’t compromise that.

Rather than quitting the vacation scheme, consider speaking to the graduate recruitment team about the possibility of deferring your scheme to a later date, whether that be later this summer or even in the next cycle.

However, this may not be appropriate if you hold an offer already and are in a position where you need to accept that offer and start your legal training before you could complete another scheme with the current VS firm.

The firm may also be able to offer you a direct TC recruitment process instead if you did decide to withdraw from the programme.

 

[lawstudent2]

Idk if this is the right place for this but is it true that you need more extensive legal experience to go through the direct TC process successfully. I don't have a vac scheme this summer or anything more than a few days in a couple legal offices and am trying to decide if it's worth my time to apply to some direct TCs this summer or just prep for applications next year (will be my third year of uni also for context). Any insights appreciated, thanks

 

[bangarangbass39]

How long after a final interview for a vac scheme should we wait to expect to hear back?

I was told in the interview that we should hear back on the 12th (or after, the details is a lil fuzzy). I understand things can delay the feedback and it’s not easy to decide. But the radio silence is excruciating.

My interview was in the last week of May.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Idk if this is the right place for this but is it true that you need more extensive legal experience to go through the direct TC process successfully. I don't have a vac scheme this summer or anything more than a few days in a couple legal offices and am trying to decide if it's worth my time to apply to some direct TCs this summer or just prep for applications next year (will be my third year of uni also for context). Any insights appreciated, thanks

For some firms this will be the case. For instance, I think (if I remember correctly) Linklaters state you need a certain number of weeks of legal work experience to go forward for their direct TC.

But for most firms it won’t be as simple/binary as needed a certain length of work experience. Some firms will look more at your work experience holistically (both legal and non legal) while others may look at your motivations and other evidence for pursuing a commercial legal career and weigh this up alongside your work experience. For instance, if you can show strong and clear motivations and show other evidence of learning more about the career outside of legal work experience, this could replicate (or be stronger evidence) than describing a vacation scheme experience.

 

[Jessica Booker]

How long after a final interview for a vac scheme should we wait to expect to hear back?

I was told in the interview that we should hear back on the 12th (or after, the details is a lil fuzzy). I understand things can delay the feedback and it’s not easy to decide. But the radio silence is excruciating.

My interview was in the last week of May.

This is still quite early based on what you have said, especially if the point was you would hear after the 12th rather than by the 12th.

I know it can feel like a lifetime while you are waiting to hear back. The problem for the firm is it feels the complete opposite - two weeks can pass by and it can feel like a couple of hours, especially at this time of year when there can be a lot of things going on. Unless the scheme is due to start on the 23 June, I would wait until the end of next week before chasing them up for a decision.

 

[lawstudent2]

For some firms this will be the case. For instance, I think (if I remember correctly) Linklaters state you need a certain number of weeks of legal work experience to go forward for their direct TC.

But for most firms it won’t be as simple/binary as needed a certain length of work experience. Some firms will look more at your work experience holistically (both legal and non legal) while others may look at your motivations and other evidence for pursuing a commercial legal career and weigh this up alongside your work experience. For instance, if you can show strong and clear motivations and show other evidence of learning more about the career outside of legal work experience, this could replicate (or be stronger evidence) than describing a vacation scheme experience.

Okay amazing thanks so much

 

[bangarangbass39]

This is still quite early based on what you have said, especially if the point was you would hear after the 12th rather than by the 12th.

I know it can feel like a lifetime while you are waiting to hear back. The problem for the firm is it feels the complete opposite - two weeks can pass by and it can feel like a couple of hours, especially at this time of year when there can be a lot of things going on. Unless the scheme is due to start on the 23 June, I would wait until the end of next week before chasing them up for a decision.

Apologies. I meant to say after a vac scheme. So after the final interview for the TC.

But thank you for the perspective. Of course the doomerism is not great but the wait feels like it’s going on forever. I usually don’t care waiting, I’m not naturally impatient. But right now it’s just eating me up I can’t bare it😅

 

[Jessica Booker]

Apologies. I meant to say after a vac scheme. So after the final interview for the TC.

But thank you for the perspective. Of course the doomerism is not great but the wait feels like it’s going on forever. I usually don’t care waiting long but right now it’s just eating me up I can’t bare it😅

I still think this is the case even if it after a VS (and probably even more so)! Maybe if you haven't heard back towards the end of next week, maybe send the GR team asking for clarity as to when you will hear back so you can then know for certain as to when you will hear back and then you can just focus on other things until then. I suspect the fuzzy details of when you will hear back probably isn't helping with your uncertainty, so it could help to get clarity on that.

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

Hey everyone! My name is Vera, and I am Head of Product here at TCLA. We're about to run two Personal Service programmes (both starting next Monday!) that I think some of you might be interested in.

The Application Personal Service, run by my brilliant colleague @Aks.Khurana (future trainee at Latham & Watkins), is the most hands-on application support we have ever run at TCLA. You’ll work with Aks to write at least two stand-out applications to your dream law firms.

The Assessment Centre Personal Service, run by me (future trainee at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer), is a 1-to-1 practical preparation programme to become an assessment centre pro. If you have previously reached the AC stage and were unsuccessful, or are about to have a direct TC/ vacation scheme exit interview, this programme is for you.

Application Personal Service.

• Work with Aks through a 30-minute call every week for eight weeks, as we map out your application strategy, write your applications, and provide you with guidance on how to handle each part of the application process – from time management to SJTs
• Get personalised 1-2-1 feedback on your answers to your application questions each week
• Sit with Aks as we dissect what is working and what needs to be improved
• Map out your personalised application strategy, so you know exactly what to do once the cycle opens

By the end, you’ll walk away with:

• At least two applications ready to be submitted by August/September
• A strategy of exactly which applications you will send and when this application cycle
• The confidence that you will pass the application stage this year

You’ll also get:

• Access to a private WhatsApp group for ongoing questions and support
• 2 months of free access to TCLA Academy — our new flagship commercial awareness platform for commercial law training

→ View full programme
→ Sign up to Cohort 1

Assessment Centre Personal Service.

The programme extends up to four weeks, but if you have an interview coming up sooner, we will fit and adapt the programme to your deadline. You can go as far as completing all four interview sessions and three AC-style tasks in one week – the choice is yours.

Each candidate will get:

• 4 hours of 1-to-1 interviews, fully tailored to your individual situation
• A personalised improvement plan developed from a pre-programme assessment of your interview readiness
• ‘Homework’ assignment after each session, so you can keep progressing between sessions
• 3 assessment centre-style tasks to complete in your own time – client pitch presentation and research task based on the firm you have an interview with or are planning to apply to, and a written case study
• Practical guidance on how to ace each of these tasks and detailed feedback with a marking rubric on your performance
• Live strategy workshop and Q&A with the TCLA team on staying interview-ready
• Free four-week access to TCLA Academy – our flagship commercial awareness platform

→ View full programme
→ Join Cohort 2

If you're not sure which programme is right for you or just want to talk it through, please private message either me or @Aks.Khurana - we'll be happy to set up a quick 5-minute call.

Let’s make this the cycle that changes everything!

 

[xanderlawyer]

Would just like to express a massive appreciation to @Jessica Booker for all the support and advice you have provided to us throughout the application season. Your insight has been invaluable for many students and you will be missed! I wish you the best of luck for the future!

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

Has anyone heard back from wiggin (DTC)?

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi, good evening! Does anyone here complete WFW VI for this cycle? Really appreciate any insights!!! Thanksss! Please DM🙏🙏🙏🙏

Hey,

Congrats on the VI.

I’m sure about WFW as I’ve never completed it before, but this comprehensive guide by @Andrei Radu will help - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....de-for-competency-interview-preparation.9380/

 

[Amma Usman]

Hiya,

I have my first vacation scheme, how do I best prepare to convert the vacation scheme into a Training Contract ?

Thank you

Hiya,

Huge well done on the scheme. I’ve quoted a post with some tips to help.

Another thing to add to the below is that you shouldn’t feel the need to overwhelm yourself with prepping over so much data before starting. A lot of it will be on the job (this is, of course, assuming that the firm has not told you to prep anything in advance).

I trust you. You’re gonna do very well

Hey @Chelsea101 , just before @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Jessica Booker jump in, I’ve included a few pointers below:

1. Be Proactive from the Start: Law firms value self-starters who can anticipate needs and take initiative without waiting to be asked. On your first day, introduce yourself to your team, ask how you can assist, and familiarise yourself with the work. Offer to help with smaller tasks, such as proofreading, researching, or preparing documents, even if they are not explicitly assigned to you. If you find yourself with downtime, politely ask your supervisor if there’s anything additional you can assist with.



2. Understand the Work Beforehand: Familiarity with the firm’s work areas shows preparation and allows you to contribute meaningfully. Research the firm's key practice areas, landmark deals, and recent cases before starting. Pay attention to client industries, market trends, and legal developments. If you know your practice area placements in advance, review introductory resources, articles, or deals related to those areas. If not, be prepared to adapt by understanding the firm’s general focus areas.


3. Schedule coffee chats with lawyers from practice areas you’re genuinely interested in. During a VS, you’ll be surrounded by a plethora of legal talent - make the most of the learning opportunity!


4. Show a Genuine Interest in Learning: Firms look for trainees who are curious and eager to grow professionally. Approach tasks with an open mind and ask intelligent questions to deepen your understanding of the legal and commercial context. For example, instead of just editing a document, ask how it fits into the broader transaction or case.


5. Exceed Expectations in Your Work: Exceptional work leaves a lasting impression and demonstrates your potential as a trainee. Take your time to ensure accuracy and quality in your work. Proofread carefully, double-check details, and ask for clarification if unsure. Submit your work on time or, ideally, ahead of deadlines. If feedback is provided, take it constructively and implement it immediately—this shows you can learn and adapt quickly.


6. Show Commercial Awareness: Commercial lawyers are not just legal experts—they are also business experts. Keep up with current events and consider how they impact the firm’s clients. During tasks, think beyond the legal issue and consider the broader business or strategic implications.


7. Maintain professionalism at all times.


8. Gather feedback and reflect.


Final Advice: Beyond technical ability, demonstrate qualities like adaptability, resilience, and teamwork. These are essential skills for a trainee.


Good luck, you’ve got this!

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi, I've never posted something like this before, but I feel very lost about what to do. I'm currently on a vacation scheme and I'm considering quitting because it is seriously affecting my physical and mental wellbeing, as I haven't had a break since my spring vac and I had final uni exams in between. I had to jump right into this. I've already called in sick (it's only week 1), but I fear it would look very bad if I pulled out of it because it shows that I couldn't push myself to complete it.

For context, I already have a TC offer from my previous vac and I have not accepted it yet because I wanted to weigh out my options.

I don’t have anything to add to Jess’ great advice. But I just wanted to check in and ask how you’re doing mentally. It sounds like you’ve been carrying a lot, and I hope you’re being gentle with yourself through it.

Sometimes it can help to take a walk without your phone or earbuds, just to let your mind breathe a little. Even ten minutes of quiet can bring a bit of clarity. And if you can, talking to someone you trust might take some of the weight off. Whatever you choose, please remember that your wellbeing matters so much. You're doing your best, and that’s more than enough.