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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Hi everyone — I’m due to attend Burges Salmon’s upcoming spring vacation scheme and I’m keen to make the most of the opportunity and hopefully convert it into a training contract.

If anyone who completed the 2025 winter vacation scheme would be open to sharing any advice or insights, I’d be hugely grateful. Please do message me if you’re happy to chat — thank you so much.
 
I had a similar question on this! Im on a waitlist for a scheme and last reached out a month ago (just acknowledging the result). Should i send an email expressing my interest again and ask for an indication of a timeline of when i can hear back to plan my summer. I dont want to seem like pushing them to make a decision either if it might jeapordise my chances but it has been a while so im afraid they might not remember. @Abbie Whitlock @Jaysen
Hello!

I'd say this is a slightly different situation, though I still think it is completely reasonable to reach out - I would just make sure you frame it around wanting to plan your summer, rather than chasing a decision. You could send a short email that states you are still interested in the scheme, and your main reason for getting in touch is to see whether they are able to provide any indicative timeline so that you can organise your summer plans.

I wouldn't worry about them forgetting you at all - if you are on the waitlist, you are already on their radar! It is more likely that they just don't have any updates yet, especially as waitlist movement will often depend on last-minute drop outs or changes of plans.

Therefore, a brief and polite email that asks about whether there is any timeline on hearing back should be absolutely fine :)
 
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Hello!

My overall approach to the work experience section has been pretty simple and consistent across all of the applications I made - I would aim to discuss:
  1. What the role was
  2. What you actually did
  3. The skills and insights that you gained (ideally linked back to commercial law or the role of a trainee solicitor, if it fits naturally)
On your first point, I do think it is worth briefly mentioning how the experience developed your skills (e.g. your example on prioritisation and time management). The key is to just make sure that it is concise and relevant - a sentence or two that shows the impact the experience had is usually enough, and I'd avoid going into lots of reflective detail.

In terms of length, it really depends on the experience that you are talking about. If there is no word limit, I would use those three elements above as a guide and keep things concise where you can. Realistically, entries will vary quite a bit and shorter roles might be somewhere around 50 words, whereas more substantial entries could be closer to 250-300 words. The main thing is to avoid waffling and make sure that everything you include adds value to your application.

For your last question, I personally wouldn't go into very specific anecdotes (like a difficult customer situation) in the written application. I would keep it more high-level and focused on the overall role, as those kinds of detailed examples are much better saved for video interviews or ACs, where you can properly explain your actions and reflect on them :)
Hi @Abbie Whitlock

Thanks for this useful - I wondered whether for these types of Work Ex Sections (e.g. White & Case's), where there is a 250 word space for each section, should we use prose or stick to bullets. I for example have done a range of jobs in the Foreign Office, from sanctions to working in Somalia so I question if i should do 250 word paragraph for 7+ roles!
 
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@Abbie Whitlock thank you for all your insights on the vac scheme process!

I had one quick question to ask. Should men wear a tie to the vac scheme at all? I have heard that is likely to be considered too formal and may appear out of place, so wanted to check in and confirm that no tie is the most appropriate way to go, or if one should still be worn on the first day at least.


Thank you in advance!
 
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I'm not Abbie, but I wanted to chip in haha.

I have seen most men wear ties to vac schemes - and especially on the first day (and also whenever they have the final interview). What I like to do is check out the firm's social media page and take a look at what previous vac schemer's did if the firm posts pictures of their trainees/vac schemers.

So to answer your question, yes, you can wear a tie to the VS - and in fact, many do - but many also go without, especially during the 'normal' days.
10 GIF
 
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@Abbie Whitlock thank you for all your insights on the vac scheme process!

I had one quick question to ask. Should men wear a tie to the vac scheme at all? I have heard that is likely to be considered too formal and may appear out of place, so wanted to check in and confirm that no tie is the most appropriate way to go, or if one should still be worn on the first day at least.


Thank you in advance!
Hey!

No problem at all!!

I would agree with @Bah Bah Pink Sheep! I don't think it would look out of place, and it could be a good idea to wear one on the first day so that you can get a better idea of what the 'norm' is in the firm. On most of the vacation schemes I have been on, most of the men on the scheme didn't wear ties beyond the first day, but I would always dress as professional as you can on the first day just in case.

However, if you don't wear one, I don't think that'll be a problem either - as long as you look smart and professional, I think it is a matter of personal preference! :)
 
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Hi @Abbie Whitlock

Thanks for this useful - I wondered whether for these types of Work Ex Sections (e.g. White & Case's), where there is a 250 word space for each section, should we use prose or stick to bullets. I for example have done a range of jobs in the Foreign Office, from sanctions to working in Somalia so I question if i should do 250 word paragraph for 7+ roles!
Hey!

I would probably still lean towards prose overall, as it tends to flow better and lets you show a bit more reflection. However, bullet points can work well too - I would just make sure that they are not too brief! You still need to go into enough depth and clearly outline your role, responsibilities, and the skills/insights you gained, rather than just listing tasks.

In relation to writing about lots of roles, I think this is fine to do them in paragraphs as not every experience will need to hit the full 250 words. As long as you cover the key points and everything you include adds value to your application, it is better to be concise even if you don't hit the full word limit :)
 
Hi everyone :) happy Easter! 🐰

I have a few questions.

How does everyone make sure that they stay concise and be specific when doing competency interviews? That’s a feedback I keep getting.. I need to be concise and specific.

Also, one more question. In a competency interview, when they ask about a time you made a mistake- I was going to bring up how I relied on assumption in work that a document has been submitted for a file.. instead of verifying.. and that is a mistake as we didn’t have the document etc.. and what actions I took from and how I solved it.. is this a good mistake or does it have to be a GRAVE mistake? Thank you everyone :)
 
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Hi!

This is a good question, and you are right to be mindful of sounding repetitive - however, I'd say that these two questions are asking for slightly different things.

For the vacation scheme question, I'd think of it more in terms of exploration. You don't need to be set on these areas long-term - instead, I'd focus on what you are curious about and why you'd like exposure to them during the scheme. It is completely fine to say that you are still exploring your interests, and you can frame your answer around wanting to gain insight into a couple different areas to better understand where your strengths and interests lie.

You can also broaden this beyond just practice areas. For example, you might mention an interest in learning more about the pro bono work the firm does, client or international secondments, or business development at the firm. The graduate recruitment team might use these answers to help shape sessions during the scheme, so it is a good opportunity to show curiosity about the wider workings of the firm, not just the legal work itself.

For the training contract / specialisation question, the expectation is slightly different and I'd say you should try to show a more considered and developed interest. That doesn't mean you have to be 100% decided (+ I would avoid sounding completely set on an area), but you should be able to explain why certain areas appeal to you and how that ties into your past experiences, skills, interests, and longer-term career goals.

It is absolutely fine if there is some overlap in the areas you mention, but the angle of your answer should be different - one is about what you want to learn, and the other is more about where you think you'll fit long-term :)
Thank you Abbie this is helpful and insightful. These are really good points you mentioned and it will help with my application a lot. I never thought about mentioning the bit about pro bono that is a good point to discuss.
 
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