“A day and a bit” is not ages
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Hey!
I know it is easier said than done, but I would really try not to overthink and stress about this - I think this is one of those situations where your brain is filling in the silence with worst-case scenarios! A day and a bit is a completely normal response time, particularly for HR or recruitment teams, and I've waited far longer for replies when I signed my paralegal offer for my placement year. If they have already sent and signed the offer, it is very unlikely that asking about annual leave would suddenly make them reconsider.
It is also pretty common for people to flag pre-booked holidays before joining, and firms will generally appreciate you raising this earlier rather than later. August is still quite far away too, so they may just not see it as urgent and will get back to you when they can.
I have definitely waited much longer than this for replies about onboarding or admin stuff before, so try not to worry too much (+ congratulations on your paralegal role offer)
Hi everyone, I have received an invite for a final stage direct training contract interview, however, it crashes with a vac scheme I have. There is unfortunately no chance of rescheduling. I'm more interested in the direct training contract firm, just wondering how do I go about this? Do I explain the situation to the vac scheme firm and hope they let me leave for a bit (the interview is scheduled for the first day of the vac scheme so unfortunate timing) do i drop out of the vac scheme entirely? I would still like to do it if possible but understand it may not be possible
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Hi, yes I got the Paralegal Assistant role with the CPS. I applied for it while I was still at uni so I had no criminal law experience except the module I tool at uni. They had a CV blind recruitment so they don't know anything about the uni or school you went to. They just mostly asked about transferable skills (so strength and competency questions). I had loads of part-time jobs that's what I used but you can use any experience that you have that applies. For the defence one, I meant to apply for as many as possible (kind of like with any set applications to increase your chances of getting one).@Jessica Pearson Hi! When you applied, was it for an entry level paralegal position? Did you have experience in criminal law when you applied? Also, you mentioned "With regards to the defence side, I would say tailor your CV and cast a wide net." - could you please expand on this? Many thanks for your time.
Depends how different the firms are. If you would undertake a TC at both and there are no other dates for the direct TC interview - just do the scheme honestly. You don’t wanna jeopardise your chances by taking time out of the VS. Direct TC is also much harder to get - as often they run direct TC to fill up places they didn’t fill with the VS.
Just got a rejection post VS. Really disheartening since this is the second VS I have "failed".
Does anyone know where I can find vac scheme to TC conversion rates for different US firms e.g. Latham & Watkins, Morgan Lewis and Kirkland & Ellis? Thanks!
Hi!
Congratulations on the VS and the final stage DTC interview!!
I'd definitely say it is worth asking the vacation scheme firm first before withdrawing entirely, especially if the DTC firm is your preferred option. I was actually in a very similar position last year during one of my schemes - I was invited to a final-stage TC interview at another firm and there was no flexibility on the date, so I explained the situation to the VS firm and they allowed me to leave for a few hours to attend the interview.
Of course, I can't say for certain whether your VS firm will agree (particularly as it is on the first day of the scheme) or whether it could have any impact on conversion chances, but I do think it is worth at least asking the question rather than assuming the answer will be no. Firms are generally aware that candidates are often juggling multiple processes at once, and if you communicate professionally and give as much notice as possible, they may be more understanding than you expect!
I hope you are able to arrange something with the firms, and best of luck with the interview and/or scheme!
Hey, sorry to hear about how NRF went? Do you mind private messaging me your insight into their video interview/AC?
I hope it went well! Do you mind offering an insight into the video interview and AC process? (Maybe a private messageNRF VS!!!
Waiting to hear back from one firm, and then that will be the end of this cycle for me! It seems that this week is a hectic one for everybody - wishing the best of luck to all of you!
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Hi has anyone received an email from Stephenson Harwood for their Dubai vac scheme after passing the Amberjack and VI stage?
I think interviews are in June but I would expect to hear back about whether we’re being interviewed before then?
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