• How confident are you in your knowledge of the core LLB/PGDL subjects, including Contract, Tort, Trusts, Land, Criminal, and Public Law?

    TCLA is teaming up with BPP for a free interactive event designed to refresh your fundamentals, especially for those interested in or planning to take the SQE. We'll practise multiple choice SQE questions, with prizes for the highest scoring participants!

    Register Here
  • Are you a future trainee?

    We're hiring at TCLA. Apply by midnight on 31 March 2025.

    Apply Now

TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
15,290
21,347
hi @Jessica Booker ; wanted to ask what documents do a firm need for vs? is it just transcript / right to work ? Also, i was told by a firm id hear 'next week' regarding the offer in writing but its been a week and a half, shall i email them or give it more time? thanks in advance.
When does the scheme start?

It’s really hard to say specifically what they will need as this can vary from firm to firm but generally transcripts, right to work, and proof of address (bank statement/utility bill) are the common documents needed.
 

TC129129

Distinguished Member
Nov 13, 2024
58
82
Anyone who did their AC's post the w/c 17th Feb still waiting on White & Case? Has been more than a month now...
Just from previous experience as someone who’s done a W&C vac scheme, they usually get back to successful candidates fairly-very quickly after an AC. This was the case for a lot of my cohort. It doesn’t mean you have been unsuccessful but just wanted to lyk. Wishing you all the luck
 

Chris Brown

Legendary Member
Jul 4, 2024
595
1,955
Welp that's all my VS applications rejected for this year. 22, turning 23 this year and not a single VS :(
I’m sorry to hear about the VS application PFOs this cycle. I can imagine it has been incredibly disheartening to feel like the efforts put in have gone to waste. I don’t know if this will help in any way, but I am of a very similar age to you. I only began applying for VS after I had already graduated (July 2024), so I also felt that I was really late and that time was ticking. I felt that I was super behind everyone else in my uni, who had already applied for VS and TC in their 2nd and 3rd year (law) and secured TC offers at major city law firms like Clifford Chance, DLA Piper, Herbert Smith Freehills, etc. 🥲

I think It’s really important to bear in mind that everyone is on their own journey and whilst it’s tempting to compare ourselves to others who seem to have obtained VS/TC sooner, all it ends up causing is more harm than good. The key thing to bear in mind is that the average age of a NQ solicitor is 30! This means on average people aren’t securing a TC until they are 26/27, which they start when they are around 28. In my opinion, there are huge positives when you start a TC slightly later, in that you are able to build up a wider range of skills and experiences which are beneficial to the role of a trainee associate! 😅

Try not to lose faith in yourself! I know that is easier said than done, but the important thing to maintain throughout this entire process is resilience and determination. I think once you do secure that well deserved TC (which I know you will), it will feel that much better, knowing how much hard work was put in. Speaking of TC, I think it could be a good idea to try apply for some DTC applications over the Spring and Summer (March - July). Who knows, it may be that one of these DTC applications will convert into the TC offer! Best of luck with the rest of this application cycle my friend! 🙂​
 
Last edited:

About Us

The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

Newsletter

Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.