TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[aphelion]

Sorry to keep banging on about this, but anyone who has done a Mishcon AC, they said it would start either 12 pm or 1 pm but would communicate it closer to the date, I haven't heard anything from them and mine's tomorrow - should I email?

I got the email at 1pm the day before, so if you still haven't heard and yours is tomorrow I'd probably get in touch with them

 

[paralegaltotrainee]

Hiya @paralegaltotrainee


Congratulations again on securing your place on Cooley's vacation scheme! I've put together some of my thoughts below for you.

You'll find the scheme consists in a balanced mix of live client assignments and structured tasks set by graduate recruitment. Both elements are equally important, so even though the live client work is engaging and rewarding, make sure you give the structured tasks plenty of attention too. These exercises provide graduate recruitment with a consistent benchmark to compare candidates (which can be more difficult to assess if they were to look strictly at your live client work), so I'd recommend that you invest care and thought into each one.

You'll likely sit in two different seats during your time on the scheme. While it's tempting to focus on work within your assigned teams, I strongly encourage you to look beyond them as well. Some of the most insightful and enjoyable experiences I had involved actively approaching associates and partners in other practice areas. Reaching out to express your interest and proactively asking for tasks will not only enrich your understanding of how the firm operates but also help you demonstrate initiative and curiosity.

My trainee buddy was an invaluable support to me during the scheme (sadly, they've since left the firm). They allowed me to navigate everything from understanding senior lawyers' workloads to figuring out the best way to approach certain tasks. Really recommend that you don't hesitate to ask your buddy any questions you have (whether practical, professional, or simply about firm culture). My buddy certainly made the experience much less daunting.

Finally, while the vacation scheme can be intense, you shouldn't put unnecessary pressure on yourself. One thing I tell myself often is to "get out of my own head." Overthinking can feel awful. Instead, actively seek feedback before submitting work, but don’t let it shake your confidence if you receive heavily edited documents. I had my fair share of redlined feedback and still managed to secure multiple offers.

Good luck! I’m sure you’ll do brilliantly!

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this, @Ram Sabaratnam ! This is very helpful - it is very much appreciated! 😊

 

[paralegaltotrainee]

I think it might be helpful to spend your time exploring the firm's key practice areas and perhaps reading up on some of their recent matters or clients they're currently supporting. You can also research specific people you might want to arrange coffee chats with and I'd encourage you to have a think about what you'd genuinely like to ask them or find out about them. Best of luck with the scheme!

I wouldn’t recommend approaching people before the scheme.

1) you don’t know your schedule/commitments yet so you can’t actually plan anything.

2) there will be easier communication channels once you are in the firm than using an external system like LinkedIn.

I wouldn’t recommend just wait for the scheme to start so you are in a better position to know whether you need to schedule the catch up (it maybe that you have a scheduled talk on the matter you want to speak to them about) and also when you can schedule some time in with them.

Thank you both so much for the advice!

 

[ohnoselim]

does anyone know what the target audience is for the kingsley napley's work experience?

the website doesn't specify if its for first years, second, third or graduates

 

[👩🎓]

When answering “What are you looking for from your Training Contract?” I think the strongest responses blend both - starting with what you are genuinely looking for in a training contract generally and then naturally connecting that to why the specific firm fits what you are looking for so well. This shows that you have clear independent reasoning behind your goals, rather than tailoring your answer only because you are applying to that firm.

For example, you might say you are looking for structured, high-quality training, exposure to complex cross-border work, and the chance to work closely with industry-leading clients because you are someone who learns best by being fully immersed in challenging environments. That is your independent reasoning, which is quite generic in itself. Then, you strengthen your answer by explaining how the specific firm aligns with that. For instance, the firm’s small intake, or guaranteed client secondments directly supports your development goals. You could say something like, “This is exactly why I was drawn to [Firm Name] - the smaller intake means greater exposure to deals and responsibility early on, and the guaranteed international secondment reflects the global scope of the work I want to experience.” If you can also give an example of how you thrived in a similar environment, your answer will be elevated.

Framing it this way does two things. First, it shows you have reflected carefully on what you need to grow as a future lawyer. Second, it proves you have researched the firm well enough to see how their strategy, structure, and culture align with your own ambitions. That level of clarity and alignment will always make your answer stand out more.

I’m sure @Jessica Booker will have more thoughts on this.

Thank you so much!

 

[tomsmitg]

Hi, does anyone have any experience of slaughter and may contacting your reference and what it could mean/what they ask??

 

[lawaspirant!]

Hi all, I am completing a vac scheme application and it asks: What recent developments in the legal industry do you believe could impact our business? What are the potential benefits and challenges associated? I have identified an area that I want to pursue, namely real estate law. I am struggling however to know where to start in researching recent developements that I feel will impact it. Any advice?

 

[Legalstudies]

Does anyone know if SH have given out the summer virtual assessments yet for vac schemes?

 

[abbiewhitlock03]

Hi, I feel like this has been asked before but I can't find it so any help is appreciated.

A firm has asked for my GCSE and A-Level certificates (understandably) and I don't hold them anymore for a couple reasons (my school lost my GCSE certificates and I think I misplaced my A-Level certificates in one of my house moves since then). I normally would try and get replacement certificates from the exam boards (which would hurt my bank account lol), but the scheme is in two weeks and I believe it takes up to four weeks to get them.

I have also emailed my school + college to see if they can provide some proof, but slightly panicking about what to do if I can't get anything in time. Thanks!

 

[trainee4u]

Hi, I feel like this has been asked before but I can't find it so any help is appreciated.

A firm has asked for my GCSE and A-Level certificates (understandably) and I don't hold them anymore for a couple reasons (my school lost my GCSE certificates and I think I misplaced my A-Level certificates in one of my house moves since then). I normally would try and get replacement certificates from the exam boards (which would hurt my bank account lol), but the scheme is in two weeks and I believe it takes up to four weeks to get them.

I have also emailed my school + college to see if they can provide some proof, but slightly panicking about what to do if I can't get anything in time. Thanks!

I would email them now saying "My certificates got lost during a house move, and I have applied for copies, however this will take up to four weeks, so might not arrive before the VS, would this be a problem?"

 

[Someoneinlaw]

Anyone applied to Mayer Brown TC? Do you know if the online assessment is automatic?

 

[abbiewhitlock03]

I would email them now saying "My certificates got lost during a house move, and I have applied for copies, however this will take up to four weeks, so might not arrive before the VS, would this be a problem?”

Thank you for this! I have emailed them to explain, and I’m frantically looking into other ways of proving my results before the scheme haha.

Side note - to the other person who privately messaged me and said there’s no excuse for not having the certificates… I’m aware this is my own fault, was just seeking some advice as I’ve never had the spare income to pay for replacements and can only do so now because of the VS pay. Thanks!

 

[User5678]

Hi, I feel like this has been asked before but I can't find it so any help is appreciated.

A firm has asked for my GCSE and A-Level certificates (understandably) and I don't hold them anymore for a couple reasons (my school lost my GCSE certificates and I think I misplaced my A-Level certificates in one of my house moves since then). I normally would try and get replacement certificates from the exam boards (which would hurt my bank account lol), but the scheme is in two weeks and I believe it takes up to four weeks to get them.

I have also emailed my school + college to see if they can provide some proof, but slightly panicking about what to do if I can't get anything in time. Thanks!

Hi, did you by any chance scan them in or maybe your parents took a picture or something of the certificates for A levels and for GCSE how did u prove it for uni, try the same thing? (Im prolly being silly because you would’ve already checked haha)

I am an international so I remember emailing my A level equivalent certificates to my university which I asked my school to attest before I got my physical copy certificate so they could send me my visa letter asap! Is there something like this you had to do? Maybe ask your university if they can attest your results or something?

Did you apply via UCAS and if yes is your portal still accessible? This is something you could try!

I think best bet would be your school attesting your grades and emailing the firm, I believe they would be happy to do so!!

Hope things work out for you!

Side note- did you have a GCSE condition too for this firm? They usually don’t ask for GCSE result copies I thought?

 

[abbiewhitlock03]

Hi, did you by any chance scan them in or maybe your parents took a picture or something of the certificates for A levels and for GCSE how did u prove it for uni, try the same thing? (Im prolly being silly because you would’ve already checked haha)

I am an international so I remember emailing my A level equivalent certificates to my university which I asked my school to attest before I got my physical copy certificate so they could send me my visa letter asap! Is there something like this you had to do? Maybe ask your university if they can attest your results or something?

Did you apply via UCAS and if yes is your portal still accessible? This is something you could try!

I think best bet would be your school attesting your grades and emailing the firm, I believe they would be happy to do so!!

Hope things work out for you!

Side note- did you have a GCSE condition too for this firm? They usually don’t ask for GCSE result copies I thought?

Hi - not being silly, I really appreciate it!!

I have some photos of some of my results, but the angle was for social media so probably not appropriate for grad rec… I had a similar issue when applying for university as they asked for my GCSE certificates, but they stated I could proceed without them (again, should’ve taken it as a sign to get replacements but I didn’t have the money in sixth form lol).

I’m trying to access my UCAS but can’t really remember my log in. Will definitely keep trying, thank you!

Definitely, I’ve emailed my school so hopefully they reply soon and can provide some evidence until certificates arrive!

GCSE condition? I’m not too sure, my lowest GCSE’s were 2 B’s so possibly, it just stated on my offer letter that I would have to bring my certificates on the first day of the scheme.

Thank you for all your help (and your well wishes) - I really appreciate it!

 

[User5678]

Hi - not being silly, I really appreciate it!!

I have some photos of some of my results, but the angle was for social media so probably not appropriate for grad rec… I had a similar issue when applying for university as they asked for my GCSE certificates, but they stated I could proceed without them (again, should’ve taken it as a sign to get replacements but I didn’t have the money in sixth form lol).

I’m trying to access my UCAS but can’t really remember my log in. Will definitely keep trying, thank you!

Definitely, I’ve emailed my school so hopefully they reply soon and can provide some evidence until certificates arrive!

GCSE condition? I’m not too sure, my lowest GCSE’s were 2 B’s so possibly, it just stated on my offer letter that I would have to bring my certificates on the first day of the scheme.

Thank you for all your help (and your well wishes) - I really appreciate it!

Good that you have photos, you can explain your situation to grad rec and maybe send them those anyways if they’re being too adamant, I don’t think they’ll mind as you’re trying your best to prove your results also just mention in the email and you’re happy to order them but it may take some time to come and not come till the scheme starts (they prolly should not be very adamant especially on GCSE if you provide those pictures)!

 

[fbtrainee]

Have they told you what the AC is comprised of? Perhaps we’ll be able to advise better from there. Otherwise, let us know and we’ll be happy to give you general AC tips on frequent components typically seen across firms

The ac will have a case study presentation, mark up exercise and a strength based interview. You get 90 minutes to prep for a 15 minute presentation based on the case study, within that time you're also expected to complete a mark up exercise @Amma Usman

 

[abbiewhitlock03]

Good that you have photos, you can explain your situation to grad rec and maybe send them those anyways if they’re being too adamant, I don’t think they’ll mind as you’re trying your best to prove your results also just mention in the email and you’re happy to order them but it may take some time to come and not come till the scheme starts (they prolly should not be very adamant especially on GCSE if you provide those pictures)!

This is reassuring, thank you!! I’m just slightly panicked about it as I got the offer two weeks before it starts haha!

I will definitely do this, and I’ll likely order my GCSE and A-Level replacements anyway as I have some more VS and want to avoid this situation again 😭

Thanks again, I appreciate your help!

 

[heyheyyy]

hi! if anyone have insight into Burges Salmon's vac scheme, can you pls PM me. Thank you so much

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi, I feel like this has been asked before but I can't find it so any help is appreciated.

A firm has asked for my GCSE and A-Level certificates (understandably) and I don't hold them anymore for a couple reasons (my school lost my GCSE certificates and I think I misplaced my A-Level certificates in one of my house moves since then). I normally would try and get replacement certificates from the exam boards (which would hurt my bank account lol), but the scheme is in two weeks and I believe it takes up to four weeks to get them.

I have also emailed my school + college to see if they can provide some proof, but slightly panicking about what to do if I can't get anything in time. Thanks!

Do you have any email correspondence from your school that confirms the results (from when you got them)?

 

[👩🎓]

Evening all! @Jessica Booker, @Ram Sabaratnam, @Amma Usman please can you provide some insight - I am currently applying to PMC for their direct TC but was rejected this cycle for a VS. How would you recommend changing the application, as I believe my answers to be strong?

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you.