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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
15,304
21,389
My employer will not give a
Reference whilst you are still in employment with them, I worked a part time job for 5 years in college then in university at a well known retail store, using them and an academic reference would be fine right? Thanks
The reference check company will most likely know this employer’s stance in references and factor that into their checks, and so not an issue to use them. The reference company would speak to you if there weee any issues with getting access to the reference and would speak to you about potentially seeking another one for somewhere else if it was problematic.
 
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CG_101

Distinguished Member
Nov 20, 2024
57
90
My employer will not give a
Reference whilst you are still in employment with them, I worked a part time job for 5 years in college then in university at a well known retail store, using them and an academic reference would be fine right? Thanks
I think there's general a difference between background checks and reference checks. the company will contact all your past employers, at least recent/ relevant ones, to make sure you actually worked there at the time you did, and then separately may contact an academic referee and an employer referee for a more substantial character reference. That is my experience anyway
 

desperateTCseeker1998

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Jan 1, 2023
429
503
It's a bit of a late update as I found out exactly two weeks ago, but I got an offer for the HSF Spring VS!

Following a string of rejections last year where I had just fallen short at the final stages, I had doubts about whether I was good enough for commercial law. Reflecting on these experiences, I can say for sure that perseverance pays off.

It might seem unfair, but luck definitely plays a part in whether you succeed. Whether it's in the form of a news article you stumbled across, or an area of law you explored in depth at uni, what's important is that you put in the effort to take advantage of the moments where luck is in your favour, and that you keep putting in the effort with the faith and confidence that your time to shine will come.

Although I might not be the most active on this platform, a lot of the materials and discussions here have helped tremendously. Thank you to everyone for fostering such a supportive environment, and good luck to everyone yet to receive their offer!
A post I needed to see today as someone else who has been falling at the final hurdle! Congratulations!
 

Katy12345

Distinguished Member
Jan 25, 2024
64
101
The reference check company will most likely know this employer’s stance in references and factor that into their checks, and so not an issue to use them. The reference company would speak to you if there weee any issues with getting access to the reference and would speak to you about potentially seeking another one for somewhere else if it was problematic.
Thank you!
 

Emmakate18

New Member
Feb 4, 2025
2
1
Im reminded of a quote: “A bird in the hand is better than 2 in the bush!” Accept the HSF offer and wait to see what happens with S&M. No point in trying to rush them to make a decision- it can come across as somewhat manipulative if you think about it. You can use your HSF offer as leverage once you accept if you’re a creative thinker.
Hi! I also applied for the spring vacation scheme at HSF, if I haven't heard anything from them is it safe to assume that it's a rejection? I know they've held a fair few AC's already.
 

lawgirlintheworld

Standard Member
Premium Member
Oct 14, 2024
6
6
Hi! I also applied for the spring vacation scheme at HSF, if I haven't heard anything from them is it safe to assume that it's a rejection? I know they've held a fair few AC's already.
I think they are still doing AC's im not sure? I had my invite 31st Dec but I wouldn't assume rejection as someone else on this forum got an invite 3 days before their HSF AC!
 
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Katy12345

Distinguished Member
Jan 25, 2024
64
101
Girls who have been to AC’s did you wear a full suit or just a formal blouse and pants? I’d feel more comfortable in a blouse and pants but would not want to be the only one taking this approach if it comes across as not formal enough!
 

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
15,304
21,389
Girls who have been to AC’s did you wear a full suit or just a formal blouse and pants? I’d feel more comfortable in a blouse and pants but would not want to be the only one taking this approach if it comes across as not formal enough!
I'd say the latter is far more common than the former for most firms. If the firm you are interviewing with is known to be traditional/conservative, you may want to edge towards a full suit but these days a more "business casual" (albeit on the smarter side) is more common for professional meetings in law firms.
 
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Chris Brown

Legendary Member
Jul 4, 2024
596
1,970
Does anyone know whether the Paul Hastings PHirst Steps Into Law work experience programme leads to a TC offer, or whether everyone who wants a TC with the firm needs to submit a direct TC application? I want to apply but I don’t know which one to apply to (or if I can apply for both in the same application cycle).

If someone does apply for PHirst, are they then ineligible to apply for the DTC? Also, does Paul Hastings recruit on a rolling or non-rolling basis? Any insight would be appreciated. 🙂​
 
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