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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Jessica Booker

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Graduate Recruitment
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Aug 1, 2019
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Also, does anyone have any suggestions for a smart backpack for a VS? I'm a woman and cannot handle shoulder bags but I really don't own a smart backpack. Any recs are welcomed lol
Generally anything plain black is going to be fine to use.

This is pretty big as I use it as hand luggage for flights, but it’s effectively become my work bag. I like it as it can be carried as a backpack but also has handles at the top so I can carry it by hand too.


Something like this (although you may want something slightly smaller) will be more than adequate and look smart.
 

Lizzie_Sullivan

Standard Member
Premium Member
Dec 3, 2024
7
10
I attended the Burges AC on March 6th, they emailed to say that they hoped to contact us with updates on the outcome by this past Friday. It is Monday and I haven't heard back, but someone I know who also was at the same AC told me they called him with an offer on Wednesday. But he also knows someone else from the AC that they contacted with a pfo... waiting on pins and needles but is it too soon to send a follow up? I am hoping that maybe it is taking a bit longer because I am a 'maybe' or will be put on the reserve list?

Anyone have any insight or have experienced this before?
 
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toad92

Star Member
Jan 21, 2025
47
171
Gibson Dunn or Winston & Strawn? Last VS apps I’ve got pending. Expecting rejections for both of them.
Anyone still waiting on GD - I'm doing their second stage interview this Friday, and they have said it is the last AC they are running for this cycle (for the vac scheme at least). There is a waiting list for this AC if anyone invited can't do it, so I am also guessing it is full :( Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, good luck for your other app !
 

Jessica Booker

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Graduate Recruitment
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Aug 1, 2019
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I attended the Burges AC on March 6th, they emailed to say that they hoped to contact us with updates on the outcome by this past Friday. It is Monday and I haven't heard back, but someone I know who also was at the same AC told me they called him with an offer on Wednesday. But he also knows someone else from the AC that they contacted with a pfo... waiting on pins and needles but is it too soon to send a follow up? I am hoping that maybe it is taking a bit longer because I am a 'maybe' or will be put on the reserve list?

Anyone have any insight or have experienced this before?
I would try to wait until Wednesday afternoon before following up if you haven't heard back by then. Giving the firm at least 2 working days after their original deadline is generally polite and helps to just balance out any risk of them just being slightly behind schedule.
 

Amma Usman

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Future Trainee
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Sep 7, 2024
937
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I attended the Burges AC on March 6th, they emailed to say that they hoped to contact us with updates on the outcome by this past Friday. It is Monday and I haven't heard back, but someone I know who also was at the same AC told me they called him with an offer on Wednesday. But he also knows someone else from the AC that they contacted with a pfo... waiting on pins and needles but is it too soon to send a follow up? I am hoping that maybe it is taking a bit longer because I am a 'maybe' or will be put on the reserve list?

Anyone have any insight or have experienced this before?
It’s completely understandable to feel anxious waiting for an update, especially after hearing that some people have received responses. However, it’s quite common for firms to stagger their communications after an assessment centre for a number of reasons. Sometimes, timelines shift slightly due to scheduling or internal processes taking longer than expected, particularly around weekends. In other cases, they may be working through different categories of candidates, which can naturally result in a delay if they are still finalising outcomes. Since their original timeline only passed on Friday and it is still early in the week, it might be worth waiting a while before following up.
 

trainee4u

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Sep 7, 2023
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Amma Usman

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Future Trainee
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Premium Member
Sep 7, 2024
937
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For questions like 'what aspects of the solicitor role do you find most interesting', should a lot of the focus be on commercial-driven interests?
It doesn’t have to be entirely commercial-driven. It’s easy to feel that way because you’re applying to commercial law firms, but the question is just as much about what genuinely excites you about the role of a solicitor. Naturally, it helps to show that you understand the client-focused nature of the work and the fact that you are advising businesses, helping them manage risk, and navigate legal issues. However, that doesn’t mean your answer has to revolve solely around an interest in markets or corporate strategy. You can absolutely talk about what draws you in personally, whether that is solving complex problems, working collaboratively with different teams, or learning continuously as industries evolve. Some people are also genuinely interested in the legal research and drafting side or enjoy being in a role where their advice directly shapes client decisions.

That said, it is really important to make sure that whatever examples you choose, you avoid falling into the trap of giving a generic answer that could apply to any commercial profession, as @Jessica Booker rightly pointed out. Saying things like you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment or you are interested in business without tying it back to the specific nature of a solicitor’s work can make your answer sound vague and less convincing. The key is showing that you understand what is unique about the solicitor role - applying legal knowledge in a commercial context, building long-term client relationships, and balancing legal risk with practical solutions… and explaining why that appeals to you personally. If you can get that balance right, your answer will come across as thoughtful, tailored, and genuine.
 

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