TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Chris Brown

Legendary Member
Jul 4, 2024
553
1,985
Hi TCLA community, i've always been a lurker but decided to put out a post to untangle my thoughts for anyone happy to read it. I've graduated from uni last year and have been unsuccessful in the application cycle again this year - I got to two ACs but unfortunately did not get through with either but I got much further than last year (a win!). Of course, I'm not planning to give up and will be trying again in September but I am just at a loss at this point in time.

Although I still want to be a commercial solicitor, i'm very much interested in the media and entertainment industry and find it difficult to articulate 'why this firm' or 'why me' when a lot of my experiences lean towards hobbies linking to the creative industries and less so towards the main industries that many city firms cater to, like finance, real estate, energy etc and the creative sector is often not a main selling point of the firm (although I have applied to places like Harbottle and Wiggin - i was also unsuccessful or am still waiting). Does anyone have any advice on articulating this interest without the mistake of coming across too focused on only one sector? and any stories of encouragement would be appreciated too :) or if anyone is up for a general chat navigating this process together
Have you ever considered working in-house for a media or entertainment company? That way, you could practice as a commercial lawyer, but in an organisation that is focused entirely on that sector. I don’t think there are many firms that have a specialist focus in this area of law, apart from the ones you mentioned. 🙂

If you are interested in working for a city law firm, perhaps firms with an IP focus could be a good place (Hogan Lovells or Bird & Bird). They will most likely have clients in the media and entertainment industry that need IP-related advice. I am a fiend for IP lmao. 🤣

It’s worthwhile looking at things like Chambers and Partners or the Legal 500, to see which firms are strongest in the media and entertainment sector. Based on this, you can diversify your applications to include firms that offer advisory services in this sector. I have pasted the links to these below:

 
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Legal Wizard

Distinguished Member
Jan 30, 2025
55
185
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?
Perhaps the biggest thing would be Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill. But there are many things affecting RE law in the UK
 

AQ

New Member
Nov 17, 2024
2
5
Have you ever considered working in-house for a media or entertainment company? This way, you could practice as a commercial lawyer but in an organisation that is focused entirely on that sector. I don’t think there are many firms that have a specialist focus in this area of law, apart from the ones you mentioned. 🙂

If you are interested in working for a city law firm, perhaps firms with an IP focus could be a good place (Hogan Lovells or Bird & Bird). They will most likely have clients in the media and entertainment industry that need IP-related advice. 🤔

It’s worthwhile looking at things like Chambers and Partners or the Legal 500, to see which firms are strongest in the media and entertainment sector. Based on this, you can diversify your applications to include firms that offer advisory services in this sector. I have pasted the links to these below:

Yes! it's one of the many routes I'm considering but opportunities for in-house media and ent are few and far between at the moment.

But huge thank you for your suggestions, I had applied to a quite a few of those firms listed on Legal 500 but was unsuccessful at various points in the cycle - I will work hard to power through next year! (also big congrats on your successful schemes! whilst lurking for the past few months it was great seeing some of your posts)
 
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BobThebIlly

Distinguished Member
Premium Member
Dec 6, 2024
71
110
Hey everyone, I did an interview for a scheme last Thursday and was told I should hear back the result on Friday. I haven’t heard anything since, should I follow up or just leave it? I’ve been offered another internship and have to give my dates to them soon so it’d be useful to know if I got the vac scheme or not.
sorry this is so unrelated but i love ur pfp
 

yueyueer

Active Member
Nov 22, 2021
14
49
My current commute time is around 1 hour 20 minutes so was just wondering if that would be considered above the normal commutable distance range?
I don’t think so, unfortunately — my door to door commute tends to range between 1 hour to 1.5 hours depending on where I’m going in London, and I had friends that would commute in from Reading/Essex so I think it really depends on what you’re comfortable with!
 
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trainee4u

Legendary Member
Sep 7, 2023
264
579
My current commute time is around 1 hour 20 minutes so was just wondering if that would be considered above the normal commutable distance range?
It's a normal commuting time; distance is possibly a different matter.

E.g., somewhere like Tunbridge Wells is a desirable commuter town, and is 54 minutes from London, which is going to be well over 1 hr 20 minutes door-to-door. A season ticket is £154/week.

OTOH somewhere like Coventry is not a commuter town, while being 58 minutes from London, due to the distance, and cost (£300/week).
 
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