TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

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rose0904

Distinguished Member
Junior Lawyer
Sep 6, 2021
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does anyone have any advice for coping with not getting a tc after a vac scheme? it was my first vac scheme and i'm really struggling with it. i haven't had any feedback yet so not sure where i went wrong/what i could've done better, and in all honesty i thought the scheme had gone really well and i really loved the firm. i start my next vac scheme on monday which is feeling really daunting right now. it's really knocked my confidence so wondered if anyone's got any tips for feeling more positive about my next one?
 

AvniD

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Gold Member
Premium Member
Oct 25, 2021
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does anyone have any advice for coping with not getting a tc after a vac scheme? it was my first vac scheme and i'm really struggling with it. i haven't had any feedback yet so not sure where i went wrong/what i could've done better, and in all honesty i thought the scheme had gone really well and i really loved the firm. i start my next vac scheme on monday which is feeling really daunting right now. it's really knocked my confidence so wondered if anyone's got any tips for feeling more positive about my next one?
I'm sorry to hear that you've been struggling with this. Rejections can be extremely painful and challenging, especially for one's confidence and self-belief. Acknowledging this is the first crucial step in moving on, at least in my experience. Allow yourself to feel sad and disappointed and try taking a short break from thinking about applications or your future while you process your thoughts about this experience. These things really helped every time I faced a rejection, apart from taking time to focus on my interests and pursuits outside of being a commercial lawyer. Maybe consider doing something over the weekend that you really enjoy- a sport, a hobby? I also ensured that I kept my inner circle, especially my family and close friends, in the loop about what I was feeling and the the things I was struggling with. My greatest learning from dealing with rejections was that it is only when you ask for support that you can receive it, so you're doing incredibly well by posting here.

As for your next vac scheme, I'd recommend being extra kind to yourself in the first few days, while trying to give it your best. This is a new scheme, with new people and a new firm, and importantly, you've already been through one scheme so you're better prepared and armed with more knowledge so try not to talk yourself into believing that you're not fit for a TC. I've said this many times here on the forum but treating your rejections as redirections is a great way of dealing with them, and maybe you needed to have the experience you've just gone through to make the best of your scheme starting Monday.

Wishing you the very best for your vac scheme- please do keep us in the loop about how it progresses and if you're feeling better going into it. You've got this! 💪
 

Abii

Legendary Member
Junior Lawyer
Feb 1, 2021
280
871
hi, can I please ask what things do people take with them on a vacation scheme ?
I take what I would normally take in my work bag so water bottle notebook pen wallet keys and whatever lipstick I am wearing that day.

law firms love a branded item so will likely give you a branded notebook and pen on day one but I always bring one with me in case they don’t.
 

Jessica Booker

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TCLA Moderator
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Graduate Recruitment
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Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
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Hey @Jessica Booker, just to clarify - when receiving a verbal offer, if HR says they give 1 week to respond, I presume that is upon receipt of the written offer?

Yes, you can't really respond to a verbal offer. If you haven't had the written offer within 5 days of the verbal offer, I would give them a call and explain you'd like to see the written offer and to ask when you should expect it.
 

Adrian_S

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Premium Member
M&A Bootcamp
Jan 13, 2021
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Has anyone done the Vinson & Elkins vacation scheme before?

I am really nervous about my upcoming scheme with them and I have no idea what to expect.

If anyone has any advice or experience with Vinson & Elkins, I would really appreciate any advice/tips.

Hey! I just completed it a few weeks ago. Don’t worry at all - everyone’s very welcoming. If you’re running into any issues, definitely speak to your trainee-mentor (they’re all great). James Pritchard is also wonderful if anything is unclear from an admin standpoint. There really aren’t any curveballs.

Any other questions, feel free to DM me.

I know this point is repeated ad nauseum on here but really: just be yourself and relax :) You’ve got this!
 

Fifi

Standard Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
M&A Bootcamp
Dec 6, 2018
7
6
Hey! I just completed it a few weeks ago. Don’t worry at all - everyone’s very welcoming. If you’re running into any issues, definitely speak to your trainee-mentor (they’re all great). James Pritchard is also wonderful if anything is unclear from an admin standpoint. There really aren’t any curveballs.

Any other questions, feel free to DM me.

I know this point is repeated ad nauseum on here but really: just be yourself and relax :) You’ve got this!
Hi Adrian,

Thanks for the advice, this is reassuring to hear! :D
 
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