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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
15,195
21,196
@Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam I got a call last Wednesday for a vacation scheme offer which I was unable to accept because my dates for another offer clash (spring) and the other scheme (summer) dates are during term time (I'm international). I still managed to express my enthusiasm for the firm and ask if I could be swapped on to the DTC AC to which the grad rec said that would be absolutely fine but I haven't received any email confirmation since, should I email them? also for future reference am I better off not telling them over the call that I'm no longer available? (sorry just feeling a bit paranoid they're going to rescind the offer)
From what you have said, I sense they are probably waiting for you to confirm in writing you are declining the vacation scheme offer. Unfortunately saying this over the phone isn't sufficient - they will need something in writing from you first and I suspect then they will reference the direct TC process from there.

I would email them confirming you are declining the vacation scheme offer and that as per your phone conversation you look forward to hearing more about the direct TC recruitment process instead.

You would have needed to tell the firm one way or another you were not accepting the offer - I think it is better to do this over the phone so you can show your enthusiasm for the firm (positive tone is much easier to pick up in a call than in an email) and also discuss what the alternatives are. So it is not an issue that you called them. Whatever way you told them, the process from there on for the direct TC process would have been the same.

I doubt they will rescind any offer to convert to a direct TC process, but this is likely to include further assessments - firms rarely will just offer TCs off the back of VS assessments.
 

NJS

Legendary Member
Premium Member
  • Aug 21, 2021
    372
    617
    @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam (or really anyone on here!) would you happen to know if Morgan Lewis reads applications if you fail the SJT? Or is it effectively unread? I want to reapply for the training contract after a VS rejection at application stage this cycle (that I suspect was my poor track record with SJTs) and I worked really hard on my answers and I cannot comprehend a way to make them better - I was just wondering if it's ok to reuse them? Thank you!
    Is the Morgan Lewis SJT automatic?
     

    Jessica Booker

    Legendary Member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Graduate Recruitment
    Premium Member
    Forum Team
    Aug 1, 2019
    15,195
    21,196

    wise readers

    Standard Member
    Dec 13, 2024
    5
    12
    Hello everyone! I just wanted to ask for some advice, I am lucky to have 2 summer scheme offers, but they overlap by a week.

    I have confirmed the first scheme as I was offered a month ago, and I only attended the other interview as it had already been scheduled. The second offer came last Thursday and I told them I couldn't do it (they don't have other dates), and since grad rec told me I had to do the full scheme.

    I have asked to be considered for the direct TC, but is this selfish? I am just so terrified of not getting a TC offer this year so it would be nice to have some options, but I would probably take firm 1 over firm 2.

    Ahhh what should I do lol
     

    Apple

    Legendary Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Jul 23, 2023
    242
    536
    Hello everyone! I just wanted to ask for some advice, I am lucky to have 2 summer scheme offers, but they overlap by a week.

    I have confirmed the first scheme as I was offered a month ago, and I only attended the other interview as it had already been scheduled. The second offer came last Thursday and I told them I couldn't do it (they don't have other dates), and since grad rec told me I had to do the full scheme.

    I have asked to be considered for the direct TC, but is this selfish? I am just so terrified of not getting a TC offer this year so it would be nice to have some options, but I would probably take firm 1 over firm 2.

    Ahhh what should I do lol
    I don't see why it would be selfish, you don't have a TC yet so are interviewing for a TC, thats what everyone does.
     

    Jessica Booker

    Legendary Member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Graduate Recruitment
    Premium Member
    Forum Team
    Aug 1, 2019
    15,195
    21,196
    Hello everyone! I just wanted to ask for some advice, I am lucky to have 2 summer scheme offers, but they overlap by a week.

    I have confirmed the first scheme as I was offered a month ago, and I only attended the other interview as it had already been scheduled. The second offer came last Thursday and I told them I couldn't do it (they don't have other dates), and since grad rec told me I had to do the full scheme.

    I have asked to be considered for the direct TC, but is this selfish? I am just so terrified of not getting a TC offer this year so it would be nice to have some options, but I would probably take firm 1 over firm 2.

    Ahhh what should I do lol
    Not selfish at all - it’s a standard request to ask for a direct TC process when declining a VS place. The firm will be used to having this question posed to them and will have a fairly standard process/policy on how they will respond to the request.
     

    rapunzel

    Distinguished Member
    Premium Member
    Jan 10, 2023
    65
    148
    Love to see this Rapunzel! What a lovely way to start off the week.. this is the energy the world needs! The name is also really befitting haha!

    Rapunzel GIF
    Hahaha thanks Amma! 😊
     

    Amma Usman

    Legendary Member
    Staff member
    Future Trainee
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 7, 2024
    883
    1,058
    thank you so much! it was advertised as a type of work experience that they will provide at any given time for the right candidate. so ultimately i will give it until the end of march/ start of april. do you reckon that the most appropriate thing is to give a call or send an email? ive never really done the whole informal thing before so i dont want to feel like im pestering the firm.
    I would recommend sending an email in this situation. It allows you to follow up professionally while giving them the space to respond when convenient. An email also helps ensure your message is clear and documented, which is often preferable when enquiring about opportunities like this.
     

    Amma Usman

    Legendary Member
    Staff member
    Future Trainee
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 7, 2024
    883
    1,058
    PFO post-interview from one of my top firms...Feeling defeated, especially because they said I was very close to making it :(
    It’s completely normal to feel this way right now, but try to see this as a sign that you’re on the right path. Being told you were close means that they saw your potential, your skills, and your ability to succeed. That recognition is huge, and it’s something you can build on. Use this moment to reflect, improve, and come back even stronger. Rejection isn’t the end of the road; it’s just a detour that brings you closer to the right opportunity. Keep pushing forward, stay resilient, and remember that every step, even the setbacks, brings you closer to where you want to be. You've got this. And we’re rooting for you, always! 🚀🚀🚀
     

    Amma Usman

    Legendary Member
    Staff member
    Future Trainee
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 7, 2024
    883
    1,058
    Bates Wells VS offer! I was overthinking and doubting myself so much after the AC so this has come as a surprise 😊
    Wow, congratulations on the Bates Wells VS offer! It’s amazing how things work out when you least expect it, and this is just the beginning of many more exciting opportunities to come your way. You’ve earned it, and I hope you take a moment to really appreciate how far you’ve come. Congratulations once again! 🚀🚀🚀💃
     
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