TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[NJS]

Hi @Jessica Booker I'm looking to move roles from my current legal administrator role to paralegal, I currently work at an international firm, but I have an interview with a regional firm for a paralegal role, I'm only really wanting to move because there does not seem to be any opportunities to move up here and the travel to London is starting to really impact my finances as the pay is not good.

My question is: do you thinking moving from an international firm to a regional firm will impact my chances of securing a TC at an international firm, or am I "moving down" with a regional paralegal job? I've have secured 8 ACs over two cycles (all with international firms) with this current job, and I think having that "international" experience helped. Alternatively, I would hopefully be moving to a paralegal role, so my quality of work would ultimately improve which may make me more competitive? It's just very hard to secure a city paralegal job without real "paralegal" experience.

 

[Legallywhatever]

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.

Hiya @Legallywhatever


Have to agree with what @Jessica Booker and @Amma Usman have already said. I think when answering questions about what interests you in becoming a solicitor, it’s not a bad idea to touch on commercial aspects. However, you'll want to reflect a bit more precisely on those aspects of the role that make being a solicitor unique when compared to other City careers/client-focussed professions. Think about what solicitors are specifically more likely to do that sets them apart from, e.g., consultants, investment bankers, compliance roles, etc. I've seen successful candidates mention a number of things when approaching this sort of question. For example, some have mentioned how they are drawn to the opportunities for multi-jurisdictional work, allowing them to gain exposure to legal systems from different regions whilst advising their clients. Other candidates have mentioned their interest in assisting clients navigate challenging regulations and court procedures. I've also seen candidates highlight their interest in helping clients address significant disputes, highlighting the quite distinctive role that solicitors often play in helping clients address situations where relationships or agreements break down.

Again, you can mention commercial matters, but I think the key is to focus on what interest you about the legal side of the role, not just the commercial environment. Hope this was clear and good luck with the application!

Thank you both!!!

 

[trainee4u]

If a 'cover letter' is just one question on an application form, alongside other standard questions (e.g. 'What's your proudest achievement'), do you still need to structure it with 'Dear Graduate Recruitment', and introduce yourself? It isnt as a document but just in an answer field

I've seen to different approaches to this, depending on the firm.

Firstly, I got a VS interview where I was specifically instructed to copy-paste the cover letter into the box, and address it "to the training principal". As such, I did "Dear Training Principal", and wrote it exactly like a normal cover letter including a 'Best regards' at the end, except obviously no date or address at the top.

In another case it was specified not to include a salutation etc., and in that case it was the same as my previous example but with the "Dear" and "Best regards" removed.

Since it's a cover letter, I include something like "I'm writing to apply for your training contract" at the start, explain my background and interest in the law, my work experience and how these relate to the firm's practice, what skills I have and how they can benefit the firm, etc.

Since they've asked for a cover letter, I would include "Dear" and "Best wishes" (or similar) at the start and end, unless instructed otherwise.

There are often clues on chambers student, law careers and/or the firm's website that will give important information on filling in the form correctly.

 

[Ali2020]

Is the online test/VI from Foot Anstey automatic for everyone that applies?

 

[Ali2020]

Does anyone have any suggestions/tips for Foot Anstey's online assessment and VI...this is my first one and have no idea how to prepare. Would appreciate all the help and support!!! Thanks

 

[trainee4u]

Does anyone have any suggestions/tips for Foot Anstey's online assessment and VI...this is my first one and have no idea how to prepare. Would appreciate all the help and support!!! Thanks

This was discussed here (et seq)

TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Hi @Jessica Booker! I’m just wondering what a firm usually does if they call a candidate and they don’t pick up. Do they normally call back the same day or ? They will call back when they have time - that might be the same day or the next day (or even later in the week if they are busy). If...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

Since there is a VI you will need to research about the firm as they're almost guaranteed to ask "why do you want to work here", "which of our practice areas", "what distinguishes us" "what would you do for one of our clients" or similar firm-based question.

They might also ask you "why do you want to be a lawyer" or pretty much any question here https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/175-training-contract-interview-questions-2/

Normally you get a behavioural question of some kind.

You'll have typically 30 seconds to prepare and 90-120 seconds to talk.

 

[Ali2020]

This was discussed here (et seq)

TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Hi @Jessica Booker! I’m just wondering what a firm usually does if they call a candidate and they don’t pick up. Do they normally call back the same day or ? They will call back when they have time - that might be the same day or the next day (or even later in the week if they are busy). If...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

Since there is a VI you will need to research about the firm as they're almost guaranteed to ask "why do you want to work here", "which of our practice areas", "what distinguishes us" "what would you do for one of our clients" or similar firm-based question.

They might also ask you "why do you want to be a lawyer" or pretty much any question here https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/175-training-contract-interview-questions-2/

Normally you get a behavioural question of some kind.

You'll have typically 30 seconds to prepare and 90-120 seconds to talk.

Thank you very much for this!!!!

 

[panon]

has anyone heard from Paul Hastings Summer VS post-app?

 

[Olivialee15]

Sorry to keep banging on about this, but anyone who has done a Mishcon AC, they said it would start either 12 pm or 1 pm but would communicate it closer to the date, I haven't heard anything from them and mine's tomorrow - should I email?

 

[Applebanana425]

Anyone not heard from NRF yet?

 

[aphelion]

Sorry to keep banging on about this, but anyone who has done a Mishcon AC, they said it would start either 12 pm or 1 pm but would communicate it closer to the date, I haven't heard anything from them and mine's tomorrow - should I email?

I got the email at 1pm the day before, so if you still haven't heard and yours is tomorrow I'd probably get in touch with them

 

[paralegaltotrainee]

Hiya @paralegaltotrainee


Congratulations again on securing your place on Cooley's vacation scheme! I've put together some of my thoughts below for you.

You'll find the scheme consists in a balanced mix of live client assignments and structured tasks set by graduate recruitment. Both elements are equally important, so even though the live client work is engaging and rewarding, make sure you give the structured tasks plenty of attention too. These exercises provide graduate recruitment with a consistent benchmark to compare candidates (which can be more difficult to assess if they were to look strictly at your live client work), so I'd recommend that you invest care and thought into each one.

You'll likely sit in two different seats during your time on the scheme. While it's tempting to focus on work within your assigned teams, I strongly encourage you to look beyond them as well. Some of the most insightful and enjoyable experiences I had involved actively approaching associates and partners in other practice areas. Reaching out to express your interest and proactively asking for tasks will not only enrich your understanding of how the firm operates but also help you demonstrate initiative and curiosity.

My trainee buddy was an invaluable support to me during the scheme (sadly, they've since left the firm). They allowed me to navigate everything from understanding senior lawyers' workloads to figuring out the best way to approach certain tasks. Really recommend that you don't hesitate to ask your buddy any questions you have (whether practical, professional, or simply about firm culture). My buddy certainly made the experience much less daunting.

Finally, while the vacation scheme can be intense, you shouldn't put unnecessary pressure on yourself. One thing I tell myself often is to "get out of my own head." Overthinking can feel awful. Instead, actively seek feedback before submitting work, but don’t let it shake your confidence if you receive heavily edited documents. I had my fair share of redlined feedback and still managed to secure multiple offers.

Good luck! I’m sure you’ll do brilliantly!

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this, @Ram Sabaratnam ! This is very helpful - it is very much appreciated! 😊

 

[paralegaltotrainee]

I think it might be helpful to spend your time exploring the firm's key practice areas and perhaps reading up on some of their recent matters or clients they're currently supporting. You can also research specific people you might want to arrange coffee chats with and I'd encourage you to have a think about what you'd genuinely like to ask them or find out about them. Best of luck with the scheme!

I wouldn’t recommend approaching people before the scheme.

1) you don’t know your schedule/commitments yet so you can’t actually plan anything.

2) there will be easier communication channels once you are in the firm than using an external system like LinkedIn.

I wouldn’t recommend just wait for the scheme to start so you are in a better position to know whether you need to schedule the catch up (it maybe that you have a scheduled talk on the matter you want to speak to them about) and also when you can schedule some time in with them.

Thank you both so much for the advice!

 

[ohnoselim]

does anyone know what the target audience is for the kingsley napley's work experience?

the website doesn't specify if its for first years, second, third or graduates

 

[👩🎓]

When answering “What are you looking for from your Training Contract?” I think the strongest responses blend both - starting with what you are genuinely looking for in a training contract generally and then naturally connecting that to why the specific firm fits what you are looking for so well. This shows that you have clear independent reasoning behind your goals, rather than tailoring your answer only because you are applying to that firm.

For example, you might say you are looking for structured, high-quality training, exposure to complex cross-border work, and the chance to work closely with industry-leading clients because you are someone who learns best by being fully immersed in challenging environments. That is your independent reasoning, which is quite generic in itself. Then, you strengthen your answer by explaining how the specific firm aligns with that. For instance, the firm’s small intake, or guaranteed client secondments directly supports your development goals. You could say something like, “This is exactly why I was drawn to [Firm Name] - the smaller intake means greater exposure to deals and responsibility early on, and the guaranteed international secondment reflects the global scope of the work I want to experience.” If you can also give an example of how you thrived in a similar environment, your answer will be elevated.

Framing it this way does two things. First, it shows you have reflected carefully on what you need to grow as a future lawyer. Second, it proves you have researched the firm well enough to see how their strategy, structure, and culture align with your own ambitions. That level of clarity and alignment will always make your answer stand out more.

I’m sure @Jessica Booker will have more thoughts on this.

Thank you so much!

 

[tomsmitg]

Hi, does anyone have any experience of slaughter and may contacting your reference and what it could mean/what they ask??

 

[lawaspirant!]

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?

 

[Legalstudies]

Does anyone know if SH have given out the summer virtual assessments yet for vac schemes?

 

[abbiewhitlock03]

Hi, I feel like this has been asked before but I can't find it so any help is appreciated.

A firm has asked for my GCSE and A-Level certificates (understandably) and I don't hold them anymore for a couple reasons (my school lost my GCSE certificates and I think I misplaced my A-Level certificates in one of my house moves since then). I normally would try and get replacement certificates from the exam boards (which would hurt my bank account lol), but the scheme is in two weeks and I believe it takes up to four weeks to get them.

I have also emailed my school + college to see if they can provide some proof, but slightly panicking about what to do if I can't get anything in time. Thanks!

 

[trainee4u]

Hi, I feel like this has been asked before but I can't find it so any help is appreciated.

A firm has asked for my GCSE and A-Level certificates (understandably) and I don't hold them anymore for a couple reasons (my school lost my GCSE certificates and I think I misplaced my A-Level certificates in one of my house moves since then). I normally would try and get replacement certificates from the exam boards (which would hurt my bank account lol), but the scheme is in two weeks and I believe it takes up to four weeks to get them.

I have also emailed my school + college to see if they can provide some proof, but slightly panicking about what to do if I can't get anything in time. Thanks!

I would email them now saying "My certificates got lost during a house move, and I have applied for copies, however this will take up to four weeks, so might not arrive before the VS, would this be a problem?"