TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Jessica Booker]

I'm so confused by this. I'm considering applying for one firm, DACB and as a non-law grad I'm not sure if I am in the position to apply. For context, I don't have the GDL and will not be planning to take it soon because of the SQE requirements and the additional cost. The firm says this:

"...DACB also provide a maintenance grant for those who need to complete the SQE to support you while studying full-time.

For non-law graduates this means you will need to have completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) prior to commencing the DACB funded LLM SQE 1 & 2 course in September 2026."

This statement confuses me as when completing the form and reading the info about the scheme, it does not stipulate that applicants need the GDL to apply.

Essentially, do they expect me to self-fund the GDL if I am offered the position?

Yes - that is how I read it. It is not uncommon for firms of that size to not sponsor the GDL/PGDL but still require it.

It maybe that the structure of their LLM SQE course needs a level of legal knowledge to start it/be successful in it.

 

[AlegalA]

Hi @Jessica Booker !

I just wanted to know if you might have some clarification regarding this:
For Irwin Mitchell's app they ask "If you were made an offer and hadn’t completed the LPC before August 2026, you would complete the SQE alongside your training contract through a Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship.
To be eligible for the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship you must have 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including Maths and English.
Do you have 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including Maths and English?*"

It's a yes or no box with no "other" option.
I didn't do GCSEs as I'm an international student. I did do the equivalent of GCSEs (incl. Maths, and English IGCEs).
Can I assume it's GCSEs or equivalent or should I tick no?

 

[bangarangbass39]

Yes - that is how I read it. It is not uncommon for firms of that size to not sponsor the GDL/PGDL but still require it.

It maybe that the structure of their LLM SQE course needs a level of legal knowledge to start it/be successful in it.

Rats!

 

[Amehta1]

@Jessica Booker will be able to tell you more but from what I know it is common for firms to take 1-2 weeks to get back to you post-AC. For one of the firms I was interviewing with it took around a month and I actually ended up getting an offer (although I had been notified before by the graduate recruitment team that it may be a long wait). As such, while I can completely empathize and while I understand how difficult it is to cope with the uncertainty, I would advise you to at least wait for 2 weeks to have passed before reaching out. In the meanwhile, try to get your mind off things by doing university or applications work - this helped me a lot !

Really appreciate this and your reply as well @Jessica Booker. My only concern was that the vac scheme was starting on the 25th November so was wondering if it is common to let people know 2-3 weeks before the vac scheme starts or if they usually let everyone know much sooner.

 

[seferiades]

Which open day is this for?
Did they email
Or call

I got one for the 27th and they emailed

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker !

I just wanted to know if you might have some clarification regarding this:
For Irwin Mitchell's app they ask "If you were made an offer and hadn’t completed the LPC before August 2026, you would complete the SQE alongside your training contract through a Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship.
To be eligible for the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship you must have 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including Maths and English.
Do you have 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including Maths and English?*"

It's a yes or no box with no "other" option.
I didn't do GCSEs as I'm an international student. I did do the equivalent of GCSEs (incl. Maths, and English IGCEs).
Can I assume it's GCSEs or equivalent or should I tick no?

Yes - GCSE equivalents are fine and you can select yes.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Really appreciate this and your reply as well @Jessica Booker. My only concern was that the vac scheme was starting on the 25th November so was wondering if it is common to let people know 2-3 weeks before the vac scheme starts or if they usually let everyone know much sooner.

Unfortunately that is quite common, especially with winter schemes. I think this is why I recommend contacting them on Tuesday morning if you haven't heard anything. That would be just under three weeks before the scheme starts.

 

[bella98]

Is it useful for businesses to invest in growing their digital and social media presence?

Yes; social media would make it easier for customers to write complaints to the business for all the public to see.

A. Very Strong Argument
B. Strong Argument
C. Fairly Strong Argument
D. Fairly Weak Argument
E. Weak Argument
F. Very Weak Argument
----------------------------------

Guys, I just unlocked a new level on the Watson Glaser 😳😳😳 what even is this?!
PS: I’m practicing on Assessment Day—Taylor Wessing gave me 12 months’ free access 🥺🥺🥺 so nice of them!!

 

[Cy_LHC]

Hi everyone!

I’m gearing up for the Addleshaw Goddard assessment center and looking for any tips, insights, or resources that might help me prepare effectively. I’d appreciate any advice on what to expect, especially around exercises, interviews, and skills they focus on.

If anyone’s been through this process or has advice on resources that helped them (websites, practice assessments, or skills training), I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Thank you in advance for your help!

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Is it useful for businesses to invest in growing their digital and social media presence?

Yes; social media would make it easier for customers to write complaints to the business for all the public to see.

A. Very Strong Argument
B. Strong Argument
C. Fairly Strong Argument
D. Fairly Weak Argument
E. Weak Argument
F. Very Weak Argument
----------------------------------

Guys, I just unlocked a new level on the Watson Glaser 😳😳😳 what even is this?!
PS: I’m practicing on Assessment Day—Taylor Wessing gave me 12 months’ free access 🥺🥺🥺 so nice of them!!

Wow that looks rough. So much choice.
The argument doesn’t relate to the statement? Maybe I am silly. I’d say very weak argument. I tend to narrowly pass these tests so I’m not the best person to give advice.

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Hi everyone!

I’m gearing up for the Addleshaw Goddard assessment center and looking for any tips, insights, or resources that might help me prepare effectively. I’d appreciate any advice on what to expect, especially around exercises, interviews, and skills they focus on.

If anyone’s been through this process or has advice on resources that helped them (websites, practice assessments, or skills training), I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Thank you in advance for your help!

When did you apply, what office and what role.

 

[Cy_LHC]

When did you apply, what office and what role.

2024 Jan, London, the last bit is hard, as I have done the vacation scheme, but not the assessment centre lol .

 

[bangarangbass39]

Is it useful for businesses to invest in growing their digital and social media presence?

Yes; social media would make it easier for customers to write complaints to the business for all the public to see.

A. Very Strong Argument
B. Strong Argument
C. Fairly Strong Argument
D. Fairly Weak Argument
E. Weak Argument
F. Very Weak Argument
----------------------------------

Guys, I just unlocked a new level on the Watson Glaser 😳😳😳 what even is this?!
PS: I’m practicing on Assessment Day—Taylor Wessing gave me 12 months’ free access 🥺🥺🥺 so nice of them!!

I'd say Weak - You get a correct answer for picking one of the 3 options, but If we are being precise, I would pick this one. The reason being the benefit is only clear for the public, not the company.

 

[Star Light]

I have yet to hear about Linklaters Open Day... the wait is very nerve-wracking! Someone said GR would get back by the end of today - has anyone else not received an email?

 

[James Wakefield]

Is it useful for businesses to invest in growing their digital and social media presence?

Yes; social media would make it easier for customers to write complaints to the business for all the public to see.

A. Very Strong Argument
B. Strong Argument
C. Fairly Strong Argument
D. Fairly Weak Argument
E. Weak Argument
F. Very Weak Argument
----------------------------------

Guys, I just unlocked a new level on the Watson Glaser 😳😳😳 what even is this?!
PS: I’m practicing on Assessment Day—Taylor Wessing gave me 12 months’ free

Is it useful for businesses to invest in growing their digital and social media presence?

Yes; social media would make it easier for customers to write complaints to the business for all the public to see.

A. Very Strong Argument
B. Strong Argument
C. Fairly Strong Argument
D. Fairly Weak Argument
E. Weak Argument
F. Very Weak Argument
----------------------------------

Guys, I just unlocked a new level on the Watson Glaser 😳😳😳 what even is this?!
PS: I’m practicing on Assessment Day—Taylor Wessing gave me 12 months’ free access 🥺🥺🥺 so nice of them!!

The good news with these is that multiple answers may be correct (at least the case for AG practice), so not as bad as it seems.

In this case weak, and very weak?

 

[bangarangbass39]

2024 Jan, London, the last bit is hard, as I have done the vacation scheme, but not the assessment centre lol .

I'm so confused. Did you do the VS but not get an offer for the TC? Congrats btw!

 

[Cy_LHC]

I'm so confused. Did you do the VS but not get an offer the TC? Congrats btw!

Cheers ! And Yes and No lol.

I know this sounds a bit confusing, but here’s my situation: I’m probably the only person in the UK in 2024 going through this. I’m on a unique route with Addleshaw Goddard—I’ve already passed every stage of the training contract recruitment process and was invited to the vacation scheme. However, I haven’t yet sat for the assessment centre. They informed me that I did so well in the vacation scheme that I’m now the only candidate invited to the upcoming assessment centre. If I pass, I’ll be offered a training contract right away. Therefore, I am here asking people to help me with the assessment centre. Haha

 

[yasmars]

Cheers ! And Yes and No lol.

I know this sounds a bit confusing, but here’s my situation: I’m probably the only person in the UK in 2024 going through this. I’m on a unique route with Addleshaw Goddard—I’ve already passed every stage of the training contract recruitment process and was invited to the vacation scheme. However, I haven’t yet sat for the assessment centre. They informed me that I did so well in the vacation scheme that I’m now the only candidate invited to the upcoming assessment centre. If I pass, I’ll be offered a training contract right away. Therefore, I am here asking people to help me with the assessment centre. Haha

Do vac scheme candidates have to do another AC to be considered for a TC?

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Does anyone know what PwC's trainee/NQ salary is?

I think it is £75K. I spoke to someone who secured a TC there but I cannot remember if it was for the London office or not.

 

[Cy_LHC]

Do vac scheme candidates have to do another AC to be considered for a TC?

No, I am one of the few that haven't done it.