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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
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sm99

Distinguished Member
Feb 5, 2020
71
181
Probably the wrong place for this but if anyone could shed any light I’d be so grateful.

I missed the deadline submission for my LPC PLR module but emailed the assessment office/turn it in submissions as soon as practical after.

I also phoned the assessment office immediately after to discuss. I was obviously in quite a panic and can’t recall if my understanding of what they said is correct.

It sounded like the assessment office said as long as turn it in’s software picks up that the last modification was before 12:00pm it will be submitted on my behalf.

Does anyone know if this is how it works / this has happened to someone else??

A very worried student :))))
 

LawyerUpPal

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Jan 9, 2023
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I graduated in 2017. I also did a masters confused on what to do and trying to make myself more competitive - I don't think it helped that much just paid for another fancy title from a top university. I never had done a vac scheme prior to 2023 but had loads of work experience in other industries including consulting. I was so close to giving up but I got a TC at a silver circle firm in August - the end of the last cycle. It was going to be my last cycle before giving up - I literally got the TC 'last minute' because once September hit I would have not started the new cycle. I start my TC in March 2025 (so soon! I got very lucky) and I am currently working at the firm in another role until the TC starts . Long story short, don't give up, give it your all, it's not too late! I understand your frustration so you are not alone!

I graduated in 2017. I also did a masters confused on what to do and trying to make myself more competitive - I don't think it helped that much just paid for another fancy title from a top university. I never had done a vac scheme prior to 2023 but had loads of work experience in other industries including consulting. I was so close to giving up but I got a TC at a silver circle firm in August - the end of the last cycle. It was going to be my last cycle before giving up - I literally got the TC 'last minute' because once September hit I would have not started the new cycle. I start my TC in March 2025 (so soon! I got very lucky) and I am currently working at the firm in another role until the TC starts . Long story short, don't give up, give it your all, it's not too late! I understand your frustration so you are not alone!
I'm not sure why people are so hard on themselves with age. I met a trainee at HL last month who was 38. He was an aerospace engineer and decided to become a commercial lawyer. I did a VS last Spring at SH, and there was a 40-year-old guy on the scheme. We all went to him for advice; he was bright, friendly and kind. I've met people who have been trying to get a TC for 8 years! The beauty of living in countries like the UK and the US is that we can do anything at any age, whether going to Uni for the first time or becoming a trainee solicitor.
 

Apple

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Jul 23, 2023
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Has anyone had experience not progressing after an AC with a firm and successfully secured a VS/TC in the subsequent cycle?
I haven't personally done this, but after failing in the Macfarlanes AC, in my feedback call grad recruitment specifically encouraged me to apply for their TC in the same cycle. Slaughter and May also did this - so its defo possible.
 
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BillSikes

Legendary Member
Premium Member
Feb 16, 2024
224
255
Just got rejected from a paralegal role because they wanted someone with paralegal experience, despite me having paralegal experience lol
They are scum. why do they even bother inviting us for interview. I had the same - interview with Shoosmiths and was rejected on spot for lack of experience. Why invite me? clown firm.
 

BBsharkk

Star Member
Premium Member
Dec 13, 2022
40
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I haven't personally done this, but after failing in the Macfarlanes AC, in my feedback call grad recruitment specifically encouraged me to apply for their TC in the same cycle. Slaughter and May also did this - so its defo possible.
I think it's more of a generic "encouragement" in the sense that they don't have a specific policy barring people from applying after failing an AC. But I don't know anyone who actually pulled it off in the very next cycle....
 

Apple

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Jul 23, 2023
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I think it's more of a generic "encouragement" in the sense that they don't have a specific policy barring people from applying after failing an AC. But I don't know anyone who actually pulled it off in the very next cycle....
Plenty of firms have a no-second-interview policy, if they wouldn't legitmately consider you I dont think they would encourage you to reapply.
 

yumjuicebox

Standard Member
Premium Member
May 3, 2024
5
1
For applications that require referees, does anyone know what is required of the referees? Like, are they asked to write a reference letter or just fill in a form verifying that what I've represented in my application form is accurate?

I ask this because I'm thinking of asking my dissertation supervisor to be my academic referee, but they're currently on research leave and I don't want to ask too much of them (i.e., get them to write a whole reference letter) if they're so busy already

Thank you!
 

studentdelaw786

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Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 11, 2019
113
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They are scum. why do they even bother inviting us for interview. I had the same - interview with Shoosmiths and was rejected on spot for lack of experience. Why invite me? clown firm.
they also rejected me after interview cos they changed the role location to Solent, despite advertising it as remote initially.

absolute scumbag move.
 
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