TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

pepsicola96

Distinguished Member
Jul 11, 2024
53
93
Quick q, what's the consensus on doing an insight scheme in a non-london office, if the end goal is to qualify in London?

To put it plainly, I'll be applying for the CMS insight programme, it is offered in my uni city, and also in London. It would be far preferable to do it in my uni city of course, I wouldn't have to travel across the country, or pay for accomodation. While the scheme is paid (£475), after trains and airbnb or whatever for a week, I would definitely be losing money, vs in my uni city I'd be earning, which would really help me out. My uni city is also close to my home city, where I'm planning to be for the week after for family commitments.

But from a career perspective, I'm keen to work in London. It's a little vague on the website, it is an insight scheme and not a vac scheme after all, but it does say you "may be fast tracked to an assessment centre for a training contract". At the same time, I'm actually really interested in the graduate solicitor apprenticeship at CMS rather than a traditional training contract, so I don't know how that affects things.

Basically I'm asking, is it really silly of me to do an insight programme in my uni city, just to get more legal experience and firm exposure to then later apply for the graduate solicitor apprenticeship in London?
 

floral.tcla

Esteemed Member
Premium Member
Aug 15, 2024
97
130
Merry Christmas everyone, if you celebrate!

Any recommendations for websites to practice the watson glaser that are genuinely hard/as ambiguous as the real questions are - this forum's course on the WG is great but I'd just like to practice as much as possible.

Thank you!
 

LawJourney101

Star Member
Premium Member
Feb 26, 2024
47
63
Merry Christmas all! Just checking an application off my Christmas list today; am I correct in saying that if I remain on 66%/candidate review for linklaters on their website, I have been rejected?
Would just be good to know and I will be moving swiftly onwards either way.
 

kokoprep

Legendary Member
Premium Member
  • Nov 18, 2023
    223
    186
    Merry Christmas all! Just checking an application off my Christmas list today; am I correct in saying that if I remain on 66%/candidate review for linklaters on their website, I have been rejected?
    Would just be good to know and I will be moving swiftly onwards either way.
    That was my case in the last cycle, but I hope the best for you!
     
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    kokoprep

    Legendary Member
    Premium Member
  • Nov 18, 2023
    223
    186
    @Jessica Booker - Do firms ask for certificate proof of work experiences? For example: I have volunteered at NGO, and part time at my university to teach visually impaired kids but however I do not have formal certificate for this. Would you advise that I add it as a work experience or as part of the extra-ciriculars section of the application?

    TCLA community views on do firms usually verify work experiences after you accept TC? How does it work?
     

    Jessica Booker

    Legendary Member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Graduate Recruitment
    Premium Member
    Forum Team
    Aug 1, 2019
    15,360
    21,451
    @Jessica Booker - Do firms ask for certificate proof of work experiences? For example: I have volunteered at NGO, and part time at my university to teach visually impaired kids but however I do not have formal certificate for this. Would you advise that I add it as a work experience or as part of the extra-ciriculars section of the application?

    TCLA community views on do firms usually verify work experiences after you accept TC? How does it work?
    Certificates wouldn’t be expected for any work experience.

    The firm would seek references at some point from previous employers, usually once you have received an offer and would contact those organisations to verify your experience.
     

    Jessica Booker

    Legendary Member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Graduate Recruitment
    Premium Member
    Forum Team
    Aug 1, 2019
    15,360
    21,451
    What about for society experience?
    This isn’t generally considered work experience. They may seek confirmation if it’s been put in a work experience section, and would then need a fellow committee member or someone from the university to confirm it, but generally I would say they don’t seek references for that type of activity.
     
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