TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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Yes correct, I got the business group. Almost had a mini heart attack when that notification popped up😂
Hi @Jessica Booker,
If a firm stipulates that all future trainees should do the SQE together (in-person) at BPP or ULaw London (depending on who they have partnered with), and they offer a maintenance grant worth X (e.g., £20,000), is it ever possible for firms to offer additional financial support to people who live very far from London AND are from a socially mobile background? It seems that most firms offer a standard maintenance grant to all future trainees, which doesn’t take into account personal or financial circumstances?
Do you know of any instances where city law firms have offered additional support, either as a grant/bursary or interest-free loan? How do firms deal with future trainees who may be of a particular faith or religion, where they can’t take out on an interest-based loan from student finance, due to their religious beliefs? Also, is it true some firms request their future trainees to not work part time whilst studying the SQE? If so, how do people usually survive in London (I don’t really know how expensive London is but I have heard it is really bad, especially rent prices)?
Apologies for the long question. 🥲🥲
If a firm stipulates that all future trainees should do the SQE together (in-person) at BPP or ULaw London (depending on who they have partnered with), and they offer a maintenance grant worth X (e.g., £20,000), is it ever possible for firms to offer additional financial support to people who live very far from London AND are from a socially mobile background? It seems that most firms offer a standard maintenance grant to all future trainees, which doesn’t take into account personal or financial circumstances?
Do you know of any instances where city law firms have offered additional support, either as a grant/bursary or interest-free loan? How do firms deal with future trainees who may be of a particular faith or religion, where they can’t take out on an interest-based loan from student finance, due to their religious beliefs? Also, is it true some firms request their future trainees to not work part time whilst studying the SQE? If so, how do people usually survive in London (I don’t really know how expensive London is but I have heard it is really bad, especially rent prices)?
Apologies for the long question. 🥲🥲
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if you qualify, Aspiring Solicitors have a free programme that has webinars, 1:1 calls etc - all centred around preparing you to convert the VS to a TC.
Jessica Booker
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In most instances, it is going to be unlikely that additional funds would be allocated on a means-tested basis. Firms set their maintenance grants at levels they think are reasonable for everyone no matter what their circumstances. There might be some firms that offer this, but it isn't something I have heard of enough for it to be common.
Sometimes firms offer additional financial awards but they tend to not be means-tested. It can be if you have achieved something (e.g. a certain grade in your degree) or if you want to put money towards a particular initiative that will help develop certain transferable skills (e.g. learning a new language/doing a volunteer project).
Some firms do offer interest-free loans or salary advances, but the salary advances are typically only given in the 1-2 months before starting a TC rather than at the start of the SQE. Interest-free loans could be agreed earlier on.
We do know some firms stop their future trainees from working part-time - many don't though, and so many future trainees do have part-time jobs (like some people in the TCLA team) to top up their income.
Some firms also offer interim work in the holidays or periods between courses to help boost people's income, whether that's directly with the firm or asking the temp agencies they work with to support their future trainees with finding appropriate temp work.
You should speak to your TC firm if you have got any concerns about being able to afford living in London during the SQE to find out how they can support you and what their policies are on things like working part-time.
Just got put on CRS reserve list 
anyone in the same position?
anyone in the same position?
Hey, not Jessica but I imagine this may be considered on a case-by-case basis. I know that some firms offer interest free loans to everyone too.
However, when it comes to grants, do consider the fact that the firm may expect you to be able to live for a year without issues if the maintenance grant is £20,000 (which isn't taxed). It is possible, from what I have seen, to maintain a minor part-time job (eg 10-15 hrs a week) while doing the SQE. The firm will take these factors into account.
Crs rejection.... I guess law isn't for me and i should give up now.
Please, please, please try and not think like that. This industry is extremely difficult to get a start in and is in no way a reflection of your capacity to be an excellent lawyer. Try and keep going, an opportunity will stick!
CRS reserve list - not really sure how to feel about this one
To be honest given the email said they will also consider us for the DTC I am wanting to feel hopeful but I guess it all comes down to what other people do at this point
Anyone hear from Paul Hastings post app??
It depends on the level of grant, but students at ulaw/bpp don't have demanding schedules in terms of having to be at uni: it would just be two or three days a week. In addition, there are lots of holidays and study weeks, so the actual number of days you have to turn up is a really small percentage of the year.
This means for example that into Ulaw/BPP you could commute from Luton or Stevenage whatever offpeak with railcard. I'm not going to guarantee that's the cheapest option or even a sensible one, just you don't at all need to live in Clapham or similar to study in London , whereas once you're working rather than studying you would need to really be in z2.
The government's stats are that you can rent a room for around £700 pcm in worse areas of z2/3, which is accurate, and you can find tiny studios from around £800/month. Gas/electric is under £100/month, council tax free for students, water has gone up a lot due to Thames going bust but should be under £50/month for single person. Broadband & mobile around £30/month and you've then got quite a bit spare for food. Not a luxury lifestyle, but £20k is more than sufficient. Food is very cheap in London, there are lots of Aldis, Lidls, street markest, expensive 'local supermarkets' that however reduce their prices 75% on short-dated produce, etc .
Incidentally I understand that from 2026 post-grad finance is being reformed so you will be able to get a maintenance loan , which isn't currently available, and, additionally, a Sharia-compliant loan will be made available
Jessica Booker
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It is a shame that commercial professional development loans don't exist these days. In days of old, many future trainees used to get them from major high-street banks and they were practically guaranteed (unless you had a really bad credit rating) if you supplied a letter from the firm confirming your future training contract.
- Sep 7, 2024
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Generally, I’d say there is not really much to prepare for with regards most law firms - a lot of it will be on the job. That said, having a good grasp of certain key things beforehand will help. For example, for some firms, you will be asked to choose your seat preferences beforehand. From a candidate‘s perspective, a candidate typically chooses an area they know a lot about because they think this will give them the most chances of conversion. This is not a bad approach from some angles, but it is important to be mindful of the missed opportunity from learning about another area of law, from a practical standpoint. Therefore, I would say be open minded with seat options. I’ve spoken to many lawyers who say their qualification options shocked them, so this should be the kind of mindset you carry into a VS as well.
The next thing is to practice your networking skills. There is always talks about an elevator pitch, which is good, but be prepared to sway slightly from it so as to not appear robotic during socials, for example.
Another thing is coffee chats. If there are any areas of law that interest you, it may be worth scheduling coffee chats with people in the firm to learn more about the firm’s approach to certain niches/practices, and so on.
The last thing I have to say is the most understated - be yourself. Law firms want to hire people, at the end of the day. Enjoy the process and make the most of the experience! Feed your inquisitive mind, ask questions…learn!!!
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