TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Amma Usman]

Hi, could I ask if anyone knows what it means if slaughters contacts your referee?

Hi. It could mean a few things, for different firms, and I am unsure about S&M specifically. Sometimes, it’s a positive sign that your application has progressed and they’re at the final stage of consideration. Other times, contacting a referee may simply be part of their operational process and not necessarily indicative of the outcome. Hope that helps!

 

[James Wakefield]

Anyone heading to Russell-Cooke for their VS week after next? Feel free to DM!

 

[nonlawTCseeker]

CRS London holding email

I also received the CRS holding email, and have recently been told I'm on the reserve list for a vac scheme. Feeling quite disheartened knowing I was SO close (like close enough to not be outright rejected but also not quite worthy of a spot yet). I'm seriously manifesting a phone call telling me I'm invited on the scheme. They are my top choice firm 🥹

 

[nonlawTCseeker]

I finally got a post-application rejection from Linklaters at 14:48. So much for my 97th percentile Watson-Glaser score 😂

"However, this doesn't have to be the end of the road and we would encourage you to re-apply next year" bro/sis I ain't glazing you again 💅

I had the same thing from DAC Beachcroft, could not have done any better in their psychometric test (top percentile) and still rejected.

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi, could I ask if anyone knows what it means if slaughters contacts your referee?

Last year, multiple people have told me that the firm normally only does that in case of a positive decision. As such, while it is not a strict policy and they could do it for other reasons, I would definitely take it as a good sign.

 

[Someoneinlaw]

For anyone still waiting for Linklaters Linkup event outcome, I heard back today and I’d be attending. Feel free to send a Dm if you’d like to meet. <3

 

[Chris Brown]

I have another (possibly silly) question about VS’ and how they work. What kind of clothes are appropriate to buy and wear for a VS (for a guy)? I think the expectation is that it needs to be professional attire or workplace clothes, but what does that even mean? 😅

What kind of things does this include? Is the expectation to wear traditional 3-piece suits, or is it fine to wear more smart-casual style clothing? Are quarterzips or jumpers allowed? I don’t know what the expectations are. 🥲

Also, what colours are good and bad for a VS at a city law firm? Should it be neutral colours like black, blue and grey? I literally don’t know how this works at all lmao. I will be buying some more stuff over the next few days but I need to know where to begin. 😂

Any advice, guidance or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Please help! 😅

@Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Jessica Booker​

 

[_microwaved]

Anyone still waiting for a PFO from PW post test?

 

[Someoneinlaw]

Also wasn’t successful on both of my ACs for this cycle 😔but I’d like to thank everyone that helped with insights. I’ve met nice people on this platform . Especially @Thom&as and @Aleila. Huge thank you to you guys ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Also, I don’t know if HSF is still doing any ACs but I’m happy to share insights.
We go again next cycle 💪💪

 

[floral.tcla]

accepted onto LL's 'Link Up 2025'!

 

[fidrrygalka]

Anyone still waiting for a PFO from PW post test?

yuppp

 

[trainee4u]

Received five emails in relation to applications today. Honestly law firms need to learn how to give their emails appropriate subjects.

> RE: Your application to Winckworth Sherwood - Application marking update - No reply required".
^^^ This is a "we're still checking apps" follow-up. Clear subject, necessary (in)action for recipient identified in subject, 10/10

> Application for Vacation Scheme - Devonshires
^^^ This was a second blanket email reminding applicants to do a test they've probably already done, with the caveat "Please note this email has been sent to all candidates, if you have already completed the test, you can disregard this email. " Bad subject, bad blanket email. 0/10

> DMH Stallard - 2025 Training Contract Application Update
This was a "we're still checking applications" email. Score 5/10, subject fails to communicate anything, try "decision delayed"

> Peters & Peters - Training Contract Application Outcome

A PFO. Points for use of the word "outcome"; would however prefer to see the world "unsuccessful" in there somewhere. 7/10.

> Update on your Michelmores Application

Also a PFO. A pfo is an "outcome". not an "update". 2/10.

 

[Anon Lawyer]

accepted onto LL's 'Link Up 2025'!

Same see you guys there! 🙂

 

[trainee4u]

I have another (possibly silly) question about VS’ and how they work. What kind of clothes are appropriate to buy and wear for a VS (for a guy)? I think the expectation is that it needs to be professional attire or workplace clothes, but what does that even mean? 😅

What kind of things does this include? Is the expectation to wear traditional 3-piece suits, or is it fine to wear more smart-casual style clothing? Are quarterzips or jumpers allowed? I don’t know what the expectations are. 🥲
​

It depends on your personal style (or lack of it), but I think a 3-piece suit is too much.

Just get a 2-piece (matching!) single-breasted suit (grey/navy, typically), tie, shirt (probably white), black Oxford shoes.

One thing I can advise is that:

* Charles Tyrwhitt have a student discount
* they also have a no-questions-asked even-if-washed-multiple-times six-month return policy.

So if you buy a new suit from them, do your VS, and get your £180k TC, then keep it. And if you don't get it, you can return it.​

 

[Overthinker123!]

Hey everyone,

Just reaching out to see if anyone could share their opinion or insights.

I just received a call today from a firm offering me a vac scheme (mid tier city firm I would say). But unfortunately the first day clashes with my final round interview at a MC firm. I let early careers know on the call and asked how I could navigate this and they said they’ll get back to me. Do you think i have jeopardised my place on the VS or would they be flexible? Thanks

@Jessica Booker

 

[Livelaughlove]

Has anyone heard anything from the SH EPP placement? They said I should hear back today but not heard anything 🥲

 

[User5678]

Thank you! Same, I assumed it would be the final stage but got invited to a zoom interview. Hope you hear back soon 🤞

Thank you lovely!! If you don’t mind me asking when did u give the VI? I gave it on the 13th so hoping to hear back soon!

 

[Jessica Booker]

I have another (possibly silly) question about VS’ and how they work. What kind of clothes are appropriate to buy and wear for a VS (for a guy)? I think the expectation is that it needs to be professional attire or workplace clothes, but what does that even mean? 😅

What kind of things does this include? Is the expectation to wear traditional 3-piece suits, or is it fine to wear more smart-casual style clothing? Are quarterzips or jumpers allowed? I don’t know what the expectations are. 🥲

Also, what colours are good and bad for a VS at a city law firms Should it be neutral colours like black, blue and grey? I literally don’t know how this works at all lmao. I will be buying some more stuff over the next few days but I need to know where to begin. 😂

Any advice, guidance or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Please help! 😅

@Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Jessica Booker​

You don't need a three piece suit but I would have a 2 or 3 suits that you can rotate with different collared shirts (so it looks slightly different each time you wear the suit) and in a style/pattern that you can wear more formally for meetings (e.g. with a tie) or pair up with more dress down items like quarterzips/jumpers.

Generally, different shades of grey and blue are you best bet. For some reason, some people will say not to wear a black suit, but I personally don't see the issue with it (but I am not an expert in men's tailoring) and have seen enough men wear black trousers and a jacket for it to not be an issue.

My key tips are to get items you are comfortable in first - spending time finding items that fit look smarter and ultimately will make you more comfortable too.

 

[User5678]

Just gave the Browne Jacobson telephone interview!
Think it went alright🤞🏻

For anyone waiting, my interviewer said that their ac is on 23rd April and they’re gonna get back to applicants on the week commencing 7 April (post TI)! (This is for vac scheme I’m not sure about DTC).

 

[👩🎓]

Hi all! Has anyone had any experience with Lester Aldridge and would you be willing to share your experiences?