TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[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?

 

[mg42guy32]

accepted onto LL's 'Link Up 2025'!

Congrats! Could I ask you a couple qs about how you answered the application questions? I’d like to improve my own understanding of Links since this is my first full cycle as a STEM tudent

 

[theruleofno]

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? 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 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​

Completely normal question and does depend on the firm. Some firms have a very relaxed attitude towards dress (e.g. ties and suit jackets are only required for client meetings, dress down Fridays), while others (Slaughters, Macfarlanes and Weil come to mind) are more traditional. My advice would be to get a nice navy suit, and either a second navy suit or a grey suit (never black, that's only for funerals and some more traditional partners may take exception to black) a couple of white collared shirts and a couple of blue collared shirts, some sensible ties (no crazy patterns), and plain black shoes (brown is a faux pas). If you know your chest, waist and neck size you can get all cheaply on eBay/vinted. For suits I recommend M&S, if you have the time get it tailored. It will only cost you £40 and makes all the difference. Charles Tywritt for shirts. But wear something comfortable and that can make you feel yourself. Once you join the firm for a few days you can judge the lay of the land and copy what other male trainees are wearing.

 

[Jessica Booker]

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

Missing the first day could be difficult.

Can you ask the MC firm to move your final round interview date instead?

 

[👩🎓]

Does anyone know whether you can apply to PMC for a direct TC if you have already applied for the VS this year?

 

[Olivialee15]

Guys mishcon still havent got back about the train ticket reimbursement! I literally need to go down for Tuesday - should I hold out booking until Monday just in case they reply. Don't really know what to do, as it's looking like I'll have to shell out about £120!!

 

[Apple]

Guys mishcon still havent got back about the train ticket reimbursement! I literally need to go down for Tuesday - should I hold out booking until Monday just in case they reply. Don't really know what to do, as it's looking like I'll have to shell out about £120!!

in my experience firms reimburse you for travel expenses after the open day/AC, not before. And even then I've waited over a month to actually receive it before.

 

[Mathlaw432]

Wow, I can’t believe this cycle is nearly over. Honestly, I couldn’t have done it without the support of everyone at TCLA—the advice, encouragement, and thoughtful comments made such a difference.

I’ve managed to secure 3 vacation scheme offers and I’m still waiting to hear back from my final one (Ropes – fingers crossed!). Coming from a completely different background, working full-time, and being a bit older than most, I often felt really out of place. But reading other people’s stories on here helped me feel so much less alone—and reminded me that there’s no “one” path into law.

If anyone ever wants to chat or needs advice about anything, please feel free to reach out. I’m more than happy to help.

Thank you all so much

 

[jta227]

Guys mishcon still havent got back about the train ticket reimbursement! I literally need to go down for Tuesday - should I hold out booking until Monday just in case they reply. Don't really know what to do, as it's looking like I'll have to shell out about £120!!

I would just book it. They're likely to be able to reimburse after the fact. As Apple said, this is unlikely to be quick either. I've had to do this 3 times: for one firm it took less than a week, for another about a month, for another I got the money in late January when I went there in mid November.

Good luck for the AC btw!

 

[ad.]

Speaking of Vacation Scheme dress codes, I was wondering if for female attire a blazer would generally be expected every day? Or is there sometimes more flexibility (smart trousers + business casual knitwear for instance)?

 

[User5678]

Speaking of Vacation Scheme dress codes, I was wondering if for female attire a blazer would generally be expected every day? Or is there sometimes more flexibility (smart trousers + business casual knitwear for instance)?

Speaking from my experience (I did a legal placement in my third year so it may be a bit different as i had to go to office for a year), wear a blazer on your first two days and then see how others are dressed. I wore formals on my first day and then switched to semi formal (satin shirt and pants or a quarter zipper/sweater with pants, just make sure you wear smart shoes, loafers or something). Better to be formally dressed if confused so you don’t feel out of place!

Best of luck

 

[PufftheMagicDragon]

Has anyone got any insights for the TI with Anthony Collins?

I've got one coming up and understand it includes motivation, competency and commercial awareness questions - but any further insights would be helpful!

Thanks

 

[floral.tcla]

Congrats! Could I ask you a couple qs about how you answered the application questions? I’d like to improve my own understanding of Links since this is my first full cycle as a STEM tudent

Thank you! Yes of course - I'll PM you as that might be easiest

 

[trainee4u]

Guys mishcon still havent got back about the train ticket reimbursement! I literally need to go down for Tuesday - should I hold out booking until Monday just in case they reply. Don't really know what to do, as it's looking like I'll have to shell out about £120!!

That's pricey! You could stay overnight might save something on the morning train!? but they might not reimburse the hoteleither!? (Bethnal Green Travelodge £65)