TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[_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?

 

[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