• How confident are you in your knowledge of the core LLB/PGDL subjects, including Contract, Tort, Trusts, Land, Criminal, and Public Law?

    TCLA is teaming up with BPP for a free interactive event designed to refresh your fundamentals, especially for those interested in or planning to take the SQE. We'll practise multiple choice SQE questions, with prizes for the highest scoring participants!

    Register Here
  • Are you a future trainee?

    We're hiring at TCLA. Apply by midnight on 31 March 2025.

    Apply Now

TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Chris Brown

Legendary Member
Jul 4, 2024
595
1,962
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
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Bbhu19

Someoneinlaw

Well-Known Member
Jul 23, 2024
24
75
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 💪💪
 

trainee4u

Legendary Member
Sep 7, 2023
233
505
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.
 

trainee4u

Legendary Member
Sep 7, 2023
233
505
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!

Standard Member
Feb 5, 2025
9
4
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
 

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
15,299
21,356
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.
 
  • ℹ️
Reactions: Ram Sabaratnam and Chris Brown

theruleofno

Distinguished Member
Jan 5, 2024
59
134
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

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
15,299
21,356
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?
 

Olivialee15

Star Member
  • Jan 14, 2025
    34
    93
    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

    Legendary Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Jul 23, 2023
    244
    544
    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.
     

    About Us

    The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

    Newsletter

    Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.