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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Miss Chocolate

Legendary Member
Nov 27, 2023
281
378
It should be fine tbh. You can rock up to the VS with your Montblanc briefcase like:
Season 2 Lawyer GIF by Martin
no stop i am crying 🤣🤣🤣🤣
 
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Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
15,307
21,389
It's not about pretending to be from a disadvantaged background. My concern is that an expensive item would be offputting and create a bad impression. I know not to wear Ferragamo/Hermes ties or bold chalk stripe suits.
My example of the Birkin bag was very different where it was probably 15+ times the value of what a Montblanc briefcase would be. The Birkin bag person also made their bag the centre of attention a lot, which didn't go down well as it was seen as very show-off.

I don't think it will cause a bad impression to take it into work - they are generally subtle and its likely to be the case that most people won't even spot what it is. Those that do probably own one themselves and maybe also bring it into work.

As suggested elsewhere, it would be a similar value to an iPhone or an expensive laptop, so its not really an issue.
 
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Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
15,307
21,389
Typically, how long do law firms take to give TC offers following a Spring VS? And how long do candidates usually have to accept these? Thanks!
Can be anything offering immediately and giving a few weeks to make a decision on the offer all the way through to not making offers until the end of the summer or giving you to mid-September to accept.

This is a very legitimate question to ask the graduate recruitment/HR team as part of your vacation scheme (if they don't tell you) so you can manage your expectations and other recruitment processes accordingly.
 

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
15,307
21,389
For questions like 'what aspects of the solicitor role do you find most interesting', should a lot of the focus be on commercial-driven interests?
It doesn't have to be - it can be any element that you think you will find interesting, but I would just make sure that the combination of the aspects you identify couldn't apply to lots of other careers/areas of law. But not everything has to be commercial.
 

berocca567

Standard Member
Jan 11, 2025
9
8
If a 'cover letter' is just one question on an application form, alongside other standard questions (e.g. 'What's your proudest achievement'), do you still need to structure it with 'Dear Graduate Recruitment', and introduce yourself? It isnt as a document but just in an answer field
 
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JR8

Standard Member
Oct 26, 2024
8
2
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).
Good luck!!!
I received the feedback report on 20th Feb but nothing since then. When did you receive the email asking you to book the phone call?
 

BobThebIlly

Distinguished Member
Premium Member
Dec 6, 2024
69
102
I probably sound like a broken record but has anyone heard back from Paul Hastings at all re the SVS (‘Phirst Steps’)? The deadline passed around 3 weeks ago. Not sure whether to assume PFO yet. They said they’d get back to successful candidates in March and April. 🥲​
I'm also concerned about this bc I haven't heard anything either. What a shame :(
 
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Reactions: Chris Brown

thelawstudent

Star Member
Jul 3, 2024
25
33
Sorry if I’m getting a bit annoying (just a bit anxious), have NRF given out summer vac scheme offers yet.

Also how do I gauge if I did well in my AC or not - it was my first ever one. Never done an hour long interview before in my life.
Yeah - i believe a fair few have been handed out now.

Dont worry - i am in same boat as you. I havent heard back .

I did my ac a while ago now, i was on the second AC. been pretty anxious and was waiting by my phone most of last week.

I think the main thing is to have some hope. Offers are usually staggerred.

Hoping good news for all related to NRF this week 🔥❤️
 
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Reactions: Chris Brown

User5678

Legendary Member
Aug 16, 2024
254
347
Good luck!!!
I received the feedback report on 20th Feb but nothing since then. When did you receive the email asking you to book the phone call?
Good luck to you too!!

I got an email on the 17th March.
I also applied first week feb and gave the assessment on 8th Feb so I’m assuming you’ll hear back soon (vac scheme, unsure about DTC) :)
 

User5678

Legendary Member
Aug 16, 2024
254
347
How likely is it to get a Direct TC or even a VS having graduated from a non-law degree? is there any point at this point
Yes absolutely, a lot of people who do non law degrees get a tc either directly if they have work experience (in some cases even without) or via VS.

Fun fact- the team I sat in, most associates did non law degrees at uni (mostly lit or history)!
Even if you look at trainees at a firm generally, it’s usually a pretty good mix! :)

Hang in there, you got this!!
 

aphelion

Distinguished Member
Premium Member
Apr 4, 2023
56
228
Also, does anyone have any suggestions for a smart backpack for a VS? I'm a woman and cannot handle shoulder bags but I really don't own a smart backpack. Any recs are welcomed lol
There's a brand called New Rebels which does rolltop waterproof backpacks in a wide range of colours - I have one I use for work and I've seen lots of other people in the City using them. They're about £40 so it depends on your budget.
 

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