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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

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.
 

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
15,304
21,384
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
Generally anything plain black is going to be fine to use.

This is pretty big as I use it as hand luggage for flights, but it’s effectively become my work bag. I like it as it can be carried as a backpack but also has handles at the top so I can carry it by hand too.


Something like this (although you may want something slightly smaller) will be more than adequate and look smart.
 

Lizzie_Sullivan

Standard Member
Premium Member
Dec 3, 2024
7
10
I attended the Burges AC on March 6th, they emailed to say that they hoped to contact us with updates on the outcome by this past Friday. It is Monday and I haven't heard back, but someone I know who also was at the same AC told me they called him with an offer on Wednesday. But he also knows someone else from the AC that they contacted with a pfo... waiting on pins and needles but is it too soon to send a follow up? I am hoping that maybe it is taking a bit longer because I am a 'maybe' or will be put on the reserve list?

Anyone have any insight or have experienced this before?
 
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toad92

Star Member
Jan 21, 2025
47
171
Gibson Dunn or Winston & Strawn? Last VS apps I’ve got pending. Expecting rejections for both of them.
Anyone still waiting on GD - I'm doing their second stage interview this Friday, and they have said it is the last AC they are running for this cycle (for the vac scheme at least). There is a waiting list for this AC if anyone invited can't do it, so I am also guessing it is full :( Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, good luck for your other app !
 

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
15,304
21,384
I attended the Burges AC on March 6th, they emailed to say that they hoped to contact us with updates on the outcome by this past Friday. It is Monday and I haven't heard back, but someone I know who also was at the same AC told me they called him with an offer on Wednesday. But he also knows someone else from the AC that they contacted with a pfo... waiting on pins and needles but is it too soon to send a follow up? I am hoping that maybe it is taking a bit longer because I am a 'maybe' or will be put on the reserve list?

Anyone have any insight or have experienced this before?
I would try to wait until Wednesday afternoon before following up if you haven't heard back by then. Giving the firm at least 2 working days after their original deadline is generally polite and helps to just balance out any risk of them just being slightly behind schedule.
 

Amma Usman

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 7, 2024
937
1,143
I attended the Burges AC on March 6th, they emailed to say that they hoped to contact us with updates on the outcome by this past Friday. It is Monday and I haven't heard back, but someone I know who also was at the same AC told me they called him with an offer on Wednesday. But he also knows someone else from the AC that they contacted with a pfo... waiting on pins and needles but is it too soon to send a follow up? I am hoping that maybe it is taking a bit longer because I am a 'maybe' or will be put on the reserve list?

Anyone have any insight or have experienced this before?
It’s completely understandable to feel anxious waiting for an update, especially after hearing that some people have received responses. However, it’s quite common for firms to stagger their communications after an assessment centre for a number of reasons. Sometimes, timelines shift slightly due to scheduling or internal processes taking longer than expected, particularly around weekends. In other cases, they may be working through different categories of candidates, which can naturally result in a delay if they are still finalising outcomes. Since their original timeline only passed on Friday and it is still early in the week, it might be worth waiting a while before following up.
 

trainee4u

Legendary Member
Sep 7, 2023
241
514
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