TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Kakaboo]

For vacation schemes should I pick the first or second week?

 

[tianna09]

sorry to ask again but has anyone applied to Weighmans SVS and heard anything back?

 

[Jessica Booker]

For vacation schemes should I pick the first or second week?

I’d pick whatever works best for you in terms of dates.

 

[Chris Brown]

Hi guys,

Posting this on Breezy’s behalf as he is currently on a Spring VS, so isn’t active on this account at the moment. I am a close friend of his and he has trusted me to manage his account until he comes back from his VS.

Breezy has received a first-round interview invite from Paul Hastings for their Phirst Steps SVS. Does anyone have any advice or insight into this interview? For reference Breezy said he applied 1-2 days before the deadline.​

 

[SamiyaJ]

Hi guys,

Posting this on Breezy’s behalf as he is currently on a Spring VS, so isn’t active on this account at the moment. I am a close friend of his and he has trusted me to manage his account until he comes back from his VS.

Breezy has received a first-round interview invite from Paul Hastings for their Phirst Steps SVS. Does anyone have any advice or insight into this interview? For reference Breezy said he applied 1-2 days before the deadline.​

No idea lmao but tell Breezy we are thinking of him, missing his positive vibes and hope all is going well with his VS!

 

[LB24]

Gateley Manchester VS offer!!

 

[jojo23]

Anybody heard from the BBC legal diversity thing?
They said today in the emails...

 

[SonghaivAngel]

Hi guys,

Posting this on Breezy’s behalf as he is currently on a Spring VS, so isn’t active on this account at the moment. I am a close friend of his and he has trusted me to manage his account until he comes back from his VS.

Breezy has received a first-round interview invite from Paul Hastings for their Phirst Steps SVS. Does anyone have any advice or insight into this interview? For reference Breezy said he applied 1-2 days before the deadline.​

Hi, are you able to tell us at what date and time he received the invite?

 

[mhs234]

Hi, received a TI invite for Browne Jacobson. Any specific tips/advice greatly appreciated!

 

[BillSikes]

Hi, received a TI invite for Browne Jacobson. Any specific tips/advice greatly appreciated!

What office?

 

[mhs234]

What office?

London office VS

 

[Justin]

Did anyone else apply for HCR Law? I just got a first round interview but it mentions that the AC, If successful is in Cheltenham, not sure if this is a mistake on my part where I applied, or if theyre all there

I think they’re all there

When is your interview?

 

[floral.tcla]

I haven’t got a VS so I’m seeking other options and I’m sure many of you are too, eg the legal cheek virtual vacation scheme. I’ve been getting emails from Platforum9 about virtual, free legal career experience they apparently offer but idk it seems fishy. Idk how they even got my email address. I was wondering if anyone else has received it?

 

[lolasparks]

Anybody heard from the BBC legal diversity thing?
They said today in the emails...

Did you get the email about still sorting through the shortlist?

 

[allenpopi]

Guys, for written exercises, is it okay to write "executive summary" as the first subheading? Or does it seem too rehearsed?

 

[ad.]

Hi! I was just wondering what everybody’s personal thoughts and opinions are on this:
If you have got upcoming VSs, are you still applying to DTCs to hedge your bets or do you prefer to focus on preparing for and converting your VSs (and take some rest from applications as well)?

 

[jojo23]

Did you get the email about still sorting through the shortlist?

At like 9:30pm yeah😅

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Guys, for written exercises, is it okay to write "executive summary" as the first subheading? Or does it seem too rehearsed?

Hiya @allenpopi

I think it really does depend on the context of the written exercise. If the task is framed as a memo, especially to a partner or client, starting with an “Executive Summary” is not only acceptable but often expected. It shows you understand how to frontload key information in a reader friendly way. During a previous vacation scheme, I was actually called up for failing to include an executive summary in a memo which involved providing advice, particularly since there were many different considerations on the table.

That said, it’s important to match your tone and structure to the specific scenario. If the exercise feels more like a short note, internal email, or something more informal, a labelled executive summary might feel slightly overengineered/rehearesed. In those cases, it’s often better to just incorporate your summary into the first paragraph without a heading. I think a good rule of thumb is to take your cue from how the written task is framed. If it resembles a formal legal memo or briefing note, using "Executive Summary" as a subheading shows you understand professional communication norms. Just make sure it’s actually a summary and not an introduction (keep it brief, focused, and clearly reflective of the content that follows).

Hope that's helpful!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi! I was just wondering what everybody’s personal thoughts and opinions are on this:
If you have got upcoming VSs, are you still applying to DTCs to hedge your bets or do you prefer to focus on preparing for and converting your VSs (and take some rest from applications as well)?

Hiya @ad.

This is definitely a strategy I took during my final application cycle. Even though I had three vacation schemes lined up back-to-back, I still continued to draft direct training contract applications to firms. This wasn't just to hedge my bets, but also because these were firms that I was genuinely interested in. Some of these firms also had healthy direct TC intakes (e.g. Freshfields and White & Case), and I didn’t want to close off those opportunities. Interestingly, I found that I wasn’t alone in taking this strategy. Most people I knew who had multiple schemes were still submitting a handful of direct TC applications alongside their preparation.

I think it's ultimately about what you feel comfortable managing. If you think adding a few more applications won’t burn you out or detract from the schemes you already have, it can be a sensible thing to do. That said, don’t underestimate how intense VSs can be, especially if you're in the lucky position of having several schemes. It’s also okay to focus on rest and prep if that’s what you need.

Good luck with your schemes!

 

[Eajob]

Gateley Manchester VS offer!!

Me too Maybe see you there!