S6EP22: How to stand out on a vac scheme for all the right reasons episode artwork

EPISODE · May 29, 2026 · 44 MIN

S6EP22: How to stand out on a vac scheme for all the right reasons

from The Legal Cheek Podcast · host Legal Cheek

With summer vac scheme season fast approaching and thousands of solicitor hopefuls gearing up to storm law firm offices across the City and beyond, how can you make the most of the opportunity and secure that coveted TC offer? Legal Cheek brings you the answers…When candidates are so evenly matched on paper, it's often the smallest things that determine whether you walk away with a training contract offer. This week on the Legal Cheek Podcast, Julia Szaniszlo and Tom Connelly share their insights on how to succeed and stand out on your vac scheme this summer (for all the right reasons) and what to steer clear of to avoid missing out on that TC.Whilst the work you do for your supervisor is often the most important part, a big chunk of succeeding on a vac scheme has very little to do with the law. Tom and Julia cover all the main bases, from punctuality and understanding confusing dress codes to navigating small talk with senior lawyers and alcohol at firm socials.Having recently completed a vacation scheme at a US firm, Julia talks through the real practicalities of tackling the legal work you're set from a non-law perspective, whether that’s about asking the right questions or the best ways to prepare for final assessments and tasks.Follow these tips and you will be in an excellent position to succeed on your upcoming scheme!

With summer vac scheme season fast approaching and thousands of solicitor hopefuls gearing up to storm law firm offices across the City and beyond, how can you make the most of the opportunity and secure that coveted TC offer? Legal Cheek brings you the answers…When candidates are so evenly matched on paper, it's often the smallest things that determine whether you walk away with a training contract offer. This week on the Legal Cheek Podcast, Julia Szaniszlo and Tom Connelly share their insights on how to succeed and stand out on your vac scheme this summer (for all the right reasons) and what to steer clear of to avoid missing out on that TC.Whilst the work you do for your supervisor is often the most important part, a big chunk of succeeding on a vac scheme has very little to do with the law. Tom and Julia cover all the main bases, from punctuality and understanding confusing dress codes to navigating small talk with senior lawyers and alcohol at firm socials.Having recently completed a vacation scheme at a US firm, Julia talks through the real practicalities of tackling the legal work you're set from a non-law perspective, whether that’s about asking the right questions or the best ways to prepare for final assessments and tasks.Follow these tips and you will be in an excellent position to succeed on your upcoming scheme!

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S6EP22: How to stand out on a vac scheme for all the right reasons

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This episode is 44 minutes long.

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This episode was published on May 29, 2026.

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With summer vac scheme season fast approaching and thousands of solicitor hopefuls gearing up to storm law firm offices across the City and beyond, how can you make the most of the opportunity and secure that coveted TC offer? Legal Cheek brings you...

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