TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[👩🎓]

Hi all, does anyone know whether Penningtons Manches Cooper have a work experience section on their application form?

 

[Tcvspfo]

Are people who have applied to Osborne Clarke still waiting for their online test?

I got their email saying they were having technical problems two weeks ago now, and have had no follow-up since.

I thought they were non rolling.

 

[Jessica Booker]

what are some good questions to ask on an open day?

This post maybe useful on this point:

TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

got a Willkie Open Day invite a week ago! first good thing about this app cycle

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[Jessica Booker]

Does HL still have A level requirements because on their website it just says strong academic but nothing specific on A levels.

Still says AAB on Chambers Student Guide

 

[GV]

@Jessica Booker Hi, If an application has the same question as last year and it is referring to "proudest achievement" can I use the same answer? (Last year I passed the application stage).

 

[km_bntn]

Anyone still waiting to hear back from Sidley Austin post-app?

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker Hi, If an application has the same question as last year and it is referring to "proudest achievement" can I use the same answer? (Last year I passed the application stage).

For this specific question, yes, I think it is fine to use the same example. I would still critically evaluate your answer and see if with a fresh pair of eyes you think it can be improved from a drafting perspective though. That doesn't mean everything has to change, it can just mean you recognise a sentence here and there could be presented in an even better way (e.g. more concise, better language/tone etc).

 

[GV]

For this specific question, yes, I think it is fine to use the same example. I would still critically evaluate your answer and see if with a fresh pair of eyes you think it can be improved from a drafting perspective though. That doesn't mean everything has to change, it can just mean you recognise a sentence here and there could be presented in an even better way (e.g. more concise, better language/tone etc).

Okay will do that, thank you

 

[LawyerUpPal]

Got my Linklaters PFO trio of emails I see others got. I also got MB's written assessment email.

 

[LawyerUpPal]

If anyone got Stephenson Harwood vac scheme last cycle, could you please pm me. Thank you🙏

Hey, I did SH VS last cycle.

 

[Tintin06]

Cooley open day is the only 'yes' so far. Linklaters PFO post-Cappfinity exercise.

 

[Deleted member 37508]

I wanted to query something. I’ve seen it’s normal to reapply to firms if you’ve been rejected post VS. Why. Especially if this was only last cycle. Why would a firm give you the opportunity again when there are others who have not reached that stage yet. This may be pessimistic of me but I did wonder what the point of putting in an application to a firm that has clearly stated you were not a fit. (Reapplying if you ran out of time for assessed elements is understandable or they’ve encouraged you to)

This also goes for firms who offer an AC after an open day. I know someone who attended Latham open day last cycle and did not convert from the AC. They plan to reapply again for the open day. Why. Utilise the experience and move on. Maybe this contradicts resilience in some way but I find it wastes the time of graduate recruitment as they’re most likely going to reject. If it’s your dream firm move there at qualification. This has rattled me on this fine Wednesday morning after debating with a few friends.

 

[bangarangbass39]

For those with middling grades (low- to mid-2:1s at uni), which kind of firms are you applying to? I want to know if I'm being realistic or not!

I wish I had someone with a similar experience at the start who would have reassured me and pushed me to apply where I truly want to be. Only now, in my 2nd cycle, have I found this confidence to apply at top firms.

Personal Context:
A levels: ABB - average state school in the midlands.

UG in History at Warwick: 14 modules in total. 2 were graded 2:2 (in final yr) and 1 graded 46 in 1st year. However, the 46 was a result of handing in the wrong essay, the OG mod grade was a 67. Furthermore, I was receiving treatment for depression and social anxiety in my final year. Overall, a mix of high, mid, and low 2:1s and a 1st here n there.

PG in History at Warwick: 5 mods in total. 2 were graded at 2:2 level. Not ideal but I was continuing to receive treatment in my PG degree. The rest were 1sts and a 2:1.

Applying exp

With firms that just ask for the overall grade, I.e, 2:1, 1st or 2:2. I never had a problem. I always progressed to the next stage off the back of my written app. I even landed an AC for my first VS application!

With firms that ask for a module breakdown, I never had any issues. I recently attend the Baker McKenzie open day and Mishcon Open day which asked for breakdowns. I have also been offered mentoring schemes with Macfarlanes, an elite sports firm, HSF, etc. Safe to say I’ve been fine.

At the Bakers open day they said they look for a strong 2:1. However, (and this is important), this doesn’t mean you need a 2:1 in every mod. They recognise that everyone slips up, and that they have many trainees in the firm who have done so. There is no definitive ideal academic record. This is close to what they said word for word, as best as I can remember!

What does this mean for me?

I’m not targeting MC/US firms. Mostly due to the WLB n culture but also the practice interests I have. I also don’t feel that my legal career is “successful” because I joined an “elite” firm. I feel confident to go where I want to be on the basis of my passions and ambitions.

 

[LexNavigator]

I would include this if you do not reference this in any other part of the application form as the firm does stress the need for academic excellence and so you will want to demonstrate that.

Thanks for this @Jessica Booker, what if adding a breakdown of all grades for A Levels and university makes the CV run into 3 pages instead of 2? Do you think it would be a reasonable alternative to add the year average on the CV and then attach A level and university transcripts separately? Or would it be better to add all breakdowns on the CV and try to cut something to make it 2 pages? Thanks for your help

 

[LexNavigator]

Hi @Jaysen @Jessica Booker hope you are well. I wondered when we should expect to hear back regarding TCLA Scholarship applications. Thank you in advance

 

[Jessica Booker]

I wanted to query something. I’ve seen it’s normal to reapply to firms if you’ve been rejected post VS. Why. Especially if this was only last cycle. Why would a firm give you the opportunity again when there are others who have not reached that stage yet. This may be pessimistic of me but I did wonder what the point of putting in an application to a firm that has clearly stated you were not a fit. (Reapplying if you ran out of time for assessed elements is understandable or they’ve encouraged you to)

This also goes for firms who offer an AC after an open day. I know someone who attended Latham open day last cycle and did not convert from the AC. They plan to reapply again for the open day. Why. Utilise the experience and move on. Maybe this contradicts resilience in some way but I find it wastes the time of graduate recruitment as they’re most likely going to reject. If it’s your dream firm move there at qualification. This has rattled me on this fine Wednesday morning after debating with a few friends.

People can develop their skills and knowledge and become stronger candidates. I don’t think it’s as simple/binary as saying you should or shouldn’t reapply again - there will be plenty of reasons why this is suitable, and yet a whole load of reasons why it may be a waste of time like you have suggested. But ultimately it’s people’s decisions to try again should they want to. They will only be wasting about 3-5 minutes of a graduate recruitment team’s time and to be fair their time get wasted in many other more frustrating ways!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Thanks for this @Jessica Booker, what if adding a breakdown of all grades for A Levels and university makes the CV run into 3 pages instead of 2? Do you think it would be a reasonable alternative to add the year average on the CV and then attach A level and university transcripts separately? Or would it be better to add all breakdowns on the CV and try to cut something to make it 2 pages? Thanks for your help

I would change formatting to get it on to two pages or make cuts elsewhere unfortunately. Most CVs I see with some very basic format changes (such as single line spacing and justified paragraphs) will get down to two pages.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jaysen @Jessica Booker hope you are well. I wondered when we should expect to hear back regarding TCLA Scholarship applications. Thank you in advance

Hi there - you should hear back later today or tomorrow in regards to the Scholarship applications.

 

[member7830]

how long does jones day take post first round interview

 

[Apple]

how long does jones day take post first round interview

Some people hear back same day or next day.