• How confident are you in your knowledge of the core LLB/PGDL subjects, including Contract, Tort, Trusts, Land, Criminal, and Public Law?

    TCLA is teaming up with BPP for a free interactive event designed to refresh your fundamentals, especially for those interested in or planning to take the SQE. We'll practise multiple choice SQE questions, with prizes for the highest scoring participants!

    Register Here

TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Amma Usman

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 7, 2024
937
1,143
If you could choose a career other than law, what would you choose? - For this question, I guess everyone has different approaches but would it be unwise to use personal experience to back why certain aspects of the career chosen, appeals to you. I am a bit unsure how else you write a good answer without it, but then don't want to repeat my work experience unnecessarily I guess.

Hey @lolasparks , I believe it‘s fine to bring up personal experiences as well. However, avoid making them too personal. For example, I have seen candidates talking about individual figures to substantiate answers to questions of this type, and although great - the personalisation element would be missing. I would personally back up any personal experience with a practical academic or professional experience, to avoid falling into that trap. I also see no harm with repeating work experience. If you are specifically worried about repetition, you could look at an existing work experience you mentioned from a different angle - using another task you completed during that role instead.

If I were to answer this question, it would look a little something like this;

If I were to choose a career outside of law, I would pursue investment banking due to my keen interest in transactional work and corporate finance.

Corporate transactions fascinate me because they showcase how financial institutions create value in both public and private markets. In the public markets, I am particularly intrigued by mergers and acquisitions, especially the complexities of navigating exit strategies during IPOs to optimise outcomes for all stakeholders. This interest was solidified during my internship at an inter-dealer broker, where I observed how market changes for securities and derivatives directly impact transaction strategies and outcomes. Witnessing these dynamics in real-time deepened my appreciation for the role of investment bankers in managing such processes, aligning with my analytical mindset and passion for devising strategic solutions. In the private markets, my interest lies in the private equity sector, particularly in how private equity funds generate value through innovative approaches that are not always feasible in public markets. Attending an open day at [X Fund] offered me valuable insights into how data-driven strategies are employed to achieve these unique objectives.

This fascination with the corporate aspects of banking underpins my enthusiasm for transactional law, as it combines my passion for deal-making with legal expertise. It is also why I am particularly drawn to firms with a strong focus on M&A and private equity, where I can merge these interests into a dynamic and impactful career.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: andrecsaa

Amma Usman

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 7, 2024
937
1,143
would people say there's still point in applying to bird&bird or would it likely not even get screened at this point

Hey @member7830 , most firms receive the bulk of their applications nearer the deadline, usually less than two weeks prior. So, I feel you are in a good position to apply now albeit the rolling stance.
 

James Wakefield

Legendary Member
Premium Member
Oct 7, 2024
271
710
Just logged in to check my TW application after all the website bugs and errors.

I can see most of my application and that my cover letter is uploaded but I can’t see the answers to the job-specific answer questions. Anyone having the same problem?
 

Amma Usman

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 7, 2024
937
1,143
The Importance Of A Support System During This Journey

The law firm application process can be a challenging and emotionally demanding journey, and having a strong support system can make a world of difference.

For me, my support system was my close friend, who was also navigating the same application cycle. Together, we shared the highs and lows, celebrating when we received assessment centre invites and consoling each other through rejections. Having someone who truly understood the process made it easier to stay motivated and keep going.

That said, support systems don’t always have to be individuals. They can also take the form of activities, routines, or even moments of joy that help you recharge and find balance. Personally, I found solace in my evening walks, where I could clear my mind, and in learning something new, which gave me a sense of accomplishment beyond applications. Treating myself to my favourite desserts also became a small but meaningful ritual that reminded me to take care of myself.

Whether it’s a friend, a hobby, or a quiet moment to yourself, finding something that supports you emotionally and mentally during this process is invaluable.

It’s important to remember that your well-being is just as important as the goals you’re working towards.
 

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
15,310
21,389
I’m surprised Skadden has said that they’d get back with outcomes only 2 weeks after their deadline.

Reading ~2k(?) applications within the space of 2 weeks seems remarkably impressive for what I believe is a 1-2 person recruitment team.

Perhaps that’s normal? Or, perhaps they started screening applications before the deadline
There might be more than 2 people reviewing forms - they can get the broader HR team to support or even get lawyers to support.

Even if that wasn’t the case, it is possible to read 2000 in two weeks even by one person - it’s completely mind numbing but it is possible (I’ve done it many times!).
 

Tattyasha

Esteemed Member
Premium Member
Jan 15, 2023
84
347
Just logged in to check my TW application after all the website bugs and errors.

I can see most of my application and that my cover letter is uploaded but I can’t see the answers to the job-specific answer questions. Anyone having the same problem?
I tried to do the same and it gives me the same error message it did previously which is worrying. I have confirmation of submission but no confidence they can actually view it. Hope I’m wrong but tempted to email them
 
  • Like
Reactions: peachlemonade

A worried graduate

Legendary Member
Mar 25, 2024
315
190
Anyone here have a solution for using Vantage/Candid

It currently loads up an outdated version of my work experience which is especially annoying as it is in the wrong order (oldest first).

Anyone here have a solution for it as I have contacted Rare themselves and even they said they don’t have one?

No idea how they can save my application data from 6 months ago but not my most recent.
 
  • Like
Reactions: gazdgazd11

AlegalA

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Dec 4, 2023
228
454
Just logged in to check my TW application after all the website bugs and errors.

I can see most of my application and that my cover letter is uploaded but I can’t see the answers to the job-specific answer questions. Anyone having the same problem?
I've just had a look and the job-specific questions sections didn't even exist anymore! Don't worry it's not just you 😭 😂 Their website is a bit of a nightmare
 

desperateTCseeker1998

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Jan 1, 2023
431
503
Anyone here have a solution for using Vantage/Candid

It currently loads up an outdated version of my work experience which is especially annoying as it is in the wrong order (oldest first).

Anyone here have a solution for it as I have contacted Rare themselves and even they said they don’t have one?

No idea how they can save my application data from 6 months ago but not my most recent.
Yeah mine does this too and it’s so annoying!!! Let me know if you find a solution, I’m thinking of maybe asking them to wipe it and then it’ll save the next version I apply with?
 
  • Like
Reactions: A worried graduate
D

Deleted member 21782

Guest
I’m surprised Skadden has said that they’d get back with outcomes only 2 weeks after their deadline.

Reading ~2k(?) applications within the space of 2 weeks seems remarkably impressive for what I believe is a 1-2 person recruitment team.

Perhaps that’s normal? Or, perhaps they started screening applications before the deadline
Hey

I was once told at an insight evening that the firm has a graduate recruitment committee. This comprises of mostly associates (all levels of seniority) who screen say 200 apps each.

Hope this helps. Good luck with it all :)
 

SoonToBeTrainee

Legendary Member
  • Dec 29, 2023
    141
    334
    There might be more than 2 people reviewing forms - they can get the broader HR team to support or even get lawyers to support.

    Even if that wasn’t the case, it is possible to read 2000 in two weeks even by one person - it’s completely mind numbing but it is possible (I’ve done it many times!).
    That’s very impressive!
    Hey

    I was once told at an insight evening that the firm has a graduate recruitment committee. This comprises of mostly associates (all levels of seniority) who screen say 200 apps each.

    Hope this helps. Good luck with it all :)
    Wow that is really interesting, thank you!
     

    About Us

    The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

    Newsletter

    Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.