TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[OliverTwist]

Hiya @OliverTwist

Completely agree with @Jessica Booker here, and this is basically the approach I adopted when applying to Orrick. I tried to use the cover letter to discuss/address “why me” and use examples/points that didn't fit neatly into my "why Orrick"/ "why commercial law" answers. As Jess mentioned, the cover letter is a great place to highlight what interests you about Orrick’s culture or any experiences you might have had meeting people at the firm.

To avoid overlapping with the “why Orrick” question, I tried to focus my answer to that question on the firm's practice area strengths and sectoral expertise. Orrick's quite unusual combination of not only tech expertise, but also energy and finance expertise made it stand out to me compared to other firms that I'd applied to, including Cooley and Vinson & Elkins. They'd also worked on really interesting EC/VC matters that allowed me to distinguish them from the other US-headquartered firms in London whose client bases typically encompass key private equity firms and their portfolio companies.

By dedicating the cover letter to address why you and what it is about the culture/training at the firm that interests you, I think you can avoid repetition when answering the "why Orrick" question. You'll also be using the “why Orrick” question to focus directly on specific areas where the firm excels, like their strengths in technology, energy, or venture capital, etc.

Hope this helps and good luck with the application!

Hey thanks for the in-depth answer, no one does it quite like you Ram! ☺️

The firm's emerging companies/tech/VC practice areas are what has drawn me to the firm. Did you explicitly mention how the firm differs to Cooley, Brown Rudnick, Goodwin etc?

I have followed a similar approach for the why Orrick, mentioning my interest in VC/EC and where how this has developed through my current work. I then go on to talk about their unique qualities, but I haven't mentioned explicitly the other firms I am comparing and contrasting against.

I will be sure to hammer home the culture/small trainee intake etc in the covering letter.

 

[Misty Meanor]

Anyone heard from Weil post VI? Don't even care if it's an acceptance or rejection, just want to be able to move on with my life

 

[OliverTwist]

This should be part of TCLA's core curriculum

A part of a longer series on how to tailor every aspect of your life to law firm applications. 😅

 

[CG_101]

anyone got White and Case VI insights?

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hey thanks for the in-depth answer, no one does it quite like you Ram! ☺️

The firm's emerging companies/tech/VC practice areas are what has drawn me to the firm. Did you explicitly mention how the firm differs to Cooley, Brown Rudnick, Goodwin etc?

I have followed a similar approach for the why Orrick, mentioning my interest in VC/EC and where how this has developed through my current work. I then go on to talk about their unique qualities, but I haven't mentioned explicitly the other firms I am comparing and contrasting against.

I will be sure to hammer home the culture/small trainee intake etc in the covering letter.

Thank you, friend!

I didn’t directly compare Orrick with other firms in my answers. Unless the question specifically asks you to (like, “Who are our competitors, and how do we differ from them?”), I’d generally advise against drawing explicit comparisons in applications. Instead, I used those contrasts during the drafting/outline stage to think critically about what made Orrick unique and to ensure I wasn’t writing something that could just as easily apply to their competitors. It helped me clarify their USPs and focus my answers on what truly sets them apart. Hope this helps! Good luck!!!!

 

[OliverTwist]

Thank you, friend!

I didn’t directly compare Orrick with other firms in my answers. Unless the question specifically asks you to (like, “Who are our competitors, and how do we differ from them?”), I’d generally advise against drawing explicit comparisons in applications. Instead, I used those contrasts during the drafting/outline stage to think critically about what made Orrick unique and to ensure I wasn’t writing something that could just as easily apply to their competitors. It helped me clarify their USPs and focus my answers on what truly sets them apart. Hope this helps! Good luck!!!!

Nice one! Thanking you

Have a great weekend!

 

[jacksollaf]

Gibson Dunn VI invite this morning! Does anyone have any tips? Would truly be much appreciated; my interview is this Monday. Applied on the 11th of October, attended last year's first-year insight scheme.

 

[elizabethkate]

if i havent heard from cooley, do i assume pfo now?

 

[CHLTC]

After countless applications, I continue to be rejected.



I know rejection is something everything goes through, but honestly, and without sounding overly cocky, I’m quite shocked I’ve not had a single Vac Scheme offer, ever.



Quick summary:

• Corporate paralegal in London for 2 years
• 1st class degree at undergraduate from Russell group.
• Distinction in GDL
• fluent in multiple languages
• Multiple post grad degrees both from LSE in Corporate Law and in M&A. Bear in mind, these gave me the academic knowledge necessary to bridge the gap between theoretical academic law from the GDL to real work in a commercial law firm.
• pro bono advisor at a legal clinic for a year, and still do.
• Other legal roles including for trusts and for barristers

I sometimes wonder what else I can even do!



If they said bad grades, I would say fine, but I couldn’t have done better at undergraduate and GDL.



If they said, no work experience, I would say fine, but I have 3 different ongoing legal roles, including my paralegal role in a London city law firm, which clearly shows my experience - quite frankly, my paralegal role has given me some experience that even being a trainee would not.



I got to 2 AC’s last year. But got rejected after both.



This year, I still have a couple applications in the pipeline, but I’m honestly not hopeful at all. I will mention that an American firm which I attended their AC last year, this year failed me on the first round. Which, tbh, I don’t see how that makes any sense. With 1 year extra experience, suddenly I can’t get past the first stage, but last year I reached the last stage ? That to me makes no sense. I don’t mean to be rude, but I think that is BS!



What’s stopping me from giving up, after spending years studying and working in law?



If I did any other profession, I’d be so much further along, but I made the terrible mistake of wasting my time with law.

@Jessica Booker
@Jaysen

 

[AlegalA]

I mean before the AC after completing the WG! I completed mine monday and got sent an email a few days ago saying they are reviewing them all and to hear back by the end of feb but im just worried this is a preemptive PFO haha. Huge congrats btw!

They sent me this as a confirmation I'd completed the WG test?
"Thanks very much for completing the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal as part of your application for our 2025 London summer scheme.

We're currently in the process of reviewing all applications, so please bear with us while we assess them all. We can't give you an exact date, but you'll hear from us by the end of February at the latest on the next steps. If at any time you want to access your application, please visit our recruitment site."

But not another email ONLY saying they're reviewing them...

 

[VMS]

After countless applications, I continue to be rejected.



I know rejection is something everything goes through, but honestly, and without sounding overly cocky, I’m quite shocked I’ve not had a single Vac Scheme offer, ever.



Quick summary:

• Corporate paralegal in London for 2 years
• 1st class degree at undergraduate from Russell group.
• Distinction in GDL
• fluent in multiple languages
• Multiple post grad degrees both from LSE in Corporate Law and in M&A. Bear in mind, these gave me the academic knowledge necessary to bridge the gap between theoretical academic law from the GDL to real work in a commercial law firm.
• pro bono advisor at a legal clinic for a year, and still do.
• Other legal roles including for trusts and for barristers

I sometimes wonder what else I can even do!



If they said bad grades, I would say fine, but I couldn’t have done better at undergraduate and GDL.



If they said, no work experience, I would say fine, but I have 3 different ongoing legal roles, including my paralegal role in a London city law firm, which clearly shows my experience - quite frankly, my paralegal role has given me some experience that even being a trainee would not.



I got to 2 AC’s last year. But got rejected after both.



This year, I still have a couple applications in the pipeline, but I’m honestly not hopeful at all. I will mention that an American firm which I attended their AC last year, this year failed me on the first round. Which, tbh, I don’t see how that makes any sense. With 1 year extra experience, suddenly I can’t get past the first stage, but last year I reached the last stage ? That to me makes no sense. I don’t mean to be rude, but I think that is BS!



What’s stopping me from giving up, after spending years studying and working in law?



If I did any other profession, I’d be so much further along, but I made the terrible mistake of wasting my time with law.

@Jessica Booker
@Jaysen

Sorry you're going through this! A lot of us have felt/do feel the same.

Did you get feedback from the ACs? What did they say were your weaknesses? Perhaps by working on them you can ensure any AC you get in the future may be more successful.

EDIT: also, there are multiple firms where if you do an AC and are unsuccessful they won't interview you again. Was that firm one of them perhaps?

 

[legallycece]

Has anyone interviewed with Fieldfisher in the last two weeks and heard back? Direct TC

Interview yesterday, she said I would hear back Monday or Tuesday next week !

 

[CHLTC]

Sorry you're going through this! A lot of us have felt/do feel the same.

Did you get feedback from the ACs? What did they say were your weaknesses? Perhaps by working on them you can ensure any AC you get in the future may be more successful.

EDIT: also, there are multiple firms where if you do an AC and are unsuccessful they won't interview you again. Was that firm one of them perhaps?

Thank you.

I got the feedback and I took it onboard. I was hoping this year I would show them that I have learnt based on that feedback, yet, as I say, the American firm I give as an example did not even progress me to the second stage. so no change to show them how I have progressed since

 

[Amakaa]

Gibson Dunn VI invite this morning! Does anyone have any tips? Would truly be much appreciated; my interview is this Monday. Applied on the 11th of October, attended last year's first-year insight

Wow huge congrats. Attended the insight day last year too and submitted on the 24th October. I am still keeping my fingers crossed!

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

Does cooley give WG feedback?

Also- has anyone done the Bristow's VI yet and is willing to share insights? I'm happy to share info about various vi's and ac's + insights I got from Bristow's IP workshop pm me!

 

[lawstudent2]

Has anyone heard back from Birketts London after receiving the longlist application sent to partners email?

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

After countless applications, I continue to be rejected.



I know rejection is something everything goes through, but honestly, and without sounding overly cocky, I’m quite shocked I’ve not had a single Vac Scheme offer, ever.



Quick summary:

• Corporate paralegal in London for 2 years
• 1st class degree at undergraduate from Russell group.
• Distinction in GDL
• fluent in multiple languages
• Multiple post grad degrees both from LSE in Corporate Law and in M&A. Bear in mind, these gave me the academic knowledge necessary to bridge the gap between theoretical academic law from the GDL to real work in a commercial law firm.
• pro bono advisor at a legal clinic for a year, and still do.
• Other legal roles including for trusts and for barristers

I sometimes wonder what else I can even do!



If they said bad grades, I would say fine, but I couldn’t have done better at undergraduate and GDL.



If they said, no work experience, I would say fine, but I have 3 different ongoing legal roles, including my paralegal role in a London city law firm, which clearly shows my experience - quite frankly, my paralegal role has given me some experience that even being a trainee would not.



I got to 2 AC’s last year. But got rejected after both.



This year, I still have a couple applications in the pipeline, but I’m honestly not hopeful at all. I will mention that an American firm which I attended their AC last year, this year failed me on the first round. Which, tbh, I don’t see how that makes any sense. With 1 year extra experience, suddenly I can’t get past the first stage, but last year I reached the last stage ? That to me makes no sense. I don’t mean to be rude, but I think that is BS!



What’s stopping me from giving up, after spending years studying and working in law?



If I did any other profession, I’d be so much further along, but I made the terrible mistake of wasting my time with law.

@Jessica Booker
@Jaysen

Heya @CHLTC

I'm sure @Jessica Booker and @Jaysen would have much more insight here, but completely understand how frustrated and disheartened you must feel. I’ve had several paralegal friends express very similar thoughts to me. You clearly have some experience under your belt and good grades, so it’s completely understandable that you feel stuck trying to figure out what else you can do.

One thing I’ve noticed is that the requirements for training contracts can differ significantly from what firms value in paralegals. Training contract recruitment often tests a broader range of skills - not just technical knowledge and experience but also how well you craft tailored applications, perform in interviews, and demonstrate softer skills like teamwork, negotiation, and effective communication in group settings. This can make the process feel much more unpredictable (and onerous), even for experienced candidates. I struggled with this myself, and it took support from friends working in the City and the TCLA community to learn how to write better applications that hit the mark and present myself effectively in interviews.

Your experience is a real strength, so I’d encourage you to focus on framing it in a way that aligns with what firms look for in trainees. From speaking to paralegals who successfully transitioned to training contracts, I’ve noticed that the challenge is often not the experience itself but how it’s presented in applications and interviews. Additionally, I’d encourage you to keep seeking feedback, whether for applications or interviews, and find a way to action that feedback in future applications or assessment centres.

You’re clearly doing all the right things, so don’t lose hope. This process can feel opaque, but the cycle isn’t over yet, and I really hope you’re pleasantly surprised soon. We’re here to help if you have questions about tailoring applications or refining interview answers. Good luck and don't give up - you DO have what it takes!

 

[Tintin06]

After countless applications, I continue to be rejected.



I know rejection is something everything goes through, but honestly, and without sounding overly cocky, I’m quite shocked I’ve not had a single Vac Scheme offer, ever.



Quick summary:

• Corporate paralegal in London for 2 years
• 1st class degree at undergraduate from Russell group.
• Distinction in GDL
• fluent in multiple languages
• Multiple post grad degrees both from LSE in Corporate Law and in M&A. Bear in mind, these gave me the academic knowledge necessary to bridge the gap between theoretical academic law from the GDL to real work in a commercial law firm.
• pro bono advisor at a legal clinic for a year, and still do.
• Other legal roles including for trusts and for barristers

I sometimes wonder what else I can even do!



If they said bad grades, I would say fine, but I couldn’t have done better at undergraduate and GDL.



If they said, no work experience, I would say fine, but I have 3 different ongoing legal roles, including my paralegal role in a London city law firm, which clearly shows my experience - quite frankly, my paralegal role has given me some experience that even being a trainee would not.



I got to 2 AC’s last year. But got rejected after both.



This year, I still have a couple applications in the pipeline, but I’m honestly not hopeful at all. I will mention that an American firm which I attended their AC last year, this year failed me on the first round. Which, tbh, I don’t see how that makes any sense. With 1 year extra experience, suddenly I can’t get past the first stage, but last year I reached the last stage ? That to me makes no sense. I don’t mean to be rude, but I think that is BS!



What’s stopping me from giving up, after spending years studying and working in law?



If I did any other profession, I’d be so much further along, but I made the terrible mistake of wasting my time with law.

@Jessica Booker
@Jaysen

Have you done Subject Access Requests? They might be a last resort. Try asking for some more info. Failing that, the SAR can help.

Often it’s hard to stand out. How are you selling your experience? Some will be more useful, obviously. Multiple postgraduate degrees aren’t necessarily essential.

Others can probably offer better advice. This is just my perspective here.

 

[James Wakefield]

Have you done Subject Access Requests? They might be a last resort. Try asking for some more info. Failing that, the SAR can help.

Often it’s hard to stand out. How are you selling your experience? Some will be more useful, obviously. Multiple postgraduate degrees aren’t necessarily essential.

Others can probably offer better advice. This is just my perspective here.

I was considering whether to look at SARs to get scores/feedback firms wouldn’t otherwise give. Is this a good idea though or just likely to annoy the companies?

Has anyone gained useful information by doing these that has helped with applications, or are they just a distraction?

 

[CallumJR]

After countless applications, I continue to be rejected.



I know rejection is something everything goes through, but honestly, and without sounding overly cocky, I’m quite shocked I’ve not had a single Vac Scheme offer, ever.



Quick summary:

• Corporate paralegal in London for 2 years
• 1st class degree at undergraduate from Russell group.
• Distinction in GDL
• fluent in multiple languages
• Multiple post grad degrees both from LSE in Corporate Law and in M&A. Bear in mind, these gave me the academic knowledge necessary to bridge the gap between theoretical academic law from the GDL to real work in a commercial law firm.
• pro bono advisor at a legal clinic for a year, and still do.
• Other legal roles including for trusts and for barristers

I sometimes wonder what else I can even do!



If they said bad grades, I would say fine, but I couldn’t have done better at undergraduate and GDL.



If they said, no work experience, I would say fine, but I have 3 different ongoing legal roles, including my paralegal role in a London city law firm, which clearly shows my experience - quite frankly, my paralegal role has given me some experience that even being a trainee would not.



I got to 2 AC’s last year. But got rejected after both.



This year, I still have a couple applications in the pipeline, but I’m honestly not hopeful at all. I will mention that an American firm which I attended their AC last year, this year failed me on the first round. Which, tbh, I don’t see how that makes any sense. With 1 year extra experience, suddenly I can’t get past the first stage, but last year I reached the last stage ? That to me makes no sense. I don’t mean to be rude, but I think that is BS!



What’s stopping me from giving up, after spending years studying and working in law?



If I did any other profession, I’d be so much further along, but I made the terrible mistake of wasting my time with law.

@Jessica Booker
@Jaysen

Get your application reviewed by TCLA. This is an amazing service and helps to improve your application. The feedback they provide is extremly insightfull!