TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[lala_17]

does anyone have any insights to the Linklaters or Macfarlanes AC? happy for pms if ppl prefer!

 

[Defnefresko]

I have some advice if that helps, not saying I’m an expert at all but I hope this helps! As a caveat I’ve passed 2/3 I have taken this cycle so far and ones for big 4 where I work now in consulting.

If the question asks about skills you think are key to success as a trainee

Go through each example, explain why it’s key and give an example e.g., attention to detail when reviewing documents/contracts and if there is time link back to you and an example of how you have this skill.

If it’s a competency based question star method is key! At the end if you can link back to how the example will help you succeed as a trainee that’s beneficial too.

Try to look at the camera and smile all you can it can ease your nerves.

Thank you very much ! This is very helpful.

 

[ria_s01]

forsters PFO post video interview lol

 

[trainee4u]

Hello all,

I had a general question to ask regarding the idea of self funding the SQE. I already have my GDL.

This will be my fourth round of applying to VS/TCs, next year my 5th, and im coming to a point now where 1) I’m wondering it this is all worth it. And 2) whether I should go ahead and complete my SQE.

I have always feared that self funding the SQE shows 2 negative things:
1) you are in a fortunate position to do so. One that others do not have. And I’m afraid it could demonstrate a certain privilege. A privilege that firms may take badly.
2) if you’re self funding, then clearly, no one wanted to fund you. Maybe a slightly negative outlook on things, but I could see law firms thinking this. “Hmm, no one wanted to pay for this person's SQE, so maybe this candidate isn’t great?”

I’d love to know what people think. I’m really considering now moving on and funding it myself. I don’t think re applying might do me any good at this point.

Hi,
I did SQE1 during the break at the end of my PGDL. I have not done SQE2.

My thoughts:

1) if you've done a (P)GDL there should be no need for a prep course for SQE1, there's really nothing hard or difficult to understand without teaching, just lots and lots of content, and it's a bit of a waste of time honestly doing prep courses for SQE1. IDK what the syllabus was like when you did yours, but my PGDL had SQE1-type exams for all modules (along with 2 modules with oral, 4 with written exam, and 2 with coursework). So the cost is not that exorbitant, just a few hundred for books, pus the exam.
2) Some firms are now moving towards offering apprenticeships instead of TCs, with integrated SQE. If you've done SQE at all, you might be ruled out of these. However, this is perhaps 2% of firms, so not hugely significant.
3) I passed my SQE1 at 98th percentile (FLK1) & 95th percentile (FLK2) (they don't publish these percentiles, I extrapolated them being downloading the data by doing 'view source' on their stats pages). I definitely could have been better prepared and was slightly dissatisfied with my FLK2, but I'd say overall that these are good results. Realistically first quintile (which they do publish, and which some firms ask about) is sufficient to make you better.
4) Some firms ask for SQE1 for paralegal, so it does help. Albeit paralegal still v. competitive.
5) I feel in some way that having SQE1 on my CV is beneficial and in some ways it's not, as you've still got firms hiring two years out, so it's like "what are you going to do with yourself"?
6) I can't really see that your self-funding & privilege points are particularly valid. If you can get paralegal work that would surely help!

 

[trainee4u]

Sorry to hear. is this post app or post vi?

applied 12 January, PFO today; nothing in between.

 

[Lawpersonhopefilly]

Have people heard from linklaters post app?

 

[wanttosolicit]

Hi everyone, this is my first cycle applying. In previous years, whenabouts did the last AC invitations go out for Summer Vacation Schemes? For firms that haven't got back to me at this stage, when can I assume that it's going to be a rejection?

 

[ashwright]

does anyone have any insights to the Linklaters or Macfarlanes AC? happy for pms if ppl prefer!

Apologies, I don't have any insights but may I ask when you heard back from Linklaters and for which scheme? Thank you so much & all the best for both 🫶🫶

 

[slot123]

I have some advice if that helps, not saying I’m an expert at all but I hope this helps! As a caveat I’ve passed 2/3 I have taken this cycle so far and ones for big 4 where I work now in consulting.

If the question asks about skills you think are key to success as a trainee

Go through each example, explain why it’s key and give an example e.g., attention to detail when reviewing documents/contracts and if there is time link back to you and an example of how you have this skill.

If it’s a competency based question star method is key! At the end if you can link back to how the example will help you succeed as a trainee that’s beneficial too.

Try to look at the camera and smile all you can it can ease your nerves.

Hi Katy, I hope you don't mind but I have private messaged you a question. No worries if you are too busy to reply!

 

[Adithi]

Hey guys, I recently did the Dechert WE and I was wondering if those who got an AC or a PFO, how long did it take for the firm to get back to you?

 

[aphelion]

Hello all,

I had a general question to ask regarding the idea of self funding the SQE. I already have my GDL.

This will be my fourth round of applying to VS/TCs, next year my 5th, and im coming to a point now where 1) I’m wondering it this is all worth it. And 2) whether I should go ahead and complete my SQE.

I have always feared that self funding the SQE shows 2 negative things:
1) you are in a fortunate position to do so. One that others do not have. And I’m afraid it could demonstrate a certain privilege. A privilege that firms may take badly.
2) if you’re self funding, then clearly, no one wanted to fund you. Maybe a slightly negative outlook on things, but I could see law firms thinking this. “Hmm, no one wanted to pay for this person's SQE, so maybe this candidate isn’t great?”

I’d love to know what people think. I’m really considering now moving on and funding it myself. I don’t think re applying might do me any good at this point.

@Jaysen
@Jessica Booker

I'm on my 5th cycle and have also considered self-funding. Ultimately I decided it wasn't worth it for me. My reasoning is that the sorts of firms we're applying to all sponsor the SQE for their trainees, and if I don't get a TC offer then there's no point having done the SQE exams, so self-funding is really just spending a ton of money on something you should be getting for free with no real benefit to it. Others may feel differently though.

Edit: this does not take into account firms that don't sponsor the SQE, as Katy12345 pointed out! If you're interested in such firms then I think it is more worth it to self-fund.

 

[Katy12345]

Hello all,

I had a general question to ask regarding the idea of self funding the SQE. I already have my GDL.

This will be my fourth round of applying to VS/TCs, next year my 5th, and im coming to a point now where 1) I’m wondering it this is all worth it. And 2) whether I should go ahead and complete my SQE.

I have always feared that self funding the SQE shows 2 negative things:
1) you are in a fortunate position to do so. One that others do not have. And I’m afraid it could demonstrate a certain privilege. A privilege that firms may take badly.
2) if you’re self funding, then clearly, no one wanted to fund you. Maybe a slightly negative outlook on things, but I could see law firms thinking this. “Hmm, no one wanted to pay for this person's SQE, so maybe this candidate isn’t great?”

I’d love to know what people think. I’m really considering now moving on and funding it myself. I don’t think re applying might do me any good at this point.

@Jaysen
@Jessica Booker

Let me add some insight that there’s quite a few law firms who only take people who self fund!

Hi Katy, I hope you don't mind but I have private messaged you a question. No worries if you are too busy to reply!

I have responded!

 

[elsx]

Howden VI !

 

[Broadwater]

Hello all,

I had a general question to ask regarding the idea of self funding the SQE. I already have my GDL.

This will be my fourth round of applying to VS/TCs, next year my 5th, and im coming to a point now where 1) I’m wondering it this is all worth it. And 2) whether I should go ahead and complete my SQE.

I have always feared that self funding the SQE shows 2 negative things:
1) you are in a fortunate position to do so. One that others do not have. And I’m afraid it could demonstrate a certain privilege. A privilege that firms may take badly.
2) if you’re self funding, then clearly, no one wanted to fund you. Maybe a slightly negative outlook on things, but I could see law firms thinking this. “Hmm, no one wanted to pay for this person's SQE, so maybe this candidate isn’t great?”

I’d love to know what people think. I’m really considering now moving on and funding it myself. I don’t think re applying might do me any good at this point.

@Jaysen
@Jessica Booker

If it’s a prep course combined with an LLM then it can feasibly be funded by a postgraduate loan i.e. it can’t be deduced whether you have paid a lump sum for it (unless you’re an international student I guess).

Even if it could be deduced, it certainly wouldn’t count against you for reasons of “privilege” or whatever. Both self-funding and applications from wealthy student (they can be mutually exclusive) are commonplace; law firms would be alienating a huge pool of strong candidates if they shunned these people

 

[sapphireoreos]

Forsters PFO post-VI This is the second rejection I've had this cycle after a video interview and I'm worried because I have another one coming up. If anyone who has progressed after a video interview has any advice for me I would really appreciate it.

Sorry to hear that I finally managed to progress after a VI after getting continually post-VI PFOs last cycle (for law and non-law jobs). I’d say the biggest thing is practice, practice, practice—especially for the big three questions! @Andrei Radu’s post on competency interviews was invaluable in my prep and was a key part in my success. But I think it’s important to remember there’s a lot of luck involved too! You can have perfectly good answers but have it not go your way for whatever reason

 

[l789]

does anyone have advice for cappfinify tests!

A structured protocol and foolproof method that is guaranteed to pass.

 

[Addicted2chikin]

Hey guys, I recently did the Dechert WE and I was wondering if those who got an AC or a PFO, how long did it take for the firm to get back to you?

Is this for summer?

 

[lala_17]

Apologies, I don't have any insights but may I ask when you heard back from Linklaters and for which scheme? Thank you so much & all the best for both 🫶🫶

a few days ago for the summer one! there seem to be slots going into the next few weeks so imagine they're working thru apps atm

 

[AS24]

Has anyone done a Bristows written exercise and can offer some insight?

 

[simplyfaith]

Does anyone have any pre-AC imposter syndrome advice?

I have my first AC on Tuesday & feeling very much like an imposter & I feel it’s affecting my prep.

The first video and the couple of minutes timestamped in the second video helped me, maybe they'll help you.

After enough experience and exposure, engaging with those at all levels, this positive mindset will become ingrained in you.

Something else I like to keep in mind is that the roles we are applying for are not anything to be intimidated by in themselves. Their importance is inflated by the big numbers involved with clients, and the high thresholds for entry due to competition. Maybe it's just me, but realising that black letter law is the same for everyone was comforting. Of course, the stakes vary considerably, but it's something to keep in mind. Best of luck 🙏