TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Apple]

I’d be interested to know… does having a first or consistent firsts from a RG uni (non-RG doesn’t apply to me in this instance) have any advantage anymore given that people with stellar academic records are still being rejected.

I’m still clueless as to work experience as I have the typcial probono, retail and few consulting projects, and law firm open days. Which I’m sure just as many applicants have- if not better.

It’s hard to figure out how to make myself a better candidate and in regards to which aspect.

Grades are part of the application and considered holistically, there is definitely an advantage to having a first, it just isn't everything.

 

[l789]

Grades are part of the application and considered holistically, there is definitely an advantage to having a first, it just isn't everything.

Thank you for your input… I’m just confused about everything right now.

 

[Chris Brown]

I’d be interested to know… does having a first or consistent firsts from a RG uni (non-RG doesn’t apply to me in this instance) have any advantage anymore given that people with stellar academic records are still being rejected.

I’m still clueless as to work experience as I have the typcial probono, retail and few consulting projects, and law firm open days. Which I’m sure just as many applicants have- if not better.

It’s hard to figure out how to make myself a better candidate and in regards to which aspect.

I think it’s about being well-rounded. Firms are likely to want to see evidence of academic ability from university and school, work experience, extra-curriculars and then most importantly, strong answers for all the application questions.

Some firms tend to take a holistic approach and choose candidates who excel in one of those areas but then it is possible that other firms would want to see everything.

Then it comes down to skills, qualities, attributes and competencies I think. Some firms might list all of their expectations that they tick off. 🥲

Most firms just expect to see a 2:1 but a 1st is an extra bonus. Some specify consistent 2:1 across all modules. Some ask for strong 2:1 or high 2:1. 🥲

 

[l789]

I think it’s about being well-rounded. Firms are likely to want to see evidence of academic ability from university and school, work experience, extra-curriculars and then most importantly, strong answers to the application questions.

Some firms tend to take a holistic approach and choose candidates who excel in one of those areas but then it is possible that other firms would want to see everything.

Honestly it’s been so difficult to balance pushing towards a first in each module and worked part time- (20+ hours a week) and then probono and volunteering on the side. Plus a range of extracurriculars.

I feel coming from a lower socio-economic background I’ve really had to seek out leadership and other opportunities to just learnt the basics.

I feel disheartened because I have a lot of competencies/skills to draw on but it doesn’t feel like enough- so I’m always looking for more opportunities, and then there’s the grey area of being rejected with first class grades.

Nothing feels like enough - I’m so restless at night, thinking about what I can improve about my candidacy and as a person.

 

[aspiringlawyer5]

Does anyone know what Gateley is looking for in their application when they ask "Please provide relevant detail and information from your work experience to date."?
There are no other questions other than one about whether you have done the Forage work experience - any advise would be great! Is the application also rolling? Don't know if I have any chances if it is, deadline is tomorrow I am pretty sure, but just going to try my luck anyways!

 

[Apple]

Honestly it’s been so difficult to balance pushing towards a first in each module and worked part time- (20+ hours a week) and then probono and volunteering on the side. Plus a range of extracurriculars.

I feel coming from a lower socio-economic background I’ve really had to seek out leadership and other opportunities to just learnt the basics.

I feel disheartened because I have a lot of competencies/skills to draw on but it doesn’t feel like enough- so I’m always looking for more opportunities, and then there’s the grey area of being rejected with first class grades.

Nothing feels like enough - I’m so restless at night, thinking about what I can improve about my candidacy and as a person.

If you have multiple extracurriculars, good grades, and work part-time, you are already a great candidate, I don't think trying to take on more things would be worth it/beneficial.

I have a similar background to you but with a 2:1, and it definitely hasn't stopped me progressing to interviews with MC and US firms. Keep pushing!

 

[Chris Brown]

Honestly it’s been so difficult to balance pushing towards a first in each module and worked part time- (20+ hours a week) and then probono and volunteering on the side. Plus a range of extracurriculars.

I feel coming from a lower socio-economic background I’ve really had to seek out leadership and other opportunities to just learnt the basics.

I feel disheartened because I have a lot of competencies/skills to draw on but it doesn’t feel like enough- so I’m always looking for more opportunities, and then there’s the grey area of being rejected with first class grades.

Nothing feels like enough - I’m so restless at night, thinking about what I can improve about my candidacy and as a person.

I fully empathise with how you feel. I also come from a lower socio-economic background. The jump from a comprehensive state school to a RG university is super intense. 🥲🥲

In my experience this cycle, I included everything like part-time jobs, extracurriculars, virtual law internships, open days, virtual events, positions of responsibility, etc. In terms of academics, I have a high 2:1 (68-69%).

This cycle I have managed to progress with Willkie and White & Case. The above hasn’t hindered my progress just yet.

The fact you are working part-time whilst also juggling extracurriculars and academics is very impressive. 🤩

The skills, competencies and qualities you have gained are more than enough. I think you are a truly excellent candidate!!

Keep pushing and don’t give up just yet! It only takes that one yes! 🙂

 

[Kakaboo]

Anyone know what Gateley is looking for in their application when they ask "Please provide relevant detail and information from your work experience to date."?
Given that there aren't any other questions apart from one about their Forage work ex, should the answer to this read like a cover letter? Like what I've done, what I've learned and how the skills apply to Gateley?

Hello, just clarifying this is literally the only question no why Gateley or anything? Because I dont want to push submit and of missed something haha

 

[aspiringlawyer5]

Anyone heard back post-app from Fieldfisher (granted I did apply on the deadline day), Squire Patton Boggs or DWF? I applied to all by their deadlines and it has been really quiet - worried they are PFOs..

I would understand Fieldfisher- I did apply on deadline day, but nothing from the others which I don't think were rolling.

 

[Chris Brown]

Anyone heard back post-app from Fieldfisher (granted I did apply on the deadline day), Squire Patton Boggs or DWF? I applied to all by their deadlines and it has been really quiet - worried they are PFOs..

I would understand Fieldfisher- I did apply on deadline day, but nothing from the others which I don't think were rolling.

I saw someone mention on the forum that SPB would be responding by the end of this week or early next week.

Best of luck in your application to SPB! I went to their open day in Manchester and they seem like a great firm!

 

[AS24]

Hiya @AS24

Well done on getting to the VI stage! While the questions may have changed, when I did the V&E VI, we were given 1 minute to think of our answers and 1 minute and 30 seconds to respond. There was one motivational question, and the rest focused on personality and past experiences. Overall, I’d encourage you to really think about your interest in both V&E and commercial law, making sure your answer is specific and structured clearly. I'd also encourage you to have a think about your own skills and unique experiences to date.

More generally, I really think the key to a strong video interview is staying calm, directly answering the question asked, and structuring your response in a way that makes it easy for the viewer to follow. You definitely don't want to pack everything you know about the firm into your response; just the stuff that's most important, relevant, and compelling. I also firmly believe that practising out loud and even recording yourself will help you refine your delivery over time and sound more natural. Try to avoid sounding overly rehearsed (no reading from scripts!), and just have some bullet points ready during your 1 minute preparation time to help you sound slightly more natural.

Good luck!

Thank you @Ram Sabaratnam

 

[RANDOTRON]

Does anyone know what Gateley is looking for in their application when they ask "Please provide relevant detail and information from your work experience to date."?
There are no other questions other than one about whether you have done the Forage work experience - any advise would be great! Is the application also rolling? Don't know if I have any chances if it is, deadline is tomorrow I am pretty sure, but just going to try my luck anyways!

Hi, I did not apply to Gateley, but I'd do what's on the tin: talk about what you did during your work experience, skills you developed, etc. If you want it tailored, read around what trainees at Gateley typically do and pick out what skills that requires, and you should get a sense of what skills they are looking for. True Picture and Legal Cheek should have this info.

Hope this helps.

 

[RANDOTRON]

Hi @Jessica Booker do you have any advice when answering this question: "In the legal field, it is widely recognised that artificial intelligence (AI) will play an increasingly important role in boosting efficiency. Client relationships will continue to be essential. What approach do you think law firms should adopt to strike a balance between the two?" or what sought of things are firms looking for in the answer? Thank you

What's the word limit?

 

[RANDOTRON]

Hello, just clarifying this is literally the only question no why Gateley or anything? Because I dont want to push submit and of missed something haha

If you do not see any other questions on their form, then there are no further questions. If they wanted to ask, they would.

 

[Legalgirl]

Covington AC! If anyone has any insights please lmk would really appreciate any tips 🙏

For reference, I applied on the deadline lol!

 

[Chris Brown]

Covington AC! If anyone has any insights please lmk would really appreciate any tips 🙏

For reference, I applied on the deadline lol!

Congrats 🥳

 

[NJS]

Is anyone else starting to get resentful? I feel like I have made so many sacrifices for the TC cycle and so far there's been no good news. I know people always say 'if you want it badly enough just keep going', but how badly does one ever want employment? 😭 I want to work as a lawyer and I want a job. That's all. This is beginning to feel like a waste of my time. Like paralegals get exploited and paid so little and everyone keeps doing these roles until they land a TC...I feel like I would be progressing more if I was doing something else. Negative dump post, sorry guys.

Feel the exact same way, I know this won’t really be worth it tbh

 

[NJS]

Anything from Goodwin post VI?

 

[A worried graduate]

Walker Morris rejection.

Same

Walker Morris rejection.

And me

 

[laurenn42]

Does anyone know if the Ropes & Gray deadline is midnight on the 31st or earlier?