TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Chris Brown]

Hi guys- does anybody know off the top of their head which deadlines today are non-rolling before I go ahead and search? Thank you!

Ropes and Gray and Orrick are both non-rolling and the deadline is today. 🙂

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

My ropes and gray answer is 325 words... do I need to pump those numbers up to reach closer to 500?😭😭

I think Jessica has previously said that the most an answer should be below the word limit is around 10%? Might be misremembering but pretty sure

 

[Mug Fan]

So it’s looking unlikely that I will get a vac scheme this year 🙃 Is it worth applying to a few direct TCs? I’m career changer and plan on starting the gdl in the fall. It would be ideal to have an offer before then but I’m just wondering how realistic that is? I graduated from architecture and have worked in practice for about 1.5 years, but it seems like most people who get a direct TC worked as paralegals beforehand.

Working full time and going through the application process has been torturous. I don’t want to put myself through it again unless there’s some hope.

I’d say do it. There aren’t that many that are still open anyway so might as well give it a shot. I’m a career changer too and I’ve got an AC for a DTC coming up and am waiting to hear back after VI for multiple others.

 

[Amma Usman]

My ropes and gray answer is 325 words... do I need to pump those numbers up to reach closer to 500?😭😭

There are two ways to view this. On one hand, if it is the only application question on the form, then you will ideally want to spend as much words covering all the relevant aspects, backed up with specific examples. On another hand, meeting the word count exhaustively when you do not have much to say, may come at the expense of tarnishing the quality you have already built. That said, I do know that the ropes question asks one to cover three qualities their lawyers must have. In 300 words, you may not be able to cover this fully. Thus, I would personally try to up the word count by critiquing your own work and deducing what would make it better when added.

 

[ashwright]

Question for anyone who has received a WG from Freshfields - how soon after completing the Online Assesment did you receive the WG?
Thank you so much!

edit: in reference to the direct TC

 

[legalxp2]

Question for anyone who has received a WG from Freshfields - how soon after completing the Online Assesment did you receive the WG?
Thank you so much!

is this for direct TC?

 

[Katy12345]

Does anyone know for AG if you can be considered for a direct TC if successful at the AC? The app name is 2025 Placement Scheme / 2027 Training Contract / Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship so I am assuming (praying there is that possibility). Is it worth asking their recruitment?

 

[ashwright]

is this for direct TC?

Yes, apologies, I should've added that

 

[EA95]

PW assessment invite

 

[ashwright]

PW assessment invite

INCREDIBLE!! congratulations - you're going to smash it 🍀 🥳 🥳

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi everyone,

It is quite disappointing that I have to step in and moderate the earlier disputes. This is a gentle reminder that the forum is a space for support, not conflict. We’re all on this journey together, and it’s important that we uplift and encourage one another. Let’s keep the discussions positive and constructive as we head into the weekend.

Wishing you all a great one!

 

[Deleted member 23778]

I have just received a VS offer. They ask about any reasonable adjustments I might need. I have Aspergers. I have never been on a vac scheme so not sure about the format and so not sure what adjustments might be needed (I'd likely know once I start the scheme and have reflected on my experience, but I suppose that will be too late). Any suggestions on how to go about this? Or just insight into adjustments people have previously gotten.

[Based on recent discussions on the forum, I feel the need to caveat by saying I am not looking to game the system. I have gotten reasonable adjustments backed by evidence at ACs. But this was because I knew what to request based on my prior experiences. I have no idea about what a VS looks like].

 

[EA95]

INCREDIBLE!! congratulations - you're going to smash it 🍀 🥳 🥳

Thank you

 

[elsx]

I have just received a VS offer. They ask about any reasonable adjustments I might need. I have Aspergers. I have never been on a vac scheme so not sure about the format and so not sure what adjustments might be needed (I'd likely know once I start the scheme and have reflected on my experience, but I suppose that will be too late). Any suggestions on how to go about this? Or just insight into adjustments people have previously gotten.

[Based on recent discussions on the forum, I feel the need to caveat by saying I am not looking to game the system. I have gotten reasonable adjustments backed by evidence at ACs. But this was because I knew what to request based on my prior experiences. I have no idea about what a VS looks like].

Hi,
I can't help you with the adjustements but just wanted to congratulate you!!!

 

[TC seeker]

Congrats on the AC, mind if I ask when you completed your VI?

I literally just came on to ask what the usual turnaround time is and saw you’d posted!

I completed it on Tuesday this week

 

[User24]

Akin AC
Goodwin VI
Weil VI
W&C VI
Dechert Written Task
Willkie Written Task
Linklaters
HSF VS
Reed smith AC
Macfarlanes AC
Addleshaw Goddard AC

12 applications, 5 ACs, 1 rejection

Successful with HSF and got an offer

Waiting for Weil, Linklaters, W&C and Goodwin.
Weil said 2 weeks but nothing yet. I saw a summer VS for Linklaters today, was that the fast track individuals.

Akin AC
Goodwin VI
Weil VI
W&C VI
Dechert Written Task
Willkie Written Task
Linklaters
HSF VS
Reed smith AC
Macfarlanes AC
Addleshaw Goddard AC

12 applications, 5 ACs, 1 rejection

Successful with HSF and got an offer

Waiting for Weil, Linklaters, W&C and Goodwin.
Weil said 2 weeks but nothing yet. I saw a summer VS for Linklaters today, was that the fast track individuals.

Congrats! That is amazing. I have an AC with HSF coming up, do you have any tips on how to prepare/ any resources that helped you?

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi guys- does anybody know off the top of their head which deadlines today are non-rolling before I go ahead and search? Thank you!

Hi there!

I’ve linked our deadlines thread here for both VS’ and TC’s - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....4-25-with-rolling-non-rolling-checklist.8957/

Training Contract Deadlines 2024/25 (Training Starting in 2027)

Hey friends! We have put together a list of firms currently recruiting trainees via the direct training contract application route. We hope this makes things easier for those of you looking to apply, especially if you aren’t able to do a vacation scheme. The list below is mainly for training...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[Deleted member 23778]

Hi,
I can't help you with the adjustements but just wanted to congratulate you!!!

Thank you!!

 

[lawaspirant!]

Hi there, I appreciate that this is mainly for vacation scheme discussion, but in light of recent VS rejections does anyone know the chances of securing a TC without prior legal experience/vacation scheme places etc?

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

He literally asked “does anyone know what I can get”.

“Has anyone been successful in getting the questions in advance”

I’m sorry, but how is anyone reading that not going to have alarm bells ringing?

It sounds exactly like they’re trying to game the system. If they really wanted to know what adjustments they were entitled to, they would not come on here trying to see what other adjustments people have got.

That’s like saying you’re allergic to nuts and can’t eat nuts and require dietary restrictions because some random user like “bigboy101” on TCLA is allergic to nuts. Please explain this logic to me?

Well it isn't actually the case.

For example, the diagnosis and support plan does not cover SJTs or interviews as they aren't usual at school or uni. However firms do offer alternates for SJTs for those with diagnosis of different SEND based on which SEND they have.

So whilst the person may have phrased their questions differently perhaps stating what adjustments might they offer for people with aspergers/dyslexia/discalxulia for SJTs and interviews and other types of tests that weren't cover by an educational psychologistreport. Adjustments in the workplace aren't the same as adjustments at school/uni so aren't always covered in reports/support plans prepared for those settings.

Asking about getting questions in advance might well be a reasonable adjustment for a student who was used to getting copies of lecture slides in advance to assist with their note taking.