TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Andrei Radu]

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?

I definitely would not assume rejection, firms have very different response times for a variety of reasons. In some cases I had to wait for two months to get an AC invite. But to address your question, I think most ACs take place in February, but there are definitely some also being held in March and April.

 

[Sam field]

My application for WBD was not saved, however, I still advanced to the assessment stage. I feel like everyone who applied automatically received an invitation.

 

[Andrei Radu]

does anyone know what the longest time firms take post AC to respond to you if you got an offer is? I had an AC on Monday last week, so it's been almost two weeks and still haven't heard back. Is this likely a rejection because I see people usually getting offers the day after their AC or do firms still send out acceptances even two weeks later?

When I interviewed with Slaughter and May it took them around a month to get back to me and I ended up receiving a VS offer. With Milbank, I only heard back two weeks afterwards and also got an offer. While some firms will respond very quickly, others spread out ACs over a longer period of time and/or simply have more drawn out decision-making processes. As such, there is not much you can infer from the wait time. I know how difficult it is, but try to get your mind off what the outcome will be. I found it useful to channel the post-AC anxiety into applications-related efforts; as that kind of work made me feel like at least I was doing all I could to prepare for the worst case scenario.

 

[tc2025hopeful]

Wondering if people usually send a thank you note/email post-interview? (and if so what length/saying what)? I've heard mixed things...

 

[legallyells]

Congrats! Can I asked which branch you applied in for CRS and when did you receive the invitation.

London and received just after 12 this afternoon!!!

 

[legallyells]

Was this for the London TC or VS?

london placement scheme !

 

[dm_corporate]

Does anyone know what Kirkland and Skadden's policy on reapplying post video interview and interview respectively are?

Thanks

 

[sapphireoreos]

Holding email from CRS made tooo excited I thought I got a VI 🥹

Is this for London? If so, when did you get it and when did you apply? Worried a PFO is incoming …

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

Does anyone know what Kirkland and Skadden's policy on reapplying post video interview and interview respectively are?

Thanks

Many US firms like Kirkland and Weil don’t re-interview. They don’t advertise this, but I’ve spoken to senior partners at the firms who confirm that this in the case. It would make it a lot easier if they were transparent about it…

I’m not sure on Skadden though, as I personally have no experience with the firm.

I do partly understand why some firms don’t re-interview, but it is incredibly frustrating! People change! Also, it’s crazy to me that someone can have a bad day on a single AC, feel unwell, or just be unlucky, and then that firm will purposely never interview you again. It just doesn’t even seem logical.

Our chances become slimmer and slimmer each year 😢

 

[Star Light]

I have currently booked a slot on Allhires booking system - I want to amend the slot but if my preferred slot is not available, would I be able to reselect the original slot I booked. Thank you.

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

Is this rule the case even if someone had EC/MC on the day of their AC?

I don’t really understand the reasoning behind it either tbh.

A lot of firms do also re-interview. It’s kinda on a firm-by-firm basis as to who re-interviews or not though.

Generally, I’d say it’s more likely that a US would not re-interview than a UK firm

 

[Legalstalker]

Is this rule the case even if someone had EC/MC on the day of their AC?

I don’t really understand the reasoning behind it either tbh. Guess it helps filter numbers. 🥲

With Acs they may take a fit to sit approach. Otherwise you’d reschedule?

 

[ysr567]

Out of curiosity, how many work experiences should we be listing. I did a lot of extra curriculars inside and outside of uni that amounts to around 15 from sixth form up until now. I have a feeling that this is in a way holding me back and getting me the PFOs. Should I be including all of them or limit them to what I mention in my application form plus a couple extra relevant ones.

 

[Thom&as]

It's a bit of a late update as I found out exactly two weeks ago, but I got an offer for the HSF Spring VS!

Following a string of rejections last year where I had just fallen short at the final stages, I had doubts about whether I was good enough for commercial law. Reflecting on these experiences, I can say for sure that perseverance pays off.

It might seem unfair, but luck definitely plays a part in whether you succeed. Whether it's in the form of a news article you stumbled across, or an area of law you explored in depth at uni, what's important is that you put in the effort to take advantage of the moments where luck is in your favour, and that you keep putting in the effort with the faith and confidence that your time to shine will come.

Although I might not be the most active on this platform, a lot of the materials and discussions here have helped tremendously. Thank you to everyone for fostering such a supportive environment, and good luck to everyone yet to receive their offer!

 

[Miss Chocolate]

Holding email from CRS made tooo excited I thought I got a VI 🥹

What's a holding email?

 

[Ricky]

Many US firms like Kirkland and Weil don’t re-interview. They don’t advertise this, but I’ve spoken to senior partners at the firms who confirm that this in the case. It would make it a lot easier if they were transparent about it…

I’m not sure on Skadden though, as I personally have no experience with the firm.

I do partly understand why some firms don’t re-interview, but it is incredibly frustrating! People change! Also, it’s crazy to me that someone can have a bad day on a single AC, feel unwell, or just be unlucky, and then that firm will purposely never interview you again. It just doesn’t even seem logical.

Our chances become slimmer and slimmer each year 😢

I previously interviewed at Weil in 2021. I got through to video interview again this cycle.

 

[bangarangbass39]

Lewis Silkin rejection post app

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

I previously interviewed at Weil in 2021. I got through to video interview again this cycle.

They continue to put people through the process, but then won’t progress to AC.

Perhaps there’s a very very slim chance that they change their mind or you slip through the net. But, I’ve spoken to the partners in charge of recruitment at these firms, and unfortunately they are very clear that they do not re-interview

 

[tdbaby]

is this for summer?

Yeah it is

 

[Legalstalker]

I suppose so. I was thinking about last minute things like maybe falling ill the day of the AC or something. Would a firm be able to reschedule at short notice? Sometimes they have limited AC days.

I guess it depends if there are dates available after the original one and the type of illness.

common cold/flu may impact the way you sound in your interview but the content shouldn’t be as you’d have prepared prior to becoming sick. Sore throat may affect participation in group exercises so that’s very understandable. migraines/headaches etc is down to the individual to decide how severe they are. Only illness I'd personally reschedule an AC for is period cramps. You’d never catch me at an AC with that. I’ve done video interview whilst being bed bound, tests after throwing up etc 😂 I guess it depends on how much you want it…​