TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[CCLaw]

Does anyone else’s parents indirectly put pressure on them or make them feel worse about not having a TC (I’m early 20s)

This morning, I inquired about any reputable dentists in my area to one of my parents as I’ve been saving for dental treatment… their response- “well if you were working in a law firm you wouldn’t have to worry about all of this, you’d have private medical insurance etc etc, why is it taking you so long”

Sorry to hear this, I personally can’t relate to this but I’m also a career changer in my mid twenties. Don’t beat yourself up over it. Everything happens in due time, just keep your head up and keep going. This industry is incredibly competitive, it’s not your fault!

 

[jacksollaf]

RPC pfo 😃 feels like I’m playing a game and daily unlocking a free chest (although here the prize is a PFO😂)
I’m getting pfos everyday

 

[applicationzzzzz]

Hi! Slightly boring question but: I received a VS and signed the offer letter (conditional due to a referencing check). This was a couple of weeks ago now and haven't heard anything back from them, but also have nothing to worry about regarding the reference check. Can I announce that I got the VS on LinkedIn or do I have to wait for formal confirmation of it?

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

K&L rejection just now lol, it’s my first application cycle and I’m learning so much but damn.

Now just waiting to hear back from Gateley/WBD/Latham.

No K&L rejection even though it’s obviously coming as tests went out ages ago… why do firms always leave me in this limbo?

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

On that note, what dates were the Ropes invites sent for? Wondering if they’ve sent out the first week ACs and the second week is coming later

 

[Chris Brown]

On that note, what dates were the Ropes invites sent for? Wondering if they’ve sent out the first week ACs and the second week is coming later

These are the dates on their website about AC and VS. I think people that got AC invites first (sent out yesterday) will probably be doing the first or second date out of the options below:

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[Jessica Booker]

Hi! Slightly boring question but: I received a VS and signed the offer letter (conditional due to a referencing check). This was a couple of weeks ago now and haven't heard anything back from them, but also have nothing to worry about regarding the reference check. Can I announce that I got the VS on LinkedIn or do I have to wait for formal confirmation of it?

Unless its a spring scheme, I wouldn't expect reference checks to happen until mid to late April (possibly even a bit later).

Many people disclose offers before reference checks are completed, especially for training contracts, so I don't see it being an issue if you do want to post it on LinkedIn. You don't have to at the same time though - many people will wait until the scheme starts to do this.

 

[AlegalA]

Could anyone who's done a Taylor Wessing AC today share if they found it hard or if it was okay?
I'm feeling super stressed about this one and would love some insight on it if at all possible.

Edit- mine is tomorrow!!

Thanks guys!

 

[VacSchemer]

RPC pfo 😃 feels like I’m playing a game and daily unlocking a free chest (although here the prize is a PFO😂)
I’m getting pfos everyday

Sorry about the PFO was this before or after completing the WGT?

 

[lawyeringitout]

anyone heard from mishcon post-ac for spring ?

 

[lolololol]

has anyone got a mishcon vi after the first batch?

 

[001hussa]

Anyone heard anything from Harbottle & Lewis?

I haven’t heard anything from them but my friend got an interview invite from them yesterday.

 

[lolololol]

for anyone that has done the wfw ac recently, is there one group exercise or two?

 

[zq522]

Does anyone else’s parents indirectly put pressure on them or make them feel worse about not having a TC (I’m early 20s)

This morning, I inquired about any reputable dentists in my area to one of my parents as I’ve been saving for dental treatment… their response- “well if you were working in a law firm you wouldn’t have to worry about all of this, you’d have private medical insurance etc etc, why is it taking you so long”

Dude im in my early 30s and the pressure is real. Although I often feel like I put that on myself. I've come to learn that we get to where we need to eventually. All that we can do is put in the hard work needed and trust and believe ourselves.

 

[zq522]

has anyone got a mishcon vi after the first batch?

Still waitng to hear back and have emailed them today. While people got VIs last week I heard nothing - either positive or negative.

 

[jacksollaf]

Sorry about the PFO was this before or after completing the WGT?

it was post-WGT, and I asked for my score and it was 73%

 

[jacksollaf]

Does anyone else’s parents indirectly put pressure on them or make them feel worse about not having a TC (I’m early 20s)

This morning, I inquired about any reputable dentists in my area to one of my parents as I’ve been saving for dental treatment… their response- “well if you were working in a law firm you wouldn’t have to worry about all of this, you’d have private medical insurance etc etc, why is it taking you so long”

Damn, that's not the nicest thing to hear, especially from a parent; did you graduate or still studying the LLB? perhaps we may help you in whatever way possible!

 

[EA95]

Is there anyone on here that has corporate paralegal experience?

 

[VacSchemer]

RPC rolling out their PFOs😭

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi, I need help answering the question 'where should we open a new office'. The only answer I have is Saudi Arabia (economic growth etc.) but no clue otherwise, really :/ would anyone be willing to offer their insight please? @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman - thanks!

Hiya @gazdgazd11


I'm sure that @Amma Usman and @Andrei Radu would have more to add here, but just wanted to get my thoughts to you. This question is essentially about demonstrating commercial awareness and understanding how law firms make strategic business decisions. A good answer will depend on the specific firm you're applying to, as different firms have different international strategies. A strong response should first acknowledge the firm’s existing footprint before making a well-reasoned case for a new location.

I think your suggestion regarding Saudi Arabia makes good sense. There's also been plenty of commentary on why law firm expansion into Saudi Arabia is strategically beneficial. This article sets out various reasons for why Saudi Arabia has become particularly attractive to firms in recent years. Apart from economic growth in the region, it mentions other factors, including:

1. Regulatory Reforms: The article mentions that, in 2024, Saudi Arabia introduced legislation facilitating the entry of international law firms. This essentially simplified the process for firms looking to establish a presence in the country.
   
   
2. Economic Diversification: The article mentions Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan, which aims to reduce dependence on oil by investing in sectors like technology, tourism, and infrastructure. This diversification creates a demand for legal services across various industries.
   
   
3. Increased Deal Activity: The economic reforms have led to a surge in mergers, acquisitions, and public-private partnerships, providing ample opportunities for law firms to offer their expertise.
   
   
4. Strategic Location: Many articles on law firms' entry into Saudi Arabia constantly highlight the strategic role such moves play in allowing firms to access the Middle East and North Africa more broadly.

If you decide to change your answer and choose another country/region, I'd encourage you to keep a few things in mind:

• Competition: If the legal market is already saturated, breaking in might be difficult. For instance, when speaking to partners about this question during interviews, I've been told that they find it amusing when candidates say that they should open shop in Brussels and that's partly because Brussels is already a highly saturated legal landscape.
  
  
• Sectoral Strengths: Similarly, you should also approach the question by thinking of the firm’s key sectors. A firm with a strong presence in financial services may prioritise major financial hubs, while one focused on energy or infrastructure might look to emerging markets with significant investment in these sectors.
  
  
• Regulatory Environment: Some countries restrict foreign law firms from practising local law, which could limit the firm’s ability to operate effectively.

Overall, I think if your answer shows that you've considered a range of factors and tied this to some research about the firm, you should be fine. Best of luck with the application!