TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Chris Brown]

Well, just applied for the placement at Stephenson Harwood, really solid i think but just hoping that they actually read it since the deadline is literally today

I think they review on a rolling basis but don’t make decisions until after the deadline. I think they will read every single application and then shortlist people for the online test thing, which is another Amberjack. I’m dreading it because I still haven’t recovered from the Paul, Weiss Amberjack test trauma lmao. 😂​

 

[TheGeek12]

is anyone applying for other vacation schemes? (or placements)

 

[LawHopeful1]

no, they didnt send it to me (unless it's something you do while applying, cuz in my email inbox, there's literally nothing besides a thank you for applying)

That’s odd, I’m pretty certain the test is automatic and should have been in the ‘thank you for applying’ email.

 

[jojo23]

I think they review on a rolling basis but don’t make decisions until after the deadline. I think they will read every single application and then shortlist people for the online test thing, which is another Amberjack. I’m dreading it because I still haven’t recovered from the Paul, Weiss Amberjack test trauma lmao. 😂​

Oh no, I'm having reed smith flashbacks 💀

 

[Starfish31]

I submitted my Stephenson Harwood application literally like two minutes ago too lol 😅 - I honestly think it is just down to what you prefer. I did a placement year so technically have a year of legal experience, but I much prefer spending time at the firm rather than going straight to a TC assessment day so I applied for the placement instead.

Best of luck whichever you choose!!

Two minutes ago? Try using the midnight deadline as fuel to type faster and faster - wish me luck!

 

[abbiewhitlock03]

Two minutes ago? Try using the midnight deadline as fuel to type faster and faster - wish me luck!

Haha! I started it this afternoon so I’m pretty impressed I managed to finish it (although maybe not my best work…)

Best of luck - you got this! 💪🏼

 

[Toomanypfo]

I submitted my RWK Goodman app at around 10pm and only realised they posted on LinkedIn that they close at 5pm. My app still went through on AllHire tho and I got a confirmation email as well. What should I do

 

[jojo23]

Two minutes ago? Try using the midnight deadline as fuel to type faster and faster - wish me luck!

Submit it 1 min before the deadline- hardcore mode

 

[toad92]

its about to be march so latham was either lying to me or they lost my application🫠

 

[toad92]

Submit it 1 min before the deadline- hardcore mode

aim to do this then lose track of time and panic submit it at 0:02 has been my style once or twice😶

 

[toad92]

my eyes hurt after writing 1800 words, chat am i cooked for my final year summative essays

 

[ysr567]

I submitted my RWK Goodman app at around 10pm and only realised they posted on LinkedIn that they close at 5pm. My app still went through on AllHire tho and I got a confirmation email as well. What should I do

NO WAY!! I just submitted mine an hour ago, I assumed the deadline was 23:59 because allhires was still open!

 

[confusedbird]

its about to be march so latham was either lying to me or they lost my application🫠

istg i just know that if any of us try and contact them they will either - a) say they stated that they will aim/were hoping to respond by then OR b) continue to ignore us

 

[trainee4u]

absolutely rookie numbers with the applications today.

Did:

• Devonshires - spent quite a long time researching this, bit of a tedious process
• Peters & Peters - much of this was copy+paste, but again the research of the firm
• Winckworth Sherwood - did an appallingly bad application last year, this one was better
• Beale - wrote something random about cladding, the standard research stuff, plus four copy+paste-type generic questions
• Stephenson Harwood

Didn't do:

• Howard Kennedy - absolute nonsense application form: 500 words each on "Reflecting on your personal experiences, strengths and values, explain why you are pursuing a career as a Solicitor.
  With this in mind, drawing on your research of Howard Kennedy, identify specific examples of our work, culture and values that have led to your interest in training here." "Describe a situation from your personal or professional life where you had to adapt quickly to meet someone's needs.
  
  Explain the steps you took to address the situation and how your actions contributed to the final outcome.
  
  What did you learn from this experience, and how will it help you to meet clients' needs in your role as a Trainee Solicitor at Howard Kennedy?" "
  Identify one specific market trend or legal development that relates to one of our recent client projects, deals, articles or case studies.
  
  Explain how this impacts Howard Kennedy and propose how we might position ourselves to address these challenges or opportunities?" "
  Describe a time when you faced a professional, personal or academic challenge that required resilience.
  
  Reflect on what you learned from this and explain what you would do differently if given the chance.
  
  How did this experience mirror a challenge you might face as a trainee solicitor?"
  
  
• RWK Goodman - not interested in the practice areas at all.

 

[A worried graduate]

Consider it flirting at this point

Almost as bad as the workday applications that say that your experiences were impressive

 

[A worried graduate]

just got a rejection for Shoosmiths placement (stong application though - not sure if that means anything). completed SH but not as sure about that.
I have this sinking feeling that I'm gonna be back next year

Based on the assessment criteria etc

I’d guess that having a “strong” comment means that the initial benchmark was passed for the application to make the proper pool

 

[Starfish31]

Haha! I started it this afternoon so I’m pretty impressed I managed to finish it (although maybe not my best work…)

Best of luck - you got this! 💪🏼

Got the job done!

 

[abbiewhitlock03]

Got the job done!

Let’s gooooo! 😮‍💨💪🏼

 

[simplyfaith]

Has anyone tried submitting an intentionally awful application, just to see if they would come back and say "while we were impressed with your application..." 🤣

 

[NJS]

Last time I’ll ask, anyone heard Sidley Austin summer? Just wondering if the March deadline they gave is a PFO