TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Hopefully2025]

Is there anyone who's not heard anything from Travers Smith post app? Is there any chance of them offering any more interviews now that a decent few people have received VS offers?

 

[legallycurly]

DACB ac London office

 

[Applebanana425]

Anyone heard from HL this week post ac?

 

[fTS3002]

Are people still waiting to hear back from Davis Polk post app for Summer scheme? Since people have already had interviews a month ago, what can we expect if we haven't heard back?

 

[ilovegardening1111]

DACB ac London office

Congratulations !!! do you mind me asking when you applied/took the test?

 

[kokoprep]

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

what does this mean? Meaning if we did not hear by march, its a PFO?

 

[legallycurly]

Congratulations !!! do you mind me asking when you applied/took the test?

I applied on the deadline and took the test on the 18th of Feb!

 

[zeydi]

Does anyone know when we can hear back from Bristows first round of interview?

 

[Future$trainee]

Got a rejection email from DAC Beachcroft for TC, despite not even applying.

Catching strays for no reason😂

 

[jacksollaf]

Daily chest unlocked: DACB pfo 🥳🥳

Considering applying to a few DTC to keep myself entertained for the rest of the semester 😅😂:

Ashurst DTC
White & Case DTC
Dentons DTC
Hill Dickinson DTC
K&L Gates DTC
Mayer Brown DTC

 

[jta227]

Does anyone have any advice ?

I have an upcoming DTC interview with slaughters.

I also have 3 vac schemes, all with US firms with smaller cohorts.

As part of the interview they ask about application strategy?
- Shall I not mention them and say different firms I applied for but then it seems like I have had an unsuccessful season if they ask how I have got on (such as macfarlances , linklaters, etc)
- one of the VS is with a US firm focused on corporate work, and have a trainee intake of about 25. I could mention them for similar work but again training is v different.
- mention all the vac schemes and be totally honest about strategy- wanted firms where I will get to work on high calibre corporate work and firms that I’ve met.

I think the schemes will make me seem like a stronger candidate but also I worry they will not think I WANT slaughters enough because of them.

Also in the event they were to offer me a TC, does anyone know if they extend- I really want to do the schemes and I don’t know what I would pick honestly.

- I have heard of them extending before, not sure if blanket policy or case by case basis.
- I would mention your successful applications as coming across like an in demand candidate is a positive in my opinion. There are probably similarities you can draw if you look deeply enough, and at the end of the day as long as you can convey your motivations towards Slaughter and May across the entire interview I would think you'd be fine. Your portfolio (3 US vac schemes + Slaughter and May) seems identical to @Andrei Radu so maybe he can offer some more insight.

Good luck!

 

[lawelmo]

DACB Manchester PFO

 

[NJS]

what does this mean? Meaning if we did not hear by march, its a PFO?

Yeah probably I think

 

[legallycece]

Anyone still not heard anything back from RPC ?

 

[Heartofglass]

Withers PFO for summer VS today

 

[Lapistuskin]

hi everyone! does NRF no longer have the Direct Training Contract route? I couldn't find it on the application portal

 

[sapphireoreos]

Withers PFO for summer VS today

Hey, sorry to hear that. Did you get a PFO post-test or post-app?

 

[helloj]

Anyone not heard back from white & case or latham post app still? Waiting on the PFO lol

 

[Amma Usman]

hello @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman

i have an ac scheduled on 12th march but the dates of this scheme clash with the dates of a vac scheme offer i have already accepted. is there any point in going through the prep and doing the ac?

I think it really comes down to weighing your priorities and considering which firm is the better fit for you long-term. Have you taken the time to compare both firms in terms of culture, practice areas, training opportunities, and overall career trajectory?

Some things to consider include:

• Long-term career prospects - Which firm aligns more closely with your career goals? Consider factors like practice area strengths, international opportunities, and secondment options.
• Training and development - How structured and comprehensive is the training at each firm? Look at feedback from current trainees, the level of responsibility given early on, and the support available.
• Firm culture and working environment - Have you spoken to trainees or associates at both firms? Understanding the work culture, team dynamics, and overall firm ethos could be crucial in making your decision.
• Retention rates and progression - What percentage of trainees stay on as associates? I would not look at these figures so closely though, as they may change every year and for various factors beyond the nature of the firm itself.
• Reputation and deal flow - Consider the firm’s standing in the market and the type of work you’d be exposed to. Are they industry leaders in your areas of interest?
• Personal preference and gut feeling - Beyond the tangible factors, which firm excites you more? Where do you see yourself thriving?

Going ahead with the AC ultimately depends on which opportunity matters more to you. Have you also considered the possibility of later reaching out to either firm to see if they’d allow you to defer to another scheme? If this is something that is possible, you should aim to recommend deferring to a scheme within this cycle though, as deferring to future cycles is less common among firms. I have tagged @Jessica Booker here as I’m sure she’ll have more thoughts.

 

[tomsmitg]

Hi, I was wondering if you sign a vacation scheme offer what then happens if you lter get a clashing scheme you would rather do instead ?