TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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- Sep 7, 2024
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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.
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Any tips for making it past the final interviews/case studies for vac schemes? I've noticed I struggle with the negotiation and the case study, especially from the POV of analysing commercial scenarios (like one company buying another or analysing a loan agreement). Would be grateful for any advice as I've now had 2 rejections 
Email the original firm politely and say you have to withdraw from the scheme, then accept the second one.
- Sep 7, 2024
- 974
- 1,191
I think you always have the option to withdraw from the first firm if you receive an offer from the second and you prefer them. That said, you could also explore whether either firm can accommodate different vacation scheme dates or offer a direct training contract process. I don’t think there’s a need to conceal your new offer, since firms expect that candidates requesting a change typically do so because they have a competing opportunity.
I have tagged the rest of the team here as I am sure they may have additional thoughts on this: @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu
Not sure if I'm making this up but I think I saw on the thread a couple weeks ago that they were not opening DTC applications this year.
Someone pls jump in case I dreamt it or somethig
Hi Guys,
Can anyone help and give tips about gaining paralegal experience at corporate/commercial practice, either in-house or private?
I have applied for a few VS’s and TC’s, and majority have been rejections. The ones I’m still waiting a response from will likely be rejections, so I’m considering applying for paralegal positions at commercial practices.
I know they are extremely tough and competitive to get into, but I think this may be the next logical step to improve my chances of being successful with future applications, should I apply in the next cycle.
Any assistance will be appreciated.
Thanks
Can anyone help and give tips about gaining paralegal experience at corporate/commercial practice, either in-house or private?
I have applied for a few VS’s and TC’s, and majority have been rejections. The ones I’m still waiting a response from will likely be rejections, so I’m considering applying for paralegal positions at commercial practices.
I know they are extremely tough and competitive to get into, but I think this may be the next logical step to improve my chances of being successful with future applications, should I apply in the next cycle.
Any assistance will be appreciated.
Thanks
Just sharing in case anyone is waiting to hear from these firms post-app still:
Mishcon PFO earlier this week post-app.
Simmons & Simmons PFO today post-app. They didn't actually say it was unsuccessful just that they are at capacity - I doubt they even checked applications after a certain date, on the day I applied (the deadline day) I had a feeling all their ACs had been scheduled already anyways.
Just waiting to hear from 2 firms then my cycle is over!
Mishcon PFO earlier this week post-app.
Simmons & Simmons PFO today post-app. They didn't actually say it was unsuccessful just that they are at capacity - I doubt they even checked applications after a certain date, on the day I applied (the deadline day) I had a feeling all their ACs had been scheduled already anyways.
Just waiting to hear from 2 firms then my cycle is over!
Anyone else also hasn't heard from Simmons & Simmons post-app? Seems strange that no one even mentioned an AC or anything on the forum yet...
Has anyone heard from Mishcon post-VI?
DACB London AC invite this morning!
For context, in case ppl are still waiting- did the test on the 25th of Jan and was in the 95th percentile. Applied 6th of Jan.
For context, in case ppl are still waiting- did the test on the 25th of Jan and was in the 95th percentile. Applied 6th of Jan.
Someone on LinkedIn got an offer for the Summer Scheme 3 months ago, so they may have all been given by now
Well, speaking of the devil; just received a PFO from Simmons & Simmons
They're definitely monitoring this thread.
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