TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[BobThebIlly]

Hi guys! Just wanted to say Eid Mubarak to everyone who celebrates it! I know I’m going to enjoy it so I hope you all do too 😄

 

[Chris Brown]

Eid Mubarak to everyone that will be celebrating (either tomorrow or Monday)! I hope you guys all had a blessed and enjoyable ramadhan! 🥳​

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

DWF vacation scheme invite yesterday post AC!

What a way to start the weekend! Good luck with the scheme!!! Live your best unbothered life, staying hydrated and moisturised!!!

 

[Legallywhatever]

I have tended to notice that firms rely on the amberjack/cappfinity tests less than what people think unless there’s a benchmark such as at Clifford Chance , Shoosmiths and some others.

VIs , the form and the CV / background carry more weight.

I don't even wanna talk about how the VI went... I didn't think I would be nervous but when it came down to it??? Shaky, quiet voice was really in full force lol 😭

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Any disadvantages to doing an AC online for Vac Scheme ?

Hiya @LiveLaughLawyer


I think @Jessica Booker and @Amma Usman and @Andrei Radu might have more to add here, but wanted to get something to you. I'd just caveat that these are based on my own experiences, and they may not necessarily resonate with you (you might actually find you thrive in virtual ACs).
From my experience, I've sometimes noticed that it could be slightly more challenging to build rapport with others involved with the AC. In a physical setting, there are natural chances to chat with assessors and other candidates before the formal assessments start, during breaks, or over lunch. During virtual ACs, by contrast, I've found that the day can feel more formal and scheduled, which can make it easy to miss those small moments that help you connect with others more easily.

I'm generally a quite expressive person, and find it easy to communicate well on Zoom calls/chats. However, I've had several friends who've found it tougher to communicate clearly during virtual ACs. Body language doesn’t come across the same way, and making eye contact over Zoom just isn’t the same as when you're sitting across table from your interviewers. Some of my friends have mentioned that they've had a harder time 'reading the room' or telling how an answer/comment has landed, which can also make it more difficult to adjust in real time.

Finally, I’d just keep in mind that what feels private in a virtual setting isn’t always private. During one virtual AC I took part in, we found out that the internal messaging system was visible to graduate recruitment. This worked against a few candidates who had been a little too casual in their chats with others. It’s a good reminder to stay professional throughout and don’t assume that grad rec can’t see or read something just because it feels like a private space.

Good luck with the virtual AC!

 

[trainee4u]

Hiya @LiveLaughLawyer


Good luck with the virtual AC!

I assume from the question, perhaps wrongly, that LLL is doing a virtual AC for logistical reasons, while rival candidates are doing it in person. I might be wrong though?

 

[👩🎓]

I think to stand out in paralegal applications you will have to focus on many of the same aspects you would in a VS/TC application. In reviewing your work, I would advise you to do the following:

• Is your why the firm reasoning persuasive? Do you identify the firm's unique selling points and market position and explain why you prefer it to its rivals?
• Do you have a good why commercial law answer? Does your reasoning explain why you prefer law to any other career, and why you prefer working for business other than any other type of client?
• Do you sell yourself as a candidate by identifying your most relevant skills and achievements and explaining their importance for the job?
• Is your writing structured, clear, concise, and easy to follow?
• Do you link all your motivations and claims about skills with examples of experiences and achievement? Did you properly explain those experiences using a STAR structure?

Besides this, I think you should also ensure you show your understanding of the differences between the role of a paralegal and a trainee; and to explain why your motivations/skills at this stage make you a good fit for the former.

Thank you so much.

 

[jacksollaf]

Hi guys, i have an AC next week with King & Spalding and was wondering if anyone had any advice? anyone previously been at their AC?

 

[johnnysins]

Hi guys, i have an AC next week with King & Spalding and was wondering if anyone had any advice? anyone previously been at their AC?

Massive congratulations on this btw! Which intake did you apply for if I may ask?

 

[Gr33n]

Has SH sent out tests for summer VS?

 

[jacksollaf]

Massive congratulations on this btw! Which intake did you apply for if I may ask?

thanks! I applied for the September 2027 intake if I am not mistaken

 

[floral.tcla]

Hi all and Eid Mubarak to those celebrating!!!

Unsure if this is the right place to discuss it, but for Linklaters ‘link up’ event next week,
from the email, it seems like they provide both lunch and dinner, but they just said that lunch and refreshments will be provided throughout the day. what do other people think?

 

[futuretrainee!]

Hi all! Is anyone able to confirm if Farrer's deadline is tonight (11:59 p.m.)? The website says today, but I'm unsure whether it's anytime earlier than just before midnight. Thanks!

 

[A worried graduate]

I don't even wanna talk about how the VI went... I didn't think I would be nervous but when it came down to it??? Shaky, quiet voice was really in full force lol 😭

Everyone is the same

 

[NJS]

If anyone had done the K&S AC please could you DM me, i provide insights to a whole bunch of firms

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi all! Is anyone able to confirm if Farrer's deadline is tonight (11:59 p.m.)? The website says today, but I'm unsure whether it's anytime earlier than just before midnight. Thanks!

The general rule is that applications will be open until 23:59 on the day of the specified deadline. A minority of firms will close applications at 12:00 (at noon) instead, but in my experience this always comes with an express notice. Since for Farrer nothing of the sort is mentioned in the FAQ or the applications page, and since as of this time it seems the applications portal is still open, I think it is very likely the general rule will hold true.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi all! Is anyone able to confirm if Farrer's deadline is tonight (11:59 p.m.)? The website says today, but I'm unsure whether it's anytime earlier than just before midnight. Thanks!

As it’s a Sunday, it’s unlikely to be anything but 23.59 tonight as there would be little logic is closing at any other time when there isn’t any working hours today.

 

[amy2602]

Hi guys! Not sure that this is the right place to post, but I thought people may have some experience/insight into this.

I have an upcoming summer VS, and I was wondering if you knew when I would start my TC if I am successful in the VS? I'm guessing I would start in 2027 (Start/mid intake??), and I understand this is dependant on the firm's intake availability. If correct, what do people do for that year's gap between starting the SQE?? Should I try and get a headstart with the content/structure also?

Paralegaling/working is ideal for me, but has anyone had any experiences on what to do?!

Thanks in advance, a slightly confused final year!!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi guys! Not sure that this is the right place to post, but I thought people may have some experience/insight into this.

I have an upcoming summer VS, and I was wondering if you knew when I would start my TC if I am successful in the VS? I'm guessing I would start in 2027 (Start/mid intake??), and I understand this is dependant on the firm's intake availability. If correct, what do people do for that year's gap between starting the SQE?? Should I try and get a headstart with the content/structure also?

Paralegaling/working is ideal for me, but has anyone had any experiences on what to do?!

Thanks in advance, a slightly confused final year!!

I would speak to the firm about this - unfortunately our community won't know the answer to this, only the firm will.

If you are able to start earlier, it may also be the case that the firm has earlier intakes, so it is worthwhile speaking to them and stating an interest in starting earlier if that is something you want to do.

If you did have a year out, I would do anything YOU want to do. It is not important to paralegal or prepare for the SQE before you start the course or your TC. Getting a whole year to do something you want to do is going to be much more difficult after you have started your legal career than it will be now. Many lawyers will tell you to go and do something you want to do rather than something for the career, whether that be travelling, volunteering, working in another industry, further study. You can paralegal if you want to, but its definitely not necessary for your future career.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi guys! Not sure that this is the right place to post, but I thought people may have some experience/insight into this.

I have an upcoming summer VS, and I was wondering if you knew when I would start my TC if I am successful in the VS? I'm guessing I would start in 2027 (Start/mid intake??), and I understand this is dependant on the firm's intake availability. If correct, what do people do for that year's gap between starting the SQE?? Should I try and get a headstart with the content/structure also?

Paralegaling/working is ideal for me, but has anyone had any experiences on what to do?!

Thanks in advance, a slightly confused final year!!

Hiya @amy2602

Just wanted to add to the sage advice of @Jessica Booker! As she mentioned, the start date of your training contract depends quite a bit on the firm. Most firms tend to recruit trainees around two years in advance, so if you’re doing a vacation scheme this year, it’s likely you’d be starting in 2027. That said, some firms do occasionally offer earlier start dates depending on their internal needs. If you’re happy to share which firm you’re applying to, I’d be more than happy to check whether there’s any guidance available (they don’t always make it obvious lol).

In terms of what to do before the SQE, it really comes down to how much time you have and what kind of experience you want to get out of the next year or so. I’d suggest starting to revise the underlying law a few weeks before your SQE prep course starts, just to give yourself a head start (but I wouldn’t worry about going too deep too early unless you really want to). I completely agree with Jess. This is your time before your TC, and you should use it in a way that feels meaningful to you. I spent most of my year working and then took myself off on a long (and fairly intense!) backpacking trip through Asia before starting my SQE prep with ULaw. I had friends who went to live abroad for several months to learn new languages, and others who tried completely different types of work - one of them spent six months working in a Michelin star kitchen learning how to cook pretty incredible food (and now I'm always knocking on his door for a free meal)! Whatever it is, I think it’s really worth making space to do something just for yourself before jumping into a course that’s pretty full-on.

Good luck with your vacation scheme!