Spontaneous TC Journey

[LillyandSilver]

I'm so sorry about Goodwin.
I've followed your journey from the start on here and have every faith in you securing a TC from a firm that is worthy of you and your passion. It is genuinely Goodwin's loss. I know the rejection might be raw right now but you secured two VS from very very good firms, your cycle isn't over yet and even if it was you will have come out with so much experience that next year if you choose to apply you'll ace it.
I was feeling pretty down about the state of my future last year and doing a master's was just what I needed to recalibrate and make up for some poor grades in my final year which I thought would turn every firm off me. There are so many options for you.

 

[AlexJ]

Really sorry to hear this, have been following your journey for a while. Although it hurts now, you will be able to take this experience and draw on it in the future. A vac scheme is good experience that you will be able to draw on in future applications. I also encourage you to seek out feedback and apply it to your next vacation scheme, which I have no doubt you will smash.

Goodwin chose to invite you on the VS for a reason, and you would no doubt be able to reach this stage again at a similar firm. You have done so well in your first cycle (I didn't make it past written app stage first time round!) and this will not define you.

 

[Izzy1026]

There is a saying in my culture that goes something like "Everything that happens to you is for a good end and you will come to learn of it gradually". I have also been rejected post-VS on my first VS, I understand the frustration you are going through. But I feel post-VS rejections are never an indication of ability. The way I see it, most of the time, if a firm thinks you are good enough for VS you are technically good enough to be a trainee ie. they already think "This person CAN work here". The VS serves more as a "vibe check" for them to decide "Do I want this person to work here?". And this judgement is almost never objective or fair. There are so many factors at play: your own state of mind, your fellow VS cohort, your supervisor, your exit interviewer (and if they are having a bad day when they interviewed u), business needs ... It is essentially a game of chance and luck. So never take it out on yourself for not getting the TC. The recruiters at other law firms would also see a post-VS rejection as more of a misalignment of fit rather than a testament of your lack of ability. You will find new and better opportunities in the future. With a big law name on your resume now, you will only get offers from even better firms, never doubt that!! Good luck x

 

[futuretrainee2025]

Really sorry to hear this! I also have 2 schemes this year and feel like I messed up my first one (I don't hear back until august!) You're clearly very capable and intelligent. It might be tough to hear but I say really take in the feedback so you smash the next one!!! We've got this and the journey certainly isn't over. Final push my friendddd )

 

[adharfield]

I appreciate the feeling of rejection must be massive for you. Remember the feeling, it means you really wanted it.

You have overachieved in your first cycle securing two vacation schemes when the vast majority don't get something like this until multiple cycles, and to have the experience of a VS before going into a second one is absolutely massive and a privilege. Take the rejection on the chin, get that feedback, and have the confidence to smash the second one. The TC is in touching distance for you, so have that bit of resilience to pick yourself up and smash it.

 

[Hopesandprayers]

So sorry about this, I went through the same thing last year. It is disorienting but in the long run you’ll realise that it was a blessing in disguise. No doubt you will smash the next VS!

I saw your post on Reddit and felt so bad for all the abuse you were getting. Don’t let the naysayers make you quit law and still keep all your options open re the masters and other firms.

 

[Legalstalker]

Thank you to everyone for your messages.

I really appreciate it, i think I needed some time to just chill and reflect and put the experience in the past rather than be upset about something I couldn’t change and potentially affects my outlook on others firms….. it is what it is at the end of the day.

Based off of everyone’s comments I’ll be treating the VS as an application/legal experience boost instead of a TC loss. Considering many of the schemers i thought would be successful weren’t and have summer schemes. I’ll be looking towards to future and not the past.

Anywho back to business. I’m on a bit of a time crunch, I want to hopefully secure a TC this summer allowing me to possibly do the masters in September. I don’t feel comfortable doing the masters without having a plan after it so would not so it if I wasn’t successful. Others may disagree but security is key for me. Next up is my December/ January deadline. I’ve deferred my place at the bar for 1 year so realistically have until January to get a TC until I’m forced to rescind my spot and the scholarship or do it.

Winter VS applications, now I know I probably don’t need to do anymore VS applications having had 2 this cycle but many firms after winter VS offers TC’s before January. This would be a big plus for me and I know many firms like A&O Sherman, White & Case, Sidley etc that have really good conversion rates for their VS. Another good thing for me is no international students (sorry) but this reduces the competition a bit compared to spring and summer schemes!

When I first started my journey I just applied to firms for the sake of it many times I didn’t actually know what I was looking for…. Having done a vacation scheme I know the kind of firm I want to work at ish. I know how to apply myself better in these applications having heard it first from grad rec and partners. They want someone who brings something different and I believe that’s why I got my vacation schemes but personality can only get you so far. I’ve resubscribed to Ziplaw for commercial awareness and will be doing some forage courses online to understand better how to tackle written assessments as this is my weakness.

I will say during my VS I was consumed all too much about what was happening that I didn’t prep for the interview or tasks as much as I should I prepped better for the VS interview than the TC interview which was stupid but lesson learnt.

After all that talking happy to share my minimal list of firms I’ll be applying to for direct TC. You may be wondering why some some firms I’m not applying to. Well that’s either because I don’t want to work there or I applied before so I can’t apply again.


Background I’ve applied to Slaughter and May and Stephenson Harwood already this cycle. I was rejected from Slaughter and May in October not surprised my cover letter was crap but also my first year grades are the best. Luckily I can improve my cover letter and put my all into it, I’ve been doing my cover letter for 3 days as opposed to 30 minutes the last time. I can’t change my first year grades so they’ll just have to look past those and look at the end result (I do have mitigating circumstances)
#firstyeaergradesdontcount

I was invited for SH online tests for their summer scheme whilst I was on my VS and I didn’t do it as I believe I’d convert…. Look at where I am now😂

I also applied to macfarlanes for VS but I didn’t complete the test as I was just too busy. Thank god for that decision as I can do the TC application, spent a while redoing my answers to their questions and familiarising myself with the firm and if I actually wanted to work there.

TLT, KL gates and Trowers I’m still researching these firms I don’t want to make an application unless I can fully apply myself in the interview if given one. My Goodwin, Simmons and Pinsent Mason interviews were my best as I genuinely liked the firms and didn’t have to fake it for the opportunity.

Fried frank, SC and PH all US firms would love to apply as I really enjoy the big responsibility that comes with being in a small firm and a lot of their work centres around PE. But…. SC and PH have vacation schemes which could make the direct TC entry super duper hard. I’m pretty sure SC has two VS cohorts as well😭 I’ll decide in a few weeks if I’ll apply to them or not.

Fried Frank as per legalcheek stats only recruit from RG or international universities. I’m not in the risk it for a chocolate biscuit mood! I don’t have the time to put effort into an application for it to be thrown in the bin based on university. I emailed about this and they said “we accept applications from all universities” accepting and progressing are two different things therefore I’m in the fence and will not apply to them for the time being unless I have a spare day or so.

Eversheds and RPC I didn’t apply for their VS so I can do their TC I’m also on the fence. I do like Eversheds but not sure about RPC as of yet. So will look into it more but they’re due soo soon I don’t even know if I have the time to do them ugh.

That’s enough of my waffling, I’m happy to share my continuing journey as always and any advice, questions or query’s. I’m a pretty open book.

Congratulations you’ve reached the end of my message you deserve a TC for that 🤣

Thank you to everyone who sent a message publicly or privately it’s much appreciated. x

 

[Legalstalker]

Application update✨

I’ve changed a few of the firms I’ve applied to/will apply to. I’ve taken out a few US firms as I didn’t see myself getting past the application stage, I’m still debating on Paul Hastings as to whether I should remove them too.

I’ve added in a niche firm of Dorsey as I really like the clientele and small office vibe of 30 people but they only take 2 trainees a year… I don’t know why I’m soo optimistic about applying there lol.

Morgan Lewis is beauty of a firm, amazing practice areas, small intake of 6 trainees and I like the culture of the firm. It is of course a US firm so competition is fierce and the A level requirements are too haha. They also have a Summer VS so not holding out on a high direct TC intake. Would love to make it to telephone interview if possible but if not oh well.

I’ve added Sidley for winter VS but knowing how strict they are on A levels i probs won’t apply.

Sent my Arnold Porter application yesterday, I checked back after submitting that half of my answers to the questions weren’t there which is annoying. PFO is incoming lol. I also hate submitting the last day as it makes me look soo unserious about the firm haha

does anyone know if Eversheds take a healthy amount of direct TC? I don’t want to start the application if they take 95% VS applicants Same with RPC??🤔

I’m super busy this month with no free weekends so it’ll be a struggle to do 3 applications.

The ball is now rolling and I’m starting to get information about my next VS, I think I’ve taken a back seat on trying soo hard, my efforts of doing that in the previous VS didn’t get me anywhere so maybe taking a more chilled approach is the way to go. 😎

Definitely looking more into the future of winter VS than direct TC. I feel very burnt out after 1 VS and doing soo many applications at the start of the cycle has made me hate doing applications in general. Not going to give up just yet as there’s still so much more to give.😁

 

[legal18]

Application update✨
View attachment 6075

I’ve changed a few of the firms I’ve applied to/will apply to. I’ve taken out a few US firms as I didn’t see myself getting past the application stage, I’m still debating on Paul Hastings as to whether I should remove them too.

I’ve added in a niche firm of Dorsey as I really like the clientele and small office vibe of 30 people but they only take 2 trainees a year… I don’t know why I’m soo optimistic about applying there lol.

Morgan Lewis is beauty of a firm, amazing practice areas, small intake of 6 trainees and I like the culture of the firm. It is of course a US firm so competition is fierce and the A level requirements are too haha. They also have a Summer VS so not holding out on a high direct TC intake. Would love to make it to telephone interview if possible but if not oh well.

I’ve added Sidley for winter VS but knowing how strict they are on A levels i probs won’t apply.

Sent my Arnold Porter application yesterday, I checked back after submitting that half of my answers to the questions weren’t there which is annoying. PFO is incoming lol. I also hate submitting the last day as it makes me look soo unserious about the firm haha

does anyone know if Eversheds take a healthy amount of direct TC? I don’t want to start the application if they take 95% VS applicants Same with RPC??🤔

I’m super busy this month with no free weekends so it’ll be a struggle to do 3 applications.

The ball is now rolling and I’m starting to get information about my next VS, I think I’ve taken a back seat on trying soo hard, my efforts of doing that in the previous VS didn’t get me anywhere so maybe taking a more chilled approach is the way to go. 😎

Definitely looking more into the future of winter VS than direct TC. I feel very burnt out after 1 VS and doing soo many applications at the start of the cycle has made me hate doing applications in general. Not going to give up just yet as there’s still so much more to give.😁

Is Dorsey & Whitney not for a 2025 TC?

 

[Ghassen]

I am so sorry for not converting your vacation scheme. I had the same feeling when rejected after my VS as well, but I want you to not give up and keep doing the same work till you make it. I am sure you are now in a better position with two vacation scheme in your pocket, as it will significantly improve your chances with direct TC applications.
Regarding Eversheds TC route, they are not recruiting anyone from direct TC and all trainees will be chosen from the VS. I dropped their VS offer and they said we cannot offer TC interview as everyone should pass through the VS. Hope this helps you to not waste your time.

 

[Legalstalker]

I am so sorry for not converting your vacation scheme. I had the same feeling when rejected after my VS as well, but I want you to not give up and keep doing the same work till you make it. I am sure you are now in a better position with two vacation scheme in your pocket, as it will significantly improve your chances with direct TC applications.
Regarding Eversheds TC route, they are not recruiting anyone from direct TC and all trainees will be chosen from the VS. I dropped their VS offer and they said we cannot offer TC interview as everyone should pass through the VS. Hope this helps you to not waste your time.

Thank you for your words of encouragement! I will definitely keep pushing through. I hope you celebrated well with your TC offer!!
Appreciate the Eversheds information. Soo silly for them to have the applications open if they know they will only recruit from VS. At least I can put more time and effort into my other applications.

 

[Legalstalker]

@Jessica Booker Is submitting an application the day it opens seen as too keen? Even if they recruit on a rolling basis?

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker Is submitting an application the day it opens seen as too keen? Even if they recruit on a rolling basis?

It won’t be seen as too keen - I just wouldn’t rush applying on the first day. There is no benefit of applying so soon after it opens.

 

[The-PFO-Collector]

# 1: you sound excited for this opportunity. If you get a TC next cycle, then you will have some time to spare. Once you have finished, then do #3. When you come back from #3 then #4

 

[Legalstalker]

RPC application is sending me into a spiral!!!! Why is it soo bad? Why can’t I save my answers? I’ve started my application 3 weeks ago and never went back in as it kept deleting my answers to the questions. Their awful application website is pushing me to the edge 😭 I’ve now used a word doc but it’s annoyed to copy and paste.

Fieldfisher - I had a telephone interview in December 2023 and was unsuccessful they kindly give feedback which was amazing, they said they’d give it in May 2024 which is soo far, they have now released communication that the feedback calls will be the last week of July first week of August?!?!?😭 I’m gearing up for the next cycle let alone getting feedback from an interview 8 months ago…. I’m a changed person, that was the old me😅

Still in two minds on Eversheds and whether it’s worth it have my been told it’s not. I guess it’s the “what if” that’s getting me.

So far I’ve had no rejections #winning but that’s mainly due to the fact that most applications close 31/07🤣

Slaughters has me on edgeeeee no response I mean I know they’re super busy but they are rolling so maybe I’m in for a shot? Hoping my cover letter was decent enough as that was the best one I’ve ever produced.

 

[The-PFO-Collector]

Feedback after 8 months, lol

I am also gearing up for the next cycle😭
Ive decided that it will be my last cycle. If I don’t get a TC, I will do something else.

 

[Legalstalker]

✨Application update x feedback post VS✨

In recent news I finally submitted RPC gosh that was that draining!!

Nearly finished my Morgan Lewis app just 1 application question to go… why are there 5 questions such a lengthy application! They only take 6 trainees too plus they have a VS😳 it’s not looking positive but I’ll submit and hope.

Slaughters are killing me rn I’d love to know where my application stands even though it’s been a week😂😂 also loving the MC and US pay war going on right now🥴 I do wonder what Slaughter will increase to!

Fieldfisher feedback call is end of July a whooping 7.5 months after the interview😐 is this normal?

VS Feedback

well well well I’ve had my VS feedback and I’m surprised to say the least. Nothing can truly make me dislike this firm and it sucks🤣 the feedback was detailed to say the least but I do believe they may have got me confused with someone else at points. But there’s no point me debating wit grad rec 5at I didn’t do something etc it’s still not going to change the outcome.

My group exercise was my best performance funnily enough I thought it was my worst and emphasised that 😅 did have a chuckle when she said it. What stood out the most was “you’re very personable, came off confident, good personality“ yet I sit here writing TC applications in bed😂 i did have a little cry whilst on the phone as it’s really sad to see £175K salary (bloody increase as well), great people and amazing practice areas slide through your fingers knowing that inwas soo close as well the misery of these applications could’ve ended. i Really have to work on my commercial awareness yikes! Don’t let all the workshops etc distract you from keeping up on the awareness that was one of my weaknesses and I knew that.

im still angry at myself for not converting and tbh I don’t think that anger will away for a while. i did get asked how I’m feeling for my next VS and I just stated I dunno 🤷 I said I want to take a step back and just focus on myself and developing the feedback I’ve received rather than place any emphasis on coffee chats. Grad rec agreed. I am allowed to applying again next cycle for VS or direct TC! I will do direct TC if my pride allows and I truly have no other options this year. So there we have it this little conversion void is now full.
Sucks to be an amazing person but a bad lawyer 😂😂😂

 

[Legalstalker]

Update:
Slaughter and May TC Rejection… I’m shocked but not surprised although I’m annoyed as I put way too much effort in my cover letter to be rejected mid day on a Monday. Maybe the cover letter was good but my grades weren’t who knows but does suck as I thought I would secure an interview… never been soo sure on a cover letter haha.

Anywho it’s my first direct TC rejection I’ve got this summer so I’m not going to dwell.

Currently in the process of doing my Paul Hastings application. Saw Paul Weiss are doing Autumn/Winter applications for their first cohort so will attempt to apply there if unsuccessful this summer.

 

[SemperParatus]

Update:
Slaughter and May TC Rejection… I’m shocked but not surprised although I’m annoyed as I put way too much effort in my cover letter to be rejected mid day on a Monday. Maybe the cover letter was good but my grades weren’t who knows but does suck as I thought I would secure an interview… never been soo sure on a cover letter haha.

Anywho it’s my first direct TC rejection I’ve got this summer so I’m not going to dwell.

Currently in the process of doing my Paul Hastings application. Saw Paul Weiss are doing Autumn/Winter applications for their first cohort so will attempt to apply there if unsuccessful this summer.

Hi, sorry to hear about the slaughters rejection, may I ask when you applied?

 

[Legalstalker]

long post alert‼️

56 Rejections (I think)

• latest rejection - Slaughter and May
• Ghosted me - N/A (I want to say Arnold Porter?!?)
• Best graduate recruitment - Farrer & Co
• VS offers - 2
• AC invites - 4
• Applications remaining - 7

Has anything heard from Arnold Porter? Like is ghosting their thing or what? I emailed them 1st June and have not had a response as there are missing parts on my application.

I was going to do Sullivan & Cromwell but heard they prefer 1st in everything or like high 2:1 in every module and I just know I wouldn’t make it past application stage.

Nearly finished my Paul Hastings application.

I feel like Dorsey will be a rejection as I put 2026 in my cover letter but also they only take 2 what a slim chance regardless.

Hoping to hear from Morgan Lewis next week eek.

VS experience

Felt weird going into this VS with absolutely no nerves, I think my spirit was dampened by my first VS that I had no expectations for this one. I was great to see the difference between a UK and US firm it’s sooo different I was shocked. The environment, vibe of people and just overall scheme was amazing. Being able to hot desk and sit next to partners was such a random but interesting concept to myself. Half the time I forgot I was talking to a partner, senior associate or PE partner. Everyone was genuinely nice.

everyone in the firm knew who we were and actually stopped to speak to us (without rushing the conversation). I will say money speaks because those high paying law firm partners really don’t care about vac schemers, they like to stay in their offices and do their work (Fair enough). Soo many US and MC lawyers left to join the firm which I also found to be a massive green flag, I saw partners and senior associates who actually did a VS at the firm and stay.

soo many people have families and cherish them over selling their soul, they’re also much happier and happy to go to a breakfast, coffee or walk with you. The emphasis on meeting people for coffee was not such a huge factor which I really enjoyed Although I did meet a few roughly 3?

my supervisors gave me fulfilling work, work where I made an impact and not something to shut me up and keep me busy for the week whilst with them. My supervisors even praised me to other senior associates and partners with he work I did. I think they really value each person.

Going into the VS with 0 expectations really helped me not overthink it and not do the most. I just wanted to explore different areas of law which I was able to do and I meet some amazing people on the way.

I did more work in 3 days than I did in 1 week than I did at my first vac scheme. I think I’ve finally had a vac scheme experience that is actually an experience of the firm and not what a firm wants to sell to you with 100’s of workshops about different practice areas they do.

My supervisors gave me time to focus on my group assessment set by graduate recruitment and happily gave me feedback on my presentation skills. Both of my supervisors trained at the firm and have stayed ever since. 1 didn’t vac scheme and was very sympathetic regarding the crazy application processes we have to go through to get a TC and the overwhelming amount of people trying to get into law.

working on real life areas of law that affect individuals and not wealthy business people trying to acquire a bunch of businesses was very fulfilling as I felt I made a difference.

in terms if what’s next for me? I’m not sure, still waiting for an outcome for the VS and whether I’ll be offered a last stage interview. Besides this I’ve been focusing on my extra curricular and enjoying them.

Vulnerability Segment

I’ll admit after I finished my first day of the VS scheme I went home and cried, I cried soo much at the fact that I’m still going through the application process, the fact that I didn’t convert, the fact that I wasn’t good enough in the eyes of one of the best law firms in the world and the fact that I’m lucky enough to be in the position on having another VS but not cherishing it enough. I never got physically upset after my rejection and kinda ranted online but left it, I was soo proud as I was coping with rejection like a queen hehe. I reckon I just didn’t have anything to trigger me into remembering my rejection And the possibility of having to do another cycle, compete with others but this time with legal experience and firms seeing me as useless after not converting twice. going into another VS analysing everyone else and knowing that they would probably convert just got to me.

I am confident I won’t get a TC this summer so I really need to figure out what I’m doing after summer as I feel low key lost lmao.

anywho I’ll stop going on about it, it’s in the past and I’m in the present. The firm did chai lattes for £1.35 and I think that’s what sold me tbh😅