TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

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Lastseasonwonder

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Dec 21, 2019
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In the education section of the DLA Piper application, they say to include your education history in a reverse chronological order up to A(-s) level. Does that mean I shouldn't include my GCSE grades in my CV. So just uni and A-level?

Also, can anyone shed some light on what they look for in the CV. Pretty weird as most firms don't really ask for it in a traditional format and rather your CV is spread across the whole application.
 

vacschemeapss

Valued Member
Jan 25, 2021
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Hi, is it too late to apply for Baker's Spring scheme? Deadline is 1st December. In events they said that they review on semi rolling basis (whatever that means). Does semi rolling mean they would start filling up spots?

Their app page says this:

"October 1st 2021 - Applications open.
October 1st - December 30th 2021 - Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
December 1st 2021 - Application deadline.
November - December 2021 - Successful candidates will be sent an invite to undertake an online test."
 

Jessica Booker

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Graduate Recruitment
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Aug 1, 2019
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Hi, is it too late to apply for Baker's Spring scheme? Deadline is 1st December. In events they said that they review on semi rolling basis (whatever that means). Does semi rolling mean they would start filling up spots?

Their app page says this:

"October 1st 2021 - Applications open.
October 1st - December 30th 2021 - Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
December 1st 2021 - Application deadline.
November - December 2021 - Successful candidates will be sent an invite to undertake an online test."
Sounds like they review applications as they go but they don’t shortlist candidates for interview until after the final candidate’s test is completed.

If you want to apply to the firm and the opportunity, I would apply. I think too many people get caught up in the mechanisms of rolling recruitment. You can only put yourself in the running if you apply. Ideally you would apply earlier but that won’t always be the case, and that shouldn’t put you off.

The vast majority of applicants will apply within 72 hours of a vacancy closing.
 
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vacschemeapss

Valued Member
Jan 25, 2021
105
112
Sounds like they review applications as they go but they don’t shortlist candidates for interview until after the final candidate’s test is completed.

If you want to apply to the firm and the opportunity, I would apply. I think too many people get caught up in the mechanisms of rolling recruitment. You can only put yourself in the running if you apply. Ideally you would apply earlier but that won’t always be the case, and that shouldn’t put you off.

The vast majority of applicants will apply within 72 hours of a vacancy closing.
Thanks Jessica! I was only reconsidering because I could always make a summer VS app (and I'll be rather early in applying that opening!)
 

Jessica Booker

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Thanks Jessica! I was only reconsidering because I could always make a summer VS app (and I'll be rather early in applying that opening!)
If you are happy to wait until the summer to secure a VS, then you could apply for that. But if you are looking for a spring scheme and want to look to convert to a TC sooner, then it might be worthwhile applying for the Spring. It really depends what else you are applying to and the other potential offers you could get.
 
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George Maxwell

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Junior Lawyer 50
Oct 25, 2021
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L&W PFO just came in! That was the last of my WVS apps - hoping that Spring/Summer will be more successful!!
Hi @AW_08,

I am really sorry to hear this. If it helps, I never applied to a WVS (only Spring and Summer!). You really do have plenty of time left this cycle. You are arguably in an even better position than I was too because you have applications written which you can iterate and improve upon.

Do you know the firms that you are going to apply to for Spring and Summer schemes?

Always here if you need any further help or guidance!
 

George Maxwell

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Oct 25, 2021
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NRF WVS Offer!!! 🥳
@George.E., from a fellow George, congratulations!

This is really great news. NRF are a fantastic firm.

I'm sure you will smash the scheme 🚀

Happy Jonah Hill GIF
 

AW_08

Valued Member
Dec 20, 2019
113
460
Hi @AW_08,

I am really sorry to hear this. If it helps, I never applied to a WVS (only Spring and Summer!). You really do have plenty of time left this cycle. You are arguably in an even better position than I was too because you have applications written which you can iterate and improve upon.

Do you know the firms that you are going to apply to for Spring and Summer schemes?

Always here if you need any further help or guidance!
Thank you so much for your kind words and offer of help!

I've got a spreadsheet of firms that I've still got left, so hoping they'll be better. Just not too sure where I'm going wrong - really wish they offered some form of feedback!
 
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George Maxwell

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Oct 25, 2021
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Thank you so much for your kind words and offer of help!

I've got a spreadsheet of firms that I've still got left, so hoping they'll be better. Just not too sure where I'm going wrong - really wish they offered some form of feedback!
@AW_08,

I am really pleased to hear that you have a spreadsheet. Being organised ahead of time is invaluable.

I also completely empathise with you.

I think the most helpful (general) tips that I have are:

1. Make sure that you are signposting and using a clear structure.
2. Reach out to trainees/associates at the firms that you are hoping to apply to and ask about their experiences. Try then to integrate this into your applications.
3. Do not be afraid to re-write old applications. It seems like hard work, but do not keep a structure just because you did it before. Improve on it if, after being honest with yourself, you think it needs it.
3. Keep grinding. This process can seem unfair and random at times. I found that my successes came in fits and bursts. It will come right, just keep your nose to the grindstone.

We are rooting for you!
 

Tcapplicant

Legendary Member
Jan 9, 2019
137
179
L&W PFO just came in! That was the last of my WVS apps - hoping that Spring/Summer will be more successful!!
Same! I honestly don’t know how to make my application better. Can’t figure out what the firm is looking for.

on a separate note does anyone know how long it takes to hear back from A&O after a direct TC app?

Sending everyone love! Push on till Christmas. Have faith in you all! ❤️
 
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AAA_a

Legendary Member
Junior Lawyer
Nov 14, 2019
148
456
Same! I honestly don’t know how to make my application better. Can’t figure out what the firm is looking for.

on a separate note does anyone know how long it takes to hear back from A&O after a direct TC app?

Sending everyone love! Push on till Christmas. Have faith in you all! ❤️
Yeah I was confused with A&O as well. Applied in late Sep for March 2024 TC, I've seen both PFO and AC being sent out but still silence for me.
 
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