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

[mariistm]

I just logged onto my TLT portal and it says my application status is withdrawn even if I didn’t withdraw it!! Is that a pfo?

 

[iolitelegal]

Has anyone out there completed the Withers assessment of strengths? I'm looking for preparation tips. Thanks!

 

[corplaw123]

Hi, if anyone has any experience of a first-stage interview at Gibson Dunn, I would really appreciate any tips! Thanks

 

[Jaysen]

Hi everyone, I've just finished my cycle of applications and excited (and in disbelief) to say that I've been offered two Training Contracts and a vacation scheme this cycle. It's going to be a difficult decision, but one that I never thought I'd have to make.

This was my third cycle, and I was rejected from every firm I applied to last year at the application stage, but I can really say that TCLA was pivotal to my progress this year and I would like to thank every one of you, especially @Jaysen and @Jessica Booker for this platform and for all your help. I could truly never have done it without the materials and support. I'm usually a bit of a lurker in the forum, but I went through it a LOT (perhaps obsessively) and it would often help me calm down before an interview.

To those of you still in the heat of the cycle, I wish you all the best of luck! It's such a stressful process, but you're all such strong people and I believe in you.

P.S. What is the process for uploading interview / application experiences?

Really happy for you, well done 😊. I will drop you a PM!

 

[sxw517]

Hi, if anyone has any experience of a first-stage interview at Gibson Dunn, I would really appreciate any tips! Thanks

Congrats, may I ask when you applied and is this for summer vac?

 

[Sfernan21]

Hi, if anyone has any experience of a first-stage interview at Gibson Dunn, I would really appreciate any tips! Thanks

Be yourself, prepare detailed answers to predictable questions and smile. You will be absolutely fine!

 

[corplaw123]

Be yourself, prepare detailed answers to predictable questions and smile. You will be absolutely fine!

Thank you very much! This will be taken on board for sure

 

[corplaw123]

Congrats, may I ask when you applied and is this for summer vac?

Hi, this was for the summer vs and I applied at the end of January

 

[vacschemesforeveryone]

Just a random thought but, has anyone done the Travers Smith winter scheme and can confirm you literally get paid £750 for a week?
More generally, does anyone have any thoughts on why the massive discrepancy between TS and the usual £450 that firms pay per week of vacation scheme?

 

[Sfernan21]

Thank you very much! This will be taken on board for sure

Sorry I cannot provide more detail, out of fairness to the process. It really isn't too much to worry about.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Just a random thought but, has anyone done the Travers Smith winter scheme and can confirm you literally get paid £750 for a week?
More generally, does anyone have any thoughts on why the massive discrepancy between TS and the usual £450 that firms pay per week of vacation scheme?

Their website states they pay this, so I don't see how/why they would be able to pay less.

Maybe they see it that the £750 covers the short term costs associated with a short placement. However, £750 a week is £39k per annum too, so would still be significantly below a starting salary for a trainee, so maybe they just see it as being an appropriate payment.

To be honest, I have never really understood why law firms pay interns so poorly. It was something I really battled against at various firms I worked for.

 

[Ks36]

Do WBD only have training contracts apps open not vac scheme? I can’t apply to the training contract yet I’m a non-law student so was wondering

 

[vacschemesforeveryone]

To be honest, I have never really understood why law firms pay interns so poorly. It was something I really battled against at various firms I worked for.

Could it be because of the high costs incurred to run the vac scheme in the first place?

 

[BeGrateful.101]

I applied the past two years (2020&2021) and both times the VI questions were identical

Hey.. would u mind sharing any tips for the case study? It says the whole VI is 50 mins.. kinda nervous

 

[NikkiT]

Hey, I did on Monday I applied the day after apps opened for the 2023 London TC. Grad rec said they'd be holding ACs in March so don't worry if you haven't heard back yet!

Messaged you 😅

 

[James Carrabino]

what law firms recruit on rolling basis for TCs? is there a thread?

You may find it useful to consider side by side the list of law firms which recruit on a rolling basis and those which hire directly for TCs and you should spot the overlaps - this information is from last year but is likely still accurate for the most part

 

[FK7991]

Messaged you 😅

Replied!

 

[BeGrateful.101]

I applied the past two years (2020&2021) and both times the VI questions were identical

Hey.. would u mind sharing any tips for the case study? It says the whole VI is 50 mins.. kinda nervous

 

[FK7991]

Fieldfisher AC!! If anyone who has already done it has any tips I would be so grateful.

Case studies tend to let me down so just wondering what the best way to prep and come to terms with them would be?

Timeline in case it helps: applied for the London 2023 TC a couple of days after apps opened, invited to online assessment 13 Dec, invited to TI 15 Jan, TI 31 Jan, invited to AC today. When booking mine (mid-March) there was also a second AC at the end of April so hope this reassures those who are waiting to hear!

 

[NikkiT]

Replied!

me too 😂