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

[Jooooopp7]

PFO from A&O direct TC - they offered me an AC for the summer scheme instead as they said I didn't have enough legal experience but I had LPC exams that clashed and so they said they would consider me for the direct Tc instead but have just gotten the rejection email - I'm really upset and annoyed because if it weren't for the LPC exams, I could have genuinely had a shot at A&O
I also wanted to ask how much legal experience firms expect for direct TC - I was a legal intern for 3 months over the summer at a global bank but perhaps they're looking for law firm work experience?

 

[ps123]

does anyone have any idea if you can read anything into open day application outcomes and your vacation schemes, ie. can you view an open day acceptance as a positive indication if you're already a few stages into an application process (and the opposite of course)?

 

[xtinew]

does anyone have any idea if you can read anything into open day application outcomes and your vacation schemes, ie. can you view an open day acceptance as a positive indication if you're already a few stages into an application process (and the opposite of course)?

From my experience solely: last year I successfully applied to many open days but the success rate did not necessarily reflect that of my vacation scheme applications. I think the better perspective to have is that the open day not only demonstrates your commitment to learning more about the firm, you can also gather more information from those networking opportunities to mention in your interviews (e.g. name drop trainees and mention interesting cases).

 

[Law2022]

PFO from Freshfields for WW

 

[OB]

Finally got my Simmons PFO post-VI for winter

 

[grogsimmons]

Sorry to raise this again, but has anyone heard from W&C post AC?

For context, AC was 13 days ago!

Nope! And mine was 17 days ago.

 

[M777]

does anyone have any idea if you can read anything into open day application outcomes and your vacation schemes, ie. can you view an open day acceptance as a positive indication if you're already a few stages into an application process (and the opposite of course)?

Having been rejected by every single firm I've attended an Open Day at (in one cycle or another), they definitely don't indicate much in the way of positivity for that firm.

That being said, Open Days are a positive sign that your application technique is good- why would a firm invest in you as an Open Day candidate if they didn't see potential? Open Days are more competitive than many assume, so it's definitely encouraging.

I'm sure this doesn't need to be said, but they also demonstrate a real, authentic interest in the firm as well as a fascination with commercial law more generally.

 

[PirateShip]

PFO from Freshfields for WW

Ditto. Seriously don’t know what I’m doing wrong by this point 😂

 

[Jessica Booker]

Thanks for this response George! On another point, have a small/particular question - when inputing Module grades, it just says "year". If I took the subject in the academic year of 2020/2021 for example, should I write down the year I started the module (2020) or the year i finished it/sat the exam (2021)? Sorry if this is an obvious point!

Use the year the course/module/assessment ended.

 

[Law2022]

Ditto. Seriously don’t know what I’m doing wrong by this point 😂

Same here, really losing hope for a career in one of these big firms. I have no issues getting on open days, but when it comes to vac schemes/ TCs, I get rejected from them all!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi guys. For the Sidley question 'Which personal qualities make a successful lawyer?', would you recommend stating X qualities and explain why they make a successful lawyer or would you go a step further and explain why you have them or how you have developed them (that would make you a successful lawyer...).

Also, would you recommend stating (for example) 3 qualities and elaborating on them or try to list more to show that you understand all the key competencies expected for a successful lawyer? Sidley say they are looking for applicants with X qualities that I am aiming to use to inform the qualities I pick out for the question but they list 5 or 6.

Given the word count, I would just focus on the qualities and why they are important. If you are going to try and reference how you have done this, you have to do it exceptionally briefly (e.g. in a sentence).

I would go over quality answers rather than trying to put in too much content with detail skipped over.

 

[PirateShip]

Same here, really losing hope for a career in one of these big firms. I have no issues getting on open days, but when it comes to vac schemes/ TCs, I get rejected from them all!

Well I suppose the alternative is giving up, so not much we can do but keep improving and keep trying. 😎

 

[ellwilsen]

Anyone heard from CRS?

 

[Law2022]

Well I suppose the alternative is giving up, so not much we can do but keep improving and keep trying. 😎

Good luck to you! ❤️

 

[Nicole15]

Same here, really losing hope for a career in one of these big firms. I have no issues getting on open days, but when it comes to vac schemes/ TCs, I get rejected from them all!

I understand how you feel. It can be very frustrating but do remember to celebrate your 'small wins'. Getting a place on an open day is no walk in the park, it is super competitive! I would make sure that you write detailed notes on your experiences at these various firms which will help to bolster your applications when it comes to explaining your motivations behind applying for a chosen firm.

I haven't obtained a vac scheme or TC yet and have been at this for some years now. However, that I know my time will come and so will yours! It is matter of when, not if. I strongly believe that your resilience will lead to fruitful results! At the end of the day, you want to be at a firm that is right for you and you only need one "yes". I think the great thing about this forum is we can be honest and share our experiences while learning from one another as well as encouraging each other!

The application process can be extremely draining at times, so it is important to take breaks when do feel burnt out or slightly de-motivated. Rest, re-charge and have another go! Wishing you all the best of luck

 

[bibss]

PFO from A&O direct TC - they offered me an AC for the summer scheme instead as they said I didn't have enough legal experience but I had LPC exams that clashed and so they said they would consider me for the direct Tc instead but have just gotten the rejection email - I'm really upset and annoyed because if it weren't for the LPC exams, I could have genuinely had a shot at A&O
I also wanted to ask how much legal experience firms expect for direct TC - I was a legal intern for 3 months over the summer at a global bank but perhaps they're looking for law firm work experience?

Wow that’s mad!!! Guess I have a PFO coming my way then as I don’t have much legal experience either🤣 Wish they would just say it then like other firms do 😅😢

 

[Jessica Booker]

PFO from A&O direct TC - they offered me an AC for the summer scheme instead as they said I didn't have enough legal experience but I had LPC exams that clashed and so they said they would consider me for the direct Tc instead but have just gotten the rejection email - I'm really upset and annoyed because if it weren't for the LPC exams, I could have genuinely had a shot at A&O
I also wanted to ask how much legal experience firms expect for direct TC - I was a legal intern for 3 months over the summer at a global bank but perhaps they're looking for law firm work experience?

I'd call them to ask why the change of heart. Part of me thinks this could be a human error and that it might just be worthwhile checking with them.

 

[Law2022]

I understand how you feel. It can be very frustrating but do remember to celebrate your 'small wins'. Getting a place on an open day is no walk in the park, it is super competitive! I would make sure that you write detailed notes on your experiences at these various firms which will help to bolster your applications when it comes to explaining your motivations behind applying for a chosen firm.

I haven't obtained a vac scheme or TC yet and have been at this for some years now. However, that I know my time will come and so will yours! It is matter of when, not if. I strongly believe that your resilience will lead to fruitful results! At the end of the day, you want to be at a firm that is right for you and you only need one "yes". I think the great thing about this forum is we can be honest and share our experiences while learning from one another as well as encouraging each other!

The application process can be extremely draining at times, so it is important to take breaks when do feel burnt out or slightly de-motivated. Rest, re-charge and have another go! Wishing you all the best of luck

Thank you so much for your kind words! It really means so much. I am wishing you all the luck in the world and I hope you get your TC offer soon! Good luck and take care

 

[Nicole15]

Thank you so much for your kind words! It really means so much. I am wishing you all the luck in the world and I hope you get your TC offer soon! Good luck and take care

My pleasure, I'm glad that my words provided some comfort. Thank you so much, it is much appreciated!

 

[Cantab_95]

is anyone still waiting on Stephenson Harwood, White & Case or Latham & Watkins for winter scheme? Have heard nada from all of them