TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[axelbeugre]

How common is it to be applying for vacation schemes as a law student in your final year because you couldn't secure a TC as a penultimate? Its hard not to feel inadequate when you're approaching graduation and you know others who managed to get a TC yet its still uncertain for you😅

Unfortunately it is pretty common. Many people I know were final year law students and managed to secure training contracts in their last years. Many others had to do master's degrees before getting their training contract offer, but in the end, if that is your goal, you will succeed in it.

Do not compare yourself to others at this stage. I know this is easier said than done but it will not be productive to you to feel like you should have been set with a signed training contract by the end of your first/second year. This is not the reality for more than half of the people that apply to training contracts and vacation schemes.

Good luck with the process this year!

 

[NJS]

How common is it to be applying for vacation schemes as a law student in your final year because you couldn't secure a TC as a penultimate? Its hard not to feel inadequate when you're approaching graduation and you know others who managed to get a TC yet its still uncertain for you😅

I’ve graduated and am still trying, I think it’s easy to caught up in everyone doing it so young because people around you and those on linkdln let you know about it every 5 minutes, but don’t feel like you are inadequate, everyone has their own journey, average age of qualification is 29, screw everyone else, focus on yourself and you’ll do it.

 

[erderlylars]

NRF - Pfo
Travers Smith - Interview
HL - Waiting following wg
Akin Gump - Submitted app
CC - Passed wg
S&S wvs - Waiting following vi
A&O - VI pending
Kirkland - App submitted
Apps working on cms hsf ashurst links weil dla (Manchester)

I'm also still waiting to hear back post VI for Simmons. Do you know if they are still running anymore assessment centres? I submitted my few days before the application deadline so I'm hoping this won't work against me

 

[K1111]

Anyone heard back from White and Case after the VI?

 

[flower1]

If this for a particular firm? Or general questions?

For White & Case

 

[flower1]

Anyone heard back from White and Case after the VI?

Hi, if you don't mind me asking - when did you apply to White & Case and when was you VI invite sent? I applied in September and haven't heard back. Thank you

 

[erderlylars]

Anyone heard from Simmons & Simmons post-AC?

I was just wondering when you submitted your application and did the online blended assessment?

 

[Manuchelsout]

I'm also still waiting to hear back post VI for Simmons. Do you know if they are still running anymore assessment centres? I submitted my few days before the application deadline so I'm hoping this won't work against me

No idea dude and tbh am expecting my pfo from them

 

[erderlylars]

No idea dude and tbh am expecting my pfo from

Sorry last question, did you hear about the AC via email?

 

[Manuchelsout]

Sorry last question, did you hear about the AC via email?

Have not done ac yet

 

[Ooshmate]

Is anyone else having issues trying to find out where to apply to BM for VS/TCs? I can't seem to find it

 

[DKLaw]

Yes, I think it makes perfect sense and it is also such an interesting story, I am sure whoever reads your application will want to know more.

Thank you

 

[Flutterbyx303]

I'm also still waiting to hear back post VI for Simmons. Do you know if they are still running anymore assessment centres? I submitted my few days before the application deadline so I'm hoping this won't work against me

I’m still waiting to hear back post VI and I submitted my application the day before the deadline and my video interview 9 days after receiving the invite (and it said you have up to ten days).

 

[Jessica Booker]

For White & Case

You can find previous interview experiences for White & Case here:

https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/successful-applications/categories/interview-database.2/?scf%5Bfirm%5D=whiteCase

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

For those that have applied to CMS this application cycle, how long did you wait to hear back post-app?

 

[Manuchelsout]

For those that have applied to CMS this application cycle, how long did you wait to hear back post-app?

Any advice for Q2

 

[lonelycruise]

Unless it specifically asks, do we need to relate the commercial question in applications to the practice strengths of the firm? The firm I'm applying to has a strong focus on restructuring and energy, but my answer relates to life sciences, IP and M&A. Am I fine or should I find a more relevant topic?

 

[Manuchelsout]

Unless it specifically asks, do we need to relate the commercial question in applications to the practice strengths of the firm? The firm I'm applying to has a strong focus on restructuring and energy, but my answer relates to life sciences, IP and M&A. Am I fine or should I find a more relevant topic?

Which fifm btw

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

Anyone know who the Gibson Dunn cover letter should be addressed to? Also, the CL is quite short (650 words), so do we need to include an introductory sentence/two and sign-off?

@axelbeugre - if I am not mistaken, I read that you completed a GD VS interview. Can you please advise?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Unless it specifically asks, do we need to relate the commercial question in applications to the practice strengths of the firm? The firm I'm applying to has a strong focus on restructuring and energy, but my answer relates to life sciences, IP and M&A. Am I fine or should I find a more relevant topic?

You don’t have to make the specific link in your answer, but I would try to find a topic that is relevant to the firm (you just don’t have to describe why it is so).

If the firm has a life sciences, IP or M&A practice then the story will still be of interest to the firm. You don’t have to always pick a story that relates to their biggest or most renowned practice area.