TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

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Legalstalker

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Premium Member
  • Oct 9, 2023
    418
    1,781
    Application Update - Last posted 30/10/23

    Bank of England Trainee solicitor programme - Test completed
    White and Case WVS- Application sent
    Stephenson Harwood WVS - Application sent
    Cleary Gottlieb WVS - Application sent

    Travers Smith WVS -Application sent
    HSF SpVS - Test completed
    Hogan Lovell TC- Application sent
    Hogan Lovell Lift off - WG Completed
    Fieldfisher TC- Test completed
    A&O TC - Test/VI completed
    Linklaters TC - WG completed
    Pinset Mason TC - Test Completed
    Gowling TC - Application sent
    Mayer Brown TC - Application Sent
    Womble Bond Dickinson TC - Application sent
    Charles Russell Speechlys TC - Application sent
    Willkie Farr Gallagher SpVS - Application sent
    Millbank SVS - Application sent
    Morrison Foerster SVS - Application sent
    DLA SVS - Application sent
    Sherman & Sterling Open day - Application sent
    Freshfields Graduate workshop - Application sent
    BCLP Open day - Application sent


    PFO Heaven (Didn't want to work here anyway haha)
    Sidley WVS - PFO
    Jones Day WVS - PFO
    Slaughter and May TC - PFO
    Linklaters WVS - post WG - PFO
    Simmons - post VI - PFO
    Clifford chance TC - post WG - PFO
    NRF WVS - PFO
    CMS TC - WG invite was not sent and they withdrew me (Very salty about this)
    Irwin Mitchell TC - post test - PFO

    Pending Applications
    Bird & Bird SpVS
    Addleshaw Goddard TC
    NRF SpVS
    Kirkland Ellis SpVS
    Akin
    Weil

    Might I add I had a week off work so i was able to do this.
    In the past 2 weeks i've had 3 PFO (this will rise), made 12 applications, done 2 V and 3 online assessments.

    My biggest set back are my A level grades so PFO are expected.

    Has anyone heard from the following:

    Cleary Gottlieb WVS​

    Stephenson Harwood WVS​

    Anyone not received a PFO post app to W&C​


    Message me for any questions and thanks in advance!
     
    Last edited:

    EliteWhovian

    Legendary Member
    Junior Lawyer
  • Dec 8, 2022
    290
    794
    Application Update - Last posted 30/10/23

    Bank of England Trainee solicitor programme - Test completed
    White and Case WVS- Application sent
    Stephenson Harwood WVS - Application sent
    Cleary Gottlieb WVS - Application sent

    Travers Smith WVS -Application sent
    HSF SpVS - Test completed
    Hogan Lovell TC- Application sent
    Hogan Lovell Lift off - WG Completed
    Fieldfisher TC- Test completed
    A&O TC - Test/VI completed
    Linklaters TC - WG completed
    Pinset Mason TC - Test Completed
    Gowling TC - Application sent
    Mayer Brown TC - Application Sent
    Womble Bond Dickinson TC - Application sent
    Charles Russell Speechlys TC - Application sent
    Willkie Farr Gallagher SpVS - Application sent
    Millbank SVS - Application sent
    Morrison Foerster SVS - Application sent
    DLA SVS - Application sent
    Sherman & Sterling Open day - Application sent
    Freshfields Graduate workshop - Application sent
    BCLP Open day - Application sent


    PFO Heaven (Didn't want to work here anyway haha)
    Sidley WVS - PFO
    Jones Day WVS - PFO
    Slaughter and May TC - PFO
    Linklaters WVS - post WG - PFO
    Simmons - post VI - PFO
    Clifford chance TC - post WG - PFO
    NRF WVS - PFO
    CMS TC - WG invite was not sent and they withdrew me (Very salty about this)
    Irwin Mitchell TC - post test - PFO

    Pending Applications
    Bird & Bird SpVS
    Addleshaw Goddard TC
    NRF SpVS
    Kirkland Ellis SpVS
    Akin
    Weil

    Might I add I had a week off work so i was able to do this.
    In the past 2 weeks i've had 3 PFO (this will rise), made 12 applications, done 2 V and 3 online assessments.

    My biggest set back are my A level grades so PFO are expected.

    Has anyone heard from the following:

    Cleary Gottlieb WVS​

    Stephenson Harwood WVS​

    Anyone not received a PFO post app to W&C​


    Message me for any questions and thanks in advance!

    Haven't receives the pfo post app for WC yet either
     

    Flutterbyx303

    Star Member
    Sep 11, 2023
    39
    35
    Application Update - Last posted 30/10/23

    Bank of England Trainee solicitor programme - Test completed
    White and Case WVS- Application sent
    Stephenson Harwood WVS - Application sent
    Cleary Gottlieb WVS - Application sent

    Travers Smith WVS -Application sent
    HSF SpVS - Test completed
    Hogan Lovell TC- Application sent
    Hogan Lovell Lift off - WG Completed
    Fieldfisher TC- Test completed
    A&O TC - Test/VI completed
    Linklaters TC - WG completed
    Pinset Mason TC - Test Completed
    Gowling TC - Application sent
    Mayer Brown TC - Application Sent
    Womble Bond Dickinson TC - Application sent
    Charles Russell Speechlys TC - Application sent
    Willkie Farr Gallagher SpVS - Application sent
    Millbank SVS - Application sent
    Morrison Foerster SVS - Application sent
    DLA SVS - Application sent
    Sherman & Sterling Open day - Application sent
    Freshfields Graduate workshop - Application sent
    BCLP Open day - Application sent


    PFO Heaven (Didn't want to work here anyway haha)
    Sidley WVS - PFO
    Jones Day WVS - PFO
    Slaughter and May TC - PFO
    Linklaters WVS - post WG - PFO
    Simmons - post VI - PFO
    Clifford chance TC - post WG - PFO
    NRF WVS - PFO
    CMS TC - WG invite was not sent and they withdrew me (Very salty about this)
    Irwin Mitchell TC - post test - PFO

    Pending Applications
    Bird & Bird SpVS
    Addleshaw Goddard TC
    NRF SpVS
    Kirkland Ellis SpVS
    Akin
    Weil

    Might I add I had a week off work so i was able to do this.
    In the past 2 weeks i've had 3 PFO (this will rise), made 12 applications, done 2 V and 3 online assessments.

    My biggest set back are my A level grades so PFO are expected.

    Has anyone heard from the following:

    Cleary Gottlieb WVS​

    Stephenson Harwood WVS​

    Anyone not received a PFO post app to W&C​


    Message me for any questions and thanks in advance!
    When did you get the Simmons PFO if you don’t mind me asking? A group of us haven’t heard anything but also aware of others who have had ACs…
     

    axelbeugre

    Legendary Member
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    Junior Lawyer
    Sep 14, 2023
    1,274
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    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?
    Hey @Dwight,

    I have not addressed the cover letter to anyone, I immediately typed my answer. With the limited word count, I think they prefer people going straight to the point, so no need for introductory sentence or sign-off sentences, do not worry!
     
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    axelbeugre

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    Sep 14, 2023
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    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?
    I would say that if the news is very significant for many practice areas that the firm does have, then I would say that it would make sense to talk about it. Generally speaking, you should choose what you are interested in or knowledgeable of, especially because your answer can be object of interview discussions, so it is advisable that you can talk confidently about what you wrote.

    But I do agree with Jessica here, it would be better if this coincided with something that the firm excels at or works on regularly. This will involuntarily express to graduate recruitment why you are a good fit for the firm and your commercial awareness level in the areas they are interested in so it would not hurt! This is what I think anyways but I heard people writing about what they were genuinely interested in, even if it was something quite detached from the firm, and still got through the next stages!

    Good luck with the process @lonelycruise
     
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    axelbeugre

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    Sep 14, 2023
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    In a 'why X' question - do we solely mention about the firm? The word limit is 200 words and I'm confused as to how much i need to link it back to my experience..
    I totally see the confusion but what I would say is just choose a couple of reasons why you want to join the firm and link those to you and your experiences. With such a tight word count, trying to mention a millionth thing will not work and will not come off as genuine in my experience.

    In my Goodwin application, the why Goodwin question was 100 words and I think it still is. I just picked two good reasons for me and linked them back to me. I actually went more in-depth with one reason over the other, and it still worked out for me.
    In general, I would say that it is important to divide your words evenly, and include a personal reason why that reason for liking the firm makes sense to you. Even one sentence will suffice, do not think that it should be a paragraph.

    Good luck with the application! @F12M34L
     
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    axelbeugre

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    Sep 14, 2023
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