TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[lawapplicant]

Ah I go to Oxford so should be okay

Are these interviews being conducted at Oxford?

 

[axelbeugre]

Oh this is very helpful, thank you!! Do you have any guidance on how you would link a deal back to yourself and your interests?
The D, E and I is definitely the thing I steer to the most, but the other stuff you mentioned didn't even cross my mind!!

(First cycle of applications but it actually baffles me how much I don't know!!)

I totally understand the confusion, I was very naif when I started applying last year too, you learn through the process so do not worry too much!

In terms of linking the deals back to you, I think that after you have expressed your interest in a specific deal, you also need to specify why you are interested in it.

For example, in my Latham application last year, I mentioned a case regarding the Latin American Development Bank, CAF, on its $800 million global bond offering. I expressed that this was very interesting to me as someone who was studying economic development during my MSc and also because I dealt with advising international government officials in North and South America during an internship I did with an American political consulting company.

I hope the example is helpful!

 

[bella98]

Ah I go to Oxford so should be okay

That's great, you will definitely not be questioned about your university choices like me - so you're safe there!

 

[NMA]

Could anyone that's done the Jones Day 1st stage interview message me? Have mine in Jan

 

[Charlottehollyx]

Are these interviews being conducted at Oxford?

No no, at their office in London.

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

@Jessica Booker Hi! When an application form asks "what country are you based in?", do I mention my permanent residence (so say I'm an international student from China) or do I mention UK (where I'm actually doing my law degree at uni)?

 

[lawapplicant]

Are these interviews being conducted at Oxford?

Confused by the reactions to this - was kinda a tongue in cheek Q - but there was a post in last years VS thread saying this about a firm, so I would not be surprised.

I am not an Oxford student nor do I have an SM interview - if you thought that I had an interview with SM at Oxford and was asking the poster if they had the same.

 

[axelbeugre]

@Jessica Booker Hi! When an application form asks "what country are you based in?", do I mention my permanent residence (so say I'm an international student from China) or do I mention UK (where I'm actually doing my law degree at uni)?

I would mention the UK as this is your residence since you are a university student. When I was applying I used to put London (since I was an international student studying in London). You can be more specific whenever they give you the chance to put both permanent and term time address. However, this application seems to suggest to only put your term time address, so I would include the UK.

 

[Standardlawapplicant]

Has anyone heard regarding Mayer Brown open day?

 

[LehmanBrothersRiskManagementIntern]

Has anyone heard regarding Mayer Brown open day?

I received an email Thursday 23 November saying that they’ve moved the open day to the 14th of December due to planned rail strikes. But it wasn’t a confirmation of a place at the open day. I was told I’d know by today the outcome but haven’t received anything yet.
Did you receive the same email on Thursday?

 

[trainingcontract]

@Jessica Booker Hi! As an international student, I did not sit GSCE's or any equivalent formalised exam at 16. Thus far I've been leaving that section blank with this explanation, but I'm starting to worry I come off as evasive. I did sit internal exams but they did not count towards anything, especially since I switched to IB the next year. Plus, they're not fantastic grades. Any advice on approach? Thanks!

 

[jas1502]

Just got an invite to Paul Hastings Insight Day!

Was wondering if other people got the invite also? I'm not sure how many people they've invited.

Congrats, I also got an invite!

I got an email from Dechert today too letting me know they've filled up their WVS but are still in the process of reviewing my application, so will roll it to the Spring/Summer Schemes. Has anyone else received this email?

 

[lllaaawww098]

any news from W&C today? people were supposed to receive the calls right?

 

[Tintin06]

any news from W&C today? people were supposed to receive the calls right?

Nothing. Given that the scheme starts on the 5th, should we assume a rejection at this point? Still it's not over until it's over.

 

[bella98]

Confused by the reactions to this - was kinda a tongue in cheek Q - but there was a post in last years VS thread saying this about a firm, so I would not be surprised.

I am not an Oxford student nor do I have an SM interview - if you thought that I had an interview with SM at Oxford and was asking the poster if they had the same.

I was actually reacting to the possibility of interviews being held at Oxford. 🤣 funny and sad at the same time
From what I’ve heard they already have open days without needing to take tests or VIs

 

[jomar]

Hi all - I am planning an info session within a society that I run to educate those members about "non-law" students applying to law firms (TCs, vac schemes, etc).

For all of you non law students: what would you want to see in such a presentation? Would like some advice before I prepare the content and wanted to see all of your thoughts?

Brief context- I am a 2025 Future Trainee at a US firm and am a non-law background, hence why I am doing this within my society.

Thanks!

 

[lawyergirl]

Hi all - I am planning an info session within a society that I run to educate those members about "non-law" students applying to law firms (TCs, vac schemes, etc).

For all of you non law students: what would you want to see in such a presentation? Would like some advice before I prepare the content and wanted to see all of your thoughts?

Brief context- I am a 2025 Future Trainee at a US firm and am a non-law background, hence why I am doing this within my society.

Thanks!

This sounds interesting!! Personally, I was pretty clueless about the application process as a whole i.e. TC offers are given two years in advance, PDGL/SQE information, ACs, VIs and the lot of it to be honest. I also would've liked to be informed about how I can make my application stand out in terms of extracurriculars, insight schemes, open days and whatever else!

 

[lawyergirl]

I totally understand the confusion, I was very naif when I started applying last year too, you learn through the process so do not worry too much!

In terms of linking the deals back to you, I think that after you have expressed your interest in a specific deal, you also need to specify why you are interested in it.

For example, in my Latham application last year, I mentioned a case regarding the Latin American Development Bank, CAF, on its $800 million global bond offering. I expressed that this was very interesting to me as someone who was studying economic development during my MSc and also because I dealt with advising international government officials in North and South America during an internship I did with an American political consulting company.

I hope the example is helpful!

Very helpful, thanks a lot!!

 

[Abbas J]

Congrats, I also got an invite!

I got an email from Dechert today too letting me know they've filled up their WVS but are still in the process of reviewing my application, so will roll it to the Spring/Summer Schemes. Has anyone else received this email?

Nice one!

Look forward to seeing you there.

 

[CallumJR]

Nothing. Given that the scheme starts on the 5th, should we assume a rejection at this point? Still it's not over until it's over.

Do not worry, you will get the VS for spring