TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[hanz123]

Is it worth applying to a firm if the dates clash with a religious observance?

 

[Seven]

I highly wouldn't recommend calling, they're busy enough as it is and may think you're being impatient. Just send an email and I'm sure they'll get back to you soon

I disagree. In circumstances where you haven’t heard back for a considerable amount of time - it’s encouraged by grad rec themselves to either phone up or email as per their instructions at events. Grad rec cannot reject your application based off calling. It would be against their policy. It would be unreasonable however to call straight after you submit your application for example.

 

[Zi48]

Aha yeah, I’m sure they make it really difficult so that’s understandable! Is it there not a time limit then?

The VI questions were timed but the rest weren’t

 

[Seven]

does anyone know why there's such an influx of candidates this year? this is very speculative but does it have to do with the trash job market at the moment? law is competitive but pretty stable

Just the increased awareness of jobs in the legal sector, I believe. Especially with law firms targeting school students and the new wave of solicitor apprenticeships. The outreach programs, charitable organisations (Aspiring solicitors, upReach, SEO, etc), virtual events, to name a few.

 

[clo224455]

Dentons VI 🎉
CENTRAL BELT | SUMMER VS | APPLIED 01/01/24 | APTITUDE TEST 03/01/24

Congrats! When did you complete the online assessment?

Also which office was this for?

 

[aspiringlawyer27]

Linklaters vacation scheme 🥳

 

[axelbeugre]

Hi guys, I have a quick question for Stephenson Harwood(forgive me if these are all obvious):
1. Is it rolling?
2. Can one apply for their VS and TC in the same cycle?
3. What is their ratio of VS/Direct TC intakes? Does anyone have any advice on which would be better to apply to (for sb that has approx 1 1/2 years legal experience) ?
Thanks so much in advance for any tips. @axelbeugre @Jessica Booker

I am not very keen on this information on the firm specifically, however I am pretty sure that if you go on their website you will find these specifics. Alternatively, you can go and read the firm's profile and training contract characteristics on some websites like Chamber's student which is quite helpful. I applied to the firm last year to their direct training contract so I do not know anything about the vacation scheme process. However, for what concerns which one to apply to between training contracts and vacation schemes, I also say that vacation schemes are better as you get a chance to experience the firm and connect with the lawyers and everyone at the firm, and you will potentially have much more chances.

 

[wz_13]

anyone heard back from RS post test/ bristows post app

 

[Ash2323]

Unfortunately firms, especially top firms, don’t care about diversity except for ethnic diversity. This means you can be a middle class black man and get onto black only schemes regardless of your background.

For this reason I would have only diversity for social mobility and disability only imo. Non-RG would come under social mobility.

Personally I dont really agree with this.

I would argue that instead of non-RG coming under social mobility, there needs to be, in general, a recognised effort for academic diversity. Meaning, an acceptance for different types of educational institutions - just like there has been more open-mindedness for apprenticeships recently.

Even if a black male came from a middle class background, only recognising social mobility, means that we do not appreciate the statistics - which is that there are little to no individuals like this in the corporate field (at partner level in general). Why is that? Grouping them solely under social mobility would not be addressing the cause of the issue. As a woman of colour from a working class background, it looks really disheartening to see nobody looking like you in positions like that. So i am glad for any type of diversity , including for ethnic minorities, as they may face different barriers, which may be in addition to or instead of social mobility.

Just some ideas for thought, this was not meant to be a rant

 

[axelbeugre]

Linklaters vacation scheme 🥳

Congratulations!! Huge Achievement!!

 

[biglaworbust]

Linklaters vacation scheme 🥳

Congrats! Is this for spring or summer? Also were you fast tracked or just a regular application?
Thanks

 

[aspiringlawyer27]

Congrats! Is this for spring or summer? Also were you fast tracked or just a regular application?
Thanks

Thank you! I was fast-tracked, for summer

 

[gggg]

Hi guysss,

Any tips for the reed smith assessment and VI? To anyone that done it before, how did you find it?

id appreciate the helpp

 

[Legalstalker]

Quick question... Those who have received a Freshfields WG have you applied to VS and not direct TC?

As I've put them in my PFO list but just realised that they do a VS so I may still be in the running lmao

 

[e1996]

@axelbeugre @Jessica Booker do you know if for firms which have no minumum a level requirements whether they still require a certain number of UCAS points?

 

[legally.brown]

Quick question... Those who have received a Freshfields WG have you applied to VS and not direct TC?

As I've put them in my PFO list but just realised that they do a VS so I may still be in the running lmao

If you applied for the direct tc i think you should be fine. i think they send the WG after the deadline.

 

[Pennine Valley]

mills & reeve AC

 

[EllaClayton]

Watson Farley and Williams AC! My first AC invite and if anyone has advice that would be great!

 

[aspiringsolicitor2000]

Watson Farley and Williams AC! My first AC invite and if anyone has advice that would be great!

Congrats! Can I ask when you applied and completed the VI?

 

[NJS]

Does Ashurst take a decent number of TC applicants? Like 50/50?