TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[tanamontana]

Has anyone still not heard back from Bird & Bird?

 

[Jessica Booker]

May be overthinking this, Travers Smith ask within their application
If a direct process for a training contract was a possibility would you prefer to take this route rather than attend a scheme?

Just wondering why this is? Would they offer you the possibility of a direct training contract instead of a VC if too many people applied?

The VS opportunity is typically open before the TC opportunity. There are also many more VS places than TC (80 VS compared to 35 TC). This means many people may apply to the VS just because it’s the first thing open or because applicants think they can only really apply to the VS to secure a TC given the high ratio of VS to TC places.

However, there will be some people who don’t really want to do a VS (maybe they have lots of legal work experience already/maybe they can’t get time off work), so this gives people the opportunity to explain why they would prefer a direct TC process.

I don’t think they would offer your a TC if the Vs just filled up, but they might consider your individual circumstances and think that a TC process is favourable to you as a candidate. They won’t want to miss out of great talent.

 

[ah898]

Hi, was wondering if anyone knows which firms aren't so picky about first year grades? No "legit" ECs, but I was HEAVILY influenced by someone whom I was in a toxic relationship with and wasn't studying as I should've, and I was also constantly going through mental battles. I had two horrendous grades of the five exams I took. Truly, truly horrendous. I did several legal work experiences back to back during the summer, and am involved in many clubs and societies. Feeling incredibly discouraged. Where on earth could I even apply to?

I’m not sure if you’re 2nd or 3rd year, but I got 51% in first year. I decided not to do applications in 2nd year because I figured they wouldn’t be too competitive and focused on getting a good 2nd year grade instead. I’ve been applying this year and have progressed with a few firms so far.

I’ve sent a lot of applications(20+), because I didn’t know which firms were less ‘forgiving’ if you had really bad first year grades. But I’m sure if you do/have done well in second year and show the progress plenty of firms will be okay with it.

 

[Manuchelsout]

Late to the party but Akin pfo post test also

 

[SarahO]

@Jessica Booker please can you approve my membership? thank you

 

[P41690]

does anyone know if davis polk is rolling?

I believe it's non-rolling, deadline is 4th Jan

 

[SarahO]

@Jessica Booker please can you approve my membership? thank you

Also, please @Jessica Booker do bronze members get any discount off the mock interview? I only see a separate (discounted) link for Gold members.

 

[thelawnet]

Can anyone explain what this means?

• Be available to start the training contract position in September 2026
• Have completed, or be able to complete, your Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)/Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE)/Legal Practice Course (LPC) before September 2026

Will you be able to start your TC programme in Autumn 2026? Please note you will need to have completed all of your legal education (LLB/GDL/SQE) before this point. *​ ​ No​ ​ Yes​

Please tell us if you could commence your TC prior to Autumn 2026? *​ Yes - 2024 Yes - 2025 I am not able to begin earlier than 2026

I will complete my PGDL (not GDL) in May 2024. I expect therefore to do SQE1 in January 2025 and and SQE2 in April 2025.

So would that put me in 2024 or 2025?

 

[lawapplicant]

Are SPB apps closed?

 

[LB24]

Has anyone heard from Penningtons post-app?

I wouldn’t worry too much, last year I applied in May and didn’t hear back from them until August

 

[Jessica Booker]

Can anyone explain what this means?

• Be available to start the training contract position in September 2026
• Have completed, or be able to complete, your Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)/Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE)/Legal Practice Course (LPC) before September 2026

Will you be able to start your TC programme in Autumn 2026? Please note you will need to have completed all of your legal education (LLB/GDL/SQE) before this point. *​ ​ No​ ​ Yes​

Please tell us if you could commence your TC prior to Autumn 2026? *​ Yes - 2024 Yes - 2025 I am not able to begin earlier than 2026

I will complete my PGDL (not GDL) in May 2024. I expect therefore to do SQE1 in January 2025 and and SQE2 in April 2025.

So would that put me in 2024 or 2025?

Based on what you have said, you could start on 2025 as you would have your SQE2 results by August/September 2025. You may find the earliest you can sit SQE2 though is July as you wouldn’t get your SQE1 results until March 2025 and may not have time to book in for the SQE2 until the July sitting.

 

[Futuretrainee!1!1]

I believe it's non-rolling, deadline is 4th Jan

Thank you! What does it mean that they want a deatailed breakdown od academic results too?

 

[Apple]

What are people doing who applied for Shearman's summer scheme, given that it is seemingly cancelled now?

 

[ikeRoss]

I applied for their WVS in early September and didn't hear anything until I decided to reach out in mid November ~2 weeks before the WVS commenced and only then did I receive a PFO a couple days later - I have seen some HSF SVS AC invites on here so may be worth emailing grad rec to check

Anyone still waiting to hear back from HSF for the SVS? Been a month since I completed the test and haven’t heard anything, so wondered if anyone was in the same boat?

 

[bw1012]

Has anyone heard from Penningtons post-app?

I was asked to fill out a 'contextual survey' yesterday but that's all I've heard.

 

[lawyerletsgo]

Has anyone who did the Akin test on Christmas Eve heard back yet?

 

[deeja]

In an application can we refer to Pennington as Pennington or should we do PMC?

 

[ariellaquint]

anyone applied or applying to Hill Dickinson

 

[lawstudent523]

Does anyone know if HL review applications in the order of submitted, or when the test was taken?

 

[legally.brown]

I applied to HL yesterday. Do you guys know when they send out WGs?
Realistically do I even have a shot?