TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[laby201]

Oh god, made a note to finish off my Ashurst application today before the deadline shuts and, of course, the deadline was at 12pm 😭😭

I really need to make a note of those firms which don’t close at 23:59pm. Shame as I really liked Ashurst - anyone know if they take many direct TC applicants?

 

[sldn1]

Hi everyone, just got VI Weil and online assessment for Akin (not sure if its automatic though) - quite a boost after getting so many PFOs and struggling to get past application stage. if anyone has tips for VIs for both firms I'd really appreciate it.

Also, for Akin, the email says the deadline is 'midnight on Monday 8th of Jan' - just checking this means 11:59pm on Monday right?

 

[Sunshinepink]

Just completed the Reed Smith VI and got the automatic feedback for the Legal High Potential Assessment. Absolutely bombed 2/4 of the characteristics they assess. Here’s to hoping another firm give me an VI opportunity haha.

How long after applying did you get the VI invite?

 

[legalgrinch]

Oh god, made a note to finish off my Ashurst application today before the deadline shuts and, of course, the deadline was at 12pm 😭😭

I really need to make a note of those firms which don’t close at 23:59pm. Shame as I really liked Ashurst - anyone know if they take many direct TC applicants?

Speaking to an associate there, they told me they take a 50:50 split.

 

[futuretrainee2025]

Got a video interview for Addelshaw Goddard and Denton’s any advice or questions I should look out for?

Congratulations! Can I ask when you applied to both?

 

[nya]

Is Freshfields WG timed?

If it is timed, how long do they give?

 

[clbtchnhl]

I wish linklaters would just send a pfo already so I could get some motivation to get through the rest of these apps.

 

[Hana ♥]

Yeah, I'd appreciate it if the firms would send a PFO as soon as they decide it's a PFO, rather than sending them out in batches

 

[ADKM]

Hi everyone, just got VI Weil and online assessment for Akin (not sure if its automatic though) - quite a boost after getting so many PFOs and struggling to get past application stage. if anyone has tips for VIs for both firms I'd really appreciate it.

Also, for Akin, the email says the deadline is 'midnight on Monday 8th of Jan' - just checking this means 11:59pm on Monday right?

Remember Akin’s grad rec team saying during the open day that if you’ve got the test invite that means you have passed the application stage, so congratulations 🙌

 

[Sunshinepink]

Is Akin rolling or non-rolling?

 

[mfuturetrainee]

Accountability: Need to start and send off HL and Mishcon apps before the deadline today lol


If anyone has a smart way of reminding yourself automatically that an app's deadline is coming up, I desperately need to implement in

I always refer to legal cheek deadlines

p.s ur post was a reminder I need to shoot off Mishcon tonight as well 😭

 

[Erspencer]

Eversheds AC!!! Honestly could not have done it without this forum

 

[aspiringlawyer47]

wow Gowling AC!🥳

 

[trainingcontract]

Oh god, made a note to finish off my Ashurst application today before the deadline shuts and, of course, the deadline was at 12pm 😭😭

I really need to make a note of those firms which don’t close at 23:59pm. Shame as I really liked Ashurst - anyone know if they take many direct TC applicants?

.......you're kiddinggggggg i just finished D:

 

[Izzy1026]

Hi, does anyone know if Freshfields London Asia TC is closed already?? It says 5 jan so I assumed they meant tonight 2359 but I cannot find the programme to apply to on their portal. Really appreciate anyone who could help me out with this one. Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Manuchelsout]

Maybe it just doesn’t logistically work for them.

A vacation scheme is a lot of work for what it is. They may not have the HR resource to run it or it could be that they don’t have the infrastructure in teams to support vacation scheme students (eg supervisors/desk space etc).

Formally onboarding employees for 2 weeks crosses so many teams outside the departments they are sat in - HR, IT, Risk & Compliance, Facilities. You need the infrastructure over the summer to support this.

Some firms also experience a lot of candidates using their vacation scheme as a CV builder with no intention of taking a TC with the firm. It could easily be that they experience this, and then find many of the candidates they have invested time in just go to other firms as trainees anyway.

Thank u this is helpful. Yes I agree with your points as last year another firm decided to go down TC route instead of doing VS guess it does matter on the firm.

 

[Manuchelsout]

Anyone know when nrf summer vs app opens

 

[Untilwinter]

Pretty dumb question but would really appreciate help if anyone has any insight into this.
Does Akin do international trade work in London?
I saw that Akin has a pretty good ranking for trade in chambers global (not UK), but I am not sure if they actually do meaningful trade work in their London office.
I am thinking about writing my application based on international trade work but worried in case they just prefer to recruit trainees who are interested in funds/restructuring

 

[user254]

Gowling PFO

 

[tanamontana]

Does anyone know if attending an AC at an earlier date rather than a later date has any impact at all? (In the case where a firm gives you the option to choose when to do the AC)