TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Deleted member 27336]

Same! I have also already applied last month. Is this worrying?

ur probs good the system is clearly bugging out hahahaha

 

[law2022x]

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 feel you I also bombed my first year (2.2) because of an awful relationship too and I would say American firms post-graduation seem to care less about my marks but could be because I eventually got a 2.1. I think don't waste your time on Slaughter & May at least (they're the most elitist and worst imo) and try your best to get a 2.1 overall then you will be fine. In the meantime, apply for US firms for sure they tend to take a more holistic look at apps from my experience at least.

 

[laby201]

Wow well done! When did you apply if you don’t mind me asking?

Thank you! I submitted my app on the deadline and believe I sat the test on the 10th December.

 

[vecna]

Congratulations! Very well done!

In terms of tips, I have talked to some friends who did the assessment last year and they said:

• Do your thorough research on the firm and always be able to speak on why you want to join the firm. This should include everything you find interesting or relevant about the firm.
• Make your motivation to join the firm obvious and highlight how training at the firm will be a much better fit for you than training at any other firm. This is something that a friend emphasised a lot, and it means that you should be able to pick and choose aspects of the training at the firm that appeals to you and makes sense to your way of learning or approaching a situation.
• Be very commercially aware. The article that they often give to the interviewees is a commercial piece of article and the assessment is a way for you to show how well you deal with commercial news. They do not want a know-it-all, but someone that is very teachable, curious and eager to learn so try to show these skills by summarising the article to the best of your ability and finding links to things you have read or studied and interrogate yourself on how this might affect the business world, the legal sector as a whole, and finally the firm itself.
• Be extremely personable but very professional as soon as you get into the office. My friend highlighted how it might be very intimidating especially because they ask you to leave your phone somewhere and it feels like you are going to war in a way, but do not see it like that. Take it as an opportunity to experience some time at a fair that interests you and a chance to get to know the lawyers working there and their personalities.

I hope these helps and good luck with the assessment!

This is incredibly helpful, thank you so much for taking the time to collate this advice!

 

[Ghassen]

anyone else get the "still reviewing scores & will get back by end of jan" email from akin?

Yes I got the same. I did my test in Christmas period and still waiting, while others did it after me and got rejected or invited for TI. What does this mean ?

 

[hopefultrainee888]

Yes I got the same. I did my test in Christmas period and still waiting, while others did it after me and got rejected or invited for TI. What does this mean ?

no idea! i did mine during the same period as well

 

[iz1]

I don't think we should. I remember some ppl only getting their WG on Tuesday and they should get 3 days to complete it (which mean the dl is tomorrow morning.) Maybe Freshfields is waiting for those ppl result before getting back to us

I was thinking that too, but if their system is that they add our application score and test score together and see if we meet the benchmark, surely they already know if we're in/out

 

[nj3352]

is slaughters interview the final round? like this if you've heard back from them too

 

[Heartofglass]

I was thinking that too, but if their system is that they add our application score and test score together and see if we meet the benchmark, surely they already know if we're in/out

Perhaps they are trying to get, idk, the top 100 candidates that will go to the next round which means they will have to wait for all

 

[SerGo2507]

Has anyone here heard back from CMS for their Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship by any chance? I know it is essentially the same process but wondering if they will have different ACs

I’ve chased for an update . Will post if I hear back!

 

[Tattyasha]

This was me last week

So sorry to hear that. Hope you’re feeling brighter now? I don’t normally get upset but this one stings. It’s the furthest I’ve got with any of them (TI) and genuinely thought it had gone well but apparently not 😞

 

[erderlylars]

Has anyone heard from mishcon de reya post app for summer vacation scheme who submitted close to deadline?

 

[Chelsea101]

Holding myself accountable (again):

A&O (TC) - ✅ 📕📍❌
Slaughters (TC) - ✅ 📍❌
Jones Day - ✅ 📞📍❌
Ashurst - ✅ 📕📍❌
W&C - ✅ 📞
CMS (TC) - ✅ 📕📞
Taylor Wessing - ✅ 📕 (test decision TBD)
Covington - ✅
Hogan Lovells - ✅ 📕 (passed)
Sidley Austin - ✅
Milbank - ✅
Cooley - ✅
Gibson Dunn - ✅
Herbert Smith Freehills - ✅ 📕❌ (didn't reach test benchmark)
Travers Smith - ✅ ❌
Clifford Chance (TC) - ✅ 📕❌ (passed test)
Linklaters - ✅ 📕❌

First (technically second, but last year I didn't know what I was doing) app cycle, so feeling good. If anyone has insights into Travers, Freshfields (TC), NRF or Bakers app process lmk, can give some help with the firms listed above!

✅ - applied 📕- online test📞- telephone/video interview 🖊️ - written exercise📍- AC❌ - PFO

Hi, what do you mean by 'passed' next to Hogan Lovells? Thank you

 

[Happycloud100]

has anyone who applied on the deadline or late heard back from MoFo saw a few interviews

 

[ia1234555]

So sorry to hear that. Hope you’re feeling brighter now? I don’t normally get upset but this one stings. It’s the furthest I’ve got with any of them (TI) and genuinely thought it had gone well but apparently not 😞

definitely feeling better and it pushed me to write another app so I have even more options. Hopefully you continue to advance on the other ones you have in the works.

 

[Deleted member 27336]

Hi, what do you mean by 'passed' next to Hogan Lovells? Thank you

I emailed them for my WG score, and it was fairly high. Given their benchmark is the 17th percentile, I assumed I passed

 

[NJS]

I emailed them for my WG score, and it was fairly high. Given their benchmark is the 17th percentile, I assumed I passed

did grad rec say that was benchmark?

 

[Chelsea101]

I emailed them for my WG score, and it was fairly high. Given their benchmark is the 17th percentile, I assumed I passed

Ohh! I didn't realise you could do this, writing my email now
Have you heard back post WG though?

 

[bella98]

I emailed them for my WG score, and it was fairly high. Given their benchmark is the 17th percentile, I assumed I passed

Not HL ghosting me again💀

 

[Deleted member 27336]

did grad rec say that was benchmark?

I heard from someone else, idk if its EXACTLY 17, but historically, its pretty low