TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[treemate44]

do we think that latham have sent AC invites to people with open days / first year schemes?

I hope not. I did an open day last term and am still waiting following a summer vac scheme application.

 

[shortypie90]

I realised I made a mistake in my application... because it had saved data from my previous application I didn't change my address from university and it's very obvious that it's a previous address as there's a field where it says "Contactable at this address until"... will this get my whole app rejected?

 

[Jessica Booker]

I realised I made a mistake in my application... because it had saved data from my previous application I didn't change my address from university and it's very obvious that it's a previous address as there's a field where it says "Contactable at this address until"... will this get my whole app rejected?

Highly unlikely. They may not even spot it because they can’t assume that isn’t your address. It maybe obvious to you, but might not be to your reader.

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker - Hi Jess, I applied close to the deadline. Is that a bad thing? W&C is rolling.

It’s not a bad thing - you have applied, you are in the running! The only negative would have been if you didn’t apply at all.

 

[axelbeugre]

I think I read that Goodwin doesn't allow you to participate in other vacation schemes if you accept their offer. @axelbeugre, do you know if this is still true? Is this a Goodwin thing or do you know other firms that have a similar policy?

I actually do not know how it works at other firms, I have friends who were allowed to do other schemes and others who could not (from other firms), however Goodwin did not let me yes. I think it is understandable and I was fine with it because I like the firm so much but it is something to take into account.

 

[axelbeugre]

Just out of curiosity, I have noticed that some people tend to post on linkedin that they are a 'Training Contract Offer Holder" at a firm, and then will continue to do more vac schemes at other firms and get additional TC offers throughout the cycle. Do law firms let you attend future vac schemes at other firms (if they have already given you an offer) before deciding which you'd like to accept a TC with? or are these people just accepting offers and then reneging on them later down the line?

Some will let you so it is understandable but others will not. It really depends on the firm. Additionally, they can make exceptions for you if you have compelling reasons so it is difficult to know unless you speak to the firm about it.

 

[axelbeugre]

Updating this in the spirit of accountability! Please do give me insight on any of these applications. For context, all of these are Spring/Summer Vacation Scheme, and this is my first application cycle.

Applied so far:

• Slaughter and May - Rejected ❌
• Allen & Overy - Rejected post VI & SJT ❌
• Herbert Smith Freehills - Passed WG, waiting ⏳
• Latham & Watkins - taken test & VI, waiting ⏳
• Linklaters - taken WG, waiting ⏳
• Hogan Lovells - taken test, waiting⏳
• Katten - waiting⏳
• Macfarlanes - taken test, waiting⏳
• Travers Smith - applying now 🔜
• NRF - applying soon 🔜
• Freshfields - taken WG, Assessment Centre incoming 📍

I am procrastinating my Travers Smith application because I am very very very burned out atm ugh

Nice way to hold yourself accountable, good luck with the process!!!

 

[axelbeugre]

Baker McKenzie VS application - Tell us about something - anything - that excites and inspires you. (300 words max) - Do they really mean anything or is it always a better idea to relate it back to business/finance/law in some way?

I am pretty sure they mean anything otherwise they would have specified pertaining to the business or corporate world so have fun with this question. I remember hearing people talking about a diverse set of topics in the HSF application. Some people talked about Taylor Swift, or swimming, climbing, music or anything like that. It really is a chance to showcase who you are and your interests so show them just that. Ideally, if you want to keep it more professional or legal adjacent, I would probably talk about how helping others excites me or how reading about successful lawyers helping people in danger really inspired me, mentioning famous lawyers or something like that. The question is open and general because they are interested in you so be creative and talk about your genuine interests!

 

[yxngd2x]

do we think that latham have sent AC invites to people with open days / first year schemes?

Apparently that is the case

 

[yxngd2x]

fair enough. good luck with the AC tomorrow! I picked 23/01 because I wanted it to be in-person but i'm envious of you getting it out of the way

appreciate it -- there were a few more days this week that were available in person as well I don't know if you saw them or not -- you'll be good though that extra prep time should help you nicely

 

[19.mfjones]

Good luck to all those hearing back from mills and reeve this week (and hopefully everywhere else!)

 

[manifestingtrainingcontract]

I am pretty sure they mean anything otherwise they would have specified pertaining to the business or corporate world so have fun with this question. I remember hearing people talking about a diverse set of topics in the HSF application. Some people talked about Taylor Swift, or swimming, climbing, music or anything like that. It really is a chance to showcase who you are and your interests so show them just that. Ideally, if you want to keep it more professional or legal adjacent, I would probably talk about how helping others excites me or how reading about successful lawyers helping people in danger really inspired me, mentioning famous lawyers or something like that. The question is open and general because they are interested in you so be creative and talk about your genuine interests!

I talked about Taylor Swift and Barbie but I think I was too conceptual with it 😭😭😭

 

[manifestingtrainingcontract]

Is it necessary to put "training contract offer holder" on Linkedin anyway? I've seen it a lot recently (even vacation scheme offer holder) and I'm genuinely curious about the reason for putting this online - is it to connect with more people at the firm, or something more?

Most likely it’s used as a status symbol

 

[cwhite233]

Hi all! When an application asks you to talk about work that the firm has 'done recently,' what counts as recent? I was thinking the last 6 months is fair game, though I'm not completely sure on this. For reference, the deal I am keen to reference was announced in January 2023 but was completed in mid July 2023. I'm slightly scared it's too old! If anyone has any guidance it would be much appreciated!

 

[lawstudent15]

Did anybody else get a open day invite from K&L Gates? Pls message me!!

 

[futuretrainee2025]

Hi all! When an application asks you to talk about work that the firm has 'done recently,' what counts as recent? I was thinking the last 6 months is fair game, though I'm not completely sure on this. For reference, the deal I am keen to reference was announced in January 2023 but was completed in mid July 2023. I'm slightly scared it's too old! If anyone has any guidance it would be much appreciated!

That is fine. Anything before Q4 2022 might be a bit old, so 2023 is fine

 

[sxw517]

Anyone heard back from Weil post VI?

 

[JLaw56]

Hi, is there anyone who applied to Sidley Austin VS by the deadline and still haven't received a response.

 

[legally.brown]

Hi, is there anyone who applied to Sidley Austin VS by the deadline and still haven't received a response.

I’ve only seen three invites so I don’t think they have contacted everyone.

 

[pb15]

Hi, is there anyone who applied to Sidley Austin VS by the deadline and still haven't received a response.

I havent heard back yet, but when i emailed them to ask about it, they said we should hear back by early feb