TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Legalstalker]

Hey everyone! was just curious why Ropes and Grey have a deadline till 31st January for their VS? Is it that they seem to be less popular for people as they seem to have a high oxbridge intake (checked on legal cheek) or the fact that they do not allow LPC graduates to apply? I was maybe thinking of applying to them as a final push for this season but am a bit deterred, as i am not an oxbridge candidate. Any thoughts?

They have a pretty equal balance with RG applicants to... If you're neither RG or Oxbridge i personally wouldn't apply i mean i am neither and i didn't apply to them, Kirkland or any firm that shows they don't recruit outside these two bubbles.

But do what you feel is right! it is your future and they may be the firm to say Yes and give you that TC

 

[hannahfl]

I just heard back today following the online assessment. Good luck!

Was the online assessment automatically sent to you after applying?

 

[AK001]

Has anyone had experience with Willkie's written exercise in previous cycles? If so would you mind PMing me? Thanks

 

[addy2004]

When did you apply?

4th January

 

[bella98]

They have a pretty equal balance with RG applicants to... If you're neither RG or Oxbridge i personally wouldn't apply i mean i am neither and i didn't apply to them, Kirkland or any firm that shows they do recruit outside these two bubbles.

But do what you feel is right! it is your future and they may be the firm to say Yes and give you that TC

I agree with that - l think it's worthwhile to dedicate your time and effort to applying to more inclusive firms.

Given the options available and the significant effort required for the application process, I personally choose not to apply to firms with poor diversity records. However, this is just my approach, and I encourage everyone to pursue what they feel is best for them

 

[Petallove1]

RPC WG invite

 

[eleven14og]

This is in a practice test btw, interested to know how people would answer it:

Would regulating arms exports promote world peace? No; allowing countries to export arms supports their economy, and countries with prospering economies rarely initiate wars. My answer would be a strong argument, but it is weak. & I do not understand why it is weak.

i'm guessing the question asks regulating export and the argument is about allowing exports? so it technically did not answer the question

 

[lawlawlawgirl]

Hi does anyone have any tips for the Freshfields commercial awareness section of their interview? I haven't done one of these before and I just did a mock and I feel like I don't know anything! Is there a list of base knowledge we should have? panicking !!!

 

[Legalstalker]

I agree with that - l think it's worthwhile to dedicate your time and effort to applying to more inclusive firms.

Given the options available and the significant effort required for the application process, I personally choose not to apply to firms with poor diversity records. However, this is just my approach, and I encourage everyone to pursue what they feel is best for them

100%

I got offers for RG universities when i applied but chose not to go as i was offered a sports scholarship at another university who paid for my entry fees, flights and accommodation to competitions. I was given extended deadlines when i had competitions as well as a great reference from the head of sports who supported the 2020 Olympics. I still graduated with a good grade, worked throughout university and joined other sports clubs for socialising. But because I don't have the status of a RG or Oxbridge candidate I can't apply to some places. It sucks and that is why diversity is a huge thing when i apply not salary. Diversity for ethnic, disabled and non RG universities.

whew rant over hehe

 

[Pennine Valley]

100%

I got offers for RG universities when i applied but chose not to go as i was offered a sports scholarship at another university who paid for my entry fees, flights and accommodation to competitions. I was given extended deadlines when i had competitions as well as a great reference from the head of sports who supported the 2020 Olympics. I still graduated with a good grade, worked throughout university and joined other sports clubs for socialising. But because I don't have the status of a RG or Oxbridge candidate I can't apply to some places. It sucks and that is why diversity is a huge thing when i apply not salary. Diversity for ethnic, disabled and non RG universities.

whew rant over hehe

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.

 

[Victor87]

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

 

[Flutterbyx303]

Reed Smith VI and interactive assessments invite! Applied on the deadline and it went into my junk FYI.

 

[Jessica Booker]

100%

I got offers for RG universities when i applied but chose not to go as i was offered a sports scholarship at another university who paid for my entry fees, flights and accommodation to competitions. I was given extended deadlines when i had competitions as well as a great reference from the head of sports who supported the 2020 Olympics. I still graduated with a good grade, worked throughout university and joined other sports clubs for socialising. But because I don't have the status of a RG or Oxbridge candidate I can't apply to some places. It sucks and that is why diversity is a huge thing when i apply not salary. Diversity for ethnic, disabled and non RG universities.

whew rant over hehe

I’d stress that if you could point this out to firms you think are going to be super selective on the basis of university attended, they would probably take it into consideration. Firms generally love the competitive sports people for the skills/qualities they bring from outside of academia.

 

[Jessica Booker]

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

Hi there - unfortunately I don’t know these specifics.

 

[pb15]

damn just got a very quick rejection from Sullivan & Cromwell

Sorry to hear that. Can I ask when you applied?

 

[yeezyee]

Sorry to hear that. Can I ask when you applied?

on the deadline day! so seems like they're being very quick. good luck!

 

[AnonKn635]

JONES DAY VI! - first one of the season, any tips would be appreciated. Can give HSF AC insights in return

 

[JLaw56]

Does anyone know if Mayer Brown reviews the application first before sending out a test invite? Is the test a second stage?

Or maybe they are just sending out these invitations with a delay and the application and testing are in the first stage?

 

[yeezyee]

Does anyone know if Mayer Brown reviews the application first before sending out a test invite? Is the test a second stage?

Or maybe they are just sending out these invitations with a delay and the application and testing are in the first stage?

they review both together! its sent manually by HR and not automatically from a system which is why there's a delay sometimes! the test is still part of the first stage (i went to an open day where HR mentioned this!)

 

[OliviaPope]

Does anyone know if Mayer Brown reviews the application first before sending out a test invite? Is the test a second stage?

Or maybe they are just sending out these invitations with a delay and the application and testing are in the first stage?

Everyone completes the test it’s part of the first stage they just takes ages to send it haha. The second stage is a trainee job simulation