TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[yasmars]

I believe those websites might be providing outdated information. It seems they have divided the assessment centre into two parts this year, unlike previous years when it was just one in-person assessment centre.

But I'm not completely certain about this.

Yes, it's the virtual AC, then the in-person assessment centre.

 

[attempting law]

I believe those websites might be providing outdated information. It seems they have divided the assessment centre into two parts this year, unlike previous years when it was just one in-person assessment centre.

But I'm not completely certain about this.

thank you ! (how frustrating !!)

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Does anyone know the average number of ACs people get to each year and how many lead to VSs and then how many VSs tend to lead to TCs or is there just not enough data to see this anywhere?

 

[Katy12345]

@Jessica Booker I would love your advice! I have worked at a big 4 company in consulting for 2 years but I always wanted to pursue law, do you think applying to direct TC is an option (by that I mean a realistic one)? I am nearly a senior consultant and have gained great experience that is transferable for law as well as the fact my client has been an international law firm for the past year and I have done law work experience in the past (a week in first year uni and some first year schemes), I am reluctant to do a VS as I cannot really take that much time off work at once but was wondering if 2 years at the big 4 was good enough?

 

[sibs23]

Has anyone received an AC for Osborne Clarke's direct Training Contract?

Assuming they are for VS only. Started to worry after not hearing yesterday but then remembered I applied for TC lol

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Does anyone know the average number of ACs people get to each year and how many lead to VSs and then how many VSs tend to lead to TCs or is there just not enough data to see this anywhere?

Unfortunately these figures do not exist because there are far too many variables.

I personally would try not to focus or concern yourself about these details - they are ultimately not useful in your pursuit of the career.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker I would love your advice! I have worked at a big 4 company in consulting for 2 years but I always wanted to pursue law, do you think applying to direct TC is an option (by that I mean a realistic one)? I am nearly a senior consultant and have gained great experience that is transferable for law as well as the fact my client has been an international law firm for the past year and I have done law work experience in the past (a week in first year uni and some first year schemes), I am reluctant to do a VS as I cannot really take that much time off work at once but was wondering if 2 years at the big 4 was good enough?

Taking the time off work may also be very difficult due to conflict checks.

Yes - I would recommend applying to direct TCs in your situation. It would only be if a firm recruits exclusively from vacation schemes that this would not be appropriate route for you.

I would potentially look at trying to engage with firms via insight days, virtual programmes or careers events to build your network back into law given it’s been a while since your last legal experience.

Ultimately two years at a Big 4 firm will show a lot of great evidence and should be enough work experience for the vast majority of firms (a small number of firms say you need a certain level of legal work experience to apply), and if that is combined with a strong written application with clear motivations for a legal career, then this is likely to be good enough for some firms.

You may want to look out for career changer events too - the Law Society usually runs one each year which can be a good way to reconnect with law firms interested in hiring career changers.

 

[J53]

Congrats!! When did you apply?

Applied 28/12, got my test on 2/1 and did it literally straight away, their website says that they read apps as they come in, but they don't fill up ACs until post-deadline

 

[Arf1309]

Any OC AC invites for Bristol or is it just London that have heard back??

 

[mfuturetrainee]

refreshing linkedIn like its instagram to see if any 'im delighted to announce' posts will pop up

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

Any OC AC invites for Bristol or is it just London that have heard back??

I received the invitation to the virtual AC for OC's Bristol office last night. Hopefully, you'll hear back soon

 

[Carrington Lane]

Wow, law firms has been so polite lately. First Latham, now Linklaters thanking me for my patience

 

[Lawyer500]

Applied 28/12, got my test on 2/1 and did it literally straight away, their website says that they read apps as they come in, but they don't fill up ACs until post-deadline

Thank you which office did you apply for? I applied quite near the deadline to the london one

 

[J53]

Thank you which office did you apply for? I applied quite near the deadline to the london one

London

 

[biglaworbust]

Wow, law firms has been so polite lately. First Latham, now Linklaters thanking me for my patience View attachment 5617

Got this in a middle of a lecture and I just thought "What was the point of this." Didn't need a heart rate spike for no reason

 

[SerGo2507]

Manifesting CMS AC invite today

 

[Toomanypfo]

Does anyone know how many words are expected if I am given 30 minutes for a written exercise

 

[Amehta1]

Wow, law firms has been so polite lately. First Latham, now Linklaters thanking me for my patience View attachment 5617

If I didn’t get this email is my application eveb still being reviewed??

 

[Kenomy]

Has anyone here heard back from Trowers & Hamlins?

 

[thenublawyer]

Does anyone know how many words are expected if I am given 30 minutes for a written exercise

I don't think they expect candidates to write a certain number of words? Especially in cases where the written exercise involves client communication, what they are looking out for (I think) is the ability to communicate in a clear and succinct manner.