TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Law2020]

Latham & Watkins Summer VS if anyone wants to connect!

 

[mhs234]

I know i’m slightly early to ask this, but has anyone received a response from shoosmiths dicover placement?
I got my feedback report for the online assessment and i’m not too optimistic about it

 

[legallyad]

K&L Gates Verbal Analysis test invite!

I didn't know it was part of the application process.

Same here! Guessing to further shortlist applicants. Is this just verbal reasoning?

 

[SirLancelot7777]

Anyone else find the Bakers VI strange - very arguably philosophical questions being asked.

Huh weird, what were the questions, and how were they philosophical?

 

[Jessica Booker]

If I withdrew my application from a first-years scheme at a firm, will this be a disadvantage for when I apply to their vac scheme next year?

@Jessica Booker

No - this won’t be an issue.

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jessica, I am submitting an application to a firm's Dubai office for their placement scheme. On the website it says the firm pays for accommodation for those not resident in Dubai. So I am assuming that they also sponsor the visa given they are clearly accepting applications from non-residents? Do you think it's worth still getting in touch and asking. The firm's not been super responsive and the deadline is nearing so I don't know if it's best waiting for a response before starting writing my application. Thank you!

it sounds like you have already contacted them about this - if so, I wouldn’t necessarily chase them via email again. Alternatives are to try and call them or maybe connect with their trainees working in the region to see if they know.

 

[VacayScheme]

Bates Wells have broken their silence - WG invite!

 

[hanz123]

Has anyone else not heard back from Addleshaw post VI?

 

[neonorange]

Bates Wells have broken their silence - WG invite!

Congrats! I got a PFO with lots of very useful general advice that included "be available for a Training Contract in 2026". Good luck for the WG!

 

[cattlawapps324]

Congrats! I got a PFO with lots of very useful general advice that included "be available for a Training Contract in 2026". Good luck for the WG!

me too - actually thought my app was quite good 🥺

 

[eleven14og]

I apparently chose the wrong weekend to not check the forum! Literally me catching up from page 650ish during my lunch break

 

[Seven]

Hogan Lovells rejection post-AC😭 I don’t know what’s wrong with me
Despite my best efforts, it seems like I consistently struggle to advance past this particular stage in the recruitment process. Every time, I go in feeling prepared and come out thinking I've done okay, only to be met with disappointment.
I can't help but feel a bit lost as to how I can improve or what it is that I'm missing.

I am so sorry, I was rooting for you!! ☹️ Please inbox me if you need to rant at all. Did they atleast offer you some feedback?

 

[LehmanBrothersRiskManagementIntern]

Has anyone heard back from V&E post VI?

 

[bella98]

RPC post-AC PFO

I dedicated a month to research those firms in depth. Obviously a first-class law degree and experience are not sufficient for a two-week programme. I've decided to halt my efforts in pursuing further applications. The pattern has become all too familiar: no matter how far I progress, reaching the assessment centre stage seems to inevitably lead to rejection. It's disheartening to feel as though I'm not meeting the mark, regardless of my qualifications and dedication.

It's ironic that after dedicating six years to legal studies, the only employment opportunity I can secure is that of a sales assistant. Obv there's nothing wrong with this role, but it wasn't the intention behind pursuing a law degree.
Everyone’s also been ghosting me for paralegal positions, so I’ll do a big favour to myself and stop wasting more time because I already dedicated too much effort to a lost cause

 

[Seven]

Has anyone at all been given offers for the VS post-Covington AC? or even rejections?

 

[futuretrainee2025]

RPC post-AC PFO

I dedicated a month to research those firms in depth. Obviously a first-class law degree and experience are not sufficient for a two-week programme. I've decided to halt my efforts in pursuing further applications. The pattern has become all too familiar: no matter how far I progress, reaching the assessment centre stage seems to inevitably lead to rejection. It's disheartening to feel as though I'm not meeting the mark, regardless of my qualifications and dedication.

It's ironic that after dedicating six years to legal studies, the only employment opportunity I can secure is that of a sales assistant. Obv there's nothing wrong with this role, but it wasn't the intention behind pursuing a law degree.
Everyone’s also been ghosting me for paralegal positions, so I’ll do a big favour to myself and stop wasting more time because I already dedicated too much effort to a lost cause

Hi, really sorry to hear this! I think you need a well-deserved break from all this. It's an extremely demoralising and tough process but I know you will get there!! Ask any current trainee and I'm sure they've all related to you at some point.

The fact you are getting to the assessment centres already suggests you're in the top 10% of applicants which is a massive achievement. You're clearly capable so it might just be a case of stepping back and revising your interview approach. I found that even though I knew a firm inside out, sometimes something as simple as knowing how to answer situational questions can change the outcome entirely. Best of luck and message me if you ever need to rant

 

[aspiringlawyer47]

Congrats!🎉 is that your second offer this cycle? That's amazing

Yes it is, thank you!

 

[Miss Chocolate]

it sounds like you have already contacted them about this - if so, I wouldn’t necessarily chase them via email again. Alternatives are to try and call them or maybe connect with their trainees working in the region to see if they know.

I have been calling all the relevant people who deal with recruitment but they don't really pick up 😂 I think I will stop now in case they get sick of me before even seeing my application. Also, does it look bad if I have contacted too many people on LinkedIn/emailed them to ask to speak to them about their work? Just doing my research into the firm at the moment.

 

[Seven]

I have been calling all the relevant people who deal with recruitment but they don't really pick up 😂 I think I will stop now in case they get sick of me before even seeing my application. Also, does it look bad if I have contacted too many people on LinkedIn/emailed them to ask to speak to them about their work? Just doing my research into the firm at the moment.

No it’s called conducting due diligence😉 You’ll be a great lawyer!! But hopefully it’s not GR you’re contacting on LinkedIn, everyone else though it’s fair game to send a message to get insights into the firm - the worst they’ll do is ignore because they’re busy.

 

[zdzd]

RPC post-AC PFO

I dedicated a month to research those firms in depth. Obviously a first-class law degree and experience are not sufficient for a two-week programme. I've decided to halt my efforts in pursuing further applications. The pattern has become all too familiar: no matter how far I progress, reaching the assessment centre stage seems to inevitably lead to rejection. It's disheartening to feel as though I'm not meeting the mark, regardless of my qualifications and dedication.

It's ironic that after dedicating six years to legal studies, the only employment opportunity I can secure is that of a sales assistant. Obv there's nothing wrong with this role, but it wasn't the intention behind pursuing a law degree.
Everyone’s also been ghosting me for paralegal positions, so I’ll do a big favour to myself and stop wasting more time because I already dedicated too much effort to a lost cause

I’m so sorry I know how frustrating it is and you’re always second-guessing yourself to doubt whether you’re good enough. However, the fact that your applications are even getting past the initial screening stage and that you’re even getting invited to ACs mean that prospective employers *do* see the potential in you to be a good candidate, otherwise why would they invite you to highly-competitive ACs in the first place? Firms have anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand candidates competing for less than 100 spaces, so you’re clearly doing something right to even get this far.

I’d agree with the poster above and say maybe take a break for a bit because it does get eye-wateringly frustrating when you’re faced with rejection after rejection after all the time and effort you put into apps and preparing for interviews. Take some time away, start a new Netflix series for a bit (Suits if you’re up for it) and spin the block whenever you feel rejuvenated and ready. You’re def not the only one because if that were the case, this forum wouldn’t exist.