TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Ghassen]

Just looking for some advice: I have a VS place and a TC interview coming up. I'm waiting to hear back from a few firms but they will likely be rejections. I'm not sure if I should continue to send applications or take a break and focus on ensuring that the VS/TC interview converts into a TC offer.

Is anybody in a similar situation/has dealt with a similar situation in the past? Your insights are highly valuable

I am in a similar position. I have a SVS coming up, and two direct TC ACs. Also, I have a few applications left to hear back post VI or post app. However, I decided to apply to the direct TC cycle, because you really never know. I knew few people who couldn’t convert 4 VS in one cycle, and others who failed many ACs. So my approach is: the more you apply, the better chance you have, no matter the position you are in rn.
Hope this helps.

 

[lozgalb20]

Woohoo, NRF VI. Any insights appreciated!

 

[izzy1036]

Does anyone have any tips for Pinsent Masons AC? Especially for the business simulation exercise? x

 

[LLB0711]

Has anyone done the Willkie partner interview? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[Farhan65756]

So PH doesn't interview for a TC at the end of the VS? Would you have to wait to apply for the direct TC the following year?

If you apply for the work placement this cycle, you can still apply for the direct TC this cycle too. That's what they said at the open day.

 

[Misty Meanor]

Is it in person or virtual?

@Jessica Booker, it is in-person. They are not running any virtual ACs from what I've gathered.

 

[TC seeker]

A lot of firms suggest to not reapply to the direct training contract route if you have been rejected the same here unless substantive change to your application has been made, as in you have done an interesting work experience.

I personally would not apply because your chances of succeeding with this firm might be a big slim. I was in your same shoes with W&C last year before receiving my training contract offer from another firm I was considering applying after the video interview stage but I got the advice to not apply to the direct training contract route as nothing in my application would have changed apart adding a vacation scheme from a US firm. They tend to reserve the spots for people who cannot attend the scheme or who work full-time, understandably so.

What I would do if I were in your shoes is speaking to people who were successful in the process this year, ask them how they passed the video interview stage and make sure that you implement these tips and suggestions in the next cycle.

Unless you have had other vacation scheme offers that you can put in your application, I personally would not apply again as it is really difficult to succeed with those especially if you got already rejected the same application cycle, since your competition will have the edge of not being in your position if that makes sense.

However, if you feel like you still have a good chance then I would recommend keep learning about the firm through their LinkedIn and social media pages as well as the website, speaking with people at the firm, from future trainees to associates, and rewrite the answers you provided in the applications.

I also shared some tips on passing video interviews which I think you would find useful: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/how-to-prepare-for-a-law-firm-video-interview-a-step-by-step-guide-⭐️.8346/ and https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....ns-discussion-thread-2023-24.8037/post-151491

I also recently wrote a guide with more tips: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....ns-discussion-thread-2023-24.8037/post-167426

I hope this helps!

It seems like the magic circle law firm ( Slaughter, Freshfields and Clifford Chance) only provide the direct TC if you after your penultimate year, so the only way to get into these firms is to reapply if unsuccessful? In addition, do you think it would be helpful if add a summer/ winter vacation scheme when applying the TC route.

 

[Fysone]

Hogan Lovells PFO for summer vacation scheme

 

[MrHubertLouis]

This isn't a vac scheme question so sorry for randomly putting this here, but I applied for a law-related but non-legal graduate role with a company in London and the recruiter has not been in touch? I did the online test beginning January and since then have reached out to her by email but have had nothing back lol shall I just assume they aren't going to take me forward in the application process but haven't bothered to tell me?

I applied last year, they only send tests out to a number of applicants but they should email you a PFO. However, I applied back in October and still haven’t heard back so maybe they’re not sending out PFOs this year.

 

[Deleted member 27336]

Sorry to hear was this post app?

Hogan Lovells PFO for summer vacation scheme

 

[LawJourney101]

Well.. turns out I did get a NRF interview. GL everyone.

 

[VMS]

HL Summer Vac Scheme PFO Post-Test

 

[JLaw56]

If anyone knows what Paul Hastings' summer work placement involves, please let me know.

 

[Lola333]

A general question regarding timeframes for accepting training contract offers after a vac scheme.

If I have a vac scheme with firm A who offers me a TC before another Vac scheme with another firm that I prefer but the vac scheme hasn't even commenced yet, would I be have enough time to do the vac scheme with firm B and then consider both options, or would the offer 'expire' for the TC from firm A?

Thanks in advance

I would read your TC thoroughly and check there aren't any clauses preventing you from participating in another firm's vac scheme, then sign the TC so it doesn't expire. In the event you convert the VS to a TC, you can renege on your first offer. I'm in the same situ and this is what I have done

 

[Lola333]

HL Summer Vac Scheme PFO Post-Test

Hogan Lovells PFO for summer vacation scheme

So sorry to hear this, I'm still waiting on a response! I assume PFO because have seen ACs and offers but would be nice to be told directly lol

 

[manifestingtrainingcontract]

If anyone knows what Paul Hastings' summer work placement involves, please let me know.

It's a week working in one of their seats. It doesn't have an exit interview as far as I know, but it's supposed to "feed into" a TC. Essentially, after it finishes you will apply for the TC and it's almost like being fast-tracked for it.

 

[tcplease2345]

Anyone know if SH send out online test invitations to everyone or do they select applicants at this stage?

I applied on 14th February for the summer scheme and I haven't heard back yet.

 

[tcplease2345]

Did anyone get the online test for SH summer scheme and if you did, when did you apply?

 

[Tears4Tc]

Hey everyone, I’ve been lurking for a while but this is my first post. I recently received a rejection for a law firm I did an AC with this morning. I’m waiting on a couple other applications but think this concludes my cycle. I don’t want it to end though so I’m planning to make a few other applications. Does anyone know if Paul Hastings takes into account mitigating circumstances for a-levels? I’ve emailed grad recruitment but thought I would ask on here as well.

 

[manifestingtrainingcontract]

Hey everyone, I’ve been lurking for a while but this is my first post. I recently received a rejection for a law firm I did an AC with this morning. I’m waiting on a couple other applications but think this concludes my cycle. I don’t want it to end though so I’m planning to make a few other applications. Does anyone know if Paul Hastings takes into account mitigating circumstances for a-levels? I’ve emailed grad recruitment but thought I would ask on here as well.

No clue, but my experience with PH indicates that they're less keen on academics (ofc being a good 2:1 candidate is important), and more keen on well-rounded, smart and driven individuals