TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

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bangarangbass39

Legendary Member
Sep 13, 2023
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How long is a reasonable amount of time to wait for a firm to reply post application/test/vi? Does anyone have experience of waiting an exceptionally long time to hear back and receive a successful application/progression to the next stage?

I'm starting to think the longer the wait the more likely the rejection.
 
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bangarangbass39

Legendary Member
Sep 13, 2023
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I have low A level grades and PH website says they look for majority As in A levels. Will it make sense to apply?
Depends on how low it is and If you have mitigating circumstances. Always check with grad recruitment if you're unsure. But if it says majority A, I (personally) wouldn't apply with something less than AAB. Based on what they say.

There's no shame in applying, just know what you're up against and what you have to do to make yourself stand out - Top Degree grade, work experience, strongly written application, etc. Your materials have to be strong IMO. Maybe that could get you through!

But also just a question, why Paul Hastings? (I assume it's them). I'm sure you could get accepted by another firm that's less strict on grade requirements. I'm sure it's a great firm but there are so many other US/UK firms to consider. Is there something exceptional about the firm that makes you believe you SHOULD apply? Particularly when you know you don't meet the requirements? I hope I'm not sounding too harsh or direct. I'm just as curious as you are.
 

Happycloud100

Distinguished Member
Jan 8, 2024
67
64
I have low A level grades and PH website says they look for majority As in A levels. Will it make sense to apply?
Unpopular opinion but I have Bs and Cs at alevel and have gotten ACs / VS offers at debevoise / skadden / Weil - I really wouldn’t deep it about alevel grades. If you back yourself and are confident - the person reading your application will focus on what you bring to the table not your grades (Ofcourse it’s your job to highlight what you bring)
 

tcplease2345

Valued Member
Feb 6, 2024
112
144
Depends on how low it is and If you have mitigating circumstances. Always check with grad recruitment if you're unsure. But if it says majority A, I (personally) wouldn't apply with something less than AAB. Based on what they say.

There's no shame in applying, just know what you're up against and what you have to do to make yourself stand out - Top Degree grade, work experience, strongly written application, etc. Your materials have to be strong IMO. Maybe that could get you through!

But also just a question, why Paul Hastings? (I assume it's them). I'm sure you could get accepted by another firm that's less strict on grade requirements. I'm sure it's a great firm but there are so many other US/UK firms to consider. Is there something exceptional about the firm that makes you believe you SHOULD apply? Particularly when you know you don't meet the requirements? I hope I'm not sounding too harsh or direct. I'm just as curious as you are.
yes you are correct there are other really good places that I applied to and also got Video Interviews from these places however, I did not pass any of the VIs and now I am only left with three options.

So I wanted to expand the number of applications as I am a bit scared of applying for direct tcs since I have no experience. But now I know this much that I will have to practice VIs for next year.

Its not PH personally but I just wanted to apply to any VS still open.
 
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tcplease2345

Valued Member
Feb 6, 2024
112
144
Unpopular opinion but I have Bs and Cs at alevel and have gotten ACs / VS offers at debevoise / skadden / Weil - I really wouldn’t deep it about alevel grades. If you back yourself and are confident - the person reading your application will focus on what you bring to the table not your grades (Ofcourse it’s your job to highlight what you bring)
This is amazing.
 
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addy2004

Valued Member
Premium Member
  • Nov 28, 2023
    103
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    Ashurst PFO post-interview.

    Probably my last time on this forum until next cycle, given up for now...
    Firstly, sorry for this very soppy post, I was in a bad place xoxo Glad to say I have recovered from the rejection lol.

    Anyway, I'm now thinking forwards to the next cycle, and wondered if anyone has any advice on the following: basically, I'm gonna be starting my 3rd year studying Law in September, whilst completing another brutal application cycle. Also, my main role of responsibility that I use in my applications involves a lot of responsibility and work. Whilst balancing these 3 things this year, I saw a decrease in my marks following my January exams, and did not secure a VS or TC. So, clearly I need to change my schedule.

    I now need to consider whether I re-run in that role of responsibility for next year - I do many interesting projects in this role which is good for applications. However, I also want to graduate with both a decent job (and if I can, a TC!). In my head, I can either study and continue my role of responsibility, or study and do an applications, but not both to do well. I'm also cautious law firms will notice if I stop my role of responsibility and do not do anything in its place.

    What would you do if you were me? I'm open to any suggestions! Thank you
     

    bangarangbass39

    Legendary Member
    Sep 13, 2023
    199
    295
    yes you are correct there are other really good places that I applied to and also got Video Interviews from these places however, I did not pass any of the VIs and now I am only left with three options.

    So I wanted to expand the number of applications as I am a bit scared of applying for direct tcs since I have no experience. But now I know this much that I will have to practice VIs for next year.

    Its not PH personally but I just wanted to apply to any VS still open.
    That sucks. The application cycle is brutal. But getting to VI is incredibly impressive. I got a rejection today as well.

    I'd say shoot it then. I can't say with certainty that your app wouldn't go through. As I said, everything else matters like your materials - Work Experience, Motivation, Competency answers. As TCLA has shown the most unlikely get incredibly far! There is no perfect applicant.

    I think that if you're applying though it should be clear why the firm and why you. You can apply, but to get far you should be incredibly motivated to work for them and not just because they have vacancies. You should want to work there/get experience there above all. I think that's why I asked the question. Not because I think you're making a bad decision based on your grade profile. I just think you should, really, REALLY wanna work there.
     
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    clo224455

    Distinguished Member
  • Jan 2, 2023
    65
    29
    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 :)
    Thanks so much for this!!

    If I sign the TC but convert the VS at the other firm to a TC offer, would I be able to retract my signing of the TC? Or have I committed to something that means I can't.

    Also, do you know if its possible to ask for extensions on signing the TC ? :)
     
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