TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Andrei Radu]

Thank you @Andrei Radu !! do you have any advice on how best to structure / approach commercial news story questions? Or wider topics that involve discussing the political and economic state etc

@m12 I'm glad you've found this helpful ! As for your question, while the specifics of the structure will depend on the specific framing of the question, in general I'd prepare the following structure:

1. The context of the story: when did the story happen, in what economic, social, and political circumstances, and what are the main purported causes of the relevant events?
2. The story itself: What are the relevant events, what is the order that they took place in, and did they influence one another? Also, be ready to answer why you found this specific story particularly important, interesting or relevant.
3. General impact: What are the general social, political and economic impacts of the events, and who are the main stakeholders? What do you think is likely to happen in the future? Also, if the issue is contentious, what do you think the right reaction to this events should be?
4. Client impact: What is the likely impact on the firm's clients? How might they react, and how can the firm help them?
5. Firm impact: How does this impact the business of the firm? Are there any particular practice areas that will see a decrease/increase in demand, or are there any other strategic opportunities or challenges? How can the firm react to this, and are there any advantages/disadvantages when comparing its position to that of its rivals?

It is very unlikely you will be asked to or able to respond by including all these steps. However, if you thoroughly research and prepare an answer for each step, you will be well-equipped to respond to any iteration of the commercial news question (be it a general discussion of the story, a question about the economic impact, or impact from the client's/firm's perspective). Then, depending on the particular framing of the question and the time you have to answer it, you can decide on the spot which steps are relevant and not and to what level of detail you want to go into.

 

[IneedaTCASAP]

Anyone else delete negative outcomes ASAP? I barely scan before deleting them. This sounds very conceited, but I'm very angry. I have done four Vacation Schemes (Slaughter and May, Debevoise & Plimpton, Travers Smith and Ropes & Gray). What was the point? Firms don't seem to value these at all. I also try to emphasis transferable skills from other roles. Again, what is the point? It just feels like every cycle is the same - and this is why I gave up for two years. I'm tempted to do it again.

I have been an observer on the forum for a while now but have decided to make an account. I have seen your posts and replies and have enjoyed your frequent updates on your applications however, many of your replies are condescending to others. You may not notice it yourself but they come off as rude and I am quite often confused the no one has called you out on it.

From what I’ve gathered you’re an Oxbridge grad with 4 vac schemes, you’re in an incredible position right now compared to many others. You venting is soo valid having not converted them but you also have to realise your attitude plays a factor in this. Your experience is not pointless by any means you need to alter your mindset when you get to these schemes and not expect to be given the TC based on your background?

Hopefully this is taken as encouragement to keep going and not me attacking you x

 

[BonanzaBih_]

Baker McKenzie Black lawyers & allies open day!

 

[Tintin06]

I have been an observer on the forum for a while now but have decided to make an account. I have seen your posts and replies and have enjoyed your frequent updates on your applications however, many of your replies are condescending to others. You may not notice it yourself but they come off as rude and I am quite often confused the no one has called you out on it.

From what I’ve gathered you’re an Oxbridge grad with 4 vac schemes, you’re in an incredible position right now compared to many others. You venting is soo valid having not converted them but you also have to realise your attitude plays a factor in this. Your experience is not pointless by any means you need to alter your mindset when you get to these schemes and not expect to be given the TC based on your background?

Hopefully this is taken as encouragement to keep going and not me attacking you x

I don’t feel lucky anymore. I’m fairly blunt but use my experiences to help this. No condescension is meant. Which posts are you referring to? I’m just bored of waiting for a TC. I believe I should have got it by now.

 

[hanz123]

Does anyone have any advice for A&O's online assessment?

 

[OliverTwist]

Anyone else delete negative outcomes ASAP? I barely scan before deleting them. This sounds very conceited, but I'm very angry. I have done four Vacation Schemes (Slaughter and May, Debevoise & Plimpton, Travers Smith and Ropes & Gray). What was the point? Firms don't seem to value these at all. I also try to emphasis transferable skills from other roles. Again, what is the point? It just feels like every cycle is the same - and this is why I gave up for two years. I'm tempted to do it again.

Do you think it may have something to do with your attitude?

 

[Tintin06]

Do you think it may have something to do with your attitude?

I think it’s more being neurodiverse. Possibly a focus on US firms. I don’t know honestly.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi everyone! Just a gentle reminder to keep the conversation on here as constructive as possible. Let's try to avoid personal comments about one another and focus on supporting each other with helpful, respectful feedback. Thanks!

 

[IneedaTCASAP]

I don’t feel lucky anymore. I’m fairly blunt but use my experiences to help this. No condescension is meant. Which posts are you referring to? I’m just bored of waiting for a TC. I believe I should have got it by now.

How you feel is irrelevant realistically, on paper you are lucky. You not feeling that at this stage is very understandable but the cookie doesn’t crumble like that unfortunately.

I’m sure you’ll get a TC soon just be positive and approach the cycle with the emphasis of wanting to learn not already knowing! 😁

Looking forward to your next update x

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

Just reviewing an application before submitting. I said vaccination scheme instead of vacation scheme twice without realising! Time for a break I think…

 

[gimmeavacschemepls]

Mishcon Open Day invite!

 

[maymays]

Mischon Open Day- but transferred to online. Application not strong enough?

 

[Hana ♥]

Just reviewing an application before submitting. I said vaccination scheme instead of vacation scheme twice without realising! Time for a break I think…

*covid flashbacks*

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Loving all these Open Day Invites!!!!!!!!

t

 

[svb risk management intern]

Sorry to hear that when did you apply?

Applied last week Monday, so 7/10. Very swift reply.

 

[bangarangbass39]

Mischon Open Day- but transferred to online. Application not strong enough?

I’ve got one too. I wonder if it’s to do with location? I’m in the midlands so I imagine they want to make it easier for ppl close to the office (London) then again, it quicker for me to come in than someone else who lives in SE/SW London. But I digress.

Congrats tho! I’m making a list of questions so if you want to discuss making some it would be great

 

[bangarangbass39]

I think it’s more being neurodiverse. Possibly a focus on US firms. I don’t know honestly.

Just wondering (I’m not intending to criticise your behaviour and personality) but have you considered UK firms more? I’m just interested in understanding your strong focus on US firms!

Maybe that could be the key and you can move to US post TC? Many do it, and from looking at the way you approach the cycle, it seems you have less interest in a specific culture and practice. I only say this because the US firms you’re applying for are so different from each other. I could be wrong

 

[VMS]

BCLP first stage interview invite!!

I am SO SO over the moon after having a really tough last week. I'm weirdly looking forward to it?? I'm going to try and blow their socks off, haha!

 

[Sarah.lyon]

Anyone hear back from Mishcon for their Open Days?

I’ve still not heard back, chased them earlier and they said outcomes are being sent today - bit late in the day though!

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

BCLP first stage interview invite!!

I am SO SO over the moon after having a really tough last week. I'm weirdly looking forward to it?? I'm going to try and blow their socks off, haha!

Congrats! A great firm to get positive news from.