TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Apple]

Bro I’m gonna be honest, how do u get four vac schemes and not convert one. MC firms convert virtually everyone from their scheme too I thought? No hate genuinely curious.

I know a few people who did the Slaughters one and never converted, but I think Links gave 100% of vac schemers a TC.

 

[RonRod13]

The spring one wasn’t in 2018.

Damn that’s crazy bro, you’ll get something eventually tho. Just apply to easier firms or consider applying out of London. Competition can be up to 80% less. I know it’s not ideal as an oxbridge grad but u can always move to London later as an NQ. Just a thought tho

 

[l789]

For those that applied to HSF for a vac scheme, did you apply for the winter one- they had their last headlines event today and was wondering if people feel it’s worth waiting to attend that (virtually or in person) to gain more insight and then apply (this is for next year)

Or do people just send an application straight away, without doing any virtual events with the firm?

 

[James Wakefield]

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!! Can I ask when you applied, if you don’t mind me asking?

 

[BonanzaBih_]

I know a few people who did the Slaughters one and never converted, but I think Links gave 100% of vac schemers a TC.

I know someone who didn’t convert a links vac last year so not sure how accurate that is either

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

For those that applied to HSF for a vac scheme, did you apply for the winter one- they had their last headlines event today and was wondering if people feel it’s worth waiting to attend that (virtually or in person) to gain more insight and then apply (this is for next year)

Or do people just send an application straight away, without doing any virtual events with the firm?

I sent an app without going to any of their events. Can’t help but feel if I’d had contact with them before applying it might have prevented my app from sitting in the ‘wait and see’ pile to decide on after the deadline. If you can meet them so they know you when your application comes through, I would do it.
Just make sure you go into it knowing about the firm and with a bunch of good questions.

 

[Tintin06]

I know someone who didn’t convert a links vac last year so not sure how accurate that is either

100% unlikely - someone will mess up. Slaughters’ Easter scheme may have changed. I appreciate people’s feedback on here. I’m not in a good place. This forum is very useful honestly.

 

[Brandon93]

Can anyone provide guidance on Taylor Wessing's online assessment? Have no idea what to expect.

 

[l789]

I sent an app without going to any of their events. Can’t help but feel if I’d had contact with them before applying it might have prevented my app from sitting in the ‘wait and see’ pile to decide on after the deadline. If you can meet them so they know you when your application comes through, I would do it.
Just make sure you go into it knowing about the firm and with a bunch of good questions.

Thank you so much for this insight!

 

[safari3]

Can anyone provide guidance on Taylor Wessing's online assessment? Have no idea what to expect.

I can't remember each section as I did it a while ago, but it's a critical thinking test a lot easier than the WG. Use assessment day materials as prep and you should be fine 🙂

 

[Zi48]

I sent an app without going to any of their events. Can’t help but feel if I’d had contact with them before applying it might have prevented my app from sitting in the ‘wait and see’ pile to decide on after the deadline. If you can meet them so they know you when your application comes through, I would do it.
Just make sure you go into it knowing about the firm and with a bunch of good questions.

Just wanted to say, HSF is non-rolling, so everyone that passes the test is put in the ‘wait and see pile’. The people that have progressed to AC already must’ve applied for the winter VS.

 

[Brandon93]

I can't remember each section as I did it a while ago, but it's a critical thinking test a lot easier than the WG. Use assessment day materials as prep and you should be fine 🙂

Thank you very much. Just one more question, does it follow the same structure as the WG (deduction, evaluation etc.)?

 

[Jo05]

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

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.

It is actually helpful. Not condescending at all in my opinion.

 

[safari3]

Thank you very much. Just one more question, does it follow the same structure as the WG (deduction, evaluation etc.)?

Hopefully someone else answers aswell because I genuinely can't remember, sorry My best guess is that it had less sections (I think three). It definitely wasn't structured exactly like the WG, but tested similar skills in a shorter, more condensed format. Any prep you've done for WG assessments will be beneficial.

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

Just wanted to say, HSF is non-rolling, so everyone that passes the test is put in the ‘wait and see pile’. The people that have progressed to AC already must’ve applied for the winter VS.

Ah that’s good to know, thanks.

 

[Brandon93]

Hopefully someone else answers aswell because I genuinely can't remember, sorry My best guess is that it had less sections (I think three). It definitely wasn't structured exactly like the WG, but tested similar skills in a shorter, more condensed format. Any prep you've done for WG assessments will be beneficial.

Thanks appreciate the help!

 

[SamiyaJ]

100% unlikely - someone will mess up. Slaughters’ Easter scheme may have changed. I appreciate people’s feedback on here. I’m not in a good place. This forum is very useful honestly.

I’m sorry to hear this. I don’t mean to go all therapist on you and I am sure you hear this all the time but you’ve come so far. You have great accomplishments- 4 vacation schemes?! Incredible. Teach me how to even get a VI please 😂 Your feelings are valid but remember why you’re doing all this. Keep going, it’s going to happen!!!

 

[Tintin06]

It is actually helpful. Not condescending at all in my opinion.

Thanks. I’m no more blunt than some of the lawyers I’ve met. Plus the updates are meant for encouragement. People may well feel put off by them, but I post them to hold myself accountable, no one else.

 

[icebear]

Hi @icebear

Completely appreciate the challenges of answering a question like this. As @Andrei Radu mentioned, you could definitely take either approach. However, I'd recommend trying to discuss current challenges in a way that is really bespoke or tailored to the firm. Having briefly researched the firm, it appears they have a strong reputation in sectors such as infrastructure and agriculture/rural affairs. They also seem to have a great regional presence alongside their place in London. I think finding news stories/challenges that are likely to be faced by a firm with similar features could making for a convincing answer. I've mentioned some challenges below (including links where appropriate) that you might want to consider.

One issue/challenge you could consider are some ongoing delays in major projects. The UK government recently established the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) to address these delays, which have been increasing costs and causing significant uncertainty for investors. Pinsent Masons recently did an excellent summary of how these changes are likely to affect firms and their clients here, which I'd encourage you to give a brief look at. Additionally, you could discuss the rising cost of construction materials and labour shortages are pushing project costs up or Government Investment and the Levelling Up Agenda which are all very current issues that pose a mixture of opportunities and challenges for clients at firms such as Michemores.

Given the firm's strong regional presence, you might also want to tie an issue back to this aspect of the firm. For instance, EY did this really interesting report here about how significant government variation in spending is affecting projects and infrastructure issues differently in various parts of the country. This creates a unique set of challenges, especially for rural and regional businesses that Michelmores is deeply connected to through its offices in cities such as Bristol, Cheltenham and Exeter. The firm could be particularly well-placed to help clients navigate these sorts of more "current" challenges.

Again, these are just suggestions. But you can consider framing your answer by highlighting Michelmores' strong reputation in key sectors, such as infrastructure, while also emphasising its unique national footprint. By tying the answer to Michelmores' strengths in specific areas, like their work with clients in rural regions, you can make your response more tailored to the firm.

Good luck with your application!

Wow that's super detailed and gave me a lot of insight - thanks so much for this!

 

[Tintin06]

I’m sorry to hear this. I don’t mean to go all therapist on you and I am sure you hear this all the time but you’ve come so far. You have great accomplishments- 4 vacation schemes?! Incredible. Teach me how to even get a VI please 😂 Your feelings are valid but remember why you’re doing all this. Keep going, it’s going to happen!!!

It doesn’t feel like that honestly. Just rejection so far this cycle. No open days no ACs nothing.