TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[icebear]

I don't think any approach is right or wrong - you can definitely write a good answer with both. However, since the question is framed in terms of the "biggest" challenges, I would try to identify what challenges seem to me to (i) impact clients most heavily (so ask yourself which of the challenges you are writing about has the potential to impact the clients most heavily, and consider how high the likelihood of that impact occurring is) and (ii) impacts as many of the firm's major clients as possible.

I think you would want to discuss the stories whose impact ranking is the highest in both of the aforementioned criteria. However, of course there is no objective way to determine this and your judgement will be partly just based on your intuition. This is why in practice you do have a lot of flexibility in choice of topic. What matters more is being able to provide cogent argument as to why the challenge you identified is particularly impactful.

Thanks Andrei, that's super duper helpful!

 

[NJS]

Hi @NJS! I think discussing your vacation schemes experiences is a great way to improve on you previous answers. I think too many people are weary of talking about their past VS experience because they are afraid that it is a bad look that they failed to convert. However, as recruiters are well aware, there are many factors going into the final outcome of a vacation scheme beyond performance, and at any rate, by simply getting there you have demonstrated to be an exceptionally strong candidate.

As such, I do not only think there is no issue with discussing a prior VS. I think not discussing it would be a significant mistake. Mentioning these VS experiences will make many recruiters take your application a lot more seriously and will likely substantial increase your chances of progressing. From personal experience I can also say this holds true. A friend of mine who had done a couple of vacation schemes and was unsuccessful discussed them in their new applications and saw a significantly better AC invite/application ratio when compared to the previous cycle.

Thank you so much!

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Cheers to A & O who rejected me on Friday and then just to make sure I really understood they don't want me rejected me again today 🤔🤣

 

[l789]

Is anyone going to the “Latham& Watkins what is commercial awareness event” tomorrow ?

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

Does anyone know if Pwc have any rules around the SQE in terms of whether you need to not have done it already?

 

[Tintin06]

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

Some direct TC apps to UK firms. US firms pay more hence they get most of my attention. I’ve never had any luck with MC firms really. US firms I’m weirdly successful with - last cycle I got Latham AC, W&C AC and Ropes VS. UK firms don’t want me it would seem. This time neither type of firm seems to.

 

[l789]

Some direct TC apps to UK firms. US firms pay more hence they get most of my attention. I’ve never had any luck with MC firms really. US firms I’m weirdly successful with - last cycle I got Latham AC, W&C AC and Ropes VS. UK firms don’t want me it would seem. This time neither type of firm seems to.

Honestly, I think your journey is really admirable and I would suggest keep pushing and don’t give up.

Be kind to yourself, you’re almost there!

Please take care xx

 

[BillSikes]

I'm in the same boat, I received an e-mail this morning telling me I have passed the WG. I got excited because I thought this meant I was through to the next round - have you heard anything by chance?

WG is not automatic.

 

[BillSikes]

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

Put your 4 vacation schemes on the table bro.

 

[VMS]

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

Thank you! And ofc, I applied Sept 17th

 

[VMS]

Cheers to A & O who rejected me on Friday and then just to make sure I really understood they don't want me rejected me again today 🤔🤣

Phaha they did the same to me! I got it this morning and was like, well, they wanted to make SURE I knew I wasn't wanted there 🤣

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Hello I have an opportunity to have a dinner with a US law firm at my university. I have not applied for the vacation scheme. Is this something they would see as favourable even though my grades are not the highest. What is the aim of the dinner will those in attendance report back to the graduate recruitment.

 

[gimmeavacschemepls]

Hello I have an opportunity to have a dinner with a US law firm at my university. I have not applied for the vacation scheme. Is this something they would see as favourable even though my grades are not the highest. What is the aim of the dinner will those in attendance report back to the graduate recruitment.

The purpose of these dinners isn't necessarily to 'report back to graduate recruitment,' since they often attend the dinners themselves. For example, when I went to a careers dinner with W&C, there were representatives from grad recruitment present. However, I think these dinners are mainly a great opportunity for YOU to learn more about the firm, ask questions to trainees and associates, and get a better sense of the firm’s culture. It’s more casual and relaxed, so it’s not as stressful as some of the other ways to get to know a law firm — at least, that’s how I saw it! Also, I don't think attending really puts you at any competitive advantage over other candidates - W&C still rejected me after I was invited to attend their Open Day and Careers Dinner, lol. Hope that makes sense!

 

[Tintin06]

Holding myself accountable - one new app:

CC* ✅📝
HSF ✅📝❌
NRF ✅📝❌
Weil ✅
Akin ✅
Sidley ✅
Orrick ✅
Willkie ✅🎥❌
Cooley ✅
Latham ✅
Milbank ✅
Kirkland ✅
Skadden ✅
Goodwin ✅
Covington ✅
Linklaters* ✅📝
Paul, Weiss ✅
Slaughters* ✅❌
Gibson Dunn ✅
Macfarlanes* ✅📝
White & Case ✅
Morgan Lewis ✅
Hogan Lovells* ✅
Cleary Gottlieb ✅
A&O Shearman ✅📝❌
Vinson & Elkins ✅
King & Spalding* ✅
Morrison Foerster ✅

Key: ✅ = application submitted; 📝 = test received; 🎥 = video interview; ❌ = rejection.

*Training Contract applications

 

[saminoriya]

Hi guys, what is the best to ask at the end of the interview at Jones Day? Maybe you have some tips. Thanks!!

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

Holding myself accountable - one new app:

CC* ✅📝
HSF ✅📝❌
NRF ✅📝❌
Weil ✅
Akin ✅
Sidley ✅
Willkie ✅🎥❌
Cooley ✅
Latham ✅
Milbank ✅
Kirkland ✅
Skadden ✅
Goodwin ✅
Covington ✅
Linklaters* ✅📝
Paul, Weiss ✅
Slaughters* ✅❌
Gibson Dunn ✅
Macfarlanes* ✅📝
White & Case ✅
Morgan Lewis ✅
Hogan Lovells* ✅
Cleary Gottlieb ✅
A&O Shearman ✅📝❌
Vinson & Elkins ✅
King & Spalding* ✅
Morrison Foerster ✅

Key: ✅ = application submitted; 📝 = test received; 🎥 = video interview; ❌ = rejection.

*Training Contract applications

I love the honesty and transparency. I’m rooting for you my friend

 

[nodustollens]

has anyone had an ashurst wvs rejection?

 

[AlegalA]

I have a question- CMS have an insight day for "Non-law undergraduates and graduates studying in England, Wales or NI". I am a non-law graduate, however I have also completed the PGDL. Does this disqualify me from the insight day or could I still apply? (or should I be emailing early careers for clarification). Thanks!

 

[TrainingContract2024]

Is there a Mischon De Reya Workshop event today? Thank you.

 

[maymays]

Is there a Mischon De Reya Workshop event today? Thank you.

Not sure about workshop per se, but their first in-person Open Day is tomorrow.