TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[AveragePoster]

Hi, does anyone know if Gowling WLG’s arctic shores test is automatic? Just received it

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

Hi, does anyone know if Gowling WLG’s arctic shores test is automatic? Just received it

Me too. I don’t think it’s automatic (at least it wasn’t in previous years).

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

Has anyone received online tests from Osborne Clarke? If so how long did it take after submitting your app? It’s been nearly a week since i submitted my app and it’s supposed to be automatic that you receive the tests.

Ah never mind. I just got an email from them saying there’s a technical problem at their test provider.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Anyone know if OC is more competitive for London or Bristol. They recruit more trainees in Bristol than London so was just wondering are they more competitive in Bristol. If anyone has applied for them in previous cycles feel free to provide guidance on their application process it will be appreciated.

I wouldn't worry about competitiveness levels and instead apply to the office you want a long term career in. The firm will be very used to people trying to game the system and thinking one location is more competitive than the other (this happens for lots of firms with offices across the UK) and they are pretty good at spotting people who do this and ensure they assess choice of location in the recruitment process.

 

[Tintin06]

Holding myself accountable (one more application):

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

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

*Training Contract applications

 

[gazdgazd11]

Do I assume PFO? Haven’t heard back from Sidley, HSF, Ashurst, W&C since applying

 

[RonRod13]

PM me if you want to discuss Dechert Written Exercise

 

[LawyerUpPal]

Had the White and Case VI about a week ago now, no response since then. Haven’t heard back from the other two, but I’ve seen some people mentioning Links AC invites this week.

I am still waiting on them for WVS. Not sure what to think at this point :/

Yup AC invite last week for next week

 

[tarty23]

when applying to firms that excel in multiple practice areas, is it a good idea to zoom in on one as a reason for why you are applying? I.e. with a small word count e.g 300 is it better to go more in depth on one area or try and write a more holistic answer?

 

[Tintin06]

when applying to firms that excel in multiple practice areas, is it a good idea to zoom in on one as a reason for why you are applying? I.e. with a small word count e.g 300 is it better to go more in depth on one area or try and write a more holistic answer?

I get the sense two helps. You might not sit in one. Similarly, you've got to do several.

 

[Jessica Booker]

when applying to firms that excel in multiple practice areas, is it a good idea to zoom in on one as a reason for why you are applying? I.e. with a small word count e.g 300 is it better to go more in depth on one area or try and write a more holistic answer?

I don't think there is a right or wrong answer here as it is dependent on how it fits into other aspects of your application. For instance, if you have lots of evidence of an interest in a practice area elsewhere (work experience, academics, dissertation topic etc), you could potentially afford to be more focused on another area in why you are applying rather than needing the emphasis the interest in the area you have had a lot of exposure to once again.

Generally, I expect full-service firms to want people who are open-minded to the areas they work in and may qualify into though. You really only want to show a specialist/focused set of motivations to firms who are themselves specialised in that area.

 

[Tcvspfo]

I wouldn't worry about competitiveness levels and instead apply to the office you want a long term career in. The firm will be very used to people trying to game the system and thinking one location is more competitive than the other (this happens for lots of firms with offices across the UK) and they are pretty good at spotting people who do this and ensure they assess choice of location in the recruitment process.

Thank you and was just wondering in general as am thinking of applying for London but was just curious as they have a big presence in Bristol. Some firms receive more application for regional offices.

 

[Tcvspfo]

He shoots and scores and gets DLA VI.

 

[yasmars]

Any updates from Simmons post test?

 

[asplawyer100]

Any updates from Simmons post test?

If this is for the WVS I believe they've already held their AC's

 

[yasmars]

If this is for the WVS I believe they've already held their AC's

Oh that’s a shame, considering I just submitted my application on Friday and the deadline is the 25th of Oct

 

[asplawyer100]

Oh that’s a shame, considering I just submitted my application on Friday and the deadline is the 25th of Oct

I'm not sure if they will be holding more but some people on here have definitely already done AC's for the WVS either last week or the week before. This is a firm which recruits on a rolling basis so its possible (although I cannot say whether this is actually the case) that they have already filled up the vac scheme.

 

[Bread]

Hello! I have my first AC ever tomorrow and I was wondering whether there were any resources/forums (preferably for free) that could offer some insight into the Dos and Donts of ACs! Also, if anyone has some advice that they'd be willing to share, I would really appreciate it x

 

[Asda123]

I'm not sure if they will be holding more but some people on here have definitely already done AC's for the WVS either last week or the week before. This is a firm which recruits on a rolling basis so its possible (although I cannot say whether this is actually the case) that they have already filled up the vac scheme.

They have held some ACs but there are more to come

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Has anyone received online tests from Osborne Clarke? If so how long did it take after submitting your app? It’s been nearly a week since i submitted my app and it’s supposed to be automatic that you receive the tests.

Hi @Aspiringsolicitor01

If it’s been nearly a week and you haven’t received the online test link yet, I’d recommend reaching out to the graduate recruitment team. It’s a good idea to let them know that you’ve submitted your application and haven’t received the link, just in case there’s been a technical glitch or delay.

Best of luck with your application!