TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[olivia2003]

Hi everyone,

I just got a rejection for an open day for one of my top firms and I’m a bit in shock.

I had even asked an associate from the firm to review my application to ensure I had a decent chance of being successful.

Should I move on from the rejection, or should I understand the rejection as an indication that I might not get past the application stage for a vacation scheme?

 

[James Wakefield]

Does anyone know which percentile is classed as a pass for the AG CRT?

Can you find out your score?

 

[Tintin06]

Anyone still waiting Sidley WVS lol

Applied there four times over the last few years and got the rejection. for 2024 Winter Vac Scheme today.

 

[James Wakefield]

Hi everyone,

I just got a rejection for an open day for one of my top firms and I’m a bit in shock.

I had even asked an associate from the firm to review my application to ensure I had a decent chance of being successful.

Should I move on from the rejection, or should I understand the rejection as an indication that I might not get past the application stage for a vacation scheme?

I got a rejection for an Open Day for a firm last year but was successful in applying for their Vacation Scheme.

Sometimes firms have limited Open Day places (especially in-person) or may be looking for different criteria. If it’s your top firm, I would say definitely still worth applying for their VS.

 

[User5678]

Hi - has anyone heard back from pwc post vi yet? I know someone who applied after me get a PFO but I’ve not heard back

 

[Tintin06]

Hi everyone,

I just got a rejection for an open day for one of my top firms and I’m a bit in shock.

I had even asked an associate from the firm to review my application to ensure I had a decent chance of being successful.

Should I move on from the rejection, or should I understand the rejection as an indication that I might not get past the application stage for a vacation scheme?

It doesn't mean all that much. I did the Freshfields open day in 2018 and never got anywhere with the VS or the TC. They're nice on the CV and help boost your confidence, but Open Days aren't a golden ticket to an interview, but this varies from firm to firm. Latham & Watkins seems to prioritise Open Day attendees when deciding who to interview for the VS.

 

[James Wakefield]

I thought they were non rolling.

I think they say on their website something along the lines of ‘we don’t fill all our places before the deadline’. I interpret this to mean they are reviewing applications on a rolling basis.

However, since they are having technical issues with their automatic test, there‘s probably no rush to get applications in quickly.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi guys!
For DWF, they ask:
Please complete the personal statement below in no more than 750 words. Please note that you will be scored on your drafting ability as well as your content. Within your personal statement please answer the following questions:

• What are your motivations for wanting to pursue a career as a Solicitor at DWF? (250 words)
• The DWF value 'Be Better Together' is key to our business. Please identify when you have demonstrated this value and how you would apply this to the role of a Trainee Solicitor. (250 words)
• Please comment on a commercial news topic or trend which has interested you recently. Within your response, please consider how this news topic or trend is relevant to DWF. (250 words)

I've answered all three as individual questions. Do you think I need to make a link between all of them to make it more one document, or is having a separation fine?

Thank you!

I think it is fine to have it as three sections of one document rather than connected up given the way it has been presented in terms of questions.

 

[Amjaya]

Sidley and linklaters PFO

 

[James Wakefield]

Has anyone had a rejection from BCLP, and didn’t get an interview?

 

[AlegalA]

I think it is fine to have it as three sections of one document rather than connected up given the way it has been presented in terms of questions.

amazing thank you!

 

[bibss]

Cleary WG - I wonder if this is automatic?

 

[BonanzaBih_]

I’ve received a Reed Smith Open day invite but it clashes with another open day that the deadline to pull out of has passed.

They have a virtual open day, would I be able to ask to be transferred to the virtual one? Would this look bad to the firm?

 

[Andrei Radu]

I’ve received a Reed Smith Open day invite but it clashes with another open day that the deadline to pull out of has passed.

They have a virtual open day, would I be able to ask to be transferred to the virtual one? Would this look bad to the firm?

I would definitely advise you to let the firm know that you will unfortunately not be able to attend the open day. However, I would not make it a point to mention that the reason is a conflict with an event at another firm.

I also cannot see any potential harm in asking if there is any flexibility to accommodating you to a virtual open day. Whether this can or cannot be done will depend on the firm's policies and the recruiters' approaches, but I do not think asking for it can disadvantage you in any way.

 

[jojo23]

I just received a Reed Smith open day invite! Some positive news has finally gotten me motivated again

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi Jessica, I am writing an application for Addleshaw Goddard. Would you recommend mentioning their rankings in the Legal 500 as they already know that stuff and is not a good use of the space?

Just to add to @Jessica Booker's response, I think mentioning Chambers/Legal 500 rankings can be very useful for your reasoning around the firm's unique selling points in terms of practice areas strength and sector expertise. It is a way of evidencing your claims and placing the firm in the context if the market competition. However, as Jessica mentioned, it is essential to connect the point your are evidencing with the ranking with your motivations, interests and experiences - ie. why are you interested in working at a firm that has excellent renown for X practice area/sectors, and which of your work/other experiences reinforce this point?

 

[aspiringlawyer12]

When asked 'What led you to apply for firm's vacation scheme?', is that a combination of why law and why the firm? Do you also need to discuss what you hope to gain out of the vacation scheme? Would be hard to condense all three in a 2-3m response. Thanks in advance!

 

[JLaw56]

Is there anyone still waiting for Sidley WVS outcome post app? Haven't received a PFO yet.

 

[OrangeCherry1800]

Has anyone received a rejection from W&C post app?

 

[Andrei Radu]

How many times did you practice the Watson Glaser test- CC deadline is in 2 days or so and I’ve only been relentlessly practicing for about 4 days.

I’m so worried because the WG is valid for two years.

I’m picking up on what the test is looking for but I’m still scared I’ve left it so late - (well it is actually my fault and responsibility)

I think there is a limit as to how much you can prepare for the WG - both because of the structure of the test itself and because of the limited availability of resources. There is also definitely a point of diminishing returns, as the time you invest in WG preparation can also be used for researching/writing for new applications, attending firm events, improving commercial awareness etc. As such, my view is that a few days to a week of concentrated preparation and practice is generally more than sufficient for ensuring that you have done everything you can be reasonably expected to so as be in the best possible place to get a high score.