TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[TC seeker]

Anyone know if Clyde & Co does not have any application question or work experience section? I'm drafting the application but feel confused.

 

[Amehta1]

What decides when people hear back from an AC? I had people in my AC that heard back the very evening with a successful offer, some heard back a couple days after with a rejection and for me it’s now been one week with no updates. Was just wondering if there is a process firms go through or if it’s all random?

 

[fingersarecrossed]

@Jessica Booker

I have been offered a ~2.5 years apprenticeship programme where they fully sponsor my SQE 1&2, sponsor my studies under that SQE programe, and give me a rly good full time salary and QWE. (i've graduated with a 1st in law from a non-russell group uni)

I am somewhat relieved as the TC application process is exhausting and uncertain and feels hopeless at times. However, I also fear I will not receive the dynamic exposure to various sectors etc that city firms offer. I would love to hear your your opinions on this? If e.g., I specialise in conveyancing, will it be difficult to move to different sectors once I become NQ? Or should I just aim to pass my exams and continue as a paralegal until I receive a training contract at a city firm? I do not believe there are any strict requirements for me to complete the programme etc meaning I can exit at any time but it is not the sector I think I see myself working in (which I have made the firm aware of). Would it be better for me to continue as a paralegal or accept this programme (them sponsoring my SQE makes me want to say yes) but I just want to know if doing this apprenticeship will make me a 'weaker' candidate in a way as it is not a traditional TC format.

thank you so much in advance.

 

[IneedaTCASAP]

What decides when people hear back from an AC? I had people in my AC that heard back the very evening with a successful offer, some heard back a couple days after with a rejection and for me it’s now been one week with no updates. Was just wondering if there is a process firms go through or if it’s all random?

Interviewer feedback may be taking longer to get. Sudden work load influx. busy graduate recruitment, this is her busiest time of year. Putting myself in your shoes in all honesty you’re probably average. They don’t want to reject you as you’ve passed to a good standard, what justification would they have the reject you if you were good enough. They may even debate moving you to another Vs intake like spring or summer. This is all my own opinion.

 

[Gday33]

Aaaa im sorry, if you don’t mind me asking which scheme was your application for? also what stage of the process was it?

I applied for the Spring VS on 12/10, didn’t make it past the initial paper sift - it was worth a punt I guess 😂

 

[l789]

For the Clifford chance insight day application question, it says “in no more than 500 words, please tell us why you want to attend this insight day and tell us about your extra-curricular activities, positions of responsibility and/OR an achievement of importance which you are most proud of. How will these experiences help you excel as a Clifford Chance lawyer?"

I’ve got 3 mini paragraphs (2) on why CC and (1) why the insight day conference - is this strong enough or should I draw upon why that specific insight day more - it’s a social mobility themed one?

Then I have 3 paragraphs on individual points referencing a position of responsibility and linking it back to the skills of a CC trainee.

I don’t have enough word count left and idk if 3 extra curricular activities/ position of responsibility and linking each to the skill of a trainee is a strong option or I should do 2 points on positions of responsibility/EC and then one on an achievement I’m most proud of ( also linking it the skills of a trainee)

I’m not sure which structure is better.

Sorry for the pathetic grammar, my hands are frozen, I’m in a rush, and I’m typing on my phone.

 

[dxbbilly]

You know you’ve been on here too long when you understand all the acronymish😭

what does pfo mean?

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

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?

Thanks - that makes sense!

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

what does pfo mean?

Please f#&£ off

 

[andrecsaa]

I have advice. Use a calculator!

Today, I received my assessment results. I scored high in analysis, relationship building, and credibility, but low in adaptability.

The results indicate that Macfarlanes are reviewing my application. Do you think my scores will positively impact the review of my application for the training contract? How long did they send the outcome of your application?