TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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They’re super vague in their emails I got the same response. I reckon they invite people to AC if they’re not what they’re looking for they invite more people to VI and leave the AC people hanging it’s cruel.
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hi @sjr22
Again, I think @Jessica Booker hit the nail on this. Just wanted to elaborate slightly on this, don't worry too much about repetition. It’s natural for your interest in technology-focused firms to come up again here, especially since it’s such an important part of Goodwin's work and also your motivations for applying to them. In fact, this question is a great opportunity to say a bit more here as to why technology specialism matters to you within a law firm context.
When I applied to Goodwin, I mentioned my interest in firms with a focus on life sciences and healthcare, mid-market to high-value matters, and a smaller trainee intake. I also specified that I was applying to both Cooley and Ropes & Gray, as they aligned well with my interests. You might consider naming 2-3 firms that fit your own criteria and briefly explaining why their work or approach resonates with you. This can help Goodwin see that your choices are intentional and well-aligned with what you’re looking for in a legal career. It also shows that you've taken a very considered approach to your applications.
Hope that helps! Best of luck with your application!
Same… can’t lie this was very distressing for me- as I love the firm, but nontheless I’m still set on applying for their vac scheme
Which firms are biased in favour of younger applicants? Realistically where do I, as a 27-year old, have a chance?
27 is still very young and I was always under the impression US firms had more mid 20s onwards intakes.
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hiya @tarty23
I'm sorry about the rejection - it might be difficult to appreciate this now, but it's not a reflection of what you can do and your ability to get a vacation scheme/training contract. Keep going!
In terms of feedback, many firms are simply unable to offer any at the written application stage due to the sheer volume of applications they receive. If they have stated in their email that they cannot offer feedback, then I'd avoid sending an email to them making such a request.
That being said, it's worth emphasising that your application could have been rejected for a variety of reasons, including factors outside the quality of your own application. This is something I tried to remember even when I'd given an application my best effort. Whenever I'd receive a rejection, I also tried to give the rejected application another read through to see if there was anything I might have missed or whether there might be any area that could have been improved. I always encourage applicants to do the same after a rejection. Feel free to ask any questions you might have on the forum about particular application questions, and we'll try our best to offer helpful advice
Best of luck with the rest of your applications!
Hey, we're not old!! ahahaha (26 here)
US firms tend to have more mature TC holders. I did an internship with people aged 29 and 26. The 29 year old got a TC. She was a career changer that knew she wanted to go into law but pursued other careers before law as she wanted to experience difference sectors. I assume this outlook and experience got her the TC. You’re not old so don’t give up.
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hi @Tintin06
I completely appreciate your concerns - when I started applying to firms, I was in my early 30s and sometimes felt that I had no real chance given my age (this was partly worsened when I'd meet other applicants in their early 20s worrying that they were now too old to secure a vac scheme/training contract (echo chambers are very bad)). Thankfully, people like @Jessica Booker completely disabused me of the idea that I was too old. I also began meeting incredible trainees at excellent firms, some of whom were in their 40s and 50s. It's also worth remembering that the average qualification age is around 29 for women and 30 for men. While age discrimination is still a live issue in many professions, firms are increasingly valuing the diversity of experience that career changers bring.
I know this might be tough to appreciate right now, but please don’t worry too much about your age. I think you’ve got a strong chance at many of the top US and Magic Circle firms. Given your success in securing several vacation schemes, it’s clear that you have what it takes to succeed in this process. I'd suggest you continue focussing on writing good applications, and developing the skills that many firms look for in future trainees. Keep applying confidently, I have faith that you'll succeed!
Best of luck, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any more advice
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any suggestions how to tackle this question?
If your favourite childhood toy suddenly came to life, what advice would you give it today? (60 words)
If your favourite childhood toy suddenly came to life, what advice would you give it today? (60 words)
35 year old career changer here. There were many older than me on the PGDL. If you’ve got what they’re looking for in terms of competencies and values why would they care about your age?
bird and bird pfo since i didn’t meet the benchmark for wg. quite disappointed 😔
I low key thought you were 20 looking at your picture. what’s your secret 😛Hi @Tintin06
I completely appreciate your concerns - when I started applying to firms, I was in my early 30s and sometimes felt that I had no real chance given my age (this was partly worsened when I'd meet other applicants in their early 20s worrying that they were now too old to secure a vac scheme/training contract (echo chambers are very bad)). Thankfully, people like @Jessica Booker completely disabused me of the idea that I was too old. I also began meeting incredible trainees at excellent firms, some of whom were in their 40s and 50s. It's also worth remembering that the average qualification age is around 29 for women and 30 for men. While age discrimination is still a live issue in many professions, firms are increasingly valuing the diversity of experience that career changers bring.
I know this might be tough to appreciate right now, but please don’t worry too much about your age. I think you’ve got a strong chance at many of the top US and Magic Circle firms. Given your success in securing vacation schemes at excellent firms, it’s clear that you have what it takes to succeed in this process. I'd suggest you continue focussing on writing excellent applications, and developing the skills that many firms look for in future trainees. Keep applying confidently, I have faith that you'll succeed!
Best of luck, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any more advice
Jessica Booker
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- Aug 1, 2019
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This win's strangest question of the cycle!! The recruitment person or partner involved in trainee recruitment must be a Toy Story fan...
Even I am struggling to think on this... What if your favourite toy was lego or a racing car or your bike? They can't exactly come to life....
I now have Ted's Thunder Buddy song (very rude if you don't know it) and Toy Story's "you've got a friend in me" looping in my head
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