TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Bread]

Hi guys! Quick question - for Irwin Mitchell's app they ask "
If you were made an offer and hadn’t completed the LPC before August 2026, you would complete the SQE alongside your training contract through a Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship.

To be eligible for the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship you must have 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including Maths and English.

Do you have 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including Maths and English?*"

It's a yes or no box with no "other" option.
I didn't do GCSEs as I'm an international student. I did do the equivalent of GCSEs (incl. Maths, and English IGCEs).
Can I assume it's GCSEs or equivalent or should I tick no?

I would assume it means GCSE or equivalent because it is phrased as an eligibility question, meaning that if you selected "no" you would probs get something telling you to withdraw your application/that you cannot apply. Then again, maybe the opportunity is just for UK graduates?

 

[helloj]

Anyone still waiting post-app for Sidley wvs?

I wouldn't stress. Maybe send them an email on when you can expect to hear back. I did this as it had been nearly two months since I submitted my app and they said they would reply by late October and they did! I know there are interviews happening WC 4 Nov so they are probably still deciding who to invite. Good luck!

 

[BM99]

I wouldn't stress. Maybe send them an email on when you can expect to hear back. I did this as it had been nearly two months since I submitted my app and they said they would reply by late October and they did! I know there are interviews happening WC 4 Nov so they are probably still deciding who to invite. Good luck!

I sent the same email and received the same response, yet I’m still waiting🤡🤡

 

[VD19]

A&O WVS offer

 

[Jessica Booker]

I’m a bit crazy about HSF as I’ve attended all their events and loved my time during the social mobility open day. I’ve honestly gone stir crazy over the firm - after my research and prior interactions. I could write a disso about HSF. ( and I know there’s no perfect firm)

They rejected me for disputes open day… it’s really hit me hard, harder than any heartbreak I’ve had.

Has anyone been in a similar position and been successful with a vac scheme/TC application .

They may have chosen not to select you given you have already done an open day with them. As a recruiter, I wouldn't necessarily see the benefit in someone attending two open days, especially if they are similar. I would prefer to give the opportunity to someone I hadn't met before. If I felt they wouldn't really benefit from attending another event, I would turn them down and just hope they would apply for the VS/TC instead.

 

[buibuui]

Anyone heard back from Burges Salmon's WVS?

 

[l789]

They may have chosen not to select you given you have already done an open day with them. As a recruiter, I wouldn't necessarily see the benefit in someone attending two open days, especially if they are similar. I would prefer to give the opportunity to someone I hadn't met before. If I felt they wouldn't really benefit from attending another event, I would turn them down and just hope they would apply for the VS/TC instead.

Thank you for your insight and honesty

 

[Optimistic1111]

A&O WVS offer

Congratulations! Was this for London? Also can you discuss your process e.g application, SJT test etc.. and timeframe?

 

[lilymawe1]

bird and bird pfo since i didn’t meet the benchmark for wg. quite disappointed 😔

Ugh same. I do wonder what the benchmark is, as I thought I did okay. Anyone know?

 

[user9809]

For those that did the DLA WG how was it in comparison to other ones you’ve done?

 

[tarty23]

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!

Appreciate it! Thank you.

 

[studentdelaw786]

For anyone with knowledge of Sullivan & Cromwell, they have a generalist approach. Is this another term for “full-service” or is there a difference?

 

[OrangeCherry1800]

Is there anyone else still waiting to hear back from A&O?

 

[AveragePoster]

Covington winter AC!

 

[Optimistic1111]

Is there anyone else still waiting to hear back from A&O?

I am but I applied for the Belfast Vac Scheme and not London.

 

[Bread]

Goodwin open day invite, is it online for everyone? They originally said that they would invite unsuccessful candidates to participate online, but the email says i've been successful and that they've made the "difficult decision" to move it online. Basically I want to know whether they're lying to me 😅

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Covington winter AC!

congrats!! when is it? I'm still waiting to hear back!

 

[Tintin06]

At last, Goodwin open day invite.

 

[member7830]

linklaters open day invite!

 

[Audric_T]

Did the VI for DLA - how long did they take to respond once completed? Anxious as they are number 1 choice