TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Amma Usman]

Which firms are biased in favor of younger applicants? Realistically where do I, as a 27-year old, have a chance?

Hey @Tintin06 ,

Age tends to be less important than your ability to show up as a stellar candidate. I know many people who have gone on to become excellent lawyers, even as career changers at later ages. Focus on demonstrating your knowledge of the industry, showcasing any unique skills or perspectives you bring from past experiences, and really nailing your applications.

 

[Amma Usman]

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

Hi @lolololol,

I completely understand how hard those rejections can hit—it's normal to feel disheartened. But remember to keep going. Your performance on one test or assessment isn’t a true reflection of your potential to succeed in this journey. Just being here, navigating the law firm application process, is a testament to your ability and determination. You've got what it takes. Take the time you need to recharge, but don’t let setbacks hold you back. Keep going—you’re closer than you think!

 

[Amma Usman]

NRF WVS!

Huge congratulations @Tsitsipas10S , well done, and hope you celebrate well ☺️

 

[Amma Usman]

Hey guys,

Thought I’d post this here as a little cycle recap so far.

11 WVS applications, 1 direct TC.

Six ACs, One WVS offer (Simmons), TC offer from Slaughter and May.

This was my first cycle, and this forum has been invaluable in helping me to prepare for applications. I’ve really enjoyed talking with and meeting many of you over the last few months.

If anyone wants any advice, tips, or anything at all, please send me a message! I’m happy to help others in the same way that so many of you have been so useful for me throughout this cycle so far.

Best of luck to you all!

Congratulations on the offers @HelpAStudentOut , we are extremely pleased to hear this! Hope you celebrate well!

 

[Shandy101]

Anyone done W&C's written Ex and have any tips?

 

[sophieclaire24]

For DLA's WG, would these results mean I am guaranteed to have failed?
Recognising assumptions= strength to leverage (above average)
Critical thinking= further exploration (average)
Evaluating arguments= strength to leverage (above average)
Drawing conclusions= opportunity for development (below average)

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Im curious why DLA Piper choose who to give the WG to, but then even when they pass the test don't necessarily invite to VI.

I would guess they benchmark both application and WG first. And then go through a ranking process for combined scores to decide who to take forward.

 

[lolololol]

Hi @lolololol,

I completely understand how hard those rejections can hit—it's normal to feel disheartened. But remember to keep going. Your performance on one test or assessment isn’t a true reflection of your potential to succeed in this journey. Just being here, navigating the law firm application process, is a testament to your ability and determination. You've got what it takes. Take the time you need to recharge, but don’t let setbacks hold you back. Keep going—you’re closer than you think!

that’s very kind thank you!

 

[cjwx]

For DLA's WG, would these results mean I am guaranteed to have failed?
Recognising assumptions= strength to leverage (above average)
Critical thinking= further exploration (average)
Evaluating arguments= strength to leverage (above average)
Drawing conclusions= opportunity for development (below average)

I only got one above average and the rest was average and I still passed the benchmark. I think your application answers are also important.

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Does anyone know Mayer brown values/what they look for in trainees. The website is awful in terms of information.

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Finished the Mayer brown testing. Very long. However, the tests are definitely a great source of identifying the qualities of a lawyer. I would do these tests 100 times over a Watson Glaser.
I spoke to graduate recruitment and although the email states the first section is untimed they do indeed take time into consideration.

 

[NJS]

Anyone know what good scores are for the Mayer Brown test to get to the AC?

 

[Gday33]

Finished the Mayer brown testing. Very long. However, the tests are definitely a great source of identifying the qualities of a lawyer. I would do these tests 100 times over a Watson Glaser.
I spoke to graduate recruitment and although the email states the first section is untimed they do indeed take time into consideration.

I much prefer these types too, so much better than WG. Fingers crossed for you 🤞🏻

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Anyone know what good scores are for the Mayer Brown test to get to the AC?

Did you get a feedback report. I’m not sure what my score is.

I much prefer these types too, so much better than WG. Fingers crossed for you 🤞🏻

Good luck to you also. Although I don’t think I performed well happy to have completed it.

 

[Walon290]

Anyone heard back from the White and Case VI?

 

[studentdelaw786]

Can anyone kindly provide advice on how to approach the following question for Freshfields’ Graduate Workshop application:

“In no more than 400 words, tell us all about who you are. As part of your personal statement, you should demonstrate that you have the potential to be a great trainee. We also want to know why you want to work at Freshfields and what excites you about a career in commercial law. You may wish to mention any positions of responsibility held in university, as well as work experience or employment, achievements, interests, and personal qualities you think are relevant.”

 

[Tintin06]

Can anyone kindly provide advice on how to approach the following question for Freshfields’ Graduate Workshop application:

“In no more than 400 words, tell us all about who you are. As part of your personal statement, you should demonstrate that you have the potential to be a great trainee. We also want to know why you want to work at Freshfields and what excites you about a career in commercial law. You may wish to mention any positions of responsibility held in university, as well as work experience or employment, achievements, interests, and personal qualities you think are relevant.”

It's about showcasing a narrative really. What's your story? How did you come to be applying to this open day?

 

[Andrei Radu]

Can anyone kindly provide advice on how to approach the following question for Freshfields’ Graduate Workshop application:

“In no more than 400 words, tell us all about who you are. As part of your personal statement, you should demonstrate that you have the potential to be a great trainee. We also want to know why you want to work at Freshfields and what excites you about a career in commercial law. You may wish to mention any positions of responsibility held in university, as well as work experience or employment, achievements, interests, and personal qualities you think are relevant.”

I think this basically asks you to answer the usual 'Why you?' 'Why commercial law?' 'Why the firm?' questions. However, given the short word count limit and the framing of the question in terms of explaining "who you are", I agree with @Tintin06 that you should try to showcase a narrative. Thus, instead of separating your answer between three distinct paragraphs addressing each issue, you may want to focus on the series of experiences that led you to where you are today. This way, when discussing each experience you can also discuss the commercial law, Freshfields and 'why me' connections.

 

[V2002]

Has anyone completed the Dechert written exercise and could you share any tips? or opinions?

 

[ashwright]

Hey guys,

Thought I’d post this here as a little cycle recap so far.

11 WVS applications, 1 direct TC.

Six ACs, One WVS offer (Simmons), TC offer from Slaughter and May.

This was my first cycle, and this forum has been invaluable in helping me to prepare for applications. I’ve really enjoyed talking with and meeting many of you over the last few months.

If anyone wants any advice, tips, or anything at all, please send me a message! I’m happy to help others in the same way that so many of you have been so useful for me throughout this cycle so far.

Best of luck to you all!

You're an absolute legend - massive congratulations!! You should be super proud of yourself 👑👑
I'd appreciate if I may ask a question about your approach to the direct TC app for Slaughters. You mentioned that it was your first app cycle - how did you find applying for a direct TC when you (if I understand correctly) had not done a VS? I'm interested in Clifford Chance but (like Slaughters) they don't offer traditonal vac schemes + i haven't done a VS anywhere yet. I was a bit worried about applying for a direct TC without any experience so I'd really appreciate any insights/advice on how you approached it.

Thank you