TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[tarty23]

they screen applications first and send out WG invites after

Oh nice one lol good luck with yours!

 

[Victor87]

Hey guys what (free) resources would you suggest to prepare for AC case studies in general? @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam

 

[cjwx]

yes... tempted to give up on the application because why is it basically 2000 words

That is what I thought! I think the question I am going to struggle with the most is, 'With reference to your professional, academic and personal experiences, what makes Stephenson Harwood the right place for you to train?'. It's had to come up with 600 words to write about a firm that has had no events. I looked for an open day and the website says 'dates tbc'. I am just hoping that, if I send it off early enough the competition is less because most people will be struggling in the same way.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Question for Jessica or any of the forum helpers here - If I have not previously done a vacation scheme, is it still worthwhile sending out some direct TC applications, as right now my circumstances make attending vacation schemes quite difficult?

Hiya @Apple

Absolutely! It's definitely worthwhile to apply directly for training contracts! One of my first training contract offers came despite having no prior commercial legal work experience or vacation schemes. While the direct training contract process can sometimes be more thorough/searching for those without vacation scheme experience, most firms understand that candidates may have legitimate reasons for not doing one—like limited annual leave or visa constraints, both of which affected me at one point.

Plus, some firms actually prefer hiring through direct training contract applications. We've compiled a llist of firms that offer direct routes here. Remember, focus on demonstrating your commitment to law, any relevant skills, and experiences that have helped you grow professionally or personally. Many candidates successfully secure training contracts without vac schemes, so go for it! If you need help fine-tuning your strategy, feel free to ask away 😊

 

[Audric_T]

This is a practise test - ​

Damage to roads in the area has made them unsuitable for loads over one ton. These loads are being transported to the capital by air, but as air resources are limited they are restricted to carrying food and medical supplies. Roads cannot be repaired until medical emergencies are dealt with. Therefore, ...​

Currently only food or medical supplies are arriving in the capital. Currently only food or medical supplies are arriving in the capital. ​ Conclusion follows Conclusion does not follow

Does not follow

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

How much do people think a 2.1 is a disadvantage to having a first?

Hiya @tarty23

For many City firms, a 2.1 isn’t a disadvantage at all. This is because the majority of firms aren’t overly strict about academic results (although some specifically state a requirement for a high 2.1 or first). Plenty of firms focus on other key aspects, like how deeply you've researched the profession, the work and volunteering experience you've gained, how well you understand the firm, and the overall quality of your applications.

I’d recommend focusing on how you present these other strengths in your applications, especially since many applicants' grades might already be set by now. I’ve met brilliant trainees at silver circle and magic circle firms who have 2.2s but have shown incredible growth and a real commitment to the profession through their experiences and insights. Don't worry about the 2.1 😊

 

[AlarmedBookkeeper448]

That is what I thought! I think the question I am going to struggle with the most is, 'With reference to your professional, academic and personal experiences, what makes Stephenson Harwood the right place for you to train?'. It's had to come up with 600 words to write about a firm that has had no events. I looked for an open day and the website says 'dates tbc'. I am just hoping that, if I send it off early enough the competition is less because most people will be struggling in the same way.

Heya

They have an event I think on the 26th November on all about law - it is to do with AI

I do not know if i am just making that up but i think that is the only one i could find!

I spoke to grad recruitment at one of their events and they said that the applications for their Open Days open nexr year (but i could be wrong)

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Are we likely to be asked about the US election and how it might impact the UK in our law firm interviews? I understand it will depend on individual firms (maybe US/non-US) but in general, is it likely?

Hiya @KSV

Yes, it’s definitely possible you might be asked about the impact of the US election in a law firm interview. I was asked a similar question during a partner interview once and thankfully felt confident in answering it because of my political science and econ background. I've just written some thoughts below to prompt your own thinking on this.

With Trump now re-elected, you might think about how his administration's stance on everything from trade, tax, and regulatory policies could impact UK businesses. For example, if Trump introduces new tariffs or adjusts trade agreements (as he's indicated he will), this could affect cross-border transactions and supply chains, and will almost certainly increase the demand for legal guidance on international trade. UK law firms with US clients or transatlantic operations might see changes in deal flow or regulatory work. Additionally, you can also consider also how Trump’s stance on climate policies or tech regulations might affect clients in those sectors. Again, depending on the firm you're interviewing at, you might want to think carefully about how you're discussing some of these points.

In general, it's good to get in the habit of thinking about how these large news stories can impact firms and their clients. Law firms value candidates who can discuss how global political shifts may impact their clients, and being able to articulate these points thoughtfully could be a strong asset in interviews. This is a skill (just like application writing and Watson Glaser tests) and does take time to develop.

Let me know if you have any other questions

 

[V2002]

Anyone who has done a Dechert AC please message me ASAP

Hi has anyone messaged

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi, if I have two open days I got onto on the same day, is it worth emailing one of them to see if I can change to a later open day they are running?

Congratulations on getting invitations to two open days @Tom smith - that’s fantastic news! 🎉

It’s absolutely fine to email one of the firms to see if they can move you to a later open day. I did this with a firm once, and they were really accommodating about it. While it’s ultimately up to them, it’s definitely worth asking. You may find they’re happy to help. Best of luck with both open days! 😊

 

[Tom smith]

Congratulations on getting invitations to two open days @Tom smith - that’s fantastic news! 🎉

It’s absolutely fine to email one of the firms to see if they can move you to a later open day. I did this with a firm once, and they were really accommodating about it. While it’s ultimately up to them, it’s definitely worth asking. You may find they’re happy to help. Best of luck with both open days! 😊

Thanks Ram

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hey guys what (free) resources would you suggest to prepare for AC case studies in general? @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam

Hiya @Victor87

When it comes to preparing for AC case studies, I highly recommend checking out this excellent thread: Definitive Guide to Law Firm Case Studies. It was a lifesaver for me and provided great insights that made a real difference in how I approached case studies and preparing for them.

You don't need too much material to start practising the skills assessed during case study interviews. One game-changer for me was practicing SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) and PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental) analyses every week. At first, these frameworks might feel a bit formulaic, but with practice, I started to get a hang of how to present my points in less contrived way. In my own case, I'd practice these by using weekly Financial Times articles. The articles were generally short and practice allowed me to break down complex information quickly, organise my thoughts, and structure my verbal and written responses in a logical, thorough way that interviewers eventually came to appreciate.

Overall, it's important to remember that interviewers aren’t assessing your technical legal skills so much as your ability to communicate effectively, reason in a structured way, and demonstrate commercial awareness.

 

[m12]

hi does anyone know if you can ask HL for your WG score/percentile or do they inform you if you pass the benchmark?

 

[Unknowncabbage]

hi does anyone know if you can ask HL for your WG score/percentile or do they inform you if you pass the benchmark?

you can ask them for your percentile

 

[Deleted member 37508]

you can ask them for your percentile

I don’t think they’re giving percentiles this year. I’m sure it states this in the confirmation email once doing the Watson Glaser.

 

[Unknowncabbage]

I don’t think they’re giving percentiles this year. I’m sure it states this in the confirmation email once doing the Watson Glaser.

Oh fair enough, idk about this year I just know last year they were giving percentiles out

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Anyone had any news from Cleary so far? I've heard nothing since the WG

 

[Hana ♥]

PWC VI! Any insights?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi, if I have two open days I got onto on the same day, is it worth emailing one of them to see if I can change to a later open day they are running?

Definitely something to ask either or both firms. The worst they can say is no, and you have to decline a place with one of the firms, but that is not really any different position you are in now.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Are we likely to be asked about the US election and how it might impact the UK in our law firm interviews? I understand it will depend on individual firms (maybe US/non-US) but in general, is it likely?

It could easily come up in an interview so I would prepare some general thoughts and opinions on the topic.