TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

sammm10101

Distinguished Member
Aug 15, 2024
74
147
How are people getting multiple ACs and VS offers? I've often heard that firms like people who are the sort of people who are going to get a TC anyway, but I've never felt like that person, and for me it relies on luck, personal chemistry with the interviews, and similar. Last year, I only got ACs at 10% of firms I applied to (three ACs, one VS). This year, I'm doing worse and have actually gone backwards (no AC with W&C as of yet compared to last year and rejected from Willkie after the VI).
In previous application cycles, did you submit so many so rapidly? As while the number you have submitted this year already is incredibly impressive, I wonder if the quantity and the rapidity is impacting on the quality. Ofc it could be something else, but its just an observation. Also, seeing as you've done multiple VC's, I definitely think you would fall into the category of those who will get a TC anyway, even if you don't feel like it :)
 

IneedaTCASAP

Legendary Member
Oct 14, 2024
160
280
How are people getting multiple ACs and VS offers? I've often heard that firms like people who are the sort of people who are going to get a TC anyway, but I've never felt like that person, and for me it relies on luck, personal chemistry with the interviews, and similar. Last year, I only got ACs at 10% of firms I applied to (three ACs, one VS). This year, I'm doing worse and have actually gone backwards (no AC with W&C as of yet compared to last year and rejected from Willkie after the VI).
I agree with @Apple
I also believe you may be rushing many of your applications. You’ve submitted a lot of applications an insane amount to say the least. Are you confident in all of these applications. How are you throughly researching and writing 30 applications within 2 months. I think it’s admirable what you’ve done but also crazy. Why not apply to direct TC’s. You have more than enough vacation scheme experience to solidify your interest in law.
 

studentdelaw786

Distinguished Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 11, 2019
72
71
You’d know before the 20th if you got on the open day though.

And if you did get on the open day, that have said you have got a spot on the assessment centre, so you wouldn’t have to worry about when (or possibly if) you applied.
Sorry I meant this in the context that the deadline is a week before the Open Day, so I hope to hear back with positive news.

Thanks for your help with this.
 

Tintin06

Legendary Member
Oct 23, 2019
560
1,294
I agree with @Apple
I also believe you may be rushing many of your applications. You’ve submitted a lot of applications an insane amount to say the least. Are you confident in all of these applications. How are you throughly researching and writing 30 applications within 2 months. I think it’s admirable what you’ve done but also crazy. Why not apply to direct TC’s. You have more than enough vacation scheme experience to solidify your interest in law.
Fair enough. I did the same amount last year at the same pace. My approach to researching them is spend an hour or so reading about the firm on The Lawyer, Chambers & Partners and Legal Cheek and then writing an application in a few hours. All in all, each application will take two to three hours. The TC point is interesting, but I sense most firms don't take many from this route, or at least not as many as they once did. And to be honest, I am crazy, crazy about getting a VS and a TC.
 
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Ram Sabaratnam

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Sep 7, 2024
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How are people getting multiple ACs and VS offers? I've often heard that firms like people who are the sort of people who are going to get a TC anyway, but I've never felt like that person, and for me it relies on luck, personal chemistry with the interviews, and similar. Last year, I only got ACs at 10% of firms I applied to (three ACs, one VS). This year, I'm doing worse and have actually gone backwards (no AC with W&C as of yet compared to last year and rejected from Willkie after the VI).

Hiya @Tintin06

I think it's difficult to answer that question. In part, this is because it can take time to develop the wide range of skills that the application process tests. We all know that it requires decent written and verbal communication, the ability to collaborate effectively, commercial and legal awareness, and traits like confidence and resilience that can take time to build. But without extensive feedback, pinpointing areas for improvement can be challenging, so I completely appreciate how frustrating this can be.

I think you might be doing even more impressively than you give yourself credit for. I encourage you to keep doing what you’re already doing - persisting and applying. If you can, I'd encourage you to take a close look at any feedback you’ve received so far, especially from assessment centres or after vacation schemes. If possible, use that feedback to identify specific areas where you can improve and take steps to address those areas. For instance, I remember being told that (amongst other things) my self-deprecating humour sometimes led others to doubt my abilities and question whether I’d be well suited to working directly with clients as a result of this. This was a difficult habit for me to break, as I thought it helped put others at ease, it ultimately worked against me. Addressing this took months of conscious effort and the support of friends who would remind me whenever I made such comments. There might be other areas you’ll find that could use a bit of polishing (business writing was a big one for me). Take a good look at any feedback you’ve gotten so far, and see if there’s a way to identify where you can level up and take active steps to work on those areas. I really think you have what it takes and it's just a matter of time :)
 
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NJS

Legendary Member
  • Aug 21, 2021
    246
    352
    Is it a common thing to be rejected from an open day because you have significant experience, like would the firm see someone who has a decent amount a legal experience and think that they may not benefit from an open day, and therefore hand an offer to someone else with less experience? @Jessica Booker
     

    Tintin06

    Legendary Member
    Oct 23, 2019
    560
    1,294
    Hiya @Tintin06

    I think it's difficult to answer that question. In part, this is because it can take time to develop the wide range of skills that the application process tests. We all know that it requires decent written and verbal communication, the ability to collaborate effectively, commercial and legal awareness, and traits like confidence and resilience that can take time to build. But without extensive feedback, pinpointing areas for improvement can be challenging, so I completely appreciate how frustrating this can be.

    I think you might be doing even more impressively than you give yourself credit for. I encourage you to keep doing what you’re already doing - persisting and applying. If you can, I'd encourage you to take a close look at any feedback you’ve received so far, especially from assessment centres or after vacation schemes. If possible, use that feedback to identify specific areas where you can improve and take steps to address those areas. For instance, I remember being told that (amongst other things) my self-deprecating humour sometimes led others to doubt my abilities and question whether I’d be well suited to working directly with clients as a result of this. This was a difficult habit for me to break, as I thought it helped put others at ease, it ultimately worked against me. Addressing this took months of conscious effort and the support of friends who would remind me whenever I made such comments. There might be other areas you’ll find that could use a bit of polishing, like business writing (that was a big one for me). Take a good look at any feedback you’ve gotten so far, especially from assessment centres or vacation scheme, and see if there’s a way to identify where you can level up and take active steps to work on those areas. I really think you have what it takes and it's just a matter of time :)
    Thanks. I guess it's still early in the cycle.
     

    Jessica Booker

    Legendary Member
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    Forum Team
    Aug 1, 2019
    14,468
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    Is it a common thing to be rejected from an open day because you have significant experience, like would the firm see someone who has a decent amount a legal experience and think that they may not benefit from an open day, and therefore hand an offer to someone else with less experience? @Jessica Booker
    Yes - this can be something many firms factor into their decisions when inviting people to open days. It’s difficult to say whether it’s common, but it happens enough.
     
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    Ram Sabaratnam

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    Sep 7, 2024
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    Is it a common thing to be rejected from an open day because you have significant experience, like would the firm see someone who has a decent amount a legal experience and think that they may not benefit from an open day, and therefore hand an offer to someone else with less experience? @Jessica Booker

    Hiya @NJS


    I’d be curious to hear @Jessica Booker 's take on this and how common it is, but I do think it’s a real possibility, depending on the firm. I had an experience where I was rejected from an open day but subsequently encouraged to apply for the vacation scheme. The recruiter mentioned they'd appreciated my experience and application but felt I'd benefit more from applying for the vacation scheme. When I followed their advice, I ended up progressing all the way to the assessment centre. That said, I’m not sure how common this scenario is.

    This is partly why I always encourage people to apply for vacation schemes even if they were previously rejected from an open day. Just make sure to take the opportunity to improve your application since your last submission to the firm. Hope this helps, and good luck!
     
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