TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Amma Usman]

I am currently taking a gap year after having just graduated with a law degree to apply to vacation schemes as I have not done one before. I realise that if I am offered a TC it will be starting in Sept 2027 or March 2028. Is it very unlikely that a firm will allow me to start earlier and if so is it wise to work as a paralegal for the year before starting SQE?

Hey @applebunny , thanks for your question. An earlier start date is a possibility, but is not guaranteed by firms. This will depend on the firms capacity. Paralegalling is a great way to build those trainee skills prior to the start of your TC. I also know of a couple people who took a year out to study for the US Bar (NY and California) before their TC start, so there are multiple options.

 

[Amma Usman]

When asked about your hobbies and interests at the end of an interview, do you need to specify what skills you may have gained through these interests? Or do we keep it simple and just answer the question/have a friendly conversation about it? For instance, I enjoy playing squash with friends every other weekend. But I don't know what more I could say about this in an interview?

Hey @KSV . It’s really all about getting to know your personality more. It usually comes up at the interview, after all the technical questions have been asked and I feel there’s a reason for this. A large pool of candidates are good at the technicals, but law firms want to see a person behind all that. This quality is what will enable them to be great future lawyers that can relate well with clients and other individuals they come across.

 

[Amma Usman]

Describe a specific instance where you have utilised artificial intelligence (AI) or other technologies in your work or studies. How have these tools enhanced your personal development? (200 words)

Can anyone provide guidance on how to answer this question for CMS? I am stumped.

Hey @Brandon93

I think looking at the wording of the question is really important here. It’s not limited to just artificial intelligence—it also says or other technologies. So, think about any tech tools you’ve used, even if they’re not advanced AI systems. It’s less about using the most sophisticated tech and more about highlighting how these tools helped enhance your personal development or productivity.

@Andrei Radu has also made a post on this:

“I agree with @Jessica Booker's response here. I'll also add that although the term 'technologies' is ambiguous, because of its association with "AI", I would assume it does not refer to everything and anything digital. Rather, I think it's likely it is referring to some of the newer developed technologies - I would not go further back than 4-5 years. As such, online courses might not qualify.

However, I don't think you should worry too much about this question if you already have two examples. Many other candidates only write about using Grammarly as a review tool, so you should definitely be fine.”

 

[Amma Usman]

In 'why do you want to be a solicitor' questions is it ok to have the more generic reason of the intersection between business and law as long as you are backing it up with evidence and examples?

Hey @legal18 , if the question specifically asks about why you want to become a commercial solicitor, then yes. However, if it doesn’t, then the general reasons for why a career in the law would be an appropriate starting point (supported by specific personal examples/ experiences). You can then choose to be specific about the business aspect. When I was applying, the intersection of law and business was always how I started my answers. I feel you can‘t escape the necessity to show the interconnection between the two. The important point is to show demonstrated interest by referencing your own unique journey.

 

[Tcvspfo]

How is it begining of November and I have been rejected by so many firms post VI. It feels like most of the app cycle has gone already and don't have many apps left. Sorry just feel defeated and if feels like January/February.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

For Sullivan & Cromwell's cover letter how long should it ideally be. I have not found much guidance online but mine is around 1 and a quarter pages long. Is this too long or is it fine?

Hiya @helloj

I heard this from Kirsten Davies (Recruitment Manager at S&C) when I first applied, but they typically want candidates to write a concise letter that's no more than one side of A4. Hope that helps and good luck!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

How is it begining of November and I have been rejected by so many firms post VI. It feels like most of the app cycle has gone already and don't have many apps left. Sorry just feel defeated and if feels like January/February.

Hiya @B2025

I'm sorry about the rejections, but remember, the cycle isn’t over yet. Many firms keep reviewing applications into January and beyond, so there’s still time. Also, reaching the VI stage for several firms is no easy feat. It's a testament to your hard work that you're reaching this stage. I think with a bit of practice, you'll be able to better deal with this stage of the application.

More practically, I wanted to ask whether it was possible to reach out to the firms where you completed VIs to see if they can offer feedback? I know this isn't often possible in practice, but one of my friends was able to get feedback from Willkie and this enabled her to craft more convincing responses in future VIs.

If that's not possible, I'd encourage you to keep practising your VI responses by recording yourself with voice notes or tools like Photo Booth. I think it's especially useful to practise timing your answers with friends, family, or even your university careers service (the support I had at UCL was excellent). This can help you pinpoint areas to fine-tune, whether it’s your delivery, conciseness, or the quality of your answers. Best of luck with the rest of the applications and any upcoming VIs!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

If anybody can give any tips for Jones Day AC, I would be very grateful!! I'm going there tomorrow and feel very worried.

Hiya @saminoriya
Amazing job on getting to the AC! The Jones Day recruitment process has changed slightly since I was on the scheme, but I hope the following is useful to you. In addition to having strong research about the firm, you may be asked questions about areas of law or business that you’ve expressed interest in at the application stage. For example, I was asked several questions about the National Security and Investment Act, and I'd prepared for this because I'd mentioned my interest in the defence sector in my application and knew it might come up again.

As with any other AC, it’s important to really think about what makes Jones Day particularly appealing to you. As @Tintin06 mentioned, many applicants will naturally discuss the non-rotational training system, but try instead to consider other aspects of the firm that really affect how it delivers client services and demonstrates real legal expertise. You might want to think, for instance, about the firm’s global structure (the “one firm worldwide” approach), the sectors/practice areas it’s particularly strong in (real estate finance and mid-market private equity matters, as well as in areas such as fraud and civil litigation), its top-tier reputation for client service (Jones Day consistently ranks highly in surveys on client satisfaction), and also its chief competitors in London. Being able to convincingly articulate why 2-3 of these reasons matter to you will help your answers stand out during the partner/associate interview. Best of luck with the AC!

 

[studentgrad]

Anyone heard back from Ashurst for their WVS?

 

[Pola123]

Hi, does anyone also have an AC for DLA London on 18th November?

I do

 

[thelawstudent2000]

Praying to receive good news this week !! I really want the vac scheme for my dream firm !!

 

[V2002]

Has anyone received an interview from Dechert or HL

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Has anyone received an interview from Dechert or HL

Nope still waiting on both. Think HL have made some offers but Dechert hasn’t I think

 

[LimitedLiabilityLover]

Does anyone know whether Cleary holds ACs in batches?

Additionally, the JD first-round interview is described as an ‘informal chat’. Could anyone provide any insights about this stage?

 

[Bread]

I submitted my CC app and there is a horrendous typo (half a sentence is missing). I received the WG link and it says that if I don’t complete the test before the deadline, they will withdraw my application. Does anyone know if you can reapply in the same cycle after your application is withdrawn by failing to complete the test before the deadline? Would really appreciate a response as I doubt GradRec would be sympathetic

 

[Unknowncabbage]

I submitted my CC app and there is a horrendous typo (half a sentence is missing). I received the WG link and it says that if I don’t complete the test before the deadline, they will withdraw my application. Does anyone know if you can reapply in the same cycle after your application is withdrawn by failing to complete the test before the deadline? Would really appreciate a response as I doubt GradRec would be sympathetic

No you can only apply once a cycle.

 

[Apple]

Does anyone know whether Cleary holds ACs in batches?

Additionally, the JD first-round interview is described as an ‘informal chat’. Could anyone provide any insights about this stage?

You do have an actual informal chat with a trainee at the start, but there is an interview after that, albeit a casual one.

 

[studentdelaw786]

Can anyone kindly provide insights into assessment days that only consist of interviews? Davis Polk and Sullivan & Cromwell are examples of firms that do this. Does this make the process ‘easier’ or is it just as difficult as a typical assessment centre?

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Any1 still waiting on Dechert post written exercise or HL post WG for WVS, or WC sure why I can’t either be rejected or moved on. Could they be considering me for spring/ summer?

 

[Jessica Booker]

I submitted my CC app and there is a horrendous typo (half a sentence is missing). I received the WG link and it says that if I don’t complete the test before the deadline, they will withdraw my application. Does anyone know if you can reapply in the same cycle after your application is withdrawn by failing to complete the test before the deadline? Would really appreciate a response as I doubt GradRec would be sympathetic

I don't think it will work that way unfortunately as they will have processed your first application on some level and therefore it will have been considered. I think if you reapplied, you would be automatically rejected for a second application within the same cycle/for the same vacancy.