TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

bangarangbass39

Legendary Member
Sep 13, 2023
222
329
How many firms to apply to? Is 30 applications enough quite honestly?
It’s not fixed.

I met multiple vac schemers during my internship who applied to 70+ firms. I’m not exaggerating. They only managed to get to 2 ACs. Bear in mind if you follow that approach, you’ll be applying for firms across the spectrum. From MC all the way to high street.

I see around online that 10 is the best. All my mentors have said the same. Many said you’re desperate if you’re applying for more than 30 and you shouldn’t be.

I strongly think you shouldn’t be desperate - you should be able to do something outside of law. It shouldn’t be your only career choice for the time being, no matter how passionate you are.

I think it’s best to apply for 10 - 15, focusing on a solid 10 you’re happy with and an extra 5 you use as back up if the cycle is not in your favour. After that I apply for different types of roles, some linked to law, because I can’t be waiting for a handful of positions forever.

It will come when it does. Applying for more, imo doesn’t help your wellbeing in the long term or massively improve your skillset as an applicant.
 
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Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
14,894
20,622
Also bumping this again- if anyone could help it would be really really appreciated
1) I don't think you have to compare firms but I do think you have to be specific in why the firm is different to others you have applied to.

3) No - I don't think they need to be connected, but it won't be an issue if they are at the same time.
 
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Ram Sabaratnam

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 7, 2024
291
560
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 Does anyone know if you can reapply in the same cycle after your application is withdrawn by failing to complete the test before the deadline?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

Hiya @Bread

I completely understand the stress around typos – I’ve been guilty of similar mistakes in the past, and I know how much it can make you second-guess things. Having spoken to other trainees at Clifford Chance, I don't think you'll be able to reapply in this cycle, but I would email grad recruitment to be sure. Although I don't think there's much that can be done about the written application, you might also want to see whether they'd be willing to extend the deadline for completing the Watson Glaser test? I know it can feel nerve-wracking, but grad rec teams are generally more understanding than many expect!

Best of luck, and don’t be too hard on yourself. Typos and written mistakes happen to more people than you’d think! If you need anything else, feel free to ask here.
 
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3000to1shoteverytime

Legendary Member
Dec 9, 2023
140
171
How many firms to apply to? Is 30 applications enough quite honestly?
If you have time to specifically research firms then as many as you can. With 2 to 3000 applying for each then it can be a numbers game to some extent. Those who only apply to 10 and get offers have been lucky to some extent if not falling completely in the exceptional category.
 

Bread

Esteemed Member
Jan 30, 2024
79
109
Hiya @Bread

I completely understand the stress around typos – I’ve been guilty of similar mistakes in the past, and I know how much it can make you second-guess things. Having spoken to other trainees at Clifford Chance, I don't think you'll be able to reapply in this cycle, but I would email grad recruitment to be sure. Although I don't think there's much that can be done about the written application, you might also want to see whether they'd be willing to extend the deadline for completing the Watson Glaser test? I know it can feel nerve-wracking, but grad rec teams are generally more understanding than many expect!

Best of luck, and don’t be too hard on yourself. Typos and written mistakes happen to more people than you’d think! If you need anything else, feel free to ask here.
Thank you! I am not too worried about the WG, just annoying that no matter how well I do in the test my application is going to get binned but oh well maybe it's fate 😌
 
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