TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[andrecsaa]

For learning the underlying reasoning TCLA has a good course on it, a free alternative is "commercial comrade" on youtube.

For the tests I literally just searched Watson Glaser practice and checked every link.

Thank you! I completed the test yesterday and today CC emailed me saying I passed the WG test.

Followed your tips. I watched the video from job prep test completing the full Watson Glaser test and he cleared the practice test available on the Clifford Chance website (which I was scoring max 60%).

 

[Jmk]

At what point is multiple VSs an issue? If you've done a few, does it suggest you're not worth giving one too in case you won't convert it? I'm just frustrated because I graduated five years, took a break to do a masters in an unrelated field because I was convinced after the Travers Smith VS in 2020 that I had no chance in the law. That was an expensive sulk. However, in the last cycle I got three ACs and one VS. I'm only interested in US firms. GCSEs: ABBBBCCC, A-Levels: AAA. Degree: 62.5% (2.1). I have mitigating circumstances. I did work experience at Slaughter and May in 2018 and VSs at Debevoise, Travers Smith and Ropes & Gray. I don't understand why I'm getting rejected for everything so far in this cycle. About six rejections so far. I so think open days help you jump the queue somewhat, however I've just got onto one competitive one so far. I'm 27 now.

I graduated in 2017. I also did a masters confused on what to do and trying to make myself more competitive - I don't think it helped that much just paid for another fancy title from a top university. I never had done a vac scheme prior to 2023 but had loads of work experience in other industries including consulting. I was so close to giving up but I got a TC at a silver circle firm in August - the end of the last cycle. It was going to be my last cycle before giving up - I literally got the TC 'last minute' because once September hit I would have not started the new cycle. I start my TC in March 2025 (so soon! I got very lucky) and I am currently working at the firm in another role until the TC starts . Long story short, don't give up, give it your all, it's not too late! I understand your frustration so you are not alone!

 

[Gin]

Hey can anyone recommend me some sources to practice the WG!! Just done the one for DLA and I am scoring below average in all sections😭😭 I'm crying

 

[aladdin]

Simmons WVS offer!!!!!

how long after your AC did you hear back?

 

[PFOenthusiast]

I previously worked as an online English foreign language tutor through a Chinese app, and this is something I am hoping to discuss on an application form. The issue I have is that there is no customer support / method of obtaining a reference; can I still discuss this on applications / employment history, or will this be an issue in terms of background checks etc?

 

[Zaraa.x]

I’ve come across this question and would like some clarification please - If you could work with any client as a lawyer at Lewis Silkin (even if they are not currently a client of ours), who would it be and why?

Is the best way to approach this question will be identify an individual/organisation that can properly utilise Lewis silkin services so essentially Lewis silkin would be a one-stop-shop for the client? Would I also need to mention whether or not the client resonates with Lewis Silkin values?

If I want to choose a celebrity for instance and they own a brand - do I mention the celebrity as a client or their brand.

E.G - Krept (musician) he owns Nalas Baby - do I chose Krept as my client or Nalas Baby?

I could be overthinking this simple question.

@Jessica Booker

 

[aladdin]

Simmons AC for Summer! Any insights will be helpful as contains a lot of exercises. @Andrei Radu @Jessica Booker @Amma Usman @anyone

did you hear back post AC?

 

[elsx]

anyone still haven't been sent VI invitiation for DLA post passing the test?

I am waiting as well. When did you take it? I haven't seen many people receive VI invitations recently.

 

[tomtom1]

I am waiting as well. When did you take it? I haven't seen many people receive VI invitations recently.

I passed on the 13th and received the VI invite this morning.

 

[elsx]

I passed on the 13th and received the VI invite this morning.

Thanks for the update although that may not be a good sign for me ...
Good luck for the VI !

 

[Chelsea101]

Hi there, is there a thread on TCLA for tips in order to convert vac schemes into offers? I have tried searching but can't find anything. Thank you

@Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam

 

[lawstudent523]

Anyone had a Travers interview this cycle? message me!

 

[lolasparks]

I passed on the 13th and received the VI invite this morning.

What location please?

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi there, is there a thread on TCLA for tips in order to convert vac schemes into offers? I have tried searching but can't find anything. Thank you

@Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam

Hi @Chelsea101 I have just found one from 2021 that seems to include many useful resources and tips, you can take a look here. Since I have had a good VS conversion rate and since WVS are approaching, I am also planning to soon write a detailed guide on the topic, so be on the lookout for that !

Besides this, I have quoted bellow a great post from @Jessica Booker outlining the biggest mistakes people make during vacation schemes.

General themes why I have seen people not convert their VS to TC:

Arrogance/over confidence - it’s important to be confident on schemes but there are some candidates who just seem to think they are better than the rest of their cohort and that they will convert.

Lack of interest in the work - not asking questions, doing the work to a basic level, not asking for feedback or follow up conversations.

Spending too much time networking - too many coffee catch ups at the expense of doing work for their department

Over committing - saying yes to everything and then realising they don’t have enough time to do the things they have said they would.

Bad mouthing/manipulation: either talking bad of others (even at other firms) or trying to use their other experiences as a bit of a power trip (for instance bringing their other schemes/offers into conversations when there is no need to).

Not asking for guidance on their work: leading to spending too much time or having too many mistakes in their work

 

[RonRod13]

Anyone had a Travers interview this cycle? message me!

Did you get the interview for them? I thought they only give out interviews after the deadline?

 

[ashwright]

Thank you! I completed the test yesterday and today CC emailed me saying I passed the WG test.

Followed your tips. I watched the video from job prep test completing the full Watson Glaser test and he cleared the practice test available on the Clifford Chance website (which I was scoring max 60%).

Guys...I think TCLA has become an animal sanctuary.... I JUST FOUND THE GOAT!!! 🐐🐐🐐🐐

Big congratulations, you absolute legend 🙏🙏🙏
As I hope to join the goat sanctuary one day, may I ask which video you're referring to?

 

[lolololol]

Hi! Was this for the spring or summer VS?

summer

 

[savage]

Any recent news from Gibson?

 

[Jessica Booker]

I previously worked as an online English foreign language tutor through a Chinese app, and this is something I am hoping to discuss on an application form. The issue I have is that there is no customer support / method of obtaining a reference; can I still discuss this on applications / employment history, or will this be an issue in terms of background checks etc?

It is not an issue to put this in an application. Reference check companies are super clued up at when getting references might be difficult from certain types of companies, and especially if that is across different countries.

They may ask you to present other evidence though - for instance, if this was a paid position, they may ask you to provide proof of income. I worked through a recruitment agency once who refused to provide a reference for me as it was outside of their data retention policy, and instead I provided proof to the reference company that the agency had paid me for the 9-10 months I worked through them. I also provided emails that confirmed the placement and my joining instructions with the client I was working for.

Even in a situation where you might not have such evidence, the reference companies deal with these issues day in day out. They make reasonable judgments about whether not getting a reference is an issue, especially when weighed up against the other references they will get for you from other employers/academic institutions.

 

[Unknowncabbage]

Did you get the interview for them? I thought they only give out interviews after the deadline?

It’s probably for their Direct TC