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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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- vacation scheme
I saw they allocated me, applied but realised you could only apply for either the TC or internship so emailed them to withdraw
I reckon it could be a while - I know they don't fill placed before the deadline. I applied last week but am only receiving the test tomorrow. Assuming they might wait for everyone to complete it first.
Ohh okay perf thank you! She’s still waiting to hear from them & where did you see that you could do one or the other? Strange they don’t consider candidates for TCs because CMS don’t have a vac scheme.
When I went to apply for the TC it wasn’t allowing me to so I emailed and they confirmed it
I don't know if this helps anyone but if you are still waiting for a response from DLA i.e. VI or A/C- kindly note that they mentioned that they have an A/C next week and another A/C in January 2025 - so they may still get to you shortly - I wouldn't assume PFO just yet
How was it? What were your traits on the test?Yes they do from what they state in their email
Just had an interview with them following the test
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hi everyone,
I’ve just posted a thread on how to identify a law firm’s competitors. It relates to a recent post I made, but expands on it in more depth;
www.thecorporatelawacademy.com
Hope you find it useful and best of luck with the apps
I’ve just posted a thread on how to identify a law firm’s competitors. It relates to a recent post I made, but expands on it in more depth;
Guide to Identifying a Law Firm’s Competitors
In this guide, I’ll be talking about how to identify a law firm’s competitors. This is a skill that’s not only useful for applications but also helps you get a much better understanding of the legal industry as a whole. Honestly, this was something I initially struggled with. I found it hard to...
www.thecorporatelawacademy.com
Hope you find it useful and best of luck with the apps
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hey @emma.d ,
Yes, I usually take the approach of introducing myself first. This is a typical example of what I tend to include in the first introductory paragraph of a cover letter;
I am currently a penultimate year law student at the University of X, applying for a position on X firm’s Summer Vacation Scheme, as advertised on X. This cover letter will cover three key aspects; my motivation for a career in commercial law, a career at your firm specifically, and the achievements which make me a standout candidate for the placement.
The structure this introduction provides has always served me well and I hope you find it useful too.
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hi @emma.d ,
1. If the firm doesn’t specify, then I tend to include ‘Dear Graduate Recruitment Team’. I know some firms specify this on their websites. For example, Slaughters require it to be addressed to Janine Arnold.
2. This also depends on the firm’s policy. Generally, for cover letters you have to upload, I see no harm in doing so. However, with cover letters on application portals, I tend to not include any addresses, especially if the word count is short. If you want to include an address, I‘d say include the firm’s only. However, I have been past the application stage when I only included the requisite formalities; ‘ Dear Graduate Recruitment Team’ and ‘Yours Sincerely’.
- Sep 7, 2024
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Well done on getting the open day @wordyversus ! I would say to just be yourself and enjoy the day! Also come with questions prepared beforehand on any topics you’d like to learn more about. I know you’ll have a fantastic time at GDC
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hey @_shims_ , huge well done on securing the WVS! I’ve included some tips below from a past post I made.
Hey @Chelsea101 , just before @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Jessica Booker jump in, I’ve included a few pointers below:
1. Be Proactive from the Start: Law firms value self-starters who can anticipate needs and take initiative without waiting to be asked. On your first day, introduce yourself to your team, ask how you can assist, and familiarise yourself with the work. Offer to help with smaller tasks, such as proofreading, researching, or preparing documents, even if they are not explicitly assigned to you. If you find yourself with downtime, politely ask your supervisor if there’s anything additional you can assist with.
2. Understand the Work Beforehand: Familiarity with the firm’s work areas shows preparation and allows you to contribute meaningfully. Research the firm's key practice areas, landmark deals, and recent cases before starting. Pay attention to client industries, market trends, and legal developments. If you know your practice area placements in advance, review introductory resources, articles, or deals related to those areas. If not, be prepared to adapt by understanding the firm’s general focus areas.
3. Schedule coffee chats with lawyers from practice areas you’re genuinely interested in. During a VS, you’ll be surrounded by a plethora of legal talent - make the most of the learning opportunity!
4. Show a Genuine Interest in Learning: Firms look for trainees who are curious and eager to grow professionally. Approach tasks with an open mind and ask intelligent questions to deepen your understanding of the legal and commercial context. For example, instead of just editing a document, ask how it fits into the broader transaction or case.
5. Exceed Expectations in Your Work: Exceptional work leaves a lasting impression and demonstrates your potential as a trainee. Take your time to ensure accuracy and quality in your work. Proofread carefully, double-check details, and ask for clarification if unsure. Submit your work on time or, ideally, ahead of deadlines. If feedback is provided, take it constructively and implement it immediately—this shows you can learn and adapt quickly.
6. Show Commercial Awareness: Commercial lawyers are not just legal experts—they are also business experts. Keep up with current events and consider how they impact the firm’s clients. During tasks, think beyond the legal issue and consider the broader business or strategic implications.
7. Maintain professionalism at all times.
8. Gather feedback and reflect.
Final Advice: Beyond technical ability, demonstrate qualities like adaptability, resilience, and teamwork. These are essential skills for a trainee.
By implementing these strategies, you’ll position yourself as a standout candidate for a training contract. Good luck—you’ve got this!
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hi! @Andrei Radu
I applied for the Davis Polk open day and was successful, and now I am writing my application for their vac scheme. Both the open day and the vac scheme have this exact question:
"Please give details of your interests, extracurricular activities, positions of responsibility, skills and achievements. Please also include any other information that you feel is relevant to your application (300 words)"
Is it okay to write the exact same answer that I wrote for the open day given the answer was met with success? (and in the time between writing the open day application and now the vac scheme, not much as changed regarding the answer anyway).
If not, how would you suggest I improve/change it for the vac scheme application?
Many thanks
Hey @Legalgirl , just before @Andrei Radu jumps in..
My general approach is to always change each application answer, even if it’s been successful. Ideally, you would want to touch on areas you learnt from the open day to solidify your passions for the firm. Through the open day, you would have gained first-hand insights into the work; you would have spoken to lawyers and other members of the firm, to know the culture sufficiently well; you would have more knowledge on the firms key specialties and clients - all of these and more need touching on in the motivational questions of the application form for the vacation scheme.
It‘s also a chance to reference anybody you’ve spoken to at the firm, including what they told you about the firm that particularly stood out. Then, touch on why these appal to you given your interests and experiences. However, ensure to ask for their permission first on whether you can use their name in your application form.
When have you delivered a piece of work where quality was an important factor? As part of your answer, please describe why quality was important to you, what approaches you took to help you deliver and what you enjoyed?
this is a Q from the eversheds' application? would I have to talk about an academic piece of work ? or can i talk about making a product as part of my own business?
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hey @Smart water 0403 ,
Honestly, your approach to the question is solid, and you can certainly use either an academic piece of work or an example from your business experience. The key is to focus on the quality of the work you produced and your approach to ensuring it was of the highest standard.
For reference, I’ve drafted a response to this question below:
In my experience, quality has always been a priority for me, whether in academic work or professional settings. I believe that delivering high-quality work is crucial because it builds trust, demonstrates reliability, and ensures that the outcomes are valuable and actionable. One example of this is when I interned at a financial services company, where I was tasked with producing a memorandum on the requirements of an unfair dismissal claim under relevant UK legislation.
Quality was especially important in this instance because the memorandum was intended to assist senior lawyers in advising clients on the viability of their claims. I understood that any inaccuracies or lack of clarity could result in faulty advice being given, potentially impacting the client’s case. To ensure the quality of my work, I approached the task systematically. First, I thoroughly researched the relevant legislation and case law to ensure I understood the nuances of the legal requirements. I then carefully organised the information, drafting the memorandum in a clear, logical structure, with concise and precise legal language. After completing the draft, I reviewed it multiple times to ensure there were no errors or omissions, and I sought feedback from my supervisor to ensure the analysis was robust and met the expected standard.
What I enjoyed most about this process was the sense of satisfaction that came from delivering a well-researched and well-written piece of work that I knew would have a real impact on the team’s advice to clients. The attention to detail required and the opportunity to learn more about employment law were both rewarding and motivating for me. Ultimately, the quality of the work was important not just for the sake of producing a final product but also for its potential to contribute meaningfully to the legal work of the firm.
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