TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Amma Usman]

That’s what I would usually do but there’s no questions on the application form so I wasn’t sure!

@mulan0 . That’s very interesting. In this case where there is no cover letter or applications questions, I suggest tailoring it to the firm in the work experience section then. Perhaps it’s worth looking at WBD’s values on their website, or speaking to future/current lawyers on what they look for by dropping private messages on LinkedIn. You could also link it to general trainee competencies like proactivity, attention to detail, resilience, and so on. Since there is no variation of a cover letter, I’ll also stress the importance of adequately covering your work experiences to showcase the key skills and qualities you possessed from each placement. Further, prose will be best in this instance.

I have tagged the rest of the team in case they have more views on how best to approach this: @Jessica Booker , @Andrei Radu , @Ram Sabaratnam.

 

[tcla02]

hi @Amma Usman I just finished a video interview and I ended my answer on "so yeah". does this mean a rejection ?

 

[Jessica Booker]

For the Womble Bond Dickinson application, the work experience section gives 250 words per experience for details. Do I need to link back to the firm and say how the skills will help me as a trainee or just say what skills I learnt?

I don’t think you need to do this unless the firm explicitly asks.

You can tailor your evidence to the firm by emphasising skills, topics, or values that might be aligned to the firm, but I don’t think you need to explicitly link it back to the firm. If the evidence is there, your reader will be able to see the connection.

 

[SerGo2507]

Does anyone know whether Taylor Wessing provides a feedback report for their test?

Not as a default. If you fail though, I’ve read they quickly tell you, like within hours!

 

[yeezyee]

i can’t stop overthinking my latham video interview answer now… i’m not sure if i was succinct enough i definitely could’ve ended 10 seconds earlier eughhhh 🫣🫣

 

[Papayas9]

I have one!

Congratulations! When were you sent the invite?

 

[kokoprep]

Does Ashurst hire majority of its trainees from the vacation schemes or would applying to the DTC have a good shot? Please share views!

 

[lawyersum]

mishcon be playing with our hearts and minds

 

[hitherelaw]

random but im curious - what law firm do you guys think receives the most applicants for TC+VS and which do you think is the most competitive to get a TC/VS offer from?

 

[Unknowncabbage]

random but im curious - what law firm do you guys think receives the most applicants for TC+VS and which do you think is the most competitive to get a TC/VS offer from?

Every single firm is highly competitive. But you have to put it into context because some firms may receive about 7000 applications but recruit 100 trainees and another may recruit around 5 and receive around 1000. Yet both are ridiculously competitive to land.

 

[Tcvspfo]

Every single firm is highly competitive. But you have to put it into context because some firms may receive about 7000 applications but recruit 100 trainees and another may recruit around 5 and receive around 1000. Yet both are ridiculously competitive to land.

I think Paul Weiss will receive record numbers this year.

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Akin PFO!

 

[bella98]

I think Paul Weiss will receive record numbers this year.

Yes, exactly!! I'm still deciding whether to apply or to direct my efforts elsewhere

 

[HZP1309]

Does Ashurst hire majority of its trainees from the vacation schemes or would applying to the DTC have a good shot? Please share views!

They recruit a decent number via dtc

 

[Law queries]

For those that did the Latham SJT and VI, how much time do we get to prep for the VI and how much time to speak?

+++ Could someone please help with this? Thanks!

 

[HZP1309]

+++ Could someone please help with this? Thanks!

2 min prep, 3 min to speak

 

[M_m]

mishcon be playing with our hearts and minds

Did you apply for the spring or summer VS?

 

[Law queries]

2 min prep, 3 min to speak

okay, thank you so much!

 

[wowcha]

If you get and accept a VS offer from a firm, is it advisable to continue applying to other firms, even if the dates of the schemes clash, or withdraw applications from other firms / stop applying?

Is there any merit in continuing to apply, ie. if I don't get the TC following the VS, would it be possible to leverage VS offers from other firms to support subsequent TC applications?

Not sure if this makes sense, but hopefully you get the gist!

 

[The-PFO-Collector]

Does the Mayer Brown Online Assessment have a VI component?