TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[CG_101]

waitlisted for Sullivan and Cromwell- good or bad?

 

[AS24]

Do you have a previous employer you could use instead?

I have always been a contractor and have been working in my role for almost 6 years now..someone on the forum suggested using my agency as a referee. What do you think?

 

[user23]

Hi! Is this VI for London office?

For the Bham office but I imagine the process is the same

 

[ashwright]

Honestly same! But remember it only takes one yes!!

You're absolutely right - thank you for reminding me ☺️ 🫶 We've got this 🤝

 

[wqueens8]

Taylor Wessing PFO, not entirely surprised as I don't meet grade req, and I only started my application a few hours before the deadline as a hail mary.

Linklaters Capp report came back, my best traits were Motivation and Respect, and my worst was apparently Commercial Thinking so I can't imagine that's a good thing 🥲

 

[Jessica Booker]

I have always been a contractor and have been working in my role for almost 6 years now..someone on the forum suggested using my agency as a referee. What do you think?

Yes - your agency could be a good alternative. If you are through your own limited company and have an accountant, your accountant may also be a good referee (this is what I have had to do in my line of work before).

 

[Rus]

Anyone got advice for the Ashurst test?

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

did anyone else find the reed smith test and VI quite difficult😅

 

[Tintin06]

waitlisted for Sullivan and Cromwell- good or bad?

Not bad news is it really? Seriously I think it's good news!

 

[Tintin06]

Anyone got advice for the Ashurst test?

Similar test to this one:

. The video is pretty insightful actually. Still, I didn't pass the test. Make of that what you will.

 

[NJS]

Do Sullivan and Cromwell take graduates for the vac scheme?

 

[SS21]

Do McDermott take non law graduates? I’m slightly frustrated by the process. I’ve already done three Vacation Schemes. Direct TCs do feel quite rare. Few hiring a majority through those. Might multiple VSs hurt VS applications? It’s just frustrating in some ways. I don’t think being 27 hurts. So that’s something positive, I guess.

Then there is obviously another question. How do you get direct TCs? What do you have to prove? Especially for the US law firms.

It’s been a rough week, tbh. Struggling to get out of bed. Writing 30 applications was certainly energising. This current stage not so much. I got Milbank VS in 2019. It clashed with another firm’s VS. So I regret not doing it. I also regret not converting Ropes. These two things greatly depress me.

Hey - I can kind of relate as I just turned 26 and didn’t convert my VS last summer. Keep going… you’re obviously good enough - 3 separate firms decided to let you on their schemes.

My (totally unqualified) advice/personal opinion would be to focus on direct TCs as you clearly have enough experience now.

Best of luck! We got this

 

[Jessica Booker]

Do Sullivan and Cromwell take graduates for the vac scheme?

Unfortunately it looks like you need to currently be studying.

This is from their website:

 

[Rus]

Similar test to this one:

. The video is pretty insightful actually. Still, I didn't pass the test. Make of that what you

Thank you! Seems like an annoying test format rip, not sure how I feel about this

 

[mariistm]

Hey all, can anyone provide any insight on what the Mills&Reeve online test is like please? I can’t find much about it, is it like a SJT or WG, or a mix with video questions? Thanks!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

did anyone else find the reed smith test and VI quite difficult😅

Could you please let me know if the questions were motivational, competency or commercial awareness based? Video interviews are really hard for me and I've failed every VI so far.
But feel free to ignore this if u don't want to 😊

 

[addy2004]

This can just start with Dear…… rather than have all the formal address format.

I would try to ensure the cover letter is 800-1000 words.

Thank you.

 

[addy2004]

Hiya @addy2004

Just adding to what was mentioned by @Jessica Booker. You definitely don't need to use the entire word count, and Jess was absolutely right to say that you should aim for 800-1000. I've seen successful applications in the lower end of that range (e.g. 850 words and some that were even 750 words). In terms of formatting, you can simply address the cover statement to the Early Careers Legal Recruitment team. Let us know if you have any other questions! Best of luck with your applications!

Thank you so much!

 

[Amma Usman]

What are some commercial awareness/understanding of law firm questions that are likely to come up in a VI?

Hey @legal18 ,

I’ve seen a trend for some of the questions below in VI’s. I’ve also been creative and included some extra questions that may possibly fall within that scope:

Commercial Awareness Questions:


1. What is a recent news story that you found interesting, and why is it relevant to our firm?

2. How do you think a recent regulation or development will impact our clients?

3. Can you explain how the current economic climate affects law firms?

4. What do you understand by commercial awareness, and why is it important for lawyers?

5. How do you stay commercially aware?

6. What trends do you foresee affecting (specific sector) in the legal industry?

7. Why might companies choose to IPO in London or the US?

8. How do the new listing rules impact law firms?


Understanding of Law Firm Questions:

1. Why have you chosen to apply to our firm?

2. What do you understand about our firm's key practice areas?

3. How do you think we differ from our competitors?

4. What challenges are law firms facing today?

5. How do law firms add value to their clients?

6. What do you think makes a successful commercial lawyer?

7. What is the role of a trainee in our firm?

8. What do you understand about the importance of billable hours and pricing models for law firms?

9. What kind of responsibilities would you like to be involved in as a trainee?

 

[Amma Usman]

will freshfields have a summer TC application window this year. I don’t want to apply to the winter one as I have deadlines

Hello @Toenails,

I am unsure on whether they have a direct TC application window for the summer, like they did last application cycle. From the looks fo their website, I am doubtful on this as the only window for these direct TC apps are between October to January. I’ve linked the below website for more information if that’ll be helpful as well.

Eight-seat trainee associate programme

Considering Freshfields' eight-seat trainee associate programme, the City Consortium Solicitor Training Programme and qualifying work experience? Take a look at the salary and benefits we offer.

www.freshfields.com