TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Amma Usman]

HL Lift Off PFO. feels extremely disheartening, but i keep going.

could anyone advice, in their opinion, whether it is worth applying for the VS route? i remain passionate about the firm.

Hey there @studenttolawyer ,

Yep, I totally agree with @Andrei Radu. A rejection on one programme doesn‘t automatically cancel out your chances of succeeding in VS or TC applications at the same firm. I had been rejected for open days at firms but gotten offers for their ACs/VS. I know of many people who will say the same too. Keep going!!!

 

[Amma Usman]

Just received a Bird & Bird AC invite

Any tips (from last recruitment cycles?) would be highly appreciated can offer A&O AC insights

Hey,

I remember speaking to someone who did the AC last year and the questions mainly centred on the basic why law, why 2birds, and the skills and competencies you can bring to the role. He had also mentioned a heavy weight being placed on why tech/IP.

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jessica! Can TCLA's application review service review the work experience part?

Yes - we can review up to 1500 words of work experience

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman

I just realized I made an error in my HSF application regarding my A-level equivalent grades. Instead of writing 96, I mistakenly wrote 98. I'm not sure how this happened, as all my other applications on Candid are accurate. I've already emailed the graduate recruitment team to correct the mistake.

I'm a bit concerned that this could be viewed as a lack of attention to detail or submitting inaccurate grades in my application, and I'm worried they might withdraw my application because of it. Does anyone have insights into whether this is likely to affect my application?

By the way, I passed the assessment benchmark, and my application is currently under review.

I don’t think this error alone would influence an application

 

[Amma Usman]

When I'm talking about current trainees in an interview setting would it be ok to just mention their first name?

Hi,

This is fine but I would go ahead with mentioning their full name, largely because with hundreds of lawyers in the same firm, there is still the possibility of there being more than one person with the same name. I would also be safe on this and ask for permission to name drop them in your interview if you haven’t already.

 

[Law queries]

Hello, can anybody please tell me how long Mayer Brown takes to send the assessment test link?

 

[Amma Usman]

Any tips on AC group exercise would be greatly appreciated please!!

Hi there,

Absolutely! For group exercises, the key is to stay calm and focus on working well with others. Make sure you’re actively listening to what everyone is saying and contributing in a way that shows you’re engaged. It’s not about taking over or leading everything; it’s about being collaborative and ensuring the group stays on track. Paying attention to time is also important. If you notice things are running over, gently steer the group back without sounding bossy.

Speak clearly and confidently when you share your thoughts, but don’t feel like you have to talk constantly. Quality over quantity always makes a better impression. If the discussion starts to feel chaotic, just stay composed and focus on how you can add value to the task. Showing positive body language is another great way to make an impact. Simple things like maintaining eye contact, nodding when someone speaks, and sitting upright show that you’re engaged and approachable.

Remember, the assessors aren’t looking for perfection but for someone who works well in a team, stays focused, and brings a positive, solutions-oriented mindset to the table. You’ll do great!

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

One of the applications I'm working on asks to discuss a commercial issue. Would the car finance mis-selling count as such (even if it stems from a court ruling)?

 

[Andrei Radu]

@Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman

I just realized I made an error in my HSF application regarding my A-level equivalent grades. Instead of writing 96, I mistakenly wrote 98. I'm not sure how this happened, as all my other applications on Candid are accurate. I've already emailed the graduate recruitment team to correct the mistake.

I'm a bit concerned that this could be viewed as a lack of attention to detail or submitting inaccurate grades in my application, and I'm worried they might withdraw my application because of it. Does anyone have insights into whether this is likely to affect my application?A

By the way, I passed the assessment benchmark, and my application is currently under review.

I completely agree with @Jessica Booker - I think general practice is that an error in reported grades will substantially influence your application assessment only if (i) it is a significant enough discrepancy to materially change your candidate profile; or (ii) the firm suspects you of dishonesty. Since the discrepancy was minor and you promptly reported it, I would not worry.

 

[Andrei Radu]

One of the applications I'm working on asks to discuss a commercial issue. Would the car finance mis-selling count as such (even if it stems from a court ruling)?

Law firms look for different things when assessing commercial awareness, and partially they just want to see whether you can identify a story in the commercial world, summarize it, and explain the reasons for your interest. Thus, you have a lot of discretion in choosing which topics to write on, and the car finance story definitely counts as a commercial issue. It is moreover a lesser-known story, and there are arguments in favor of going for a more niche topic.

However, generally speaking, I would want to go for a commercial issue with clear and direct links to the main business activities of the law firm I am applying to. Even if not a strict requirement, I do think this shows off more impressive commercial awareness skills beyond summarizing a couple of articles. This topic might be difficult to link to the work of transactional firms, so if the firm you are applying to is not big in the disputes/regulatory compliance space I would consider other options which have easier-to-draw implications for its practices.

 

[Tintin06]

Holding myself accountable again (PH app).

CC* ✅📝❌
HSF ✅📝❌
NRF ✅📝❌
Weil ✅❌
Akin ✅
Sidley ✅❌
Orrick ✅
Willkie ✅🎥❌
Cooley ✅
Latham ✅
Milbank ✅
Kirkland ✅
Dechert ✅❌
Skadden ✅❌
Goodwin ✅
Covington ✅❌
Linklaters* ✅📝❌
Paul, Weiss ✅
Slaughters* ✅❌
Fried Frank* ✅
Gibson Dunn ✅
Macfarlanes* ✅📝
White & Case ✅
Morgan Lewis ✅
Paul Hastings* ✅
Hogan Lovells* ✅
Cleary Gottlieb ✅❌
A&O Shearman ✅📝❌
Vinson & Elkins ✅
Arnold & Porter ✅
Baker McKenzie ✅📝
King & Spalding* ✅
Winston & Strawn ✅
Morrison Foerster ✅
Sullivan & Cromwell ✅❌

Key: ✅ = application submitted; 📝 = test received; 🎥 = video interview; ❌ = rejection.

*Training Contract applications

TC apps left to do: Stephenson Harwood; Sullivan & Cromwell.

 

[lawyersum]

Holding myself accountable again (PH app).

CC* ✅📝❌
HSF ✅📝❌
NRF ✅📝❌
Weil ✅❌
Akin ✅
Sidley ✅❌
Orrick ✅
Willkie ✅🎥❌
Cooley ✅
Latham ✅
Milbank ✅
Kirkland ✅
Dechert ✅❌
Skadden ✅
Goodwin ✅
Covington ✅❌
Linklaters* ✅📝❌
Paul, Weiss ✅
Slaughters* ✅❌
Gibson Dunn ✅
Macfarlanes* ✅📝
White & Case ✅
Morgan Lewis ✅
Paul Hastings* ✅
Hogan Lovells* ✅
Cleary Gottlieb ✅❌
A&O Shearman ✅📝❌
Vinson & Elkins ✅
Arnold & Porter ✅
Baker McKenzie ✅📝
King & Spalding* ✅
Winston & Strawn ✅
Morrison Foerster ✅
Sullivan & Cromwell ✅❌

Key: ✅ = application submitted; 📝 = test received; 🎥 = video interview; ❌ = rejection.

*Training Contract applications

I'm actually ineligible for S&C VS. I'll be applying for their TC. 13 firm's rejections overall now.

I did the BM test this week. It didn't go especially well, honestly.

TC apps left to do: Fried Frank; Stephenson Harwood; Sullivan & Cromwell.

Hey, out of interest how did you find the Macfarlanes test, was it SJT?

 

[Tintin06]

Hey, out of interest how did you find the Macfarlanes test, was it SJT?

CAPPfinity I think it was? I found it quite hard work. I don't think I passed. I didn't pass it last year. I can now do the WG. But the tests have gotten harder. It's like chasing a moving target. Oh well, onwards and upwards.

 

[lawyersum]

CAPPfinity I think it was? I found it quite hard work. I don't think I passed. I didn't pass it last year. I can now do the WG. But the tests have gotten harder. It's like chasing a moving target. Oh well, onwards and upwards.

Ah, Cappfinity tests are another nightmare!! But keep the faith, everyone is rooting for you this cycle

 

[Tintin06]

Ah, Cappfinity tests are another nightmare!! But keep the faith, everyone is rooting for you this cycle

Idk how much they weight them. Cheers - thanks for that my friend.

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

Law firms look for different things when assessing commercial awareness, and partially they just want to see whether you can identify a story in the commercial world, summarize it, and explain the reasons for your interest. Thus, you have a lot of discretion in choosing which topics to write on, and the car finance story definitely counts as a commercial issue. It is moreover a lesser-known story, and there are arguments in favor of going for a more niche topic.

However, generally speaking, I would want to go for a commercial issue with clear and direct links to the main business activities of the law firm I am applying to. Even if not a strict requirement, I do think this shows off more impressive commercial awareness skills beyond summarizing a couple of articles. This topic might be difficult to link to the work of transactional firms, so if the firm you are applying to is not big in the disputes/regulatory compliance space I would consider other options which have easier-to-draw implications for its practices.

Thank you Andrei, this is really helpful

 

[_microwaved]

Hey, I have just tried to take the Linklaters Watson Glaser but have had an error message come up. I have emailed trainee recruitment about this, but I am panicking a little as my deadline is tomorrow. Anyone facing the same issue?

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hey guys! I need advice for DAC Beachcroft application. I'm really confused about the layout.

On the first page, they have three boxes fill in.
The first on is called "personal summary" and is described as "your personal summary is your opportunity to summarise your key skills and achievements and include positive words that describe you as a person. Highlight the roles you have held and your key achievements to date. Avoid anything that narrows down your options too much unless you are only applying to very specific roles".
The second is "interest and hobbies", described as "We understand people have a range of hobbies outside their working lives - let us know what you do in your spare time".
And the third is to do with personal and professional referees.

None of these have a word count.

On the second page, we are requested to upload our CV.

The "instructions" on their website only say:

• The application window closes on 31st January 2025 – to apply you will need to upload a current CV

I'm confused mostly about the first question to be honest. I can obviously take out my interest and hobbies from my CV and expand on them in the text box, given they're not a huge part of it, but isn't the first question asking about what I've written in my CV?
Also, given there's no word count what would you recommend I aim for?

Any advice would be amazing @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam , or if anyone's gone through their app process and has any insight, that would be super helpful!

Thanks guys

Just to jump in before @Jessica Booker or @Ram Sabaratnam get the chance to respond, I think you should write about your experiences and interests without worrying too much about overlaps with the information in the CV. The CV is meant to contain a short and factual summary of your experiences, while both the first and second sections are meant to give you the opportunity to expand on them a lot more. As such, it should not be very repetitive, especially if you write the answers section using a STAR structure and try to be reflective as to what these experiences and interests say about you as a candidate/person.

As for the word count issue, I would not necessarily have any 'target' word count, but I would normally look for something in the range of 300-600 words. I think your key focus here should be to extract the greatest possible value from your experiences while ensuring you observe the same norms of conciseness, formal writing style, and clear structure as if there was a strict word count.

 

[floral.tcla]

what is there any point in applying for mishcon if I haven't already???

 

[James Wakefield]

what is there any point in applying for mishcon if I haven't already???

Yeah most people will be talking about Spring on here, for which the deadline has already passed. Summer is fine.