TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[gazdgazd11]

is there a point applying to Wilkie or too late?

 

[Cara888]

Has anyone heard back from Sidely Spring/Summer?

I still haven’t heard back about the Winter one 🤣

 

[Tcvspfo]

Seeing a lot of Skadden pfo. I did not apply for them but know how devasting the rejection can be.

Skadden have missed out on a great candidate so don't let that silly PFO affect you and you might get a VS at their competitor so think of it as it is their loss.

Skadden pfo you will forget about it in a few weeks time and think lof it as a positive to make a few other apps and we are all in this together.

 

[Mug Fan]

Same! Jesus, I'm not complaining but literally everyone sent invites at once today. Weil, RS, Skadden and MB

I got BCLP Online Test through this morning and Reed Smith VI this evening. Talk about buses! Is MB Mayer Brown? Haven't anything from them...

 

[theonecompetant]

That Ashurst test was dreadful. How is the report telling me that my strength is also an "area for development"?

 

[futuretrainee2503]

Seeing a lot of Skadden pfo. I did not apply for them but know how devasting the rejection can be.

Skadden have missed out on a great candidate so don't let that silly PFO affect you and you might get a VS at their competitor so think of it as it is their loss.

Skadden pfo you will forget about it in a few weeks time and think lof it as a positive to make a few other apps and we are all in this together.

Wish you drafted the Skadden pfo email 😂 This is so sweet of you! The email was kind of rude for no reason. This is what I needed Thanks for being kind

 

[Monopolyman]

Does anyone have any info about the Reed Smith VI?? just got the email through this evening

 

[BBsharkk]

I'm in the exact same boat lol

I'm not usually the one to complain about rejections, just perplexed at what could've possibly gone wrong. Added multiple internships to my CV, went to ASCAC, attended their online open day twice, spoke to their trainees, had my application reviewed....etc.

I don't know if my mid 2:1 law degree at a top RG uni was the dealbreaker, but would be much more content if they simply say they strongly prefer Oxbridge students or those with a first-class degree. I really don't mind law firms being openly and honestly elitist, but saying you're diverse and acting like it are completely different things...

 

[C_AJH]

Has anyone heard back from Sidely Spring/Summer?

I emailed and they said expect a response in January

 

[Tattyasha]

I'm not usually the one to complain about rejections, just perplexed at what could've possibly gone wrong. Added multiple internships to my CV, went to ASCAC, attended their online open day twice, spoke to their trainees, had my application reviewed....etc.

I don't know if my mid 2:1 law degree at a top RG uni was the dealbreaker, but would be much more content if they simply say they strongly prefer Oxbridge students or those with a first-class degree. I really don't mind law firms being openly and honestly elitist, but saying you're diverse and acting like it are completely different things...

If it helps I have really naff grades and did my degree from home, scraping a 2:1, have BCC at A Level and awful GCSEs. Degree was through the uni of London international but still, not oxbridge. I also went to insight evening last year and was rejected but managed to progress this cycle.
I totally get the hurt as I’ve been there myself but don’t underestimate how competitive it is. Some of this is a numbers game and comes down to luck. Keep going, you’re doing brilliantly 🌟

 

[Shandy101]

I'm not usually the one to complain about rejections, just perplexed at what could've possibly gone wrong. Added multiple internships to my CV, went to ASCAC, attended their online open day twice, spoke to their trainees, had my application reviewed....etc.

I don't know if my mid 2:1 law degree at a top RG uni was the dealbreaker, but would be much more content if they simply say they strongly prefer Oxbridge students or those with a first-class degree. I really don't mind law firms being openly and honestly elitist, but saying you're diverse and acting like it are completely different things...

I think you should definitively reflect on this after the cycle. You have other apps in play and you need to remain in the positive headspace to continue with those. I got rejected by post app Weil in 2022, 23 and for direct TC. This time, I've got a VI with the exact same experience and grades I applied with before- mid-2:1 from an RG Uni, so stay positive things will happen for you. I also got Skadden with those grades. I got a 59 in Crim law in the first year, too 😂😂.

 

[Tattyasha]

Did anyone here get progressed with Skadden who has also applied in the past?

I’m getting the impression that they don’t progress people who have applied in previous cycles

Yep, rejected last year but progressed this time. It’s so incredibly competitive. Keep an open mind and pick yourself up. It’s all about the resilience and let’s face it, we need it in abundance in this game 🤝

 

[ECNWalker]

Anyone understand when the deadline is for the Mishcon VI? Doesn’t seem to say when you log into their portal. Also, is the ‘tips’ video working for anyone?

 

[Rus]

Odd question but do firms customise their PFO responses? Like, is the wording any indication of their feedback, or is it all the same?

 

[murm]

Kirkland VI - any advice?

 

[Tattyasha]

Who and which podcast?

Commerce meets Law - YouTube and Spotify. 1586 applications last year. Inviting 250 to written assessment this year, 120 to virtual interview with two lawyers and 70 across 4 vac schemes, circa 20 TCs

 

[Tcvspfo]

Wish you drafted the Skadden pfo email 😂 This is so sweet of you! The email was kind of rude for no reason. This is what I needed Thanks for being kind

Thank you for your kind words appreciate it and I know how you and others feel as I had been rejected from them before even after strong application. But I guess some firms have to be ruthless in their application process.

Also I will say that I have met Skadden grad rec in person and he seems like a nice person and he does try to help people when he can.

 

[Shandy101]

Who and which podcast?

 

[futuretrainee2503]

Thank you for your kind words appreciate it and I know how you and others feel as I had been rejected from them before even after strong application. But I guess some firms have to be ruthless in their application process.

Also I will say that I have met Skadden grad rec in person and he seems like a nice person and he does try to help people when he can.

My post was definitely not a shade to the grad rec team at all. I just felt it not necessary to add the line “you were not a top candidate”. It feels demoralising when it comes from grad rec who have read your app and makes me think if I have what it takes.

They could have just said “we received stronger candidates”. I’m sure they are all great

 

[User5678]

Those who applied to Watson Farley Williams, I cannot seem to find a dedicated area for mitigating circumstances?

Where did you enter this info?
Any insights will be super helpful

Thanks