TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Jaysen]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to inform you about a situation that has recently happened in the TCLA forum.

On at least two occasions now, we have learnt that a member ('Member X') has been contacting other members via our private message function. It usually starts off cordial, until they exchange numbers, and Member X begins harassing the other person if they don't respond to their messages quickly enough. We've noticed that Member X usually comes from a place of having a hard time in this process and the other member (who are often incredibly generous) are made to feel guilty if they aren't providing support.

Our concerns about Member X has now escalated to a point where we have made a report with the police.

Please be careful with private messages in the forum, particularly where members ask to exchange phone numbers. If you ever do feel like something is off or you feel uncomfortable with the way a member is messaging you, I'd want you to feel that you can come to me ([email protected]) or @Jessica Booker with anything.

You should also never feel like you need to respond to someone who private messages you. I know some members have been made to feel guilty if they don't respond, but I want you to know there is absolutely no obligation to respond to anyone.

 

[Andrei Radu]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jessica - I'm writing my application for US law firms and have a low 2.1 in my first-year from Oxbridge. I believe I had mitigating circumstances (ie undiagnosed—now diagnosed—OCPD) which I have now communicated to my University but it will take a few weeks' time for me to receive any acknowledgement for the same. Should I still mention this? And if yes, how do I disclose it?

@Jessica Booker will be able to tell you more, but my advice would be to just explain factually what happened: when did you first notice symptoms, what were they, when did you receive a diagnosis, and how has the condition likely impacted your results. I know friends who have proceeded in this manner and have not had an issue with progressing.

 

[Ricky]

FYI for any graduates interested in Sullivan & Cromwell:

"As a graduate, I would suggest you apply direct for a training contract. Online applications open May 1, 2025, through July 11, 2025.

Please note we do not recruit all future trainees from the firm’s summer vacation scheme, hence why we have a separate direct training contract application window."

 

[Tintin06]

FYI for any graduates interested in Sullivan & Cromwell:

"As a graduate, I would suggest you apply direct for a training contract. Online applications open May 1, 2025, through July 11, 2025.

Please note we do not recruit all future trainees from the firm’s summer vacation scheme, hence why we have a separate direct training contract application window."

It still feels a long shot. But at least they’re being honest. They’re one of my favourite firms. Applied last year and got nowhere. Hopefully with another VS, that changes. Direct TC apps trigger imposter syndrome. Sure I’m not the only one.

 

[Andrei Radu]

anyone who appllied to V&E - is their training principal this year Scott Steigler or Andrew Nealon?

On a quick look there is some conflicting information on this online - the firm website has Scott listed, while the firm's 2025 Chambers UK profile lists Andrew as Training Principal. Both of their LinkedIn pages also have the title listed, so it's actually hard to tell who was the previous Training Principal and who took over now. My advice would be to just address the cover letter to the graduate recruitment team instead, as this is common practice and the training principal himself is quite unlikely to review applications before the AC stage anyway.

 

[Andrei Radu]

I just completed the Dechert written exercise, and I am SO panicked. First of all, there was no confirmation that my submission was successful; all I received was a message saying the session had expired.

Second, I struggled with the formatting. I wanted the bullet points to be evenly spaced, but for some reason, the gap between the first set was much larger than the gap between the second set. Topscore was NOT cooperating with me at all.

Third, I italicised two definitions but forgot to do the same for the third (or even define it at all).

Fourth, I bolded one phrase but forgot to do the same for another, which makes it look inconsistent.

While I am quite confident about the content, I am terrified that these minor mistakes might get me rejected. ((

Hey @hello123 I completely understand your anxiety, I used to feel much the same after finishing written exercises, but please try not to worry. I made significantly worse errors with typos and formatting - my final written work did not look neat at all, and in some cases actually had unfinished sentences. I still ended up progressing in a number of cases and subsequently getting VS and TC offers. Firms know how time-pressured these exercises are, and nearly everyone makes these sorts of mistakes. Recruiters will focus a lot more on your substantive points and how clearly you managed to articulate them. I think it is highly unlikely that the issues you listed will do much to influence their decision as to progression.

 

[lynwang]

You got to the VI stage? Well done. Don't think I got that far. SJT was pretty rough for me.

Yes, I did..and thank you! SJTs are always hit and miss and I've had my fair share of bad SJT feedback reports. I just got lucky this time. Don't be too hard on yourself - it's already really good that your app went through the initial stage! Anyways, if you haven't received a rejection yet, I'm sure there's still hope - esp if you applied for the Summer scheme!

 

[Tintin06]

Yes, I did..and thank you! SJTs are always hit and miss and I've had my fair share of bad SJT feedback reports. I just got lucky this time. Don't be too hard on yourself - it's already really good that your app went through the initial stage! Anyways, if you haven't received a rejection yet, I'm sure there's still hope!

We shall see what happens here. But I’m seriously managing my expectations. We’ll see what happens, I guess. Good luck with your VI though.

 

[Amakaa]

On a quick look there is some conflicting information on this online - the firm website has Scott listed, while the firm's 2025 Chambers UK profile lists Andrew as Training Principal. Both of their LinkedIn pages also have the title listed, so it's actually hard to tell who was the previous Training Principal and who took over now. My advice would be to just address the cover letter to the graduate recruitment team instead, as this is common practice and the training principal himself is quite unlikely to review applications before the AC stage anyway.

They did say to address the letters to the training principal

 

[doglover123]

CMS PFO

So sorry to hear! :/ Was this post app, test or VI?

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

Hey @hello123 I completely understand your anxiety, I used to feel much the same after finishing written exercises, but please try not to worry. I made significantly worse errors with typos and formatting - my final written work did not look neat at all, and in some cases actually had unfinished sentences. I still ended up progressing in a number of cases and subsequently getting VS and TC offers. Firms know how time-pressured these exercises are, and nearly everyone makes these sorts of mistakes. Recruiters will focus a lot more on your substantive points and how clearly you managed to articulate them. I think it is highly unlikely that the issues you listed will do much to influence their decision as to progression.

Hi Andrei! Would it be possible to check your conversations? I've sent a PM to ask a more personally tailored question!

 

[Andrei Radu]

Discuss a topic that you are passionate about. How did you become interested in it, and how has it influenced your personal or professional life. (300 words max) - @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu - Hi, I would really appreciate your inputs on this question on the Bakers Application, should this for sure non law to reflect your personality or can it be a law topic?

Others who have had experience with the application for BM, also please share your views!

Hey @kokoprep for this type of question I think what ultimately matters is (i) for your interest in the topic to be genuine and (ii) to ensure you explain it in a very clear and structured manner. For (i) you have a lot of discretion as to the topic of choice, and I believe it is completely fine to mention a law-related one if that is indeed what you would be most passionate in writing about. To ensure it meets the 'genuine interest' criterion, it has to be a topic you would love to speak about or explore at length in your free time even if there was no further benefit arising form this (whether academically or professionally) - something you find intrinsically worthwhile. If that is the case, I don't think you should avoid it just so as to "show personality" - if well written it will showcase your personality anyway, and presumably you also have opportunities to mention extracurriculars and personal interest in other sections on the application form. However, ensure that the content does not overlap with your 'why law' answer, and focus a lot on expressing the reasons why the topic has managed to capture your interest in this way.

 

[Amakaa]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone knows any experiences of international students - Aka those that did their bachelor's abroad but are trying to secure a training contract in London. I am wondering, are people with outside bachelor's disadvantaged?

I know law firms group graduates in Oxbridge and Russel group etc, but I am not entirely sure about the international status. Does anyone have any input they could share?

no, you aren't. I have met many who got TC offers. Including those who did secondary schooling abroad. Just make sure your grades are good.

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

Was doing a verbal reasoning practice test.

What would you say is the answer here?

All interns require supervision on the shop floor, and the shop floor consists of interns, team members and supervisors. Identification badges come in different colours, which represent different statuses within the team. Everyone who requires supervision wears a green badge, and all supervisors wear a blue badge.

Everyone who wears a green badge is an intern.

Please select your response from the options below:

True
False
Can't say

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

@Andrei Radu

Hi Andrei, hope you're having a great day!

For my DPW cover letter: Please include your cover letter in the space provided below. Within your cover letter please include why you are specifically interested in Davis Polk, why you are attracted to the work that we carry out, and the skills that you have developed that would contribute towards your success in the role. [800 words]

Would you recommend the following structure?
- Why DPW (reasons BESIDES the work, specifically, or would you reckon mentioning the work here is okay as well?)—approx. 250-300 words
- Why DPW's work—approx. 250-300 words
- Why me—approx. 250 words

Thank you!

 

[Mena M]

Untimed!

Just to be clear, cos I've seen mixed stuff online. Unlimited time to prepare answers for the questions? Or unlimited time to answer the questions? And mind sharing how many questions are asked/ or split?

 

[Andrei Radu]

They did say to address the letters to the training principal

anyone who appllied to V&E - is their training principal this year Scott Steigler or Andrew Nealon?

I see - I have went on to do a little more digging but it's just hard to say. Since the firm's graduate recruitment page (which you can access here) names Scott as the Training Principal, I think I would then go with that; it should be a more reliable source of information. I also think Andrew may have been the Training Principal before him, as I have seen Andrew mentioned in careers brochures dating as far back as 2019.

 

[User5678]

Was doing a verbal reasoning practice test.

What would you say is the answer here?

All interns require supervision on the shop floor, and the shop floor consists of interns, team members and supervisors. Identification badges come in different colours, which represent different statuses within the team. Everyone who requires supervision wears a green badge, and all supervisors wear a blue badge.

Everyone who wears a green badge is an intern.

Please select your response from the options below:

True
False
Can't say

Should be can’t say. I remember doing a similar question where the answer was can’t say because it is not written that interns require supervision in the passage and it could be other members of the team wearing the green badge as well

Let me know ur thoughts!

 

[Tintin06]

Was doing a verbal reasoning practice test.

What would you say is the answer here?

All interns require supervision on the shop floor, and the shop floor consists of interns, team members and supervisors. Identification badges come in different colours, which represent different statuses within the team. Everyone who requires supervision wears a green badge, and all supervisors wear a blue badge.

Everyone who wears a green badge is an intern.

Please select your response from the options below:

True
False
Can't say

I would’ve put ‘Can’t say’ here. Could be team members or interns. Bit late for one of these.

 

[Amakaa]

Kirkland VI - any advice?

congratulations! is this for direct TC ot VS, when did you apply please. I thought it was non rolling?