TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Maddy]

Is anyone able to find the deloitte legal graduate scheme dates? They have already opened the applications for audit and tax.

 

[Tintin06]

Anyone know if Hogan Lovells take more from VS or direct TC?

 

[Maddy]

Interview with Jones Day

How many days you had from the day you received the interview for JD to the actual interview?

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

@Maddy 15 but I chose the last available slot offered to me

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

wilkie pfo - great start to the cycle 😔

May I ask when you submitted the application?

 

[cjwx]

1.
Why do you want to become a commercial lawyer at A&O and what do you think are the key skills and qualities required for success?

2.Tell us about a challenge you have faced. What are the skills you used to overcome that challenge and how are they transferable to help you with a career as a lawyer

I found the two minutes was really not a lot of time I’m not really sure what they wanted us to include in this

 

[lolololol]

May I ask when you submitted the application?

6th sept

 

[bibss]

Is anyone able to find the deloitte legal graduate scheme dates? They have already opened the applications for audit and tax.

I’d be surprised if any of the Big Four recruit trainees this year

 

[M_m]

Can anyone suggest any resources which I can use to familiarise myself with the Ashurst psychometric tests? I've read here that you can't really prepare for them beforehand, but I don't want to be completely taken aback, either.

 

[jasonbourne]

Hey! I'm currently writing an application but am struggling with the latter end of this question: 'How did your interest in commercial law develop, and how have you built your understanding of this sector/industry?'

I am pretty comfortable with the first limb of the question. As for the second part, I'm not sure if they're looking for me to list resources that have helped me build my understanding of commercial law or if they're looking for other specific things. What would they be looking for here? SHould I make mention of any resources produced by the firm?

Would appreciate your help with this @Jessica Booker, as well as anyone else!!

​

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

Hey! I'm currently writing an application but am struggling with the latter end of this question: 'How did your interest in commercial law develop, and how have you built your understanding of this sector/industry?'

I am pretty comfortable with the first limb of the question. As for the second part, I'm not sure if they're looking for me to list resources that have helped me build my understanding of commercial law or if they're looking for other specific things. What would they be looking for here? SHould I make mention of any resources produced by the firm?

Would appreciate your help with this @Jessica Booker, as well as anyone else!!

​

I think another way of looking at the second bit of the question is ‘what events, webinars, open days etc. have you attended. Who have you spoken to? How did that interest you?’

 

[erderlylars]

Anyone got Mayer Brown test invite yet?

Nope not yet

 

[cjwx]

Hey! I'm currently writing an application but am struggling with the latter end of this question: 'How did your interest in commercial law develop, and how have you built your understanding of this sector/industry?'

I am pretty comfortable with the first limb of the question. As for the second part, I'm not sure if they're looking for me to list resources that have helped me build my understanding of commercial law or if they're looking for other specific things. What would they be looking for here? SHould I make mention of any resources produced by the firm?

Would appreciate your help with this @Jessica Booker, as well as anyone else!!

​

What firm is this for

 

[Maddy]

Is Jones Day very particular about high 2:1 or 1st?

 

[NJS]

Anymore Jones day interviews? I applied on the 8th, assuming a PFO given how fast they get back

 

[BonanzaBih_]

Anymore Jones day interviews? I applied on the 8th, assuming a PFO given how fast they get back

I don’t think you should assume that bc I’ve seen people getting rejected very quickly too so you don’t know until you know!

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

Is Jones Day very particular about high 2:1 or 1st?

Yeh they are. Spoke w their grad rec and they basically said 68 and above. That aligns w the fact they ask for a ‘strong’ 2:1.

 

[Maddy]

Yeh they are. Spoke w their grad rec and they basically said 68 and above. That aligns w the fact they ask for a ‘strong’ 2:1.

So makes no sense to apply if the overall grade is low 2:1 and not excellent work experience or extra curricular activities. Is this true? @Jessica Booker

 

[VMS]

wilkie pfo - great start to the cycle 😔

Me too. Don't let it dishearten you too much, we'll get through this

 

[Amma Usman]

This is my first time applying for vac schemes since 2020/1; I'm neither confident nor exceedingly hopeful, though... I wish I had discovered this forum back then.

Is anyone else interested in or going for White and Case? What do you think of the 'why you, why us, why law' style of application question? How do you even start it?

Just out of curiosity, how many applications are considered too many (e.g., x amount for winter, x amount for spring, etc.)?

Hey @jojo23 , it's amazing that you're taking this step again, and that's already something to be proud of! Every application is a new opportunity, and even though it can feel daunting, you've likely gained so much experience and insight since your first round. It's never too late to find the right resources, and it's great that you've discovered this forum now! Just remember, every bit of progress, no matter how small, counts.

Standard Motivational Questions ​

• In an application for a commercial law firm, it would be good to cover your motivations for a career in the profession. Why have you decided to go into law? Why is it ’commercial’ law you want to go into? What it is about a career in this specific profession you want, that other jobs in say marketing or investment banking may not offer you? Really dig deep into your passions, interests, and work experiences to answer this. This shows demonstrated interest. Another thing candidates often forget is that you don’t necessarily need legal work experience to show demonstrated interest. Leverage all your experiences.
• Another focal point is to address the reasons why a particular firm appeals to you. Avoid generic points like stimulating work or an international presence - a lot of law firms, and indeed professions outside law, offer this. Firms will have specialties across a broad range of practices but will generally specialize in some practices more than others. Thoroughly explore a firm‘s practice offerings.
• Leverage any extracurriculars or achievements as this would suggest an ability to juggle multiple commitments - soft skills for lawyers. You would want to dig deep into your past involvements to answer this. Often times as candidates, we forget about how much we have done and how valuable these are to employers.

Number of Applications​

There are two thoughtful approaches to consider when deciding how many applications to submit.

1. On one hand, some may choose to focus on a select few applications, dedicating significant time to understanding each firm’s values, practice areas, and aligning these with their personal passions. This approach allows for a deeply tailored application but can be seen as a higher-risk strategy, especially if only applying to a small number of firms.

2. On the other hand, the process can also be viewed as a numbers game. By applying to a wider range of firms that genuinely interest you, you not only increase your chances statistically but also improve with each application. The more you write, the more refined your responses become, which enhances your chances of progressing to assessment centres. Each stage you reach helps to strengthen your interview skills, ultimately increasing the likelihood of success.