TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Mug Fan]

Heyy
It took me like a week, and I wouldn't worry because at a grad rec event, they did say it would take some time to get the tests as they have to send it manually.
No, I didn't submit a cover letter or anything else. It's just the one question regarding academic/non-academic achievements. I don't think you've done anything wrong and you will probably receive it soon 😊🤞

Thanks! I’ve also just realised I’ve applied for the TC and this is the SV thread so that may have something to do with it!

 

[futuretrainee!]

You clearly have done a lot. But how are you packaging it? It can be hard to hear. But sometimes I feel quite similar. I have x and deserve y. However sometimes other things matter more. I’m also feeling low and disappointed. I have an Oxford Uni degree. I have done multiple Vacation Schemes. But I often over-inflate these experiences. They aren’t silver bullets for applications. Realising that fact took me years. I got nothing whatsoever in 2019-20.

I’ve been applying on and off. Things like firms’ values matter apparently. So I started including these recently. Experiences aren’t always that important really. Skills gained can be more so.

SO so well said, and thank you for taking the time to respond. I wish you the best

 

[User5678]

Hi everyone, hope you're all having a good week, particularly leading up to the holidays. I think this is lowkey a rant and I want to get it off my chest but also hopefully this resonates with someone in the same situation. I have been applying to law firms since 2022 and two cycles, in I am exhausted. What is truly triggering about this process is that back in 2023 when I was in my final year of a non-law degree I was invited to assessment centres with Ashurst and Macfarlanes. Fast-forward to this year when I not only graduated with an 81% in my PGDL but also ended up for the semis on some of the most coveted commercial awareness competitions. You'd think I'd have a competitive application? Well, I'd think again because I literally cannot get past the application stage for a single firm this entire year. I literally do not know what else I could possibly do - I cannot even land a paralegal role to get my foot in the door. Does anyone have any advice or ideas on why this may be? Is this because I am an international student? If so why make the promise to offer sponsorships? I am absolutely deflated and not going to lie, the upcoming holidays when you see families and friends etc is not making it any better. I absolutely in my bones KNOW I want to be a lawyer and know this dream will come true but boy it's tough out here. Being a part of TCLA has also made me realise how tenacious and hard-working this community is, and if you're feeling low and disappointed too, you are not alone and I am praying for you all!

You have clearly shown so much potential and I am sure you will get there eventually. Trust me, I feel the exact same way (literally felt that you’ve put my thoughts into words). I am an international student in my final year, also am a 100% sure I want to be a lawyer practising in UK and did a one year long placement year at bclp in my third year and I am still struggling everyday .
We WILL get there, praying!!🤞🏻🤞🏻

 

[tomsmitg]

Hi, in a typical written case study where we are asked to outline a few key issues for a client who is pursuing an acquisition, for example, how long would a response typically be i.e. in how much detail should we go into on each point/an executive summary ??

 

[dxbbilly]

Sorry about the result. How long did you have to wait since doing the WG test to get the result?

only a couple of days they got back to me quite quickly

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

does anyone know why there is no information about Fieldfisher on Chambers Student True Picture or Legal Cheek? I am trying to research more about the firm but can't seem to find anything useful other than their website (which is also useful)

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Mishcon email about tech issues - they have clarified that the deadline has been extended to midnight 23rd, with one minute prep one minute speaking time for VI

For Mishcon Video interview - do you think the deadline is 00:00 Monday 23/12 i.e., 23:59 Sunday 22/12? I thought it's 23:59 Monday but I think now I suddenly have 1 less day 😭

 

[kokoprep]

hiii so my uni doesn’t give % grades, is it okay to add only letter grades as long as I provide context about my grading system? @Andrei Radu @Jessica Booker

 

[EK_27]

Hi,
To anyone that can help please maybe @Andrei Radu or @Amma Usman.

I have my first AC coming up and I’m trying to research deals from the firm. Should I focus on deals from the same area or a wider range please?

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Not me stuttering and having to fully glance down at my notes in the Mishcon VI 😭

Will be blasting ABBA Take A Chance On Me outside their office from now on RIP.

Hey I’m sorry to hear but I hope it turned out ok!! May I know if you were told the deadline would be Monday midnight? Did you clarify if it’s Sunday or Monday 23:59:59 😭😭

 

[RonRod13]

Anyone done the bakers vi? Pls pm me, I can trade

 

[sapphireoreos]

Sometimes I wonder if these firms want people to just make stuff up lol. I never had any childhood toys past an age where I can remember. Furthermore some people's favourite toys could be something like a lego... anyways I guess they're looking for creativity and for you to perhaps introspectively assess your past experiences to summarise what you've learnt in the period between being a child and now. Maybe try and align with the firm's values if possible as well. It's also 60 words so conciseness is probably assessed.

Thank you!

 

[andreilover01]

How long does Cleary take to reply post WG?

did the WG over a week and a half ago and yet to hear back

 

[VMS]

Hey I’m sorry to hear but I hope it turned out ok!! May I know if you were told the deadline would be Monday midnight? Did you clarify if it’s Sunday or Monday 23:59:59 😭😭

Email said Monday

 

[Tattyasha]

Hi everyone, hope you're all having a good week, particularly leading up to the holidays. I think this is lowkey a rant and I want to get it off my chest but also hopefully this resonates with someone in the same situation. I have been applying to law firms since 2022 and two cycles, in I am exhausted. What is truly triggering about this process is that back in 2023 when I was in my final year of a non-law degree I was invited to assessment centres with Ashurst and Macfarlanes. Fast-forward to this year when I not only graduated with an 81% in my PGDL but also ended up for the semis on some of the most coveted commercial awareness competitions. You'd think I'd have a competitive application? Well, I'd think again because I literally cannot get past the application stage for a single firm this entire year. I literally do not know what else I could possibly do - I cannot even land a paralegal role to get my foot in the door. Does anyone have any advice or ideas on why this may be? Is this because I am an international student? If so why make the promise to offer sponsorships? I am absolutely deflated and not going to lie, the upcoming holidays when you see families and friends etc is not making it any better. I absolutely in my bones KNOW I want to be a lawyer and know this dream will come true but boy it's tough out here. Being a part of TCLA has also made me realise how tenacious and hard-working this community is, and if you're feeling low and disappointed too, you are not alone and I am praying for you all!

Don’t lose heart, you’ll get there! I’m also on round 2 (possibly 3) and it’s relentless and demoralising. Many people do this cycle after cycle but the only people who will never get a TC are the ones who give up….

Couple of thoughts though, maybe look at the applications you made that were successful vs now. What’s different?

You’re evidently frustrated at the moment. Take a break, do some positivity boosting stuff and take the next application with a fresh approach. Maybe your feeling that the improvements you made means they’d be mad not to take you is inadvertently coming across the wrong way. It’s easily done - I know I’ve done it!

Approach each one with less of an “I need this” mentality but more of “what will be will be”. I think the relaxed, nonchalant mindset can help with drafting more considered forms that are about you and the firm being a good match for each other, rather than desperately wanting them to want you. I found taking this approach my answers were less flamboyant, eccentric and romantically worded. I took out a lot of the fluff and drama I used before and it’s worked. Plain but articulate English - you’re going to be a lawyer, not a novelist, so they don’t want someone with the world’s most eclectic vocab.

Hope that helps a bit!

 

[Shandy101]

Anyone doing the W&C AC, feel free to message me for insights.

 

[Jessica Booker]

hiii so my uni doesn’t give % grades, is it okay to add only letter grades as long as I provide context about my grading system? @Andrei Radu @Jessica Booker

Yes - this is the most appropriate approach. Most firms will understand other grading systems or at least have guides that gives them a comparison.

 

[Bread]

Hi, is it too late to apply to W&C for summer if their apps close Jan 12th and they are rolling? Ty

 

[NCTC2025]

Hi, is it too late to apply to W&C for summer if their apps close Jan 12th and they are rolling? Ty

Just applied yesterday! If it's a firm you really like and you have a compelling application, don't shoot your chances by taking yourself out of the process!

 

[NCTC2025]

Hi @legalxp2 ,

That’s a great question! I actually encountered this in two interviews during my application cycle, and at the time, I wasn’t entirely sure how to approach it either. Reflecting on it now, I think the key is finding a balance.

It’s important not to focus too heavily on your strengths, as this might come across as skirting the question about areas for growth. At the same time, you want to avoid mentioning a weakness that’s fundamental to the role or presenting it in a way that makes it seem like you’re not working on it.

What worked for me was to structure my answer by first highlighting a strength in one paragraph, something relevant to the role and backed up with examples. Then, I’d discuss an area for growth, framing it as something I’m actively working on with clear steps.

This shows self-awareness and also demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional development.

Hope that helps!

Hi @Amma Usman!
I had a question about this response. When writing the areas for growth and saying what I am doing to improve, should I include tangible results highlighting improvements? I am worried that providing these results suggest that it is no longer an area for growth per se.

Thanks a lot!