TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[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!

 

[Shandy101]

Does anyone want to compare Skadden's answers? PM me.

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Email said Monday

Thanks, I am just not sure if it means Monday 00:00, which effectively means Sunday 23:59:59, or Monday 23:59:59

 

[M_m]

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

Hey, so I’m not a 100% sure about this but I do remember grad rec saying at one event that they make all decisions after the deadline, and that they just read application as they come so that it doesn’t become too hectic for them after the deadline. Could be wrong though.

 

[g.cl.2020344]

What does it mean if Sullivan and Cromwell put your app on hold

 

[C_AJH]

What does it mean if Sullivan and Cromwell put your app on hold

this happened to me too

 

[suhana]

anyone know if weil is still giving out vi offers? i applied on deadline day

 

[seaweed.bond]

I read it as just the cover letter, but I don’t think you have to fill the 2 pages (last year mine was about 1.5 pages and I got through to the VI)

Ohhhh I see, thank u so much!

 

[g.cl.2020344]

this happened to me too

Is it a good thing I can’t tell lol

 

[Shandy101]

What does it mean if Sullivan and Cromwell put your app on hold

It means they haven't rejected you outright, which they have done to some applicants. We're still in the game.

 

[ellabasing]

Hi there, I have a question regarding the application for Cooley's Summer Programme. I attended the Meet Cooley event in November and as part of the application for that, we had to answer "What is motivating you toward a career at Cooley?" and "Please tell us about interests and activities you pursue and positions of responsibility that are relevant for the role." However, those questions are also required for the Summer Programme application (as well as two others), and so, I was wondering if it is necessary to change the answers completely or just add in a few bits about the Meet Cooley event for the why Cooley question and then leave the interests and activities answer the same? Would appreciate some advice!

 

[suhana]

hey guys. anyone know if its still worth applying for summer vs of hogan lovells and white and case, considering they are rolling and deadlines are 3rd jan and 12th jan respectively and vi offers have started to go out?

 

[plshireme]

What time does the DWF application close tomorrow?

 

[mariistm]

hey guys. anyone know if its still worth applying for summer vs of hogan lovells and white and case, considering they are rolling and deadlines are 3rd jan and 12th jan respectively and vi offers have started to go out?

I'm going to apply for HL today. You miss all the shots you don't take!