TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[VMS]

Do law firms get references from all previous employers when they intend to hire you, to the point that all absences are declared?

I have had a temporary part-time job for the last seven weeks and have just had to call in for the second time for illness (one day, both times on a Monday). It was my last shift. Will this impact my ability to get a job in a law firm? I’m stressed as I just wasn’t well and would have forced myself in but it starts at 4am and I’m just unwell and tired.

 

[Babablacksheep]

Is the bakers VI competency, commercial awareness or SJT. would highly appreciate any info

 

[cjwx]

Hey @cjwx . I think this is a good idea. The geographic reach will not be an issue considering the international scope of most deals within global headquartered law firms. Also, energy is really hot right now in the gulf so very interesting topic for discussion! Ensure to also cover fully why it interests you. Any past experiences/ research/ connections to the region or energy more generally? This part of the discussion is just as important as the relation to T&H. I would split it into two paragraphs covering each arm. In discussing the relation to the firm, touch well on the practices and how investment has been impacted and how it will be impacted in the future. Consider the tax benefits in the region, yet also the fluctuating high prices and the consequent impact of this on deal flow. You will find positive answers to this. Further, consider any expansion plans by the firm in this region.

thank you sooo much for both responses. This really helps

 

[kokoprep]

Is the bakers VI competency, commercial awareness or SJT. would highly appreciate any info

Did you get the VI for Summer?

 

[elsx]

Hey @elsx ,

Given the word count of questions of this type, I would not dwell too much on the self-introductory part. This is because there are three things you need to cover (provided that they have not been previously asked anywhere else in the application): (1) about you, (2) why commercial law, and (3) why Northridge. The core analysis should be on 2 and 3 as this is what will enable you to showcase a genuine passion for the firm and law more generally. In terms of how to introduce yourself, I will do this in a couple of sentences covering my university/stage, as well as current professional capacity (paralegal, etc).

Thank you very much for your response !

 

[adrk1234]

Anything from bird and bird after VI?

I did mine on 30/11 and have nothing. Is it worth emailing grad rec?

 

[gazdgazd11]

Those who’ve received CMS ACs, when did you apply & complete your VI?

 

[unknownnn7372]

does anyone have any resources that are similar to the commercial law handbook,, any that i can find online and the digital version. im trying to brush up on my commercial awareness and just have an idea on the different practice areas.

 

[AfVio24]

I did mine on 30/11 and have nothing. Is it worth emailing grad rec?

I did my VI like early-mid November and nothing, may be worth an email but most AC's etc were given in early Jan last year

 

[AveragePoster]

Those who’ve received CMS ACs, when did you apply & complete your VI?

Applied 14/10, invited to VI 19/11, received London AC invite 20/12

 

[lawstudent2]

Anyone have advice for this application question? Am not really sure what they want tbh
Q4 - Please describe a time where you showed courage in the face of adversity. What was the situation and how did you react? Max 500 words

 

[futuretrainee101ac]

Hi, does anyone know at what point its worth emailing BCLP regarding an application update, it has been 3 weeks since I received the feedback report.
@Ram Sabaratnam @Jessica Booker or anyone!! Thank you

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Eversheds VI! Has any1 done this and can offer some general advice please?

 

[patternteddybear]

HSF PFO. Not too sure if it is because I changed courses as I received an AC invite the previous time that I applied. Bit gutting but going to focus on my exams and most likely rejoin the application cycle next time where I will be eligible for all schemes (as I am a non-law student)

 

[Jessica Booker]

Do law firms get references from all previous employers when they intend to hire you, to the point that all absences are declared?

I have had a temporary part-time job for the last seven weeks and have just had to call in for the second time for illness (one day, both times on a Monday). It was my last shift. Will this impact my ability to get a job in a law firm? I’m stressed as I just wasn’t well and would have forced myself in but it starts at 4am and I’m just unwell and tired.

All employment references are sought for a certain period of time (usually between 5-10 years, with 7 being the most common).

I really don’t think this will be an issue though - your reference may not even cover absences of any type. Most references are a standard template where they confirm employment dates and job title only.

If you are concerned, you can ask your current employer to provide you with a copy of the reference they would provide for you to know what information they will be sharing.

 

[jacksollaf]

anyone has tips for eversheds VI? just received it now!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi, does anyone know at what point its worth emailing BCLP regarding an application update, it has been 3 weeks since I received the feedback report.
@Ram Sabaratnam @Jessica Booker or anyone!! Thank you

I think it’s still pretty early given they are still accepting applications, so I wouldn’t chase up just yet.

 

[jacksollaf]

HSF PFO. Not too sure if it is because I changed courses as I received an AC invite the previous time that I applied. Bit gutting but going to focus on my exams and most likely rejoin the application cycle next time where I will be eligible for all schemes (as I am a non-law student)

1) was that for summer? 2) did they say you met the benchmark? I passed the benchmark on November 12 but still haven't heard back, hoping it's positive :/

 

[patternteddybear]

1) was that for summer? 2) did they say you met the benchmark? I passed the benchmark on November 12 but still haven't heard back, hoping it's positive :/

Yes, I hit the benchmark and also averaged 84% in my first year of my degree. I also had extenuating circumstances so it’s an interesting one. But going to focus on my exams and then rejoin the application cycle next time I reckon

 

[suhana]

Eversheds VI! Has any1 done this and can offer some general advice please?

Congrats! When did you apply if you dont mind me asking?