TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

User5678

Valued Member
Aug 16, 2024
112
91
Does being in touch and knowing the grad rec, help in any manner? I was having a discussion about this with someone I met at an open day and they told me it defo helped them! Views?

It has been very very helpful to me (not in terms of it being an easier way to progress to the next stage but if you have a strong app and they remember you ofc it’ll help you!) but also in terms of getting very good advice not only for that particular firm but also if you want generic advice for apps.

I think it also varies if you just know them from an open day or if you have worked at the firm and the grad rec knows you (personally from experience latter helps a bit more but it’s helpful both ways!)
 
Reactions: The-PFO-Collector

kokoprep

Esteemed Member
Premium Member
  • Nov 18, 2023
    89
    87
    It has been very very helpful to me (not in terms of it being an easier way to progress to the next stage but if you have a strong app and they remember you ofc it’ll help you!) but also in terms of getting very good advice not only for that particular firm but also if you want generic advice for apps.

    I think it also varies if you just know them from an open day or if you have worked at the firm and the grad rec knows you (personally from experience latter helps a bit more but it’s helpful both ways!)
    That makes sense! Thank you!
     
    • 🤝
    Reactions: User5678

    kokoprep

    Esteemed Member
    Premium Member
  • Nov 18, 2023
    89
    87
    I have a question to the community, for instance Sidley offers 17 TCs, they do four schemes which hosts around 20 candidates per scheme which comes to a total of 80. With the conversion to TC being difficult, what exactly should a candidate do to secure the offer and how do they assess you (specifically in Sidley). Does anyone have views on this?

    Also any idea on how many candidates they send AC invites?
     

    Tintin06

    Legendary Member
    Oct 23, 2019
    676
    1,529
    I have a question to the community, for instance Sidley offers 17 TCs, they do four schemes which hosts around 20 candidates per scheme which comes to a total of 80. With the conversion to TC being difficult, what exactly should a candidate do to secure the offer and how do they assess you (specifically in Sidley). Does anyone have views on this?

    Also any idea on how many candidates they send AC invites?
    That's a pretty low conversion rate. It's helpful to know such details. Feel better about my rejection now. Conversion rates can be very low. Always worth keeping that in mind. They are a great firm though. Big issue with the US firms. Goodwin seems slightly better plus others. We should hear more next year. I like Sidley's straightforward application process. No SJT or Watson Glaser, IIRC. Best of luck if you're applying.
     

    kokoprep

    Esteemed Member
    Premium Member
  • Nov 18, 2023
    89
    87
    That's a pretty low conversion rate. It's helpful to know such details. Feel better about my rejection now. Conversion rates can be very low. Always worth keeping that in mind. They are a great firm though. Big issue with the US firms. Goodwin seems slightly better plus others. We should hear more next year. I like Sidley's straightforward application process. No SJT or Watson Glaser, IIRC. Best of luck if you're applying.
    Thank you Tintin, hope you get an offer soon as well! Btw for Sidley did you apply for winter or?
     

    Tintin06

    Legendary Member
    Oct 23, 2019
    676
    1,529
    Is there any point of applying to Milbank when they hire predominantly from oxbridge?
    Yes it’s always worth applying, honestly. They have a very small intake. One hire changes that a lot. So their Oxbridge percentage also fluctuates. Oxbridge people also heavily apply there. The figures may well perpetuate that. It’s a great firm quite honestly. You should apply for their scheme.
     
    • ℹ️
    Reactions: kokoprep

    User5678

    Valued Member
    Aug 16, 2024
    112
    91
    Is there any point of applying to Milbank when they hire predominantly from oxbridge?

    Please do apply if you like the firm!! I have a friend who has gotten a training contract there (we go to warwick) but she has stellar grades in her law degree (high 2:1 or a first I’m not very sure but I think Milbank expects that from oxbridge too). There is defo a chance so take it :)
     
    Last edited:
    • Like
    Reactions: kokoprep

    About Us

    The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

    Newsletter

    Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.