TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
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hi for like ac dates i see a couple of dates in jan like 15, 21 and 29th and then one in feb. the email from he firm says they recruit on a rolling basis so we should book as soon as we see a convenient date. will it be detrimental if we book a later date in feb and not the early jan dates?

@Jessica Booker
It is unlikely to be an issue as they would not run the dates that late if they didn't need to. Firms will have a fairly strong sense of how many AC places they need to offer to get to the number of hires they need, and if the worst comes to the worst, they can always slightly under or over hire.
 

fcac98

Star Member
Premium Member
Dec 16, 2024
40
23
Im currently doing an application to RWK Goodman and this is one of the questions in the application:

Describe your motivations for a career in law and how qualifications will support you with this? Please include your current (recent) qualifications and any future qualifications you would need to complete (400 word limit)

Struggling to structure this question. I was going to make the bulk of the answer respond to 'describe your motivations for a career in law', with a few sentences saying I have a law degree and will need to do the LPC. Or, does it want an extensive list of LPC, training contract, and PSC?

Any insight or ideas will be appreciated
 

Tintin06

Legendary Member
Oct 23, 2019
693
1,590
Holding myself accountable again (Bakers rejection).

CC* ✅📝❌
HSF ✅📝❌
NRF ✅📝❌
Weil ✅❌
Akin ✅
Sidley ✅❌
Orrick
Willkie ✅🎥❌
Cooley
Latham
Milbank ✅
Kirkland ✅
Dechert ✅❌
Skadden ✅❌
Goodwin ✅
Covington ✅❌
Linklaters* ✅📝❌
Paul, Weiss ✅
Slaughters* ✅❌
Fried Frank* ✅
Gibson Dunn
Macfarlanes* ✅📝
White & Case ✅
Morgan Lewis
Paul Hastings* ✅
Hogan Lovells* ✅
Cleary Gottlieb ✅❌
A&O Shearman ✅📝❌
Vinson & Elkins
Arnold & Porter
Baker McKenzie ✅📝❌
King & Spalding* ✅
Winston & Strawn
Morrison Foerster
Sullivan & Cromwell ✅❌

Key: ✅ = application submitted; 📝 = test received; 🎥 = video interview; ❌ = rejection.

I have done four Vac Schemes. Don’t really want to do more.

*Training Contract applications

TC apps left to do: Stephenson Harwood; Sullivan & Cromwell.
 

Shandy101

Distinguished Member
Oct 22, 2024
56
163
Im currently doing an application to RWK Goodman and this is one of the questions in the application:

Describe your motivations for a career in law and how qualifications will support you with this? Please include your current (recent) qualifications and any future qualifications you would need to complete (400 word limit)

Struggling to structure this question. I was going to make the bulk of the answer respond to 'describe your motivations for a career in law', with a few sentences saying I have a law degree and will need to do the LPC. Or, does it want an extensive list of LPC, training contract, and PSC?

Any insight or ideas will be appreciated
What a muddy question.....In any event, I think it's asking you to explain why you are motivated to pursue a career in law (I would include law generally and commercial law specifically), how your current qualifications support this goal, and what further qualifications you need to complete in the future. It’s designed to give GR insight into your passion for the legal profession, your academic and professional background, and your commitment to further development within the field. I would do the format like this:

I'd structure it like this:
  1. Introduction (Motivation for a career in law):
    • Maybe begin by explaining why you want to pursue a career in law generally and then commercial law (if that's what the firm does-never heard of it).
    • Highlight any personal experiences, events, or values that have driven this interest (e.g., your past challenges and how they shaped your understanding of law).
  2. Current Qualifications:
    • Provide a summary of your recent academic qualifications and any certifications. I have a certification in commercial and civil mediation for e.g. so I sell this for litigation firms I apply to like HSF, GD, DP etc.
    • Explain how these qualifications have helped you build the necessary skills for a legal career (e.g., research, critical thinking, problem-solving).
    • Mention any relevant experience (internships, volunteer work, achievements, etc.) and how these have reinforced your desire to become a lawyer.
  3. Future Qualifications:
    • Discuss the qualifications you still need to pursue, such as the SQE or GDL, training contracts, or any other specific certifications or qualifications that will help you specialise in areas of law- especially if u plan to highlight an affinity for a particular practice area.
    • Explain how these future steps will help you achieve your goals and advance in your legal career.
  4. Conclusion:
    • Tie everything together by reiterating your passion for law and your determination to continue developing professionally to make an impact. I would end with something like: My demonstrated resilience, tenacity, and determination intrinsic to my journey equip me for a demanding career, whilst my professional experiences will undoubtedly serve me well in managing high-stress situations, honouring tight deadlines, and communicating with colleagues and clients. With solid experience as a ..........and ..........., I can offer a unique blend of .........whatever the firm values like entrepreneurial spirit etc.
GL, but having just looked at their NQ pay in London.....I'm shocked and appalled.
 
Last edited:

NJS

Legendary Member
  • Aug 21, 2021
    288
    416
    Holding myself accountable again (Bakers rejection).

    CC* ✅📝❌
    HSF ✅📝❌
    NRF ✅📝❌
    Weil ✅❌
    Akin ✅
    Sidley ✅❌
    Orrick
    Willkie ✅🎥❌
    Cooley
    Latham
    Milbank ✅
    Kirkland ✅
    Dechert ✅❌
    Skadden ✅❌
    Goodwin ✅
    Covington ✅❌
    Linklaters* ✅📝❌
    Paul, Weiss ✅
    Slaughters* ✅❌
    Fried Frank* ✅
    Gibson Dunn
    Macfarlanes* ✅📝
    White & Case ✅
    Morgan Lewis
    Paul Hastings* ✅
    Hogan Lovells* ✅
    Cleary Gottlieb ✅❌
    A&O Shearman ✅📝❌
    Vinson & Elkins
    Arnold & Porter
    Baker McKenzie ✅📝❌
    King & Spalding* ✅
    Winston & Strawn
    Morrison Foerster
    Sullivan & Cromwell ✅❌

    Key: ✅ = application submitted; 📝 = test received; 🎥 = video interview; ❌ = rejection.

    I have done four Vac Schemes. Don’t really want to do more.

    *Training Contract applications

    TC apps left to do: Stephenson Harwood; Sullivan & Cromwell.
    i believe in you mate, we’re all on the long journey, you’ll do it 👊🏻
     

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