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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

bangarangbass39

Legendary Member
Sep 13, 2023
235
387
Has anyone heard back from AG (Addleshaw), Bates Wells, DAC, CMS (for the grad solicitor apprenticeship), and Lewis Silkin?

I have applied for all of them long before the end of October.

For AG = Completed the critical thinking test on the 26th of Oct
For CMS = Completed the WG on the 18th of Oct
For DAC = Completed the VI on the 3rd of Dec
I have heard nothing from Bates Wells - applied on the 10th of Oct; they are supposed to be reviewing applications on a rolling basis.
Similar with Lewis Silkin who I applied to on the 23rd of Oct.
 
Last edited:
Reactions: hanz123

fcac98

Distinguished Member
Premium Member
Dec 16, 2024
56
35
Has anyone heard back from AG, Bates Wells, DAC, CMS (for the grad solicitor apprenticeship), and Lewis Silkin?

I have applied for all of them long before the end of October.

For AG = Completed the critical thinking test
For CMS = Completed the WG on the 18th of Oct
For DAC = Completed the VI on the 3rd of Dec
I have heard nothing from Bates Wells; they are supposed to be reviewing applications on a rolling basis.
I applied for Bates Wells and haven't heard anything at all
 

jacksollaf

Legendary Member
Dec 17, 2024
260
502
Has anyone heard back from AG, Bates Wells, DAC, CMS (for the grad solicitor apprenticeship), and Lewis Silkin?

I have applied for all of them long before the end of October.

For AG = Completed the critical thinking test
For CMS = Completed the WG on the 18th of Oct
For DAC = Completed the VI on the 3rd of Dec
I have heard nothing from Bates Wells; they are supposed to be reviewing applications on a rolling basis.
I think I saw something about DAC replying quite late, so not before February/March I think... Also, for CMS, consider yourself lucky! I didn't even receive the WG and haven't heard anything yet so there's hope for you!
 

Miss Chocolate

Legendary Member
Nov 27, 2023
406
466
@Andrei Radu Hi :) I have another question if you don't mind, please. I made an (unsuccessful after VI) application to CRS last year and for one of their 'demonstrate a time when you have demonstrated this skill/value' type questions in the application form, my example is still the same. It's the most recent work experience. I could change it and use a different example but that would mean using an older experience. Would it be better to do that, even if that means going back as far as 2021? Thanks!
 

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
15,128
21,074
@Amma Usman @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu

What is the best way of approaching answers to why law vs why commercial law? I did law undergrad and had debated changing careers until I decided to pursue masters degree in international commercial where I took a practical M&A module which made me realise i wanted to go into commercial law. This is what I have talked about in my applications/VIs and have given this answer regardless of whether I was asked why law or why commercial law. If asked in an interview to elaborate on the difference between the two, how would you suggest approaching an answer to this?

thank you so much in advance!
I honestly don't think you would be ask to elaborate on the difference between the two - I think you would just be asked the questions individually.
 

NCTC2025

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
  • Nov 27, 2022
    155
    520

    AnAnonymousDuck

    Esteemed Member
    Sep 21, 2024
    96
    75
    I honestly don't think you would be ask to elaborate on the difference between the two - I think you would just be asked the questions individually.
    In application forms, I've only ever been asked either why law or why commercial, so I've always used the same answer and same experience but obviously elaborating a bit more on the commercial aspect if asked the latter. If I am asked why law, would it be acceptable to say that I didn't realise I wanted to go into law at all until I took the module that sparked my interest in commercial law?
     

    Jessica Booker

    Legendary Member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Graduate Recruitment
    Premium Member
    Forum Team
    Aug 1, 2019
    15,128
    21,074
    In application forms, I've only ever been asked either why law or why commercial, so I've always used the same answer and same experience but obviously elaborating a bit more on the commercial aspect if asked the latter. If I am asked why law, would it be acceptable to say that I didn't realise I wanted to go into law at all until I took the module that sparked my interest in commercial law?
    Yes - that would be perfectly reasonable. Some people don't start at law - they start on the commercial aspects first and then consider law.
     

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