TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[dmgonz13]

has anyone heard from Reed Smith who applied close to deadline

Yes. Just got an invite to their SJT and VI today at 18:26 15/1/25. For reference I submitted my app on 5/1/25.

 

[NCTC2025]

They have probably only just began sending AC’s out to people. 🙂

The deadline was 3rd of January and they’re also non-rolling. 🫡

It’s too early to assume PFO imo.

Agreed! They might have randomly divided the applications between their team to review instead of doing it in chronological order. Its not over til you get the rejection email!

 

[Chill_solicitor]

Does anyone have any advice on how to structure this question?

‘Describe three characteristics that you believe make an outstanding Ropes & Gray lawyer and how that lawyer would drive our business.’

 

[annad]

I applied to Macfarlanes in Oct for the Spring vac, should I assume PFO cos other ppl have heard today regarding the AC!

Do you remember if there was an option to choose whether you wanted Spring or Summer Vac? Because when I applied, it was just 'Vacation Scheme 2025' with no option to choose the scheme I wanted

 

[Rhohia]

Rejected by CMS.

Got Reed Smith AC and HSF AC.

Applied to Macfarlanes but I forgot, it; received an AC today.

11 applications, 4 AC's and 1 rejection.

Hey when did you do Reed smith vi?

 

[Reem2024]

Do you remember if there was an option to choose whether you wanted Spring or Summer Vac? Because when I applied, it was just 'Vacation Scheme 2025' with no option to choose the scheme I wanted

Same- my app is for ‘vacation scheme 2025’ and I don’t really remember picking but on their website it says they run 3 schemes and I think you selected your preference when applying.

I assume they selected Spring (I think I selected summer 2 but I genuinely can’t remember the application form)

Vacation scheme - Macfarlanes

www.macfarlanes.com

 

[BuddyingLawyer744]

reed smith PFO. yippee

 

[suhana]

has hsf given out any summer ac invites?

 

[mariistm]

Can I ask for any tips for the CMS VI?

I would say to practice answering 2-part questions in one minute as it goes quick. Research CMS and why it’s a future facing firm. There is a mix of questions so also practice motivational questions. There will also be a scenario question. Hope this helps.

 

[lawstudent2]

Rejected by CMS.

Got Reed Smith AC and HSF AC.

Applied to Macfarlanes but I forgot, it; received an AC today.

11 applications, 4 AC's and 1 rejection.

is HSF for spring or summer?

 

[g.cl.2020344]

They have probably only just began sending AC’s out to people. 🙂

The deadline was 3rd of January and they’re also non-rolling. 🫡

It’s too early to assume PFO imo.

Thank you!

 

[member7830]

how much of the word count are people using for travers smith? is 800/300/300 too little?

 

[viaW]

Hey guys, anyone who did the Mills and Reeve online assessment, what were your feedback results I.e how many good traits to weak ones did you get?

I got an AC invite today and was curious.

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

how much of the word count are people using for travers smith? is 800/300/300 too little?

Totally fine! Personally, I think it’s better to be more concise

 

[chrisbrown]

how much of the word count are people using for travers smith? is 800/300/300 too little?

For the cover letter I used around 850 to 900 words.

For the two questions I used 500 each so the maximum word count. 🙂

Ideally you want to be within 20% of the word count.

This ensures the responses are detailed but concise so there has to be a balance. 🫡

For the cover letter I think 800 is fine but for the other two questions I’m not sure if 300 is enough. It might be fine tbh. 🤷🏾‍♂️

 

[NCTC2025]

Seeing a lot of people asking about the Travers wordcount. I did the SVS last year and wrote 860 words so definitely no need to reach the wordcount!

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

I feel like it’s very difficult to get 500 words out of your leisure activities tbh.

For example, I run (which I can include) and I watch Netflix (can’t include). That’s about the only 2 things I have time for outside of work and applying to TCs lol

I feel like Travers have a real emphasis on applicants being authentic, so I’d rather just be honest

 

[member7830]

For the cover letter I used around 850 to 900 words.

For the two questions I used 500 each so the maximum word count. 🙂

Ideally you want to be within 20% of the word count.

This ensures the responses are detailed but concise so there has to be a balance. 🫡

For the cover letter I think 800 is fine but for the other two questions I’m not sure if 300 is enough. It might be fine tbh. 🤷🏾‍♂️

thank you! I was just struggling to fill the word count for the second question, as I feel like a lot of my extra curricular cross over with positions of responsibility, and idk how much there is to say about leisure activities

 

[andrewk]

I feel like it’s very difficult to get 500 words out of your leisure activities tbh.

For example, I run (which I can include) and I watch Netflix (can’t include). That’s about the only 2 things I have time for outside of work and applying to TCs lol

I feel like Travers have a real emphasis on applicants being authentic, so I’d rather just be honest

Yeah I wrote like 100 words for leisure interests (cooking, running, sports). I don't see how much you can elaborate on non-position of responsibility extracurriculars (you can't really do STAR stuff). Then I did 300 for the other question.

I don't think they actually expect 500 words for each of those, I think it's more just they're giving you the freedom to express yourself however you want. Although, I am curious why they didn't just combine those two questions into one...

 

[Uch21]

No and I reread their email and they said you’ll hear back within 6 weeks. I guess they’re still moving through some apps to sjt/VI and then they’ll decide

If I may ask, what email was this? The only email I got was from Vantage (Candid), which confirmed my application.