TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[kokoprep]

Hi Guys - for travers is there only one interview (AC) for the vac scheme or is it two sets of interviews?

 

[AlegalA]

I don’t think there is an expectation for you to memorise everything and regurgitate it all in an interview. That would seem robotic. 🫡

It’s much better to choose areas of commercial law that interest you and focus on those. Doing it this way also means you can articulate ideas better. 🙂

For example, I am interested in antitrust & competition, IP, and dispute resolution. I focus my research on these areas to develop commercial awareness. 🫡

If you are applying for US firms with M&A/Private Equity focus, it would make sense to spend time on this as it’s highly likely to come up in an interview. 🙂

I think the most important thing is do you have basics covered e.g., what is a bank? what is a merger? what is an indemnity? what is the CMA? Once you have this underlying knowledge, it’s easier to digest articles and podcasts so it won’t be as overwhelming. 🥳

The most important thing about commercial awareness is can you see what role a firm can play in any story. For example, If you read an article about some changes to litigation funding, how would law firms be able to help their clients handle these changes.

This is how I understand commercial awareness. It’s not something you can master overnight tbh. 😞

Thank you so much for this- I have been trying to focus on certain areas but everything is so interconnected! Which is also why I enjoy law 😂 but got a bit overwhelming yesterday. I'm not applying to any US firms or magic circles, I prefer firms that are more mid size/mid market, so haven't spent too much time going over M&A/PE, except the basics of course.
You're absolutely right about the "what this means for firms/clients". I feel maybe it's better for me to focus on three main stories and hone in on that rather than do general commercial awareness but never truly apply it, so thank you for the advice!!!

 

[Miss Chocolate]

Yeah I tried my best not to but still had overlap.

thanks

what was your overall word count for the cover letter if you don't mind me asking? My friend who got through to AC last year only submitted 555 words or something so just wondering whether they expect us to use the 1000 words

 

[kokoprep]

thanks

what was your overall word count for the cover letter if you don't mind me asking? My friend who got through to AC last year only submitted 555 words or something so just wondering whether they expect us to use the 1000 words

Hey - My cover letter word count was 870 words (not sure if this is bad). I guess as long as you answer why commercial law, why the firm and why you sufficiently then that is good. I believe they do not expect us to use the 1000 word completely, especially since they have 500 words each two other questions.

 

[rwm]

This might be a long shot, but if anyone has attended an RPC Assessment Centre (I'll also take an Open Day) and has any insights, I'd be very keen to hear them. Love from someone currently sitting SQE1 exams (I literally sat FLK1 yesterday) who does not have a lot of time to prep for her first Assessment Centre but would love to smash it!!!

 

[Amma Usman]

for ACs is it best to schedule as early as possible? have never done one before so would appreciate more time to prepare but does this worsen my chances or do they decide after seeing all applicants?

This depends on the firm and their internal policy. For rolling basis apps, it is likely spaces are offered as ACs are carried out. In any case, I recommend scheduling as soon as you reasonably can, and not too far off within the cycle. A couple of days into the list of options is fine, but anything more than that becomes dicey, in my opinion.

 

[Amma Usman]

@JessicaBooker Hi, I was wondering if you feel pro bono volunteering should be listed in work experience, positions of responsibility or extracurricular - thanks

I have commonly mentioned PB work in my work experience section with the title of the role as “Volunteer” at X clinic or something. Similarly, I also see no harm in referencing it as an extracurricular as well.

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Macfarlanes PFO

 

[AlegalA]

Macfarlanes + M&R pfo!

 

[Miss Chocolate]

Hey - My cover letter word count was 870 words (not sure if this is bad). I guess as long as you answer why commercial law, why the firm and why you sufficiently then that is good. I believe they do not expect us to use the 1000 word completely, especially since they have 500 words each two other questions.

Thanks for sharing that! How long did you take to write yours if you don't mind me asking? I left it so last minute, I am going to start working on it now and hope I can submit something decent by midnight 🙃 I know what I want to write about, just need to do some research and then edit it all in.

 

[AlegalA]

Has anyone heard anything from DWF post app, Irwin Mitchell post test, Penningtons post app, WBD post app or DAC Beachcroft post VI?

 

[andrecsaa]

Anyone get a Macfarlanes AC who applied at the deadline?

Macfarlanes pfo

Applied at the deadline

 

[lawyersum]

Macfarlanes PFO

Same

 

[kokoprep]

Thanks for sharing that! How long did you take to write yours if you don't mind me asking? I left it so last minute, I am going to start working on it now and hope I can submit something decent by midnight 🙃 I know what I want to write about, just need to do some research and then edit it all in.

Hi Miss Choco - You still got time I believe, so do not stress about it. It took my 4-5 hours to write along with research but I have been following the firm for quite sometime now so had an idea about why the firm for me. I submitted it early today. I'm sure you can draft a good application. All the best!

 

[MissAnnaliseKeating]

Macfarlanes PFO

Me too. Slightly disappointed as I felt I made a very strong application.

 

[Amma Usman]

I have made 23 applications this vac scheme cycle in my 2nd year of uni. should I stop now and focus on the final coursework that's due soon??

Hey @tcla02 ,

If you feel you can work around it and balance your time equally between studying for the coursework, and writing more apps, then this may work. However, 23 apps is also a good and very high number, so if you are sure you have submitted them all to a high quality, then you may find it beneficial to take a step back. At the end of the day, law firms still require a minimum 2:1 so this should be your top priority, in my opinion. Many people have different views on this but it all boils down to your personal preference and capacity at the time.

 

[Miss Chocolate]

Hi Miss Choco - You still got time I believe, so do not stress about it. It took my 4-5 hours to write along with research but I have been following the firm for quite sometime now so had an idea about why the firm for me. I submitted it early today. I'm sure you can draft a good application. All the best!

Thanks Koko also i love your pp 😂😂😂

I am so glad there's no online tests for them

 

[Tclarocks123]

Macs early morning PFO. It is sad for me so I cannot pretend to be nonchalant. I went to a NRG but I have lots of experience and put real effort into drafting. I can only assume its the test. But you know what they say about assumptions .... Good luck everyone.

 

[Monopolyman]

Macfarlane's PFO, thought I did well in the online test too so quite disappointed

 

[MissAnnaliseKeating]

Macs early morning PFO. It is sad for me so I cannot pretend to be nonchalant. I went to a NRG but I have lots of experience and put real effort into drafting. I can only assume its the test. But you know what they say about assumptions .... Good luck everyone.

I'm really sorry to hear that it's upsetting you. Even excellent candidates get rejected at this stage because of the sheer amount of people applying.