TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[floral.tcla]

hi, a bit random but I have a place for a firm's first year open day tomorrow... but I'm not eligible (I'm a second year on a three year course). I messaged grad rec a few days ago and they outlined the eligibility information but didn't reply to my follow up email asking whether I still have a place considering I'm not technically eligible?
I've contacted grad recruitment again but I'm posting it here in case anyone has been in a similar situation.

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

How strict are Ropes & Gray on grades? (Low 2:1 from ucl, LPC pass and resit)

Thisis what their website says.

"We do not have a minimum grade requirement, however, we look for candidates who have strong academic results and should be commercially aware, intellectually curious and work well in a team."

 

[chrisbrown]

For paul weiss, when it asks if we are applying to spring or summer, can we tick both or must it only be one?

Ideally one or the other. If like me you can’t decide then just tick both because that’s what I did. 🤣💀

Best of luck with your Paul, Weiss application!!

 

[JasmineM9]

Anyone waiting to hear back from Latham (spring vac scheme)? Should I expect a pfo?

 

[jojo23]

Ideally one or the other. If like me you can’t decide then just tick both because that’s what I did. 🤣💀

Best of luck with your Paul, Weiss application!!

'i don't care as long as they give me one' - the vibe we are going for🤣

Best of luck to you too

 

[RSK]

Anyone waiting to hear back from Latham (spring vac scheme)? Should I expect a pfo?

I saw that on the forum last year ppl were still receiving AC invites on the 30th Jan - might be the same this year. Most ppl that have received invites attended the open day. I'd say there's still luck - fingers crossed for you

 

[JasmineM9]

I saw that on the forum last year ppl were still receiving AC invites on the 30th Jan - might be the same this year. Most ppl that have received invites attended the open day. I'd say there's still luck - fingers crossed for you

Fingers crossed!😁

 

[lawyerletsgo]

just had a glance at Paul weiss application form - not sure if I'll send through a submission but what does the first Q mean? do they mean elite or really good law firm when they say premier or do they mean the first london branch opening

 

[yasmars]

just had a glance at Paul weiss application form - not sure if I'll send through a submission but what does the first Q mean? do they mean elite or really good law firm when they say premier or do they mean the first london branch opening

they mean elite like the best

 

[NJS]

Lol all the last minute Paul, Weiss apps, chasing the $$$$$$

 

[NCTC2025]

Lol all the last minute Paul, Weiss apps, chasing the $$$$$$

nooooooo - we're totally doing it for the amazing culture and the umm entrepreneurial environment 👁️👁️

 

[chrisbrown]

Lol all the last minute Paul, Weiss apps, chasing the $$$$$$

I remember they said they are expecting to get around 2-3,000 applications which is insane given they are only offering up to 10 TC’s. 🤯

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

I feel like PW are gunna invite hundreds of people to AC to get the numbers down.

From what we already know, the written application form is primarily a spelling test, and the SJT after is fairly simple.

It seems as though the AC/interview stage is where they’ll cut the most people

 

[futuretrainee!]

I was wondering if anyone has some insights into the Forsters and Reed Smith VI that they'd be willing to share? I'd be happy to trade insights in VIs for Weil, Clyde & Co, Mishcon, Simmons &Simmons, White & Case VI and AC last year, and Jones Day AC!

For Reed Smith VI, make sure you have a solid bank of examples that demonstrate your motivation to pursue a legal career. There are sub-questions to each question so you'll need to cover substantial substance in your answers in a relatively short time. Have some prompts ready so you know what to touch on as you record but do not read from it. Try and link everything you say back to how that benefits RS. The VI can be exhausting and nauseatingly nerve-wracking so take mini breaks between each question to calm down. Also, I am a Christian so holding onto the Bible really helps!

 

[AfVio24]

Did my VI for AG on 6th Jan but haven't heard back yet. Has anyone else heard back and is it safe to assume a PFO if not?

did mine on 11th, got AC on Friday

 

[FCL25]

did mine on 11th, got AC on Friday

Congrats! That's a pretty quick turn around so I should probs mentally prep myself for the PFO lol 😭 Hoping I hear back on Monday tomorrow because the long wait is frustrating.

 

[confusedbird]

I was wondering if someone could help me with ideas on how to answer this question for Eversheds - "what is an area into which the firm could expand in the near future?"
would really appreciate any help!! (generally I can answer these but right now i'm internally panicking or maybe externally too atp tbh)

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

I remember they said they are expecting to get around 2-3,000 applications which is insane given they are only offering up to 10 TC’s. 🤯

I feel like PW are gunna invite hundreds of people to AC to get the numbers down.

From what we already know, the written application form is primarily a spelling test, and the SJT after is fairly simple.

It seems as though the AC/interview stage is where they’ll cut the most people

Did they say the part about the SJT during one of the open days? I only went to TCLA's event with Paul and don't recall him saying this. I will regret spending all that time on the app if I'm just going to get knocked off by an SJT...

 

[chrisbrown]

I feel like PW are gunna invite hundreds of people to AC to get the numbers down.

From what we already know, the written application form is primarily a spelling test, and the SJT after is fairly simple.

It seems as though the AC/interview stage is where they’ll cut the most people

It also depends on how they approach the stages that come before the AC. 🫡

They could reject every application that has even one mistake in it. This includes spelling and grammar. 🙃

They could set a high benchmark for the SJT and filter a lot of people out that way. 🙃

From what I remember, Paul mentioned they will review applications again after the SJT to determine who will be invited to the AC stage.

I imagine once all these steps are taken, the majority of applicants will have gotten PFO’d. 😞

 

[NCTC2025]

I feel like PW are gunna invite hundreds of people to AC to get the numbers down.

From what we already know, the written application form is primarily a spelling test, and the SJT after is fairly simple.

It seems as though the AC/interview stage is where they’ll cut the most

It also depends on how they approach the stages that come before the AC. 🫡

They could reject every application that has even one mistake in it. This includes spelling and grammar. 🙃

They could set a high benchmark for the SJT and filter a lot of people out that way. 🙃

From what I remember, Paul mentioned they will review applications again after the SJT to determine who will be invited to the AC stage.

I imagine once all these steps are taken, the majority of applicants will have gotten PFO’d. 😞

I think cutting at the prior stages is more likely than them inviting many to AC. Interviewing hundreds of candidates just seems inefficient for so few slots. Guess we'll find out soon!