TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[BobThebIlly]

Yeh, I haven't heard from HL since completing the WG around the start of december and haven't received freshfields WG and I applied on the 8th

Okay that has reassured me!

I did the Freshfields first year scheme and checked to see when they sent the WG for that. They sent it 2-4 weeks after the initial application which is promising

 

[S7321]

@Jessica Booker and others, any advice for doing a VS while currently employed?

Is it best to be transparent with your current workplace and see if you can take it as annual (or unpaid) leave?

I think my employers would be shocked if they knew I was considering a career change, and I'm quite worried that I'd be "punished" or negatively impacted if I was to say complete a VS, not get it, and have to stay at the company. Any thoughts or examples from what others have done would be super appreciated.

 

[BobThebIlly]

Same here I haven’t heard from HL or W&C.

I Applied to HL mid Dec did WGT Xmas eve. I Applied to W&C 5th Jan and no response yet.

They both receive a lot of applications and are rolling recruitment. It’s a waiting game at this point. 🥲🥲

Yeah very true I’ll be lucky to get a VI invite from W&C lmao

Fingers crossed it’s good news!

 

[studentdelaw786]

Has anyone heard from Weil? Or has anyone emailed grad rec?

give it till the end of this week. grad rec will most certainly email by Friday.

 

[member7830]

anyone heard from nrf post artic shores for summer?

 

[Zaraa.x]

Actually don't agree, don't think the Belgian legal market compares to London (even if it is A&O Shearman, Linklaters and Freshfields).

Also how substantial where this internships in the first place? Seems unlikely to already have 3 big internships like that tbh...

What a weird thing to say…

 

[sibs23]

Aah that's so unfortunate as they were my top choice for this round. Thought I had a strong app, but may have tripped up at the CTA stage. Would have been great if they could send the PFOs at the same time as the London office, instead of delaying lol. Fingers crossed we hear good news this week, choosing to try to stay positive!

Possibly same for me. I practiced a lot and have passed similar tests for other firms but maybe they have a high benchmark. Who knows! It’s frustrating but there are always other opportunities and staying positive is always helpful!

 

[eve_delia]

Willkie written exercise! I did the VI this Monday. I'm so happy - the first interview (video or in-person) I have passed 🥹 if anyone has any insight to the written exercise, please pm me. I have HSF and Ashurst AC advice to share too.

Hi! If possible I'd love to hear more about your experience doing the Ashurst AC!

 

[SB01]

Actually don't agree, don't think the Belgian legal market compares to London (even if it is A&O Shearman, Linklaters and Freshfields).

Also how substantial where this internships in the first place? Seems unlikely to already have 3 big internships like that tbh.

The 3 of them were all 1 month programmes over the course of summer.

If you have good grades and are top of your class it is quite easily accessible in Belgium... (At least compared to London from what I see here 😅)

 

[AlarmedBookkeeper448]

Actually don't agree, don't think the Belgian legal market compares to London (even if it is A&O Shearman, Linklaters and Freshfields).

Also how substantial where this internships in the first place? Seems unlikely to already have 3 big internships like that tbh...

I think I have to disagree, a lot of firms have offices in Brussels purely for competition work etc, so even if the individual had worked in a boutique firm etc I think that would have been extremely valuable as well!

I agree with @yasmars that it is an excellent way to demonstrate dedicated to international work especially at such notable firms

 

[Chris Brown]

Actually don't agree, don't think the Belgian legal market compares to London (even if it is A&O Shearman, Linklaters and Freshfields).

Also how substantial where this internships in the first place? Seems unlikely to already have 3 big internships like that tbh...

I don’t agree with this tbh. They could have an interest in EU Competition Law in which case these internships would be beneficial for their applications, especially since Brussels is a major hub for EU Competition Law.

Most city firms are also international by nature anyway. Having some knowledge of other legal markets is going to be useful, especially when dealing with cross-border issues and instructing overseas counsel.

Why would it be unlikely for this person to have secured 3 big internships? Why would they not be substantial? This just sounds like you are undermining someone’s success. Having 3 MC internships is an achievement!

 

[Chris Brown]

The 3 of them were all 1 month programmes over the course of summer.

If you have good grades and are top of your class it is quite easily accessible in Belgium... (At least compared to London from what I see here 😅)

Congratulations on securing 3 MC internships!

You’ve done really well! Best of luck in all of your VS/TC applications! 🏆

 

[citizen]

Got an AC for Kirkland in the coming days... does anyone have any insights or experience with the firm?
I can share the Dechert written exercise and Sidley interview.

 

[SB01]

Congratulations on securing 3 MC internships!

You’ve done really well! Best of luck in all of your VS/TC applications! 🏆

Thank you, much appreciated! Best of luck to all of you guys as well 🙏

How long does the process of VS generally take after application deadlines close?

 

[fitzer401]

Willkie written exercise! I did the VI this Monday. I'm so happy - the first interview (video or in-person) I have passed 🥹 if anyone has any insight to the written exercise, please pm me. I have HSF and Ashurst AC advice to share too.

Hi
I have the Ashust AC tomorrow and it is the first time I have ever gotten past the application stage for any firm. I don't have anything to offer but I would be beyond grateful if you could share any insights into the written exercise.

Thank you if you can!

 

[lawstudent2]

Does anyone have advice preparing for a business case study as part of an AC. I am trying to research recent news stories etc but is so overwhelming as there are so many different things it could be on, any one have any advice?

 

[kokoprep]

Have anyone who applied on deadline for latham summer received AC?

 

[thelawjournal]

Got an AC for Kirkland in the coming days... does anyone have any insights or experience with the firm?
I can share the Dechert written exercise and Sidley interview.

Congratulations! may I ask when you did the VI? Also regarding the VI section the K&E application portal, did the "completed date" change to a date after you actually had submitted the VI?

 

[Amakaa]

Congratulations! may I ask when you did the VI? Also regarding the VI section the K&E application portal, did the "completed date" change to a date after you actually had submitted the VI?

Do I assume a PFO for K&E and W&C if I haven't heard anything for summer schemes? This is just after the application stage, with no test invite or anything.

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker Hi! If I wanted to get an application reviewed and a friend of mine has a free monthly review that they're not planning to use could I send it through them?

Yes, if your friend is happy to submit on your behalf they can do this. It will need to be via their account though rather than via you.