TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[future_traineesolicitor]

Is it ok to bring a water bottle with another firm's name on it to an AC at a different firm? Sorry for the stupid question but I can't help thinking about this🥹

 

[yasmars]

Is it ok to bring a water bottle with another firm's name on it to an AC at a different firm? Sorry for the stupid question but I can't help thinking about this🥹

This isn’t a stupid question and I personally would not.

 

[Apple]

Is it ok to bring a water bottle with another firm's name on it to an AC at a different firm? Sorry for the stupid question but I can't help thinking about this🥹

Considering how cheap and easy it is to get another bottle, even a plastic one for 70p, I'd probably avoid it.

 

[TChunter03]

This is a brilliant way to demonstrate your interest in working internationally since you have that to show.

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...

 

[James Wakefield]

Is it ok to bring a water bottle with another firm's name on it to an AC at a different firm? Sorry for the stupid question but I can't help thinking about this🥹

I wouldn’t. Maybe stick a label over the firm name if that’s the only water bottle you have?

 

[Chris Brown]

Hello everyone.

I haven’t heard back from Freshfields, Hogan Lovells and White and case for anything.

I completed HL’s first year scheme so I emailed grad recruitment that I don’t need to complete the WG which they confirmed but haven’t heard anything else.

Haven’t received a Freshfields WG. I applied on the 9th so I don’t know if I should email grad recruitment???

Is anyone in the same boat as me?

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. 🥲🥲

 

[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?