TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[member7830]

do firms tend to reimburse travel to ac's? and is it bad practice to ask whether they do if its not clearly mentioned in the initial email?

 

[xxrr.18]

this is a bit of a silly question, but if at an AC a firm asks you "why law", how long should I ideally be going on for..?

rule of thumb, add structure to your answer to prevent you from being too short/ too rambly e.g I chose law for two/three main reasons etc etc. really helped me to stay on track when the nerves kicked in.

 

[yasmars]

Hi, quite new to this whole UK vac scheme thing. Recently read about the Paul, Weiss vac scheme and the possibility for international students not studying in the UK to apply as well. How much is previous legal internship experience valued (for reference, I did A&O Shearman, Linklaters and Freshfields internships in Brussels). To what extent do tou think this is valued because it is not 'uk or london related'?

Thank you already and good luck for everyone!

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

 

[xxrr.18]

In my experience, being honest adds authenticity. The key point is addressing the steps you've taken to improve and work on that weakness and maybe giving a recent example.

at my vac scheme, partners said they hate it when candidates go my weakness is i work too much or i just take so much responsibility or anything along those lines because they can tell you're bumlicking lol

 

[starfish345]

Seeing that ppl are saying Latham has already held AC, should I assume that i'm cooked for Summer VS if I haven't gotten an AC invite by now?

 

[starfish345]

Also any updates on Goodwin?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker do you have any advice on researching a firm's clients or where I can start with it?

The firm’s website are a good call- have a look at individual lawyer’s profiles as this usually lists the leading matters they have worked on.

You can also find similar information on Chambers and/or the Legal 500.

 

[Jessica Booker]

do firms tend to reimburse travel to ac's? and is it bad practice to ask whether they do if its not clearly mentioned in the initial email?

Most leading firms will reimburse up to a capped amount - this can be as low as £50 but as high as £300.

It is not bad practice to ask at all and you should have no issues in asking.

 

[simplyfaith]

Hey everyone, what is your advice regarding giving firms updates after submitting applications? I recently got offered some non-legal contract work at a leading AI company to help train their model. As an aspiring technology lawyer, do you think this would be worth requesting to have 'added' to my application, or do you think it is too minor/will not carry enough weight? Thank you!

 

[chrisbrown]

Hey everyone, what is your advice regarding giving firms updates after submitting applications? I recently got offered some non-legal contract work at a leading AI company to help train their model. As an aspiring technology lawyer, do you think this would be worth requesting to have 'added' to my application, or do you think it is too minor/will not carry enough weight? Thank you!

I don’t think anything is too minor; it might be that one thing that makes you stand out from others.

I would try see if it can be added because it sounds like a valuable experience. 🙂

 

[hawkins19]

anyone have insights into which firms are extremely grade focused?

 

[member7830]

anyone applying to wedlake bell, where do we find our application number bc we have to sign off the covering letter with it?

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

I would advise against this to be honest. 🙂

It’s better to stick to Paul, Weiss just to be on the safer side. 🙂

If you are tight on the word count try and see if you can rephrase and shorten sentences. 🙂

I did stick to Paul, Weiss in the end and just did a lot of cutting hahah was already rephrasing everything! I think all firms should be required to have 1 word names personally

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Seeing that ppl are saying Latham has already held AC, should I assume that i'm cooked for Summer VS if I haven't gotten an AC invite by now?

Think the consensus is that people haven’t heard about summer VS and it’s all been spring so far

 

[👩🎓]

The firm’s website are a good call- have a look at individual lawyer’s profiles as this usually lists the leading matters they have worked on.

You can also find similar information on Chambers and/or the Legal 500.

Thank you so much

 

[RonRod13]

Anyone heard from Milbank for LevFin Track Prigramme?

 

[WillkieGemma]

I went to their in-person insight evening and they said 6-7 trainees at present but that number could fluctuate slightly. 🙂

That is right - most of the directories, such as Legal Cheek or TCLA only allow you to input a whole number. It is 6 to 7 per year and approx 12 to 14 overall (over two intakes).

 

[AlegalA]

DACB Critical thinking test invite!

 

[SamiyaJ]

Just a matter of time until a question like this pops up

 

[kokoprep]

any white and case vi tips?

When did you get your invite?