TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Ram Sabaratnam]

thank you! do u have any insights into the group task or senior lawyer task?

Hiya again @GSJ

You’re welcome! These tasks weren’t part of the assessment centre when I attended the AC or vac scheme, so I can’t speak from direct experience. That said, if the senior lawyer task is a written one, the principles for succeeding in any written task apply: clarity, structure, and a logical approach to the problem are key. I'll just attach these three amazing guides written by @Jacob Miller:

• One for case studies
• One for negotiations
• One for general interview preparation.

From my experience with group presentations during the vac scheme with Jones Day, I think I can confidently say that the firm values people who are confident but also demonstrate an ability to work effectively with others. It’s important to show that you can hold your own while bringing others into the discussion, building on their ideas, and gently helping the group stay focused when it seems like there's been digression. Good luck 😊

 

[VacSchemer]

RPC VS!!! I am over the moon!!!
First VS ever!!! 🎉🎉

Congrats on your vac scheme!! When were you invited for your AC and when did you manage to hear back after?

 

[Bread]

If you hosted a dinner who would you invite? - What would a law firm even be looking for from this question 😭

I actually met a guy who was on the hiring committee for a firm that would ask a similar question! He said that they are looking for an ability to structure your answer and to give a compelling answer. It doesn't actually matter who you say as long as you can show a genuine motivation for your decision and back your statements with examples.

 

[AlegalA]

Congrats on your vac scheme!! When were you invited for your AC and when did you manage to hear back after?

Thank you so much!
Timeline: applied 27/12, WG invite on 02/01, completed on 07/01, AC invite on 10/01, AC on 21/01, VS offer 22/01.
Hope that helps!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

If you hosted a dinner who would you invite? - What would a law firm even be looking for from this question 😭

Not the dinner party question 😅

To be fair, I actually enjoy questions like this! I’ve had to answer a few similar ones in other applications and interviews. Just to add to the great points made by @Bread, I also think the goal here is for the firm to gain insight into your personality, values, and how you think (which why Bread's point about structure is important). They’re looking for creativity and thoughtfulness, all things that are hard to assess through standard application questions.

The key is to choose people who genuinely interest you and explain convincingly why they’ve made your list. These could be historical figures, cultural icons, or even personal heroes (maybe avoid fictional characters or controversial figures unless you can really justify it 😬). Just make sure your reasons reflect something meaningful or insightful about you.

Most importantly, don’t overthink it! Good luck!

 

[BillSikes]

Thank you so much!
Timeline: applied 27/12, WG invite on 02/01, completed on 07/01, AC invite on 10/01, AC on 21/01, VS offer 22/01.
Hope that helps!

I refer to my earlier post, RPC don’t mess about 💀

 

[jacksollaf]

RPC VS!!! I am over the moon!!!
First VS ever!!! 🎉🎉

congrats!!!! is that for the summer vs in London?

 

[Kakaboo]

Anyone heard from Burges Salmon yet?

 

[ashwright]

Did anyone attend the Linklaters event on Monday? If so, did they mention anything about when they'll get back to us?

Bonus question - any movement from Mishcon or Hogan Lovells for their summer VS? I applied late for both so not very hopeful..

 

[legallycece]

Did anyone get a holding email for Lewis Silkin yesterday ?

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Anything from Travers, MoFo, Sidley, Orrick, OC or SH?

nothing for me from OC, MoFo, Orrick or SH

 

[Chris Brown]

Did anyone attend the Linklaters event on Monday? If so, did they mention anything about when they'll get back to us?

Bonus question - any movement from Mishcon or Hogan Lovells for their summer VS? I applied late for both so not very hopeful..

I haven’t heard anything from HL for the SVS yet and I applied fairly late. 💀

I applied around mid Dec and did the WGT on Xmas Eve (24th Dec). The deadline was 3rd Jan. 🙂

From what I have seen on the forum, HL has had around 2-3 AC’s so far in Jan and are scheduling the majority of AC’s for Feb/March. 🥲

There’s definitely still some hope for HL SVS!

 

[yasmars]

nothing for me from OC, MoFo, Orrick or SH

Orrick is non-rolling so I would expect to hear from them after the deadline

 

[AlegalA]

congrats!!!! is that for the summer vs in London?

Thank you! and yeah

 

[James Wakefield]

Anyone heard back who did the Reed Smith VI/SJT in the last week? Thanks!

 

[eleven14og]

Anyone heard back who did the Reed Smith VI/SJT in the last week? Thanks!

Just got a PFO 😢 I did it on 13/01.

 

[marisachr]

Anyone heard back who did the Reed Smith VI/SJT in the last week? Thanks!

Just got a PFO

 

[MilkMaid]

Anyone heard from Burges Salmon yet?

I had an email from Burges Salmon this morning saying they've had received an unprecedented number of applications and that they are hoping to get back to candidates by the 14th of February (that's for the Edinburgh office, not sure about Bristol)

 

[James Wakefield]

Just got a PFO

Sorry to hear that can I ask what day you did it?

Good luck with your other apps!

 

[Legalstalker]

@Ram Sabaratnam @Jessica Booker

I had a question I’d love you to answer!

I have been invited to an AC and they only have 1 date available, unfortunately I have 2 AC’s already scheduled the same week with one being the next day. Is it best to book the date available or email graduate recruitment? I ask as I don’t want this to bite me back and they say it’s their last AC date. (They have been doing AC’s throughout this month already).
Should I explain I have others ACs or just state I’m unavailable?

Thank you ​