TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[lou1707]

This is quite a common obstacle faced by plenty of international students. My friend had an issue with this with the W&C winter scheme and when she spoke to grad rec they were able to switch her to the spring scheme. If there are any other scheme dates that don't clash with term maybe ask if you can be considered for them instead? Or maybe switch to a direct TC route. Either way, my advice would be to speak to them earlier rather than later though so you can find a solution. If I was grad rec and I offered someone a place on a vac scheme and they came back to me and said they were unavailable and had known that was the case but didn't say anything I would be a bit annoyed and less inclined to go out of my way to help them

unfortunately they only run one VS :/ but thanks yeah it makes sense

 

[aphelion]

thanks for all the support guys but I bombed the skadden interview hahaha - idk if there are any other interviews after today but happy to give some insight if anyone wants it just dm me

 

[lawlover123]

W&C PFO half an hour before my Skadden interview smh feeling demoralised now

sorry to hear! was this post AC?

 

[aphelion]

sorry to hear! was this post AC?

no lmfao post-app. applied on the deadline though so at least they got back to me quickly!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Does anyone have good insight in to why they would choose a Traditional TC over a Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship (1 year as an apprentice whilst studying and 2 years doing the normal TC) and vice versa?

I have to make my decision by 5pm today!

Context: I’m a non law grad who has just joined the Civil Service Ministry of Justice. I also live in the midlands. The potential offer would mean I work in the firms London office.

The first thing is to stress you shouldn’t be pressurised into making a decision unless the role is starting soon. Do speak to the employer to see if they can give you more time to consider the offer if you are feeling pressurised to make a decision (even if it’s just until Monday).

Balancing an apprenticeship while working is tricky. You are effectively working four days a week and studying one, but it will be challenging balancing both. Most apprentices I know end up studying more like 2 days per week, which means they are often studying in the evenings or weekends alongside their study day.

But the benefit is that you are working from day 1. You will have more experience than your traditional TC peers when you qualify (which should help with finding an NQ role). You’ll be earning money, which even if the salary is minimum wage, will be financially better than being on a maintenance grant of £20,000 (which is the maximum I have seen for firms that sponsor their future trainees through the SQE before starting the TC). Given you are also getting all employee benefits on top such as annual leave, pension and NI contributions, sick leave etc which you won’t get as a future trainees through being sponsored through an SQE course.

 

[Uch21]

Reed Smith pfo post-vi. 😭

 

[vr36]

Reed Smith pfo post-vi. 😭

I'm sorry to hear that When did you complete the test/vi if you don't mind me asking?

 

[avocadob]

Omg OC virtual AC!

Congratulations! Can I please ask when did you complete the application and automatic assessment? Thanks!

 

[lawyersum]

thanks for all the support guys but I bombed the skadden interview hahaha - idk if there are any other interviews after today but happy to give some insight if anyone wants it just dm me

i'm sure you didn't! stay strong, we always judge ourselves more harshly than others

 

[tea]

Has anyone received an AC invite after completing Freshfields’ WG for the VS?

I completed mine on Sunday (received on Friday and had the deadline for Monday) and haven’t heard anything back

I know someone who did but I haven't. I guess we'll have to wait and see

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Congratulations! Can I please ask when did you complete the application and automatic assessment? Thanks!

Did the assessment 2nd Jan!

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Does any1 have any advice for the OC virtual AC- it’s online and involves a research exercise and presentation- as a non law student this makes me v nervous. @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam how would you recommend I prepare for this thank you!

 

[sooae]

thanks for all the support guys but I bombed the skadden interview hahaha - idk if there are any other interviews after today but happy to give some insight if anyone wants it just dm me

Hey Pm'd you!

 

[ACHat8r]

Anyone who has done the Fieldfisher virtual AC got any tips/ advice and what to expect. Please private DM me. It's my very first AC

 

[cwhite233]

Does any1 have any advice for the OC virtual AC- it’s online and involves a research exercise and presentation- as a non law student this makes me v nervous. @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam how would you recommend I prepare for this thank you!

It had absolutely nothing to do with law last year and I doubt it will this year either so being non law would not at all disadvantage you

 

[lawlover123]

has anyone heard from w&c post AC?

 

[Mace2121]

Hi, if anyone has done the Covington AC in the previous years, I would be grateful if you could message me with any insight.

Happy to return the favour for the firms that I have gotten through some stages/ AC this year so far.

 

[vr36]

Has anyone heard from Dechert for their summer vac scheme?

 

[miscocrossover]

has anyone heard from w&c post AC?

Still waiting it’s been two weeks

 

[xxrr.18]

Is it just me or I feel like law firms are being slower this year. This time last year I had plenty more PFOs and responses?