TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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Hi, I recently did a Vac Scheme (large international - no TC offer) and I have an AC coming up soon (mid-sized commercial). Is it okay to mention I did a vac scheme (completed it after my app was sent with AC firm so it isn't on my WE).
For example, in answering the "Why Firm A" Q , I wanted to say something like:
"I am interested in your disputes practice because (xyz). Last year, I did a WVS at firm B and sat in disputes and did (xyz) which has made me more motivated to be a trainee at your firm because I want to work on disputes on the claimants side whereas firm B did more work on the defendant side"
Also wanted to ask the best way to respond if I get asked why I did not get the TC at the other firm (if they ask that). Is it likely they would???
Thank you
For example, in answering the "Why Firm A" Q , I wanted to say something like:
"I am interested in your disputes practice because (xyz). Last year, I did a WVS at firm B and sat in disputes and did (xyz) which has made me more motivated to be a trainee at your firm because I want to work on disputes on the claimants side whereas firm B did more work on the defendant side"
Also wanted to ask the best way to respond if I get asked why I did not get the TC at the other firm (if they ask that). Is it likely they would???
Thank you
congrats! i did the interview in 23 it was breezy w 2 associates who asked all the basic STAR/ competency questions so polish a heckload of your experiences from work+studies+activities
though i remember i was talking about organising my exgirlfriends wedding for half the time & still got through cause i laughed at the interviewers jokes n made suave small talk
Congrats to both! - when did you submit/complete the WG?
Mine says 'in progress', but no email received? any insights would really help thanks in advance
@Jessica Bookerwhat time did you receive this? did they send them out all at once?
Hi congratulations on getting an AC with PMC! Do you mind me asking when you heard back
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hi, I recently did a Vac Scheme (large international - no TC offer) and I have an AC coming up soon (mid-sized commercial). Is it okay to mention I did a vac scheme (completed it after my app was sent with AC firm so it isn't on my WE).
For example, in answering the "Why Firm A" Q , I wanted to say something like:
"I am interested in your disputes practice because (xyz). Last year, I did a WVS at firm B and sat in disputes and did (xyz) which has made me more motivated to be a trainee at your firm because I want to work on disputes on the claimants side whereas firm B did more work on the defendant side"
Also wanted to ask the best way to respond if I get asked why I did not get the TC at the other firm (if they ask that). Is it likely they would???
Thank you
Hiya @Chelsea101
I'm sure @Amma Usman and @Andrei Radu would have more to add here, but it's absolutely fine to mention your vacation scheme, and I’d really actually encourage you to do so. Many candidates at the AC may be in a similar position, and what matters most is how you frame your experience to strengthen your answers. I think the key is to show how your previous scheme deepened your interest in disputes (or any other practice area) and how that newfound/refined interest connects specifically to the firm you’re interviewing at.
However, rather than just stating that the scheme motivated you to work in disputes, try to be more precise about why this firm’s practice appeals to you. For example, you could say:
- “During my recent vacation scheme at [Firm B], I worked on X in the disputes team and gained insight into A and B aspects of contentious work. I realised I was particularly drawn to [feature of disputes you're interested in]. This interest is why I’m drawn to your firm’s strengths in [specific area, e.g., international arbitration or claimant-side litigation]”
As for being asked why you didn’t secure a TC, it’s possible this might came up. It did for me on several occasions during my second cycle. I think the best way to handle it is to mention one or two points from your feedback and show how you’re actively working on them. This was the approach that I took myself, and I was frequently told that my answer to the question was quite factual whilst demonstrating growth and self-awareness. It's helpful to keep your answer to any such follow up question as concise, positive, and forward-looking as possible. For example: “I received feedback that I needed to develop [specific skill], so I’ve been doing X to improve, and I’m confident I’ll be able to bring that learning into this role.”
Hope this helps and good luck with the AC!
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Today at 5pm. I'm unsure if they send them all out at once
For orrick what do I discuss in the cover letter when the other questions cover why the firm and commercial law? Just why me and maybe practice areas I’m interested in? It’s 500 words
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