TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[CN04]

Does anyone know whether Latham's VS SJT still has a video interview component to it at the end?

 

[yasmars]

Does anyone know if the critical thinking test for CMS is automatic or part of the 'next stage'? Thank you!

I think its part of the next stage

 

[Apple]

Does anyone know whether Latham's VS SJT still has a video interview component to it at the end?

Also wanted to know this ^

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hey guys, just had a question I wanted your advice on. I'm currently applying to a firm's open day, for which its deadline is 1st Nov. I know a little bit about the firm, not too much, which is why I went ahead to apply to the open day.

I also want to apply to their vac scheme, the deadline for this is 1 Jan 2025 + it's rolling.

My question is, do I go ahead and apply for the open day and possibly wait a very long time to hear back on whether I secured a place, AND risk a subsequent vac scheme app rejection bc of the fact it's rolling?

Just building on what @Jessica Booker said in response. It’s great that you’re considering both the open day and the vac scheme! Your concern about potentially waiting a long time to hear back about the open day and the impact that might have on your vac scheme application also makes sense. Like Jess, though, I'd suggest waiting until you've made the open day application, especially if you feel that attending the open day will give you additional insights and help you strengthen your vacation scheme application.

Alternatively, I don’t think attending the open day is strictly necessary to write a compelling vac scheme application. If you've written strong, well-researched answers, there's no harm in applying for the vac scheme now. For context, when I was applying to Cooley, I was unsuccessful in securing an open day, but made it through to the vac scheme during the same application cycle. Whatever you decide, best of luck with both applications! Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions

 

[Jessica Booker]

I know someone who got a 2:2 in contract law and still got a TC so I wouldn’t let it put you off !

Is this on their website or is it something you have been told in person/at an event?

 

[BonanzaBih_]

Does anyone know whether Latham's VS SJT still has a video interview component to it at the end?

They had it for the open day application so I assume it will be same for the VS app

 

[CN04]

They had it for the open day application so I assume it will be same for the VS app

Oh okay, thank you!

 

[Mena M]

Hi all. I stupidly completed the A&O Shearman application form without having expanded on the skill section or application of those skills in the work experience tab. I've seen a lot of messages here since about story telling, or linking back, or writing loads etc. I absolutely did not do that. I laid out in concise detail what the responsibilities in that role were and any relevant achievements. I then listed directly below any relevant skills I learned from them. They were different per entry and weren't just basic ones like teamwork and organisation, they were quite particular to the role. I also saw written here that my online assessment is reviewed by somebody else to the individual reviewing my application form. I'm convinced I've set myself up for failure here. Is this a realistic conclusion to come to? Has anyone succeeded using my approach?

 

[dollydaydream]

Is this on their website or is it something you have been told in person/at an event?

A friend of mine so 100% true

 

[fingersarecrossed]

Is it easier to get a vacation scheme at a city firm than get a paralegal role?

just to verify, the thumbs up mean that it is in fact easier to get a vacation scheme at a law firm over a paralegal role???

 

[Jessica Booker]

A friend of mine so 100% true

I suspect this has got somewhat lost in translation and that they look for a consistent 2.1 rather than consistently across all modules.

 

[Apple]

I suspect this has got somewhat lost in translation and that they look for a consistent 2.1 rather than consistently across all modules.

Just to clarify as I think they were referring to their friend getting through rather than the 2;1 requirement.

On the application form to the HSF WVS it states "we do look for consistent 2:1s throughout all your undergraduate modules". IDK if its just poorly worded, pretty harsh requirement!

 

[fingersarecrossed]

if you draft a not as great application answer for a VIRTUAL open day, will you still likely get a place? Because it is online and I'm sure they would want to give it to majority of people?
Aka is it less competitive

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

Is it just my application portal - for Pinsent Masons - or can everyone else too not view/edit the registration section once complete?

It seems that every section cannot be viewed edited/once complete?

 

[lookingforaTC]

What are grad rec thoughts on a committee position of a political society on applications?

 

[Tintin06]

Holding myself accountable (again).

CC* ✅📝
HSF ✅📝❌
NRF ✅📝❌
Weil ✅
Akin ✅
Sidley ✅
Willkie ✅🎥
Cooley ✅
Latham ✅
Milbank ✅
Skadden ✅
Goodwin ✅
Covington ✅
Linklaters* ✅📝
Paul, Weiss ✅
Slaughters* ✅
Gibson Dunn ✅
Macfarlanes* ✅📝
White & Case ✅
Hogan Lovells* ✅
Cleary Gottlieb ✅
A&O Shearman ✅📝

Key: ✅ = application submitted; 📝 = test received; 🎥 = video interview; ❌ = rejection.

*Training Contract applications

 

[Jessica Booker]

Just to clarify as I think they were referring to their friend getting through rather than the 2;1 requirement.

On the application form to the HSF WVS it states "we do look for consistent 2:1s throughout all your undergraduate modules". IDK if its just poorly worded, pretty harsh requirement!

That is pretty strict and I am surprised to hear that - but if it says that, then I would expect people will need all 2.1s in their modules unless they have mitigating circumstances.

 

[Jessica Booker]

What are grad rec thoughts on a committee position of a political society on applications?

That is fine in most instances. I would only be concerned if it is a extreme leaning political party.

 

[Jessica Booker]

if you draft a not as great application answer for a VIRTUAL open day, will you still likely get a place? Because it is online and I'm sure they would want to give it to majority of people?
Aka is it less competitive

I’d still expect you to need to draft a good standard of application even if the event is not competitive.

 

[Ellis Finch]

Norton Rose VI!