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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

LawAspirer

Well-Known Member
Feb 19, 2024
22
15
Hello everyone.
I am currently getting ready to make applications for direct training contracts.
I am graduated with an LLB from a Dutch university where we did a comparative study between EU law jurisdictions and England & Wales, and finished my LLM in London this year.
I know the PGDL is not a regulatory requirement anymore if you have an LLB, however, some firms still require people to do the PGDL if they didn't do an LLB in the UK.
Does anyone know of any firms that don't require the PGDL if one has the LLB? I don't want to waste one year doing the PGDL and it'll help me prioritise certain firms. I am aware Baker Mckenzie has such an arrangement, but I'm unsure about any other firms.
Does anyone have any insights? Thanks :D
 

Leveraged

Active Member
Premium Member
Sep 30, 2024
16
75
Hello everyone.
I am currently getting ready to make applications for direct training contracts.
I am graduated with an LLB from a Dutch university where we did a comparative study between EU law jurisdictions and England & Wales, and finished my LLM in London this year.
I know the PGDL is not a regulatory requirement anymore if you have an LLB, however, some firms still require people to do the PGDL if they didn't do an LLB in the UK.
Does anyone know of any firms that don't require the PGDL if one has the LLB? I don't want to waste one year doing the PGDL and it'll help me prioritise certain firms. I am aware Baker Mckenzie has such an arrangement, but I'm unsure about any other firms.
Does anyone have any insights? Thanks :D
Orrick, V&E, probs a few others. Basically that ones that use BARBRI
 

andrecsaa

Esteemed Member
  • Dec 19, 2022
    97
    71
    Hello everyone.
    I am currently getting ready to make applications for direct training contracts.
    I am graduated with an LLB from a Dutch university where we did a comparative study between EU law jurisdictions and England & Wales, and finished my LLM in London this year.
    I know the PGDL is not a regulatory requirement anymore if you have an LLB, however, some firms still require people to do the PGDL if they didn't do an LLB in the UK.
    Does anyone know of any firms that don't require the PGDL if one has the LLB? I don't want to waste one year doing the PGDL and it'll help me prioritise certain firms. I am aware Baker Mckenzie has such an arrangement, but I'm unsure about any other firms.
    Does anyone have any insights? Thanks :D

    Probably US firms and some international firms like NRF, Hogan Lovells, Ashurst, and DLA. Best to check directly with grad rec
     

    Chris Brown

    Legendary Member
    Jul 4, 2024
    633
    1,793
    I haven't seen anyone post about Hill Dickinson test invites across this thread or DTC thread, do you mind sharing where you saw this?
    I may or may not have accidentally mixed up Hill Dickinson and Womble Bond Dickinson… 💀

    I think from last year’s forum, people were getting test invites for Hill Dickinson from the 1st of March onwards. Best of luck! 🙂​
     
    Last edited:

    Andrei Radu

    Legendary Member
    Staff member
    Future Trainee
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 9, 2024
    634
    1,127
    Hi @Andrei Radu

    Quick question- I’ve got a summer vac scheme with GD, but have seen that a few people on LinkedIn who applied for direct tcs have received offers already. Knowing that the firm recruits such a few number of trainees, will these direct tcs impact the number of trainees taken from the vac scheme?
    I would not expect it to. Firstly, because firms in general, but in particular American firms, have a clear preference for recruiting candidates that they can observe and test in the office. In fact, as far as I am aware, the only route available to enter biglaw in the US is the summer associate one. While US firms will give out a few TCs to people who apply via the direct route so as not to miss out great candidates who have more substantial legal work experience, they do not significantly alter the number of TCs available from the VS route. Doing so would mean missing out on a comparatively larger talent pool.

    Secondly, for many US firms the number of TCs they offer is not fixed. While there will be a rough number they are looking to get, that can be increased or decreased in a given year. Some factors that impact it include: quality of candidates, state of the market and demand for core practice areas, retention rates from the previous cohorts, and reneging on the part of current offer holders.
     

    Legallywhatever

    Star Member
    Jan 29, 2025
    34
    47
    Hi everyone,

    I've never answered a question like this before (first proper cycle), and so I'm unsure what sort of discussion points I need to be hitting for this and just wanted some advice.

    The question is asking 'What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the firms clients at the moment'.

    If I want to speak about the agricultural sector for example, would I be okay to talk about how (according to an article from the FT) the UK lacks coherent rural policy? What sort of things would I need to talk about within that?

    Any guidance would be really appreciated
     

    lawstudent2

    Distinguished Member
    Dec 9, 2024
    59
    65
    Does anyone know how long burges salmon bristol take to respond post AC? They said on the day that they waited until all were completed and the last one I think was yesterday, just wondering if I can expect news before the weekend or if they take another week or so to full decide
     

    Jessica Booker

    Legendary Member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Graduate Recruitment
    Premium Member
    Forum Team
    Aug 1, 2019
    15,188
    21,191
    Hi everyone,

    I've never answered a question like this before (first proper cycle), and so I'm unsure what sort of discussion points I need to be hitting for this and just wanted some advice.

    The question is asking 'What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the firms clients at the moment'.

    If I want to speak about the agricultural sector for example, would I be okay to talk about how (according to an article from the FT) the UK lacks coherent rural policy? What sort of things would I need to talk about within that?

    Any guidance would be really appreciated
    I would generally recommend talking about clients broadly rather than a specific sub-group/industry where you can. I would consider broader economic, political, social and regulatory changes or trends that are happening that would impact a broad of clients across industries/sectors.

    Your agricultural reference may be better suited to a "tell me about a news story you have seen and how it may impact our firm or our clients" type question instead.
     

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