TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[klazza]

Apologies if this has been answered earlier, but does anyone know the general timeline for Mishcon? ie those who have done spring ACs already!

I have a VI for the summer scheme on Tuesday and was wondering how long it usually takes to give you your result and when the AC is if you end up having a successful VI?

did spring mishcon AC and they said they's let us know end of the following week (COB today) - still waiting!

 

[pepsicola96]

CC SPARK rejection, disappointed but not surprised, it's just so competitive. But with that my cycle is just about done, still waiting on one 'first year insight day' which I'm not sure I'm even available for so, let's just summarise now. As a 2nd year non-law student, with quite poor A-levels, I was only eligible for some vacation schemes, and then some first year schemes and mentoring programmes, so I'll split into two.

VS:
Total applications: 10
Total rejections: 9
Passed first (application review) stage: 3
Passed second (online test) stage: 2
Passed third (VI) stage: 1
Made to AC/Final Stage: 1
Vacation Scheme offers: 1!!!!

Other/1st Year/Mentoring:
Processes too different to summarise like above, but made 7 applications, 4 rejections, secured two mentoring schemes, and one insight programme.

Overall very happy, it was my first cycle and I definitely underestimated the whole process. Many of my applications were rushed, and I felt unprepared a lot of the time. Ecstatic to have secured a VS tho! Admittedly it was not one of my top firms, but throughout the process I've learnt a lot about the firm and I am still really excited for the scheme. I do believe it is very very hard to convert however, so I will not be expecting a TC out of this (but would not say no!). Nonetheless all work experience is good work experience, and will help me in the next cycle.

Next cycle, I will definitely start preparing earlier, not just my firm research before I apply, but also practicing tests/WG, and video interviews, as that is where I stumbled a lot. I'm excited for a new cycle though, as I'll be able to choose firms that I'm genuinely interested in. This year I kinda had to pick whatever would accept me as a second year non-law with below average a-levels, even If i wasn't all that interested in the firms. But next year a lot more options open up, and I will be prepared!

To others I'd just say don't give up. I submitted my first application in September, and the rest before Christmas pretty much. I remember having a string of about 5 first stage rejections in the space of two weeks before Christmas, and definitely felt like giving up. But for each of my successes here, I didn't even submit any of the applications until January, If i had given up, I would have nothing.

Lastly just to say, everyone here is genuinely so kind and supportive, don't know what I'd do without this forum.

 

[efm99]

did spring mishcon AC and they said they's let us know end of the following week (COB today) - still waiting!

And how much time was in between your VI and the AC if you don't mind me asking?

 

[londonlawyer]

Might be of interest to anyone waiting to hear back from P,W - when I selected my interview slot, there were only three slots available. But they could obv open up more slots

 

[kuuks_]

Might be of interest to anyone waiting to hear back from P,W - when I selected my interview slot, there were only three slots available. But they could obv open up more slots

Yea optimism has run out for me atp. I just didn't want hem to be one of those firms that leaves people in limbo

When did you book your slot btw?

 

[klazza]

And how much time was in between your VI and the AC if you don't mind me asking?

VI was just before Christmas 2024, AC invite a month later on 24 Jan and I booked the last possible AC (last week)

 

[londonlawyer]

Yea optimism has run out for me atp. I just didn't want hem to be one of those firms that leaves people in limbo

When did you book your slot btw?

On Wednesday. But I would emphasise the fact that they could open up more slots next week - so I would stay optimistic.

 

[NJS]

Anyone heard from Sidley Austin post app??!?!??!

 

[l789]

thank you, this made me smile. You will get there too!!!

I hope you're dealing with the rejections okay. It's their loss!

Aww I’m glad ! Thank you too!!

You’re so sweet… yes we will get there and I’m doing ok thanks

Keep pushing queen!

 

[efm99]

VI was just before Christmas 2024, AC invite a month later on 24 Jan and I booked the last possible AC (last week)

Okay, thank you so much that's helpful for me to know! Good luck with hearing back!!

 

[xanderlawyer]

“They definitely do. Also they did a presentation a couple of years ago at my uni (Top RG, non Oxbridge) and one of the partners mentioned they went to Birmingham for UG, he then said “But we don’t hire from there anymore do we”. Grad rec tried to hush it up by saying they look at everything holistically but a brief look at their future and current trainees shows that mantra is definitely true.”

This doesn’t sound like university blind or CV blind recruitment in my opinion. I don’t think there’s a problem with recruiting from top universities but I just think firms should be honest and transparent about that so applicants know what to expect. 🤷🏾‍♂️​

I don't think law firms are in the business of lying, plus things may have changed over the years.

I don't see why it is a surprise that one of the most prestigious law firms in the world, with only 15 places, don't tend to hire from a university that is ranked 80th in the world. Universities are not a private school - they are a symbol of high academic perfomance and commitments to extra curriculars from an early age. People of all backgrounds have worked hard for a place at a top university, not handed it based on socio-economic factors. The biggest companies paying £1,000 p/h expect their lawyers to be educated at the best institutions. Of course there are exceptional circumstances, but that's the norm and will stay the norm.

 

[Legalgirl]

Yea optimism has run out for me atp. I just didn't want hem to be one of those firms that leaves people in limbo

When did you book your slot btw?

Don't lose hope! When I received mine on Tuesday, there were only 2 slots (for next week Tuesday or Thursday - each with only one time option) - I think they only show you a few slots to choose from depending on when you get your invite.

A similar thing happened in my HSF AC, where I only saw 2 slots available (having received mine on a Monday), but grad rec said they were still holding ACs 2 weeks after mine, which I did not even see the dates of/wasn't aware. Sometimes from bookings, it seems like they are only interviewing a few people when really we just don't get to see all the slots if that makes any sense.

Also in my HSF AC, as mentioned I received an invite on the Monday (and selected the following Thursday), and someone in my AC received an invite later that week on Friday, for the same day! So I'd say especially for a firm like PW that is running ACs for the first time, it's not so clear cut.

Basically, don't lose hope unless you get that PFO!

 

[applicant457]

CC SPARK VI! any insights would be massively appreciated!

 

[gazdgazd11]

Hiya @gazdgazd11

Thanks for clarifying! To effectively address King & Spalding’s prompt, you’ll need to narrow your focus. Is there a specific set of tariffs you have in mind? Since taking office, the Trump administration has made several announcements, including a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, a reduced 10% tariff on Canadian energy resources (currently set to take effect in March, but not yet entirely clear if this will happen), and a 10% tariff on imports from China. There are also tariffs on specific products, such as aluminium and steel, which are likely to have a major impact on supply chains and consumers. A good starting point would be to briefly describe the tariffs you’re focusing on, outlining their scope and the industries most affected.

The second part of the question asks why you find these developments interesting. You don't need to say specifically how it affects King & Spalding or its clients, but you may want to allude to these. You might be drawn to how tariffs disrupt established supply chains, influence market dynamics, and reshape economic relationships between countries. If you can connect this to your personal experience or interests, that would strengthen your response. For example, I’m originally from Canada, and the threat of tariffs has directly affected people in my life - friends who work in the auto industry have faced significant uncertainty, and everyone I know has been worried about rising costs on products. What I’ve found particularly interesting is the Canadian government’s response and how they’ve worked to mitigate the impact of these tariffs without causing further economic strain. Your own reasons might be different. Maybe you’re interested in the legal side (e.g. how businesses respond to tariffs, how trade disputes play out politically between countries, etc). Whatever your angle, the key is to articulate why this topic genuinely interests you in a way that reflects your perspective.

In terms of structure, you could take the following approach:

• Introduction: Briefly introduce the recent tariffs imposed by President Trump, highlighting their scope and the sectors most affected.
  
  
• Impact on certain sectors: Discuss how these tariffs are expected to influence certain industries, and presumably you can focus on energy and construction here. For instance, the construction industry relies heavily on materials like steel and aluminium, which are subject to increased costs due to tariffs. The escalation in material costs can quickly lead to higher project expenses and potential delays. You can also briefly mention here how the tariffs might disrupt global supply chains, leading to increased costs and delays in project timelines. The energy sector, for example, could face challenges with the importation of critical components, affecting production and distribution.
  
  
• Personal Reflection: I'd conclude by articulating your personal interest in the topic. Here you'll want to emphasise your fascination with how such policy decisions can have considerable effects on global industries, economies, and legal practices. This will ensure that you've adequately addressed the second part of the prompt and showcase genuine interest with the tariff(s) you've chosen to discuss.

This advice is just to get you going. Hope this helps and good luck with the application!

Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply! I really appreciate it. This is such amazing support. Have a lovely day!

 

[4275purplerainbow]

It looks like my application season for this year might be over with no VS/TC offers. I have good A-Level marks (4xA*) and a (non-law) degree from Oxford and lots of extra-curriculars. I think my biggest weakness in my applications is a lack of legal-specific experience, for most of university I believed that I wanted to work as an economist so I didn't accumulate much of the CV law-stuff.

After doing lots of research over the last few months, I am certain that I want to work in commercial and competition law so will reapply next year. Does anyone have any tips of what I could do between now and then, as a graduate student, to improve my chances for next year. Specifically how can one gain the relevant experience? It feels really hard to get any real insight into commercial work when you're not already working at a commercial firm (a very draining catch-22).

Good luck everyone!

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

I agree with this quite strongly. They did not run many interviews. Other firms like that provide feedback. E.g. Wilkie and White & Case. It's really not great at all.

They say online that they run around 40 first stage interviews and they’d only have to provide feedback to unsuccessful interviews so I’m guessing around 20 people at this stage and 10 at the next - sure they could find 10 minutes to gives us some feedback, it’s really not that hard.

I might do a SAR lol

 

[User5678]

Has anyone heard back from vwv or know when they will get back to applicants?

 

[Chris Brown]

I don't think law firms are in the business of lying, plus things may have changed over the years.

I don't see why it is a surprise that one of the most prestigious law firms in the world, with only 15 places, don't tend to hire from a university that is ranked 80th in the world. Universities are not a private school - they are a symbol of high academic perfomance and commitments to extra curriculars from an early age. People of all backgrounds have worked hard for a place at a top university, not handed it based on socio-economic factors. The biggest companies paying £1,000 p/h expect their lawyers to be educated at the best institutions. Of course there are exceptional circumstances, but that's the norm and will stay the norm.

I agree with you. That’s kind of the point that I was making. A firm shouldn’t claim to have no minimum entry requirements, or that they assess applications holistically, or that they adopt university or CV-blind recruitment, when in reality, they are after a particular kind of future trainee. I don’t think it’s unusual or unreasonable at all for a firm like Ropes & Gray to want to hire from certain elite RG universities, but for the firm to make it seem like they don’t adopt this policy (when it very clearly does), is highly misleading. 🤷🏾‍♂️

I’m not sure what you mean here: “universities are not a private school - they are a symbol of high academic performance and commitments to extra curriculars from a young age. People of all backgrounds have worked hard for a place at a top university, not handed it based on socio-economic factors.” Some people come from backgrounds where they don’t have access to certain resources due to financial constraints. That’s the reality for the majority of the UK population. As a result, these top RG universities make contextual offers. To imply someone who comes from this background (like myself) had their university place handed to them because of their background is crazy lmao. I had 3 RG uni offers based on the fact I had the grades. 🙂​

 

[AlegalA]

I don't think law firms are in the business of lying, plus things may have changed over the years.

I don't see why it is a surprise that one of the most prestigious law firms in the world, with only 15 places, don't tend to hire from a university that is ranked 80th in the world. Universities are not a private school - they are a symbol of high academic perfomance and commitments to extra curriculars from an early age. People of all backgrounds have worked hard for a place at a top university, not handed it based on socio-economic factors. The biggest companies paying £1,000 p/h expect their lawyers to be educated at the best institutions. Of course there are exceptional circumstances, but that's the norm and will stay the norm.

UOB is ranked 11th or 12th in the UK. I don't think you can really say it's not one of the top universities. Also, a lot of the top 100 are US universities. I'm gonna go out on a limb to say most US students are not coming to the UK to apply to a US firm following their law degree, but rather applying in the US directly, therefore the World ranking doesn't seem as relevant as the UK one.

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

30+ apps and just endless rejections. Is there really any point anymore? I’m 27 and just feeling dejected. I’ve done several vac schemes previously. But they don’t seem to count. So few direct TC routes too. What is the point of continuing?

I feel you mate. I am constantly telling myself that it’s a game of luck to an extent and I just need the one yes to get there but it’s very hard not to feel like the universe and system is against you. No advice really, just saying I feel you.