TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[g.cl.2020344]

I haven't heard a thing from MoFo since submitting my app in January and I think it was the best one I have written this season... hopefully soon to put me out of my misery in March, but I have heard of people getting VI invitations in March too!!!!

wow its interesting how some firms only start stage 2 when others r giving out vac scheme offers!!

 

[Chris Brown]

when do we think MoFo and Winston & Strawn will get back to us post-app?

I haven't heard a thing from MoFo since submitting my app in January and I think it was the best one I have written this season... hopefully soon to put me out of my misery in March, but I have heard of people getting VI invitations in March too!!!!

I have seen people post on the forum with AC and interview invites from MoFo, from around early to mid Feb. I’ve also seen people say MoFo tend to air applicants. I’m not sure about Winston & Strawn though to be honest. 🥲🥲​

 

[sibs23]

Hi,
I am currently in the process of picking the practice area I would like to sit in during my vacation scheme. I understand that this is a personal choice but I’m honestly not sure how to approach this. I have a few considerations such as which practice areas I’m most interested in and which I’ve done modules in, but not sure if it is better to do one I have knowledge in or one I’m interested in and would like to develop more knowledge.
Sorry for the ramble and I understand that there is probably not a right way to go about it but would love any input!
Thanks so much

Personally, I have gone for the one I am most likely to enjoy and do well in, rather than take a chance on a more "random" or less familiar choice. It depends a lot on the firm, but often a lot of your feedback will come from your department so it's important to impress them. I think still keep open minded because there's no guarantee you'll get the seat you'll want, but at the end of the day, the TC is the end goal so think about which seat will help you to sell yourself in the best way.

 

[sibs23]

I have seen people post on the forum with AC and interview invites from MoFo, from around early to mid Feb. I’ve also seen people say MoFo tend to air applicants. I’m not sure about Winston & Strawn though to be honest. 🥲🥲​

I got the Winston WG end of March last year if that helps

 

[lawelmo]

anyone applied to brabners

I did

 

[S7321]

Any general advice for preparing for an AC? It'll be my first one ever. Also, is it acceptable to reach out to current trainees on LinkedIn for tips?

 

[rlw123]

I did

Me too

 

[bluescarf]

Hi, does anyone have any advice for how to stand out in a cover letter (this is for a DTC app)? I've never had to do one for a law firm before. They've given a few pointers i.e. why this firm/office/why a career in law, but I'm struggling with sounding quite generic (I feel!)

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

I haven't heard a thing from MoFo since submitting my app in January and I think it was the best one I have written this season... hopefully soon to put me out of my misery in March, but I have heard of people getting VI invitations in March too!!!!

I thought this too and have passed app stage for similar firms so think my answers to their Qs should be convincing… hate that you can’t check what you submitted to them

 

[laurenn42]

Similar questions have been asked before but if an interview is not CV-blind, and I am asked to introduce myself at the beginning, what details should I be looking to cover? Normally, I'd talk about my educational background etc but I don't want to just repeat what the interviewers already know.

 

[Amma Usman]

Any general advice for preparing for an AC? It'll be my first one ever. Also, is it acceptable to reach out to current trainees on LinkedIn for tips?

Very well done on your first AC! Huge congrats on getting to this stage.

I completely understand the nerves, especially being your first. I remember my first too. One thing that helped me, which you have rightly suggested, is to reach out to future/current trainees on LinkedIn. I personally recommend reaching out to future trainees more, as they will likely be earlier on in the process and have fresher insights on the firm’s latest process (this might have changed to when current trainees did it). Another thing is that there is the tendency future trainees will be more likely to respond.

In terms of general tips to succeed here:

• Stay calm (easier said than done), but take a moment before answering your questions. You want to avoid falling into the trap of answering too quickly as (1) you end up speaking too fast, making it less likely to understand what one is saying, and (2) you may not even end up conveying your answers as well as you intended/prepared for.
• In line with the above, this may sound interesting for sure, but prepare..dont over-prepare. This is especially relevant a day or two prior to the AC. Over-preparing could make you more anxious. My best ACs were those which I took a moment for self-care the day before. Trust that you have done very well to get to this stage. Look at it this way…the AC is simply a chance for you to expand on the written application.
• Know your main motivations.. why the firm, why commercial law, why you. You will likely be probed on these, so have solid answers. Have answers that aren’t easily accessible online. Have answers which not every applicant can mention. How to do this? Research research research… and specificity! And linking back to your own self and life experiences!
• Ask thoughtful questions at the end. Anything you always wanted to know that isn’t accessible online? You will have lawyers working at the forefront of these deals in front fo you. Would be a great opportunity to ask away.

Best of luck. I know you’ll smash it!

 

[future_traineesolicitor]

Anyone received PFO from W&C post VI? They have been ghosting me for almost two months......

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

Has anyone heard back from Fox Williams? I saw that last year people heard back end of Feb.

 

[doodllaw29]

anyone know when Wedlake Bell post-interview news comes out?

 

[Chris Brown]

Anyone received PFO from W&C post VI? They have been ghosting me for almost two months......

Yeah I applied to them around a week before the final deadline (5th Jan and the deadline was 12th Jan). I think I received VI invite around the 28th Jan and did the VI on the 31st.

I got a PFO around two weeks later so mid Feb. White & Case also tend to air applicants, based on what people have said on this forum. 🥲​

 

[BBsharkk]

FINALLY the Latham PFO!! 🎉

Went to their AC last year and encouraged me to reapply as "I was so close". ☺️

 

[ysr567]

Has anyone heard from Brown Rudnick, Harbottle & Lewis or DAC Beachcroft yet

 

[MR10]

I did

whats the next stage after application form

 

[lolasparks]

anyone applied to brabners

Yes not heard back yet, I think within the next two weeks probably

 

[Amma Usman]

Similar questions have been asked before but if an interview is not CV-blind, and I am asked to introduce myself at the beginning, what details should I be looking to cover? Normally, I'd talk about my educational background etc but I don't want to just repeat what the interviewers already know.

Very very good question. It always came up for me. At the start of my interview journey, I never really knew what to say. How much info did they want? How professional did I need to be? Could I just say… HELLO MY NAME IS AMMA AND I LIKE RICE! Hahaha definitely not, but the below approach definitely helped me;

The trick is to treat it like a little story about you, who you are, what drives you, and why you’re sitting in that chair. It’s all about hitting the right balance between being personal and professional.

A structure that works really well is splitting it into three parts. Start with the present, where you are now and what you’re doing. This gives them the context they need without diving into too much detail yet.

Then, move into the past, this is where you can talk about what’s shaped you. For me, I always loved charity work and social mobility, so I often mentioned my work in that sphere. It’s a huge part of who I am at my core, and it tied into everything I was doing. I’d say something like, “My passion for social mobility and charity work really influenced my journey, from leading initiatives at university to helping others access opportunities they didn’t think were possible.” This adds a personal touch and shows what drives you beyond just academics or professional ambitions.

Finally, end with the future, tie everything to the role or firm. This is where you can connect the dots between your background and what they’re looking for. You could say, “That’s why I’m so excited about this opportunity, it feels like the perfect way to combine my passion for making an impact with my interest in (X specific area of law or the firm’s ethos).” Finish on a confident, enthusiastic note.

The main thing is to keep it concise, two minutes max, but hit those unique points that make you stand out. For me, charity work was always a must-mention because it’s such a big part of who I am, and I think it’s good to highlight something similar for yourself. Show them what you’re passionate about and how that aligns with the role. If you can do that while keeping it genuine, you’ll smash it.

Hey there,

This is a really good question to be honest. I always wondered what it was they wanted to hear. I wondered what was appropriate and what was unnecessary given time constraints. The key is to keep it short and simple, covering your main background (educational, professional, extracurricular). For someone like me that is really chatty, having a mental framework of what I needed to cover was helpful. Though, I didn’t follow this verbatim, so as to not appear robotic. This applies to any question asked in an interview. You should have carefully prepared beforehand, but also be presently prepared during the interview to go outside the scope of your preparations. Sometimes new ideas and stuff to mention about yourself and experiences actually come up during the interview itself.

Simply, this particular intro question to who you are, should cover…

• Past you.
• Present you.
• Future you.

This is not a must-follow approach/one-size fits all. But, it has personally helped me give a direct and all-rounded intro of myself in professional circumstances. I think the “future you“ aspect is especially important, as it helps you talk about how the firm can play a part in that, given your goal to become a commercial lawyer long-term.

I have quoted a post I made on this exact topic. Hope you find it helpful in structuring your answers.