TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Miss Chocolate]

@Andrei Radu Hi

Please could I quickly check something with you. Firstly, firms that are currently advertising for a TC commencing September 2027, will they want trainees to start SQE studies in 2026 or 2025? Secondly, do you know how likely it is that despite advertising for a 2027 intake, they may consider 2026 intake? Thank you so much!!

 

[missTCLA]

Anyone hear back from Dentons Middle East?

 

[SamiyaJ]

Hi all,

I hope everyone’s doing well and had a good week!

I’ve been lurking in the past couple of weeks as I’ve got no updates to my applications and just wanted to know what’s everyone planning to do now? Like if you haven’t had a successful cycle with VS, are you planning to apply to training contracts?

Im planning to apply to Farrer & Co and Orrick within the next week or so, but everything now seems so spaced out with TC deadlines so I’m not sure if I should be doing something else too?!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

BCLP VS (Summer)

I received the call during the week but I've been taking time to soak it in! Because this has been a LONG journey.

I graduated in 2018, did a VS at a really good firm in 2020 and failed to convert it. Everybody told me that I'd definitely get something the next cycle, but every VS/DTC application I did was rejected at application/psychometric test. Then the cycle after that, I only managed to get to AC for one firm, but I didn't get the VS. I took a break from applying for the next cycle due to health issues and starting a Paralegal role at a magic circle firm (who said I couldn't get a TC there despite getting a 2.1 with mitigating circumstances - but that's a story for another day 💀). Honestly it has been a rollercoaster all these years, I knew that my applications were good, and I was passing the Watson Glaser (at least for the firms that would provide results). It felt like the only thing letting me down was some of my uni modules, even though I got a high 2:1 overrall.

But now this cycle is here, 7 years after graduating and 5 years after my last Vac Scheme, and I've finally managed to score this one!

I often see people talking about how they feel after not getting the TC offer a year or 2 after graduating, or feeling like being 25+ is too old. If anybody understands how you feel, it's me! So many people have told me to give up, try something else, but if this is truly what you want to do and you believe that you can do it, I say don't give up!! You only need one yes! Wishing everyone waiting on an outcome an abundance of good news this coming week ❤️

So much pleasure in reading this on a Sunday. If you need any support before the scheme, let us know. You're going to be great!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi all,

I hope everyone’s doing well and had a good week!

I’ve been lurking in the past couple of weeks as I’ve got no updates to my applications and just wanted to know what’s everyone planning to do now? Like if you haven’t had a successful cycle with VS, are you planning to apply to training contracts?

Im planning to apply to Farrer & Co and Orrick within the next week or so, but everything now seems so spaced out with TC deadlines so I’m not sure if I should be doing something else too?!

Hiya @SamiyaJ

This is usually the time when many people start prepping their direct training contract applications. Some firms, like Baker McKenzie, are already reviewing direct training contract applications on a rolling basis, but lots of others will wait until after the deadline. If you have some spare time, it could be really helpful to look back at your previous applications and see if there’s anything you can improve or tweak.

I’d definitely recommend applying to Farrer & Co, since they take a good chunk of their trainees directly from this application route. You might also want to consider applying to include Ashurst, BCLP, Freshfields, Shoosmiths, and White & Case. I'd also recommend applying to any open days or insight events that might still be open. Some firms hold these events later in the year, and I think they're a great way to get a feel for the firms and their culture before applying.

If you have more questions or need any help, let us know. Good luck!

 

[traineedreamer]

Huge congratulations @traineedreamer 🥳 🥳 your story is genuinely one of the best examples I have seen of determination and of why you should never give up chasing your goals; and I am sure it will motivate many forum members who are having second thoughts right now to keep moving forward! I know you will have a great time on the scheme and will nail it, but, as always, let us know if there is anything we can help out with in the meanwhile !

So much pleasure in reading this on a Sunday. If you need any support before the scheme, let us know. You're going to be great!

Thank you both much! TCLA and the forum has been such an amazing help! I will definitely let you know if I can think of anything that would help. Thank you 😊

 

[tc252627]

Denton's and BCLP VS offers!

Has anyone heard from Reed Smith after the AC? It's been a month 😢

At my AC they said they would get back to everyone mid March

 

[trainee4u]

Does anyone here happen to know how much K&L Gates pays for it's placement scheme? I can't find it anywhere...

It does tend to be around minimum wage regardless of the firm - doesn't seem to be a significant consideration to me?

 

[broalabear]

BCLP VS (Summer)

I received the call during the week but I've been taking time to soak it in! Because this has been a LONG journey.

I graduated in 2018, did a VS at a really good firm in 2020 and failed to convert it. Everybody told me that I'd definitely get something the next cycle, but every VS/DTC application I did was rejected at application/psychometric test. Then the cycle after that, I only managed to get to AC for one firm, but I didn't get the VS. I took a break from applying for the next cycle due to health issues and starting a Paralegal role at a magic circle firm (who said I couldn't get a TC there despite getting a 2.1 with mitigating circumstances - but that's a story for another day 💀). Honestly it has been a rollercoaster all these years, I knew that my applications were good, and I was passing the Watson Glaser (at least for the firms that would provide results). It felt like the only thing letting me down was some of my uni modules, even though I got a high 2:1 overrall.

But now this cycle is here, 7 years after graduating and 5 years after my last Vac Scheme, and I've finally managed to score this one!

I often see people talking about how they feel after not getting the TC offer a year or 2 after graduating, or feeling like being 25+ is too old. If anybody understands how you feel, it's me! So many people have told me to give up, try something else, but if this is truly what you want to do and you believe that you can do it, I say don't give up!! You only need one yes! Wishing everyone waiting on an outcome an abundance of good news this coming week ❤️

Legendary stuff - Congratulations!

 

[SamiyaJ]

Hiya @SamiyaJ

This is usually the time when many people start prepping their direct training contract applications. Some firms, like Baker McKenzie, are already reviewing direct training contract applications on a rolling basis, but lots of others will wait until after the deadline. If you have some spare time, it could be really helpful to look back at your previous applications and see if there’s anything you can improve or tweak.

I’d definitely recommend applying to Farrer & Co, since they take a good chunk of their trainees directly from this application route. You might also want to consider applying to include Ashurst, BCLP, Freshfields, Shoosmiths, and White & Case. I'd also recommend applying to any open days or insight events that might still be open. Some firms hold these events later in the year, and I think they're a great way to get a feel for the firms and their culture before applying.

If you have more questions or need any help, let us know. Good luck!

Thank you so much Ram!