TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Jessica Booker]

Is it ok/common to accept a TC offer and then do another VS/TC interview at another firm? + should I avoid telling the second firm that I alr have an accepted TC offer @Jessica Booker @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu

I wouldn't say it was common but some people do it.

Whether it is ok comes down to a few factors, including people's morals/opinions on what is right or wrong. My key consideration is whether you would potentially renege the TC offer you already have if you were to receive another TC offer from the VS firm. If that is not the case, I would encourage people to withdraw from VS processes - you don't need to do the VS if there is little to no chance of you no training with that firm. But some people want to explore which firms are better suited to them and will look to complete VS with other firms before deciding which firm to do their training with.

Some firms will not take you on a VS if you have accepted a TC - I have heard of at least three instances in recent months of that happening (and offers being withdrawn) when someone has disclosed they have accepted a TC with another firm. Other firms won't worry about this though.

 

[legallycurly]

Me too I didn't see it until just now. Mixed feelings as I was only just excited about getting a Mishcon AC invite (which was actually receivedafterwards)

congratulations on the ac!! which summer scheme did you pick as your preference in the application form? june or july?

 

[NJS]

I've been told for an upcoming AC that the written exercise will be handwritten, do you know if this could entail a full case study type task, or maybe proofreading? Just curious how much can be done handwritten these days, or if you've ever come across this? @Jessica Booker

 

[Amma Usman]

4 AC's this application cycle. Rejected after every single one. Always feel like I do well yet never get the result I'm looking for. Seems that no amount of prep I do makes any impact. Feedback also seems rather minor. Starting to feel like I just don't have "it". Anyone have any advice???

I’m really sorry you’re feeling this way, but I just want to remind you that getting to the assessment center stage multiple times is a huge achievement in itself. It means your applications are strong, and firms are seeing potential in you! It's absolutely normal to feel like you're doing everything right and still not getting the outcome you want, especially when feedback feels minor or hard to act on.

One thing I personally struggled with was communicating my experiences orally. Writing them down on paper was fine, but articulating them during an interview or assessment center was much harder. What really helped me was practicing my responses aloud, sometimes in front of a mirror or with a friend. It made me more comfortable speaking about my experiences clearly and concisely, and over time, I found it easier to express my thoughts in a confident and structured way.

Another thing that helped me was taking a step back to reflect on whether there’s a pattern in my rejections. It can be really useful to think about specific aspects of the assessments, like how you approach certain exercises or your responses to particular types of questions. Sometimes, identifying small areas for improvement can make a big difference for the next time. For me, I got a really big cardboard and pinned out things I was doing right and things I knew I could certainly be better on. This gave me some sort of direction, and I frequently referred to it before an AC.

The fact that you’ve made it to 4 ACs is evidence that your hard work is paying off. The last stage is the hardest, and sometimes it just comes down to the tiniest details that might separate one candidate from another, whether it's how you communicate under pressure, how you handle unexpected challenges, etc.

If you’re feeling stuck, it could also help to get a fresh perspective on your approach, whether that’s practicing with peers, revising your technique, or getting feedback from a mentor.

Don’t lose confidence. It's a process that takes time, and you're gaining invaluable experience along the way. Stay persistent, and eventually, all of your hard work will pay off. You've got this!

 

[Bread]

Any Winston & Strawn updates? x

 

[Jessica Booker]

I've been told for an upcoming AC that the written exercise will be handwritten, do you know if this could entail a full case study type task, or maybe proofreading? Just curious how much can be done handwritten these days, or if you've ever come across this? @Jessica Booker

It could be any of those things unfortunately. It is not unknown for a full case study to be given and for a written output to be required.

I suspect they are doing it in a handwritten process to ensure there is no spell-check/AI/internet searching done - this is generally the only reason something would be handwritten these days.

 

[aphelion]

congratulations!! which summer scheme did you pick as your preference in the application form? june or july?

No idea unfortunately!

 

[TCseeker101]

congratulations on the ac!! which summer scheme did you pick as your preference in the application form? june or july?

Thanks! I think I went for June first

 

[Law queries]

hello, could someone please tell me how many words to write for HRC essays? They havent mentioned it in the app form

 

[law_junkie]

I got an email about 10 minutes ago with a telephone interview so I think emails are starting to go out now! Good luck!

Congrats !! If you don't mind me asking, what questions are typically asked during a telephone interview?

 

[Kenomy]

Has anyone who applied to BDB Pitmans (Broadfield) heard from them?

 

[User5678]

Has anyone who applied to the london office for wbd or browne Jacobson tc/vs heard back yet?

 

[Gr33n]

Any news from Reed Smith (post AC) or Mishcon Summer post VI?

 

[klax]

How long does Sidley take post-AC to offer a VS?

I only had mine end of last week so not expecting a reply for 1-2 weeks (they didn't say that, just guessing!)

 

[S7321]

Have discovered that some US firms don't require the GDL for non-law graduates and instead put you on a "bespoke SQE prep course" in partnership with Barbri. Does anyone know what this entails, and whether you're at a disadvantage having not done the GDL?

 

[VacSchemer]

Has anyone hear back from Pinsent Masons yet?

 

[legallady123]

Have discovered that some US firms don't require the GDL for non-law graduates and instead put you on a "bespoke SQE prep course" in partnership with Barbri. Does anyone know what this entails, and whether you're at a disadvantage having not done the GDL?

Which law firms?

 

[chillipepper789]

Just received PW interview summer VS

 

[trainee4u]

Russell-Cooke post-interview PFO.

 

[qazwsxedcrfv]

Anyone heard back from White & Case in terms of being rejected from/progressing to the AC stage?