TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Jessica Booker]

Hi Jessica, I PM'd you as there is personal information that I do not wish to disclose on the forum. Really I am asking for your opinion on my situation and do not wish for others to weigh in. No worries if you cannot reply though, thank you

I have quickly reviewed your message and I cannot review application answers unfortunately.

If you are still a Gold member, I would recommend booking in for a 1-2-1 call that you receive as part of your subscription.

 

[Soniastudent]

I would apply to schemes even if they clash as there is no certainty of securing both of them. Even if you did secure both , you could always ask one of the firms to either move you to a direct TC process or see if they can swap you over to a Spring/Summer programme instead.

Hi Jessica, is it common for law firms to agree to move the process to direct TC or Spring/Summer ?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi Jessica, is it common for law firms to agree to move the process to direct TC or Spring/Summer ?

It happens enough for me to suggest it - not all firms will offer this though and may just ask you to reapply at another time/recruitment window, especially if they know you are turning them down for another firm.

 

[Amjaya]

For A&O when you make an application is there a video section?

 

[gazdgazd11]

For A&O when you make an application is there a video section?

yes

 

[Amjaya]

yes

Didn’t know this thank you! How long is the video supposed to be.

 

[Lola2025]

Have people started getting interviews from Sidley?

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jessica! I'm drafting the application form, should I use the past tense in the work experience part?

If it is an experience in the past, then yes, this would make sense. If you are still doing a role, then present tense is appropriate unless the task or responsibility is no longer happening.

 

[AS24]

Hi guys, White & Case mentions its new 2025 strategy after having achieved its old one. However, I cannot find any resource which gives a detailed picture of the new strategy. Could anyone help me?

 

[JLaw56]

Hi, does anyone know if Sidley Austin send invites/rejections after the deadline?

 

[sunshine101]

Hello Everyone,

Could I have some tips on practising for SJT's.

Thank You !

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

@Jessica Booker Hi! I contacted the GR of a US firm asking if my application would be considered and if I should go ahead with the process despite my low 2.1 and the response I received was, "Whilst I can’t say if your application at this stage will be one of our strongest, I can confirm we consider all applications holistically."

Should I proceed with this firm?

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker Hi! I contacted the GR of a US firm asking if my application would be considered and if I should go ahead with the process despite my low 2.1 and the response I received was, "Whilst I can’t say if your application at this stage will be one of our strongest, I can confirm we consider all applications holistically."

Should I proceed with this firm?

Yes

 

[Interested_In_Law]

Probably overthinking this, but when filling out work experience in chronological order does that mean in terms of start date or end date?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Probably overthinking this, but when filling out work experience in chronological order does that mean in terms of start date or end date?

Should be the end date.

 

[VV]

Anyone who still hasn’t heard back from W&C?

 

[bri]

Hello Everyone,

Could I have some tips on practising for SJT's.

Thank You !

I use a website called Graduates First, it's worth checking whether your University gives you access to it. Might not be the case for everyone but mine did and we were never told. It has hundreds of practice Situational, Verbal, Numerical reasoning tests etc.

 

[InvesmentBanker]

Do you think it gets harder to get a TC as each year passes? It seems like the number of applicants increase year-on-year

 

[Jessica Booker]

Do you think it gets harder to get a TC as each year passes? It seems like the number of applicants increase year-on-year

Generally, no it’s not getting more competitive each year. It goes up and down in different years as different things influence the number of candidates and the number of roles.

It’s definitely not as competitive as it was in 2008-09/2009-10 anyway!

 

[hanz123]

Hi everyone,

I'm a recent law grad, starting a paralegal job and will be entering my third application cycle
I got to my first ever AC last cycle but was unfortunately unsuccessful
I would appreciate any top tips for applications, AC's etc and also any advice on managing applications whilst working full-time

Thank you!