TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[addy2004]

Morning everyone - if anyone has completed the A&O Shearman test, please can you PM me? I struggled with it last year, and want to understand how I can improve. Thank you

 

[VMS]

Hi, do we have data on what firms mostly recruit from VS/what firms recruit equally direct TC and VS? Thanks!

There was one of these done for 2022/23, likely the divide is still similar: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....eme-vs-direct-tc-applications-2022-2023.6136/

 

[VMS]

Morning everyone - if anyone has completed the A&O Shearman test, please can you PM me? I struggled with it last year, and want to understand how I can improve. Thank you

I think it's hard for people to advise as firms all seem to be looking for something different. Last year, I passed A&O's but failed Simmons & Simmons' and Withers'. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any kind of correct formulae. I wish you all the best with your application!!

 

[Apple]

Morning everyone - if anyone has completed the A&O Shearman test, please can you PM me? I struggled with it last year, and want to understand how I can improve. Thank you

Just do research on the skills the firm values and keep that in mind while doing it. Beyond the obvious things, like never considering to help a colleague over your own objectives, it really does vary. I passed A&O's but failed others, its tricky.

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

Does anyone else go to some of these virtual events and get spooked by their 3,000 attendees?

Makes me feel like a grain of sand…
Especially when the standard is so high!

 

[0livia.pope]

Do Slaughter & May not have a winter workshop this year?

 

[l789]

Does anyone else go to some of these virtual events and get spooked by their 3,000 attendees?

Makes me feel like a grain of sand…
Especially when the standard is so high!

Are you referring to the legal cheek fair?

I shortlisted two law firms to sit through, the trainee who was on the panel for the first firm was close to useless - people would be asking him questions and he would literally give the most generic answer of “yes…. There’s also loads of info on our website” to every question, he sounded like he knew nothing about the firm and it was hard to extrapolate any information from that specific law firm.

The second firm I sat through, was slightly better. Grad rec lady was blunt and very straightforward- nonetheless I still managed to get a lot of info from the trainees about their experiences which was great.

I don’t feel intimidated by 3000 people, you’re just as unique and have something to offer as all the other candidates

 

[tinypear]

Sent off my application for BCLP!

 

[addy2004]

Just do research on the skills the firm values and keep that in mind while doing it. Beyond the obvious things, like never considering to help a colleague over your own objectives, it really does vary. I passed A&O's but failed others, its tricky.

Thank you!

 

[Tintin06]

Holding myself accountable (again)

Applications 2024/25

Sidley Austin ✅
Willkie Farr ✅
Skadden ✅

 

[MR218]

Hey guy, I have a query…

I have finally finished my Sidley app for the Winter VS, but am thinking because it’s rolling and quite close to the deadline, it might make more sense to wait for the Spring/Summer VS to open next week.

Is it likely they will change the questions?

Thanks

 

[TrainingContract2024]

has anyone taken the A&O Sherman VI? is it safe to assume that the questions will be one motivational and one competency-based?

 

[Gg2001]

Are you referring to the legal cheek fair?

I shortlisted two law firms to sit through, the trainee who was on the panel for the first firm was close to useless - people would be asking him questions and he would literally give the most generic answer of “yes…. There’s also loads of info on our website” to every question, he sounded like he knew nothing about the firm and it was hard to extrapolate any information from that specific law firm.

The second firm I sat through, was slightly better. Grad rec lady was blunt and very straightforward- nonetheless I still managed to get a lot of info from the trainees about their experiences which was great.

I don’t feel intimidated by 3000 people, you’re just as unique and have something to offer as all the other candidates

it is usually better to talk to 3rd or 4th seat trainees as they can give more detailed insight in the firm. I don’t understand why firms have fresh trainees at the events

 

[Jessica Booker]

it is usually better to talk to 3rd or 4th seat trainees as they can give more detailed insight in the firm. I don’t understand why firms have fresh trainees at the events

Because the third and fourth seat trainees are usually more focused on their seats as they are more likely to be the ones they qualify into.

I don't think you have to talk to 3rd or 4th seat trainees though - a first seater could be more knowledgable than you expect.

 

[Szofi66]

Has anyone heard anything from Sidley (winter vac scheme)?

 

[bella98]

Here we go again

Me after the last cycle:

 

[MaxC7930]

Hi guys I'm thinking of applying to HSF this cycle as a second year law student.

I can apply for HSF disputes open day and their vacation scheme. I haven't done an open day at HSF yet so would you say I apply to their disputes open day this year possibly instead of the vac scheme? I'm thinking they would expect me to have done an open day with them when I write my application for the vac scheme but I could be wrong...

 

[evianmineral]

Hi guys I'm thinking of applying to HSF this cycle as a second year law student.

I can apply for HSF disputes open day and their vacation scheme. I haven't done an open day at HSF yet so would you say I apply to their disputes open day this year possibly instead of the vac scheme? I'm thinking they would expect me to have done an open day with them when I write my application for the vac scheme but I could be wrong...

apply to VS anyway - ideal situation is you apply to VS having done the open day, using experiences of the day in the app.

either way apply to VS regardless - the worst case scenario is you're in the same situation you are in right now - no VS offer.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi guys I'm thinking of applying to HSF this cycle as a second year law student.

I can apply for HSF disputes open day and their vacation scheme. I haven't done an open day at HSF yet so would you say I apply to their disputes open day this year possibly instead of the vac scheme? I'm thinking they would expect me to have done an open day with them when I write my application for the vac scheme but I could be wrong...

You won't need to have done an open day to secure a vacation scheme with the firm, but the open day may help you with future applications at the same time.

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Interview with Jones Day