TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[DarrenB]

Hiya @DarrenB

This is a really common question - and having worked with many bright, talented non-Russell group students, please, please don't be reluctant to apply just because you went to a non-RG university. Firms tend to look at the strength of your overall application rather than focusing exclusively on whether you attended a Russell Group university. While attending a Russell Group university can be a plus, it's definitely not the only factor that firms consider. Many non-Russell Group graduates have successfully secured training contracts at US firms, including Gibson Dunn, so focus on what work experiences, extracurriculars, and interests you bring to the table rather than just your university.

In terms of Legal Cheek stats, these can be useful for giving an idea of where current trainees come from, but they’re not often an accurate or complete reflection. The data usually comes from small sample sizes, and firms don’t rely exclusively on university background when selecting candidates. Legal Cheek breakdowns also don’t give insight into other important factors firms consider, such as individual academic performance, work experience, and extracurricular activities.

Best of luck with the application if you end up making one!

Hey @Ram Sabaratnam

Thank you for your reply! This puts things into perspective and you're right - it's not one particular factor that will make or break an application.

 

[BonanzaBih_]

Hi @BonanzaBih_ 🥳

I think either 50/50 or 40/60 is completely alright, so long as you showcase genuine interest in the firm and the open day, while still highlighting the key strengths that will help you excel. Firms are typically very interested in your motivations, so I wouldn't dedicate anything less than 40% of the word count to saying why you're interested in attending the open day with them in particular.

When talking about achievements, I often found it more effective to focus on 1-2 (max 3) key examples, because this allowed me to provide context, describe what I did, and really show the reader how difficult it might have been to achieve the goal in question. It also gave me adequate space to briefly discuss how the achievement would help me excel at my firm. By contrast, covering all this ground can be quite challenging when you're trying to discuss 4-5 in accomplishments in 300-350 words.

I think @Jessica Booker might have more to add, but I wanted to offer some suggestions based on my own experience of having successfully applied to open days in previous cycles. Good luck! I hope you're able to attend!

Thank you so much!!

 

[nliro85]

Sorry to hear that! can I ask how long after completing the tests did you hear back?

Did the test last Tuesday

 

[User5678]

Has anyone received the test link for DLA Piper? If yes, after how long after submission did you receive it? Thanks.

 

[RonRod13]

PM me if you want to compare HSF feedback reports

 

[Tintin06]

Where on the LCN website can I find the statistics?

Read a firm profile. Click on details. It will say vacancies and also vacation scheme spots.

E.g. implied VS to TC conversion rates for a few firms ...

Firm / VS / TCs / conversion

Covington & Burling / 30 / 9 / 30%

Milbank / 20 / 12 / 60%

Willkie Farr & Gallagher / 20 / 6 / 30%

Arnold & Porter / 10 / 4 / 40%

Sidley Austin 60 / 17 / 29.82%

Sullivan & Cromwell / 12 / 8 / 66%

White & Case 75 / 50 / 66%

A&O Shearman 80 / 90 / c90%

Hogan Lovells 70 / 50 c70%

Linklaters 100 / 100 / 100%

Ashurst 50 / 40 / 80%

N.B. US firms don't generally give out many direct TCs, whereas firms like the magic circle are more likely to do so.

 

[erderlylars]

PM me if you want to compare HSF feedback reports

How did you manage to see your feedback report?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Read a firm profile. Click on details. It will say vacancies and also vacation scheme spots.

E.g. implied VS to TC conversion rates for a few firms ...

Firm / VS / TCs / conversion

Covington & Burling / 30 / 9 / 30%

Milbank / 20 / 12 / 60%

Willkie Farr & Gallagher / 20 / 6 / 30%

Arnold & Porter / 10 / 4 / 40%

Sidley Austin 60 / 17 / 29.82%

Sullivan & Cromwell / 12 / 8 / 66%

White & Case 75 / 50 / 66%

A&O Shearman 80 / 90 / c90%

Hogan Lovells 70 / 50 c70%

Linklaters 100 / 100 / 100%

Ashurst 50 / 40 / 80%

N.B. US firms don't generally give out many direct TCs, whereas firms like the magic circle are more likely to do so.

With these figures, take roughly 75% of the VS figure and then 75% of that figure and that will show a more realistic conversion, as its highly unlikely every vac schemer will get an offer (the first 75%) and then with those that do, not everyone will accept (the second 75%).

 

[Tintin06]

If you've interviewed at Latham for a VS before, can you interview a second time?

 

[lolololol]

if i applied for the white and case tc during the summer can i apply for the vs again? also i don’t think much has changed since then so can i use the same cover letter, i progresssed to the vi stage.

 

[Tintin06]

if i applied for the white and case tc during the summer can i apply for the vs again? also i don’t think much has changed since then so can i use the same cover letter, i progresssed to the vi stage.

Yes, and yes, but don't do it. How far did you get last time?

 

[BM99]

Has anyone heard from Sidley?

 

[Gg2001]

NRF pfo so guess they were rolling.

Sorry to hear this, did you apply for tc or vac scheme?

 

[VacSchemer]

It was good morning until the Jones Day pfo came in

 

[Donuttime]

It was good morning until the Jones Day pfo came in

Sorry when did you apply?

 

[Tom smith]

Is it okay to add context to your module results in the additional information boxes in the undergraduate degree section? For example, if a 1st was achieved by only 5% of candidates is that something you should put in?

 

[aether]

Anyone's heard for Jones Day Summer VS?

 

[lolololol]

Yes, and yes, but don't do it. How far did you get last time?

i got a pfo post vi

 

[Apple]

Does anybody know how long Ashurst takes after the test to let you know if you've progressed or not?

I dont believe they have a "passing score" benchmark, rather they view your test results alongside your application and make a decision. So you will find out just on the basis of AC invite or rejection (I think), which they said will likely be late October/early November

 

[lawyerdreams]

Does anybody know how long Ashurst takes after the test to let you know if you've progressed or not?

Last year, I recieved a PFO a month after taking the tests