TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[user3883930]

QUESTION ABOUT FRESHFIELDS AS A GRADUATE:

I was looking at their eligibility requirements for the Summer Vac Scheme, Winter Vac Scheme and direct TC.

Under Summer they state: The Summer Vacation Scheme is available to penultimate-year undergraduate students completing a law or non-law degree.

Under Winter they state:
The Winter Vacation Scheme is available to final-year students undergraduate students completing a law or non-law degree and beyond. This includes graduates and individuals who are currently enrolled on a: Law Conversion Course (GDL/PGDL)

As someone who has completed their GDL, and is now a Paralegal, does that mean I only have the option to do the DIRECT TC route for Freshfields?

Why would they allow graduates on the Winter Vac scheme and not the summer? What is the better route to do as a graduate who is now a paralegal ? Winter? or TC?

@Jessica Booker
@axelbeugre

Thank you

I was wondering the same, also I'm confused about whether their winter VC applications are closed since I can't find a way to apply on their website—I can only see an option to apply for the summer VC?

 

[LW123]

Is CMS accepting applications from recent LAW graduates? The wording on their websites looks a bit confusing?

I was also quite confused. From what I can tell, only the training contract is available for law graduates (and the Business Development & Marketing Graduate Programme)

 

[Looper88]

I think I've seen two comments by people who said they've been rejected.

Just received my report which averaged 'moderate competency'. There was no confirmation that I met the benchmark. Does that mean that I have been rejected?

 

[danielles]

For those of you who have heard back from NRF already, do you recall how much time it took them more or less to contact you after completing the AS test?

 

[Jessica Booker]

I looked at the FAQ's for DLA Piper and it states they do not accept separate CV's. However, it is part of the application for the summer internship I am not sure if I am over thinking this but is it a definite that their is no need for a CV?

I have heard different things from different people - it isn’t unclear unfortunately. But if it is optional (eg you can progress your application without submitting it) and there are no explicit instructions to include a CV, I would expect it to just be optional and not necessary.

 

[asplawyer100]

I was wondering the same, also I'm confused about whether their winter VC applications are closed since I can't find a way to apply on their website—I can only see an option to apply for the summer VC?

They are closed. The deadline for Freshfields Winter VS was early September. I believe all Magic Circle winter scheme applications have closed by now.

 

[AGRACHEL]

Yes I received an invite on Monday.

Ah!
Thank you for letting me know!

 

[lawstudent2002]

Just did the HSF test and was wondering how soon do they reply with a response on whether you have passed or not . Thanks

 

[VMS]

Just received my report which averaged 'moderate competency'. There was no confirmation that I met the benchmark. Does that mean that I have been rejected?

Just did the HSF test and was wondering how soon do they reply with a response on whether you have passed or not . Thanks

I received an email saying I'd passed two days after taking the assessment, so you'll probably hear around then!

 

[Looper88]

I received an email saying I'd passed two days after taking the assessment, so you'll probably hear around then!

Thank you kindly. Did your report hint at how likely you were to pass? How did you do?

Just wondering what to expect 🥲

 

[VMS]

Thank you kindly. Did your report hint at how likely you were to pass? How did you do?

Just wondering what to expect 🥲

I seem to have four moderates and two higher ones, but I wouldn't base whether you'll pass on what other people have as we don't know which ones they place the most importance on.

 

[TC seeker]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jessica! I‘m drafting the application of DLA Piper, I find there isn't any space for me to include module grades, there just an optional for me to choose my degree's overall grade. Should I include every modules' score in my CV?

 

[Looper88]

Thank you, I appreciate it very much. Guess I will just have to wait…

Since it took 2 days before you received your passing of the test, I am assuming it is somewhat evaluated by humans…

Did you also reach the next stage? Or is your application form currently under (separate) review?

 

[Jessica Booker]

QUESTION ABOUT FRESHFIELDS AS A GRADUATE:

I was looking at their eligibility requirements for the Summer Vac Scheme, Winter Vac Scheme and direct TC.

Under Summer they state: The Summer Vacation Scheme is available to penultimate-year undergraduate students completing a law or non-law degree.

Under Winter they state:
The Winter Vacation Scheme is available to final-year students undergraduate students completing a law or non-law degree and beyond. This includes graduates and individuals who are currently enrolled on a: Law Conversion Course (GDL/PGDL)

As someone who has completed their GDL, and is now a Paralegal, does that mean I only have the option to do the DIRECT TC route for Freshfields?

Why would they allow graduates on the Winter Vac scheme and not the summer? What is the better route to do as a graduate who is now a paralegal ? Winter? or TC?

@Jessica Booker
@axelbeugre

Thank you

You’d only be eligible for the direct TC, unfortunately.

They will have different criteria for different schemes as the winter scheme candidates can be recruited earlier in the cycle, while it doesn't make sense to recruit penultimate year students until the summer between their penultimate and final year.

 

[BM2004]

For those of you who have heard back from NRF already, do you recall how much time it took them more or less to contact you after completing the AS test?

I'm wondering this too. Applied a while back. Did the test early too. Saw a few NRF rejections here on this thread. Just wondering what is happening.

 

[Hana ♥]

Dla discovery day!

 

[Amma Usman]

Dla discovery day!

Congratulations @Hana ♥

 

[jojo23]

This might be a stupid question but, i haven't had time to finish any applications until now (am i going to need to hold myself accountable). I've almost finished the White&Case one but is it worth submitting for the winter vs considering the date?

also, is 1k words too much for the cover letter....

 

[fingersarecrossed]

Has anyone heard from DLA Piper's summer VAC scheme?

 

[s9111]

Has anyone received a VI yet for White & Case’s Winter VS? I’ve heard nothing since applying.