TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[AS24]

Unfortunately there's nothing that will completely take away the frustration you are feeling at this moment. I empathize with what you're going through right now and I know it's a difficult spot to be in. When in the same situation, many times I have started wondering if perhaps I am simply not good enough for this and many times I thought I might be better off just giving up. And this wasn't just during my first cycle. In my second cycle, after I had doubled my efforts in applications and after working myself to my upper limits to get the best results in my Year 1 exams, my first outcomes were still straight rejections. I truly felt I didn't have much more to give and that if that wasn't good enough, nothing would.

However, I persisted, and ended up with three TC offers, a more successful application cycle I could have ever dreamed of. My copying strategies were a combination of two apparently opposite approaches. On the one hand, to deal with emotional spiraling and avoid negative feedback loops, I started taking more care of my mental health. After a rejection, instead of locking myself up in my room, I would force myself to go out to a pub, go to the gym, or have a nice meal. That in itself helped me a lot with calming down after the initial shock. Also, I generally started to spend more time with my friends. Instead of having the application cycle as this alienating experience, it became a communal activity for us. Besides making it a lot more fun, this meant rejection was no longer something I was experiencing all by myself. Having the constant support of other people going through the same things as I was made a huge difference.

On the other hand, I reacted by redoubling my unwavering commitment to never giving up. My thought process was that while I cannot control the ultimate outcome of my efforts, the one thing I have absolute control over is what attitude I take to the circumstances I found myself in. I decided the only attitude I would be proud of would be one of untiring perseverance. Thus, instead of each rejection eating away at my resolution, it in fact strengthened it. This way, I pushed myself to keep trying to do better and better and, most importantly, to keep moving forward. This is what ultimately led to my success.

My advice is therefore to take some time for self-care, spend time with your friends and know you are not in this alone, and in spite of everything to not give up! You've got this and your success will taste all the sweeter for all the setbacks you've had to go through!

@Andrei Radu, thank you so very very much. Honestly, I love your approach and, after going for a long walk while listening to some fantastic music, I am almost done with one of my applications.

 

[Andrei Radu]

@Andrei Radu I had a similar doubt for my Bird & Bird application. Their VS application deadline is Dec 19th. However, their open days and office drop-ins are scheduled for the latter half of October. Do you think it would be worth it to wait till after the Open Day? I have previously interacted with the firm at other events (like the Legal Cheek law fairs). At the same time, I don’t want to risk it too much since my VS application last year was rejected for being too late.

I think it is still worth waiting, especially since you will have around a month left afterwards. However, considering the previous rejection, you want to submit the application as early as possible afterwards, perhaps in the first week. As such, I'd advise you to have your online firm research done before the open day and also write an application plan (as to what reasoning and experiences you want to use in each paragraph for each question) and perhaps even a written first draft. That way, you will not need to do as much work after the open day, which should enable to submit it quickly.

 

[sammm10101]

@Andrei Radu I had a similar doubt for my Bird & Bird application. Their VS application deadline is Dec 19th. However, their open days and office drop-ins are scheduled for the latter half of October. Do you think it would be worth it to wait till after the Open Day? I have previously interacted with the firm at other events (like the Legal Cheek law fairs). At the same time, I don’t want to risk it too much since my VS application last year was rejected for being too late.

For what its worth, the Bird & Bird recruiter told me to apply before mid-November for their vac schemes, so as long as you get the application in before then im sure its fine

 

[Andrei Radu]

@Andrei Radu, thank you so very very much. Honestly, I love your approach and, after going for a long walk while listening to some fantastic music, I am almost done with one of my applications.

That's so great to hear @AS24, you got this 💪!!

 

[AS24]

Hiya @Chelsea101

It's great that you're reapplying for a vacation scheme, but to build on what @Jessica Booker said, I'd recommend against submitting the same application you used for the training contract application in July. Even if the firm didn’t review your previous application, updating it shows that you've reflected on your experiences, motivations, and have gained fresh insights since then.

In previous cycles, Jess and several other Community Assistants have emphasised to me the importance of going beyond just updating factual information. For example, for any commercially focussed questions, it’s worth discussing something more recent than what you mentioned in your previous application. The legal industry, particularly commercial law, is dynamic and constantly evolving. Firms want to see that you’re keeping up to date with these changes and understand how current events impact their clients and the sectors they operate in. Using recent developments in your answers not only demonstrates your commercial awareness but also shows your genuine interest in staying informed and engaged.

Similarly, when discussing your motivations for joining the firm or your research into their work, it’s important to refine these points to reflect any new insights or areas of interest. For instance, you might ask yourself what you've learnt about the firm since your last application; have there been any recent developments in their practice areas, deals/cases, or CSR/EDI initiatives that have resonated with you? By reflecting on such questions, you can ensure that your reasons for wanting to join the firm remain current, thoughtful, and tailored to any new information you've gained.

Best of luck!

Hi @Ram Sabaratnam,

To follow up on these fantastic suggestions, can I ask you for additional tips?

Last year I applied to Squire and was invited to a VI. I have changed my answer to why commercial law, but why Squire is slightly similar. Squire distinguishes itself for its 6-seat training contract and I need to write about it; I slightly changed my answer to which practice I am most interested in, but it sounds the same

I am mostly worried about my achievements and skills, I am trying to rewrite my answers, but wondering if I should mention different accomplishments. My answers were so good, that I am actually impressed with myself lol.

 

[Looper88]

Home students I think will generally attend the scheme regardless and perhaps send an email/speak with people in the faculty to explain the situation. For international students, it is a bit more difficult because of the visa requirement of a 20-hour working hours cap during term time. However, sometimes there are ways around this - if you are in this situation, I'm happy to discuss further what options you might have.

Hi there! What sort of options would you advise the latter group?

Would it be possible to waive any renumeration associated with the vac scheme so it is not paid and therefore not ‘work’?

 

[Jessica Booker]

I have been invited to a Taylor Wessing open day, however it is on the 21st October. Do you think I should wait until the open day to submit my vacation scheme application? The only reason I ask is because applications for their vacation schemes are on a rolling basis and are already open

When is the deadline for the vacation scheme?

 

[Trying4aJob]

When is the deadline for the vacation scheme?

Spring 1st Sept - 1st Nov
Summer 1st Oct - 1st Dec

 

[Jessica Booker]

Spring 1st Sept - 1st Nov
Summer 1st Oct - 1st Dec

Definitely lots of time for the summer scheme. For the Spring scheme, I’d just try to get the application 1-3 days after the open day, and try to get most of it drafted and ready to go before the open day, so you only have to make some small amendments with info gained from the open day afterwards.

 

[Shah74k]

@Jessica Booker

Writing a response to Paul, Weiss' open day "Please use this space to explain why you would like to attend the Paul, Weiss Open Day"

Are they expecting a 'why Paul, Weiss' - esque response (my typical response would be research practice areas, mention a deal etc., or other unique things which I find attractive about them) or are they expecting something different.

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker

Writing a response to Paul, Weiss' open day "Please use this space to explain why you would like to attend the Paul, Weiss Open Day"

Are they expecting a 'why Paul, Weiss' - esque response (my typical response would be research practice areas, mention a deal etc., or other unique things which I find attractive about them) or are they expecting something different.

With open days it is more about what you want to learn more about at the open day, rather than what you already know. You need to demonstrate there are elements you are going to gain from attending. You can still demonstrate some research but try to link it more to what you’d hope to learn more about.

 

[kokoprep]

Hi - Does anyone the deadline for when Milbank application closes and is it rollling?

 

[s9111]

Did anyone else find the Ashurst tests ridiculously time-pressured?

 

[pb15]

for a question regarding trends affecting the legal industry, what kind of things would people mention? other than AI/legal tech

 

[Tintin06]

Hi - Does anyone the deadline for when Milbank application closes and is it rollling?

From memory, they are not rolling. It's just opened so not soon.

 

[erderlylars]

Do we get our scores back for Hogan Lovells Watson glazer?

 

[Apple]

Did anyone else find the Ashurst tests ridiculously time-pressured?

I think thats the point, I feel like you really weren't meant to ace any of them. The math one was borderline impossible towards the end.

 

[kokoprep]

From memory, they are not rolling. It's just opened so not soon.

Thank you!

 

[kokoprep]

Does anyone know what is the question on Baker McKenzie Summer Vacation scheme form this year?

 

[s9111]

I think thats the point, I feel like you really weren't meant to ace any of them. The math one was borderline impossible towards the end.

I hope we weren't meant to ace any of them - my feedback report wasn't the most reassuring ha