TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Andrei Radu]

Hi, could use with some advice in terms of grades for a non-law graduate. To sum up - I'm a STEM oxbridge grad applying for Open Days/ VS etc. Graduated with 2.1 overall (integrated masters) but quite a few of my module grades in my second year and finals are in the 2.2s and one is quite bad - 31 percent (thought still technically a pass). The rest of my timed exams are low 2.1s but my non-timed modules e.g. my masters project are much better - high firsts (hence why I managed to get the 2.1 overall). Just wondering how much this may disadvantage me for city law firms? thanks for your help

Hi @lawadvice_23, I think you should not worry to much. As @fingersarecrossed said, the fact that you went to Oxbridge and got an overall 2.1 means most firms will not care too much about some of your lower individual module grades. Maybe just keep an eye out for the few firms that are known to place a lot of emphasis on grades (some will say they expect a 'high/strong 2.1' on their careers websites) and ensure you are not prioritizing those excessively. Otherwise, I think you should just focus on writing as many good applications as you can without being concerned about this.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Perhaps a silly question, but if lawyers are involved in advising a client and the client ends up settling without going to court, is it properly called a "case"? or is "deal" better

Matter is a broader term that would cover this, or as @Andrei Radu has suggested dispute would work as it is not a case until it goes to court.

 

[TheInevitableTCholder2024/25🙏]

Does anyone know the Wilkie Insight Day question?

 

[Shah74k]

Anyone hear back from A&O Shearman - not sure to expect a PFO or if no news is good news

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Hey @AGRACHEL, last I took the test a while back, it was games-based!

Thank you!

 

[Tsitsipas10S]

I have received an invite to AC with NRF. They've asked for my A-level certificates before the assessment day, but I received them in 2016, and cannot locate them.

In terms of next steps, should I just explain that I can contact the exam boards but will need more time to receive the certificates while sending over my uni transcripts?

 

[Tsitsipas10S]

Congratulations! When did you complete the assessments?

I completed them on 2 Oct.

 

[m12]

I have received an invite to AC with NRF. They've asked for my A-level certificates before the assessment day, but I received them in 2016, and cannot locate them.

In terms of next steps, should I just explain that I can contact the exam boards but will need more time to receive the certificates while sending over my uni transcripts?

Hi! Massive congrats when did you do your arctic shores? And had the firm communicated with you in between at all? Thanks

 

[asplawyer100]

Since some people here have had HSF AC invites already, are we assuming that anyone who hasn’t is PFO? Or does HSF send out invites in batches?

 

[Tsitsipas10S]

Hi! Massive congrats when did you do your arctic shores? And had the firm communicated with you in between at all? Thanks

Hello - thanks! I did Arctic Shores around 10 days ago, and since then had to do a video interview.

 

[erderlylars]

Is anyone waiting to hear back post arctic shores for NRF?

 

[Tintin06]

Holding myself accountable (two more rejections):

CC* ✅📝
HSF ✅📝❌
NRF ✅📝❌
Weil ✅
Akin ✅
Sidley ✅
Willkie ✅🎥
Cooley ✅
Latham ✅
Milbank ✅
Kirkland ✅
Skadden ✅
Goodwin ✅
Covington ✅
Linklaters* ✅📝
Paul, Weiss ✅
Slaughters* ✅❌
Gibson Dunn ✅
Macfarlanes* ✅📝
White & Case ✅
Hogan Lovells* ✅
Cleary Gottlieb ✅
A&O Shearman ✅📝❌
Vinson & Elkins ✅
King & Spalding* ✅

Key: ✅ = application submitted; 📝 = test received; 🎥 = video interview; ❌ = rejection.

*Training Contract applications

I only do well without tests. SJTs I'm OK at nowadays though. I just don't like Watson Glasers. Still, if a firm isn't actually reviewing your application, do you really want to work there? That's how I justify not passing the Watson Glaser anyway.

 

[Jessica Booker]

I have received an invite to AC with NRF. They've asked for my A-level certificates before the assessment day, but I received them in 2016, and cannot locate them.

In terms of next steps, should I just explain that I can contact the exam boards but will need more time to receive the certificates while sending over my uni transcripts?

Do you have any formal documents from your school (eg an email or letter) that confirmed your grades? If so, you could also include something like this while you get the exam board to replace your certificates.

 

[m12]

@Jessica Booker hi Jessica! how much do law firms value a high2.1 - in the event I’ve got very strong a levels & gcses (straight A*) and an overall higher end 2.1 around 66/67 from a Russell group uni but I’ve got a few 2.2s from 1st year and lower end 2.1 for 2nd year - Does this put me at a disadvantage if my uni grades aren’t as strong despite my a-levels, however I showed consistent improvement?

 

[kokoprep]

Have you got an interview? They gave me 4 slots to choose from, my interview was 4 days after the email inviting me.

Hey - was it online?

 

[TrainingContract2024]

Yes

Thank you Jessica

 

[TrainingContract2024]

does Freshfields' Graduate Workshop require us to submit a CV? thank you!

 

[lawyersum]

does Freshfields' Graduate Workshop require us to submit a CV? thank you!

Yes it does

 

[TrainingContract2024]

Yes it does

Thank you so much! Any tips on how I can present my CV so that it is more tailored to the firm? @Jessica Booker could you pls provide guidance, thank you in advance.

 

[lawyersum]

Thank you so much! Any tips on how I can present my CV so that it is more tailored to the firm?

You're welcome! I'm by no means an expert but the application also requires you to give a 400 word personal statement, so that would ideally be the best chance for you to take some of your experiences/skills and tailor them to the firm. I'm sure @Jessica Booker could provide some more accurate advice