TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Apple]

For VSs recruited on a rolling basis, when is realistically 'too late' before the final deadline for applications to be worth sending off?

Thinking about applying to Dechert WVS today (deadline 25th oct, rolling) but if its already a futile effort then I'll save it for spring.

Thanks

I think its never really futile, i got invited to AC for HL WVS in DECEMEBER, like a week before it starts.

It just becomes increasingly competitive I think, unless you specifically want the WVS date then probs go spring imo.

 

[Bubbles O_O]

I think its never really futile, i got invited to AC for HL WVS in DECEMEBER, like a week before it starts.

It just becomes increasingly competitive I think, unless you specifically want the WVS date then probs go spring imo.

Ok thanks, I appreciate the insight. In what way does it get more competitive? Is that because they start inviting people for assessment centres far in advance of the deadline, and inevitably start giving out offers, thus reducing the pool of places in advance of the 'bulk' of applications come in? I guess the relevant question is whether you or anyone else has got VS offers / AC offers in advance even of the application deadline.

Cheers

 

[lawyersum]

Anyone heard from HL for WVS? (post WG)

 

[Apple]

Ok thanks, I appreciate the insight. In what way does it get more competitive? Is that because they start inviting people for assessment centres far in advance of the deadline, and inevitably start giving out offers, thus reducing the pool of places in advance of the 'bulk' of applications come in? I guess the relevant question is whether you or anyone else has got VS offers / AC offers in advance even of the application deadline.

Cheers

That's just my theory, it might not be the case, Jessica will know more. But its definitely not futile, if its between applying or not, apply.

EDIT: Actually, a recruiter at HL told me as they near the deadline for their schemes the "optional additional information" essentially becomes mandatory to distinguish between applicants. So I suppose it does just become a bit more competitive, as in lots of apps for less spots.

 

[Bubbles O_O]

Ok thanks, I appreciate the insight. In what way does it get more competitive? Is that because they start inviting people for assessment centres far in advance of the deadline, and inevitably start giving out offers, thus reducing the pool of places in advance of the 'bulk' of applications come in? I guess the relevant question is whether you or anyone else has got VS offers / AC offers in advance even of the application deadline.

Cheers

@Jessica Booker

 

[Bubbles O_O]

That's just my theory, it might not be the case, Jessica will know more. But its definitely not futile, if its between applying or not, apply.

EDIT: Actually, a recruiter at HL told me as they near the deadline for their schemes the "optional additional information" essentially becomes mandatory to distinguish between applicants. So I suppose it does just become a bit more competitive, as in lots of apps for less spots.

Thanks, appreciate the responses

 

[Catherine25]

For those who have already applied for Dechert WVS, how long did it take for you to hear back about the written test?

 

[NCTC2025]

Anyone heard back from HL Liftoff?

 

[safari3]

How long have people typically waited to receive the WG for HL WVS?

 

[AlarmedBookkeeper448]

Anyone heard back from HL Liftoff?

Is the WG automatic?

 

[THE GOAT]

Sidley offer! First ever application wow- i’m in shock. Thanks everyone and the TCLA team for all the help!

 

[seaweed.bond]

Sidley offer! First ever application wow- i’m in shock. Thanks everyone and the TCLA team for all the help!

One's name is truly reflective of one's abilities

 

[lawyersum]

How long have people typically waited to receive the WG for HL WVS?

I sent my application on Friday 4 Oct and received the WG on Monday (7 Oct) afternoon

 

[VMS]

A&O PFO just now. Applied 16.09

Me too. Best of luck on your other applications!

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi there! I'm applying for a host of vac schemes, open days, training contracts etc as a non-law grad starting my conversion in January. I did a small vac scheme for a boutique firm over summer and I don't know whether its better to apply straight for training contracts or to vac schemes? Any advice would be amazing, thanks!!

Hi @LawLawLawLawLaw! The short answer is that you should still apply mostly for vacation schemes. This is is what I advised even candidates who had more than one prior VS at large firms and/or many other legal work experiences. The reason is that the vast majority of firms either (i) recruit solely through the VS track, or (ii) have a strong preference for recruiting solely through the VS track. Notwithstanding how impressive your performance may be, it will be exponentially more difficult to convince a firm to make a substantial investment into you in the form of a TC offer after only meeting you for the day of the AC. I have actually heard some horror stories of candidates who seemed brilliantly gifted in their interviews but were unable to function in an office setting in the VS at all. That is why firms have increasingly looked to assess applicants on more than their CV and interview performance, by looking holistically as to how well they fit in their teams. As such, even if a firm has a direct TC track, I would encourage you to apply for a VS unless one of the caveats bellow apply:

• The firm is one of the few that is know to recruit a very substantial part of their trainee cohort from the direct TC route;
• You would not be able to apply to the VS on time, but because its deadline is later in the year you would have time to submit a direct TC application;
• Visa working restrictions for the VS period ;
• Other reasons why you will generally be unavailable to work in the VS period;

 

[BonanzaBih_]

Has anyone heard from NFR more recently, like within the last day or two

 

[TrainingContract2024]

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

90%+ of your CV will not be tailored to the firm as it should just show the best evidence of your experiences to date.

However, the 10% that can be tailored can be done by:

• Prioritising content that is more focused on elements that align to the firm's work - e.g. if you did a vacation scheme where you worked in both private client and litigation departments, it would make sense to prioritise the litigation bullet points over the private client ones in your CV (literally putting them first)
• Thinking about highlighting the skills the firm is looking for. For instance, Freshfields say they look for "determination, enthusiasm, time management, flexibility, attention to detail, an interest in business, willingness to work as a team, and resilience". If it was me, I'd try to make references to time management, attention to detail and team working in my CV.

Thank you so much Jessica!

 

[TrainingContract2024]

Did anyone hear for W&C's Winter Vac Scheme VI or the next stage today? Thank you!

 

[Tintin06]

Anything from Covington & Burling yet?

 

[SAlegal]

if anyone has done the DLA VI pls pm me