TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Uch21

Well-Known Member
Jan 25, 2024
23
11
Hi @Jessica Booker. I am currently a third-year law student and I had a high 2:1 in first year (69%) and a 2:2 in second year (55%) with mitigating circumstances (bereavement). I was wondering whether I should wait till I graduate to apply as I want to apply to mostly silver circle firms or if they will consider my experiences more than my grades (I have several transferrable experiences). I am also an international student so I am worried about the time limit I have left in the country. Thanks
 

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
14,648
20,342
How should I go about reapplying to firms I've applied to in the past semi-successfully? i.e. reached the video interview/test stage for them. I feel hesitant about fundamentally changing elements of my application because they were successful with the firm previously, but at the same time fear that repetition would mean = not showing growth and would lead to a rejection. any tips?
Always update and refine your application. You cannot assume because an application was successful last time, it will be again. It does not mean you have to change everything - things like your work experience descriptions are likely to be the same. But you need to demonstrate growth and development since your last application and updating and refining your application to demonstrate that is necessary to demonstrate that.
 
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Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
14,648
20,342
Hi @Jessica Booker. I am currently a third-year law student and I had a high 2:1 in first year (69%) and a 2:2 in second year (55%) with mitigating circumstances (bereavement). I was wondering whether I should wait till I graduate to apply as I want to apply to mostly silver circle firms or if they will consider my experiences more than my grades (I have several transferrable experiences). I am also an international student so I am worried about the time limit I have left in the country. Thanks
Although mitigating circumstances can be considered, I would personally suggest waiting until you have your final year grades before applying. Getting your grades back up to first year level will verify there were mitigating circumstances as it can be seen there was a blip in performance.

However, for firms that allow you to apply multiple times in a year/recruitment cycle or do not have a 12 month wait between applications rule, you may want to consider applying to them anyway for earlier programmes rather than waiting for the summer or next year’s cycle, as you could potentially apply to both earlier opportunities and those that will be open when you have your results.
 
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Aspiringsolicitor01

Esteemed Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Jan 6, 2024
98
134
So I got a message from HSF saying I’ve passed the online test but that I won’t hear whether I’m through to the next stage until after the application deadline. Anyone else in the same boat?

Seems a little harsh to give us hope by sending through the test only to say it might not matter anyway.
 

3000to1shoteverytime

Valued Member
Dec 9, 2023
120
133
So I got a message from HSF saying I’ve passed the online test but that I won’t hear whether I’m through to the next stage until after the application deadline. Anyone else in the same boat?

Seems a little harsh to give us hope by sending through the test only to say it might not matter anyway.
But still better than getting the you didn't meet the test benchmark score, so count it as a still in it to win it!
 

Tintin06

Legendary Member
Oct 23, 2019
655
1,481
Holding myself accountable - one new app:

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

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

*Training Contract applications
 
Last edited:

bella98

Legendary Member
  • Mar 9, 2023
    280
    1,005
    Holding myself accountable - one new app:

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

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

    *Training Contract applications
    Ohh you're unstoppable! I'm rooting for you🏆
     

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