TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Jessica Booker]

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

It is ultimately never too late all the time applications are open.

If you can apply in the first two thirds of an application window you will be very safe. If you apply 2-3 weeks before a deadline you’ll most likely be safe too.

 

[AS24]

Hey @AS24 , I completely understand the feeling of reaching out and never getting a response back. It’s totally understandable that lawyers are busy. One thing I did was to reach out to future trainees instead. They will likely have more time to get back to you and will be relatively newer in the firms application process.

Wow thank you, I never thought about it. I will make sure to follow your suggestion.

 

[Apple]

For anyone else whose applied to Jones Day, did you sign off at the end of your cover letter? With only 300 words, it seems like a major waste, but I also want it to look proper..

Hi, I didn't and they gave me an interview. The word count is so short so I just jumped straight into my answer.

 

[Apple]

Hey @Apple !

Your question is definitely reasonable and shows that you're thinking about how the firm's work impacts employees on a practical level. However, to avoid the risk of a short or generic response, you could refine it slightly to invite a more thoughtful, detailed answer.

For example:

1. "Given the firm's focus on cross-jurisdictional work, how does that shape your day-to-day responsibilities, particularly in terms of collaboration with international teams or managing clients across different legal systems?"

2. "How do you find cross-jurisdictional work impacts the complexity or variety of your daily tasks, and what skills have you found most useful in navigating this aspect?"

This refinement can prompt a more engaging discussion, showing your interest in the firm's international scope and its practical implications.

Thank you so much, this is so helpful! I'm always worried about asking something dumb at the end haha.

 

[BillSikes]

are we allowed to enquire about our results from the Hogan's WG test?

They give you the results yes.

 

[yeezyee]

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?

 

[0livia.pope]

are we allowed to enquire about our results from the Hogan's WG test?

On the WG invite they wrote: “Your results will remain strictly confidential and will only be seen by our recruitment team. All results will be stored in accordance with the Data Protection Act. We will not be able to inform you of your score following your completion of the test. All candidates will be provided with an update on the status of their application through the course of October-November.”

 

[Amma Usman]

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?

Hey @yeezyee , yes you are right! Definitely change a few elements to show how much you’ve grown in the past year. It is unlikely that firms will check back to your old application to check for growth, but it is still a possibility at interview/AC stage. I believe it is fine if certain elements remain the same, such as your initial drivers to the firm (core practice areas, for example), but generally always switch things up a bit

 

[Uch21]

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]

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.

 

[Jessica Booker]

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.

 

[maymays]

Anyone hear back from Mishcon for their Open Days?

 

[Hana ♥]

Mayer Brown Open Day! things are starting to pick up yayyy

 

[Tcvspfo]

Mayer Brown Open Day! things are starting to pick up yayyy

Congratulations well deserved and know open days are really competitive to get into so think of this as an achievement.

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

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.

 

[Gday33]

For anyone else whose applied to Jones Day, did you sign off at the end of your cover letter? With only 300 words, it seems like a major waste, but I also want it to look proper...

I didn’t as it didn’t need to be addressed to anyone so I assumed all formalities were dispensed with

 

[Gday33]

Hi, I didn't and they gave me an interview. The word count is so short so I just jumped straight into my answer.

How quickly did you hear back after applying? I’ve applied with Spring vac scheme

 

[Gday33]

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

NRF are non-rolling no?

 

[Walon290]

Anyone done a White and Case vacation scheme video interview that has any tips? I just got invited to do the VI for their winter vacation scheme

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

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!