TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

IneedaTCASAP

Legendary Member
Oct 14, 2024
203
380
Anyone still waiting to hear back for Paul, Weiss Oct Open Day? Assuming it’s a rejection, but they first said 'everyone' would hear back by Monday, then Tuesday, and I'm still waiting! Just send me the rejection already, I'm feeling left out haha
Rejection received yesterday for the October Open day only. I have applied to multiple.
 

B2025

Esteemed Member
Premium Member
Jun 28, 2024
79
190
Anyone know if OC is more competitive for London or Bristol. They recruit more trainees in Bristol than London so was just wondering are they more competitive in Bristol. If anyone has applied for them in previous cycles feel free to provide guidance on their application process it will be appreciated.
 

asplawyer100

Star Member
Feb 13, 2024
41
31
Anyone know if OC is more competitive for London or Bristol. They recruit more trainees in Bristol than London so was just wondering are they more competitive in Bristol. If anyone has applied for them in previous cycles feel free to provide guidance on their application process it will be appreciated.
Whilst I don't know the exact statistics on number of applications vs number of trainees in each location, I believe (from anecdotal experience) that more and more people are applying to their London vac schemes / TC's, meanwhile they recruit a very small number of trainees into London. I would assume Bristol is less competitive given more places and Bristol being more of a niche legal market in comparison to London.
 
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Reactions: B2025

Aspiringsolicitor01

Esteemed Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Jan 6, 2024
75
106
Has anyone received online tests from Osborne Clarke? If so how long did it take after submitting your app? It’s been nearly a week since i submitted my app and it’s supposed to be automatic that you receive the tests.
Ah never mind. I just got an email from them saying there’s a technical problem at their test provider.
 

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
14,505
20,199
Anyone know if OC is more competitive for London or Bristol. They recruit more trainees in Bristol than London so was just wondering are they more competitive in Bristol. If anyone has applied for them in previous cycles feel free to provide guidance on their application process it will be appreciated.
I wouldn't worry about competitiveness levels and instead apply to the office you want a long term career in. The firm will be very used to people trying to game the system and thinking one location is more competitive than the other (this happens for lots of firms with offices across the UK) and they are pretty good at spotting people who do this and ensure they assess choice of location in the recruitment process.
 

Tintin06

Legendary Member
Oct 23, 2019
580
1,326
Holding myself accountable (one more application):

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
Arnold & Porter
King & Spalding* ✅

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

*Training Contract applications
 

LawyerUpPal

Distinguished Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Jan 9, 2023
57
202
Had the White and Case VI about a week ago now, no response since then. Haven’t heard back from the other two, but I’ve seen some people mentioning Links AC invites this week.
I am still waiting on them for WVS. Not sure what to think at this point :/
Yup AC invite last week for next week
 

tarty23

Well-Known Member
Oct 10, 2024
22
22
when applying to firms that excel in multiple practice areas, is it a good idea to zoom in on one as a reason for why you are applying? I.e. with a small word count e.g 300 is it better to go more in depth on one area or try and write a more holistic answer?
 

Tintin06

Legendary Member
Oct 23, 2019
580
1,326
when applying to firms that excel in multiple practice areas, is it a good idea to zoom in on one as a reason for why you are applying? I.e. with a small word count e.g 300 is it better to go more in depth on one area or try and write a more holistic answer?
I get the sense two helps. You might not sit in one. Similarly, you've got to do several.
 

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
14,505
20,199
when applying to firms that excel in multiple practice areas, is it a good idea to zoom in on one as a reason for why you are applying? I.e. with a small word count e.g 300 is it better to go more in depth on one area or try and write a more holistic answer?
I don't think there is a right or wrong answer here as it is dependent on how it fits into other aspects of your application. For instance, if you have lots of evidence of an interest in a practice area elsewhere (work experience, academics, dissertation topic etc), you could potentially afford to be more focused on another area in why you are applying rather than needing the emphasis the interest in the area you have had a lot of exposure to once again.

Generally, I expect full-service firms to want people who are open-minded to the areas they work in and may qualify into though. You really only want to show a specialist/focused set of motivations to firms who are themselves specialised in that area.
 

B2025

Esteemed Member
Premium Member
Jun 28, 2024
79
190
I wouldn't worry about competitiveness levels and instead apply to the office you want a long term career in. The firm will be very used to people trying to game the system and thinking one location is more competitive than the other (this happens for lots of firms with offices across the UK) and they are pretty good at spotting people who do this and ensure they assess choice of location in the recruitment process.
Thank you and was just wondering in general as am thinking of applying for London but was just curious as they have a big presence in Bristol. Some firms receive more application for regional offices.
 

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