TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[RonRod13]

PM me if you want to discuss Dechert Written Exercise

 

[LawyerUpPal]

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[Tcvspfo]

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.

 

[Tcvspfo]

He shoots and scores and gets DLA VI.

 

[yasmars]

Any updates from Simmons post test?

 

[asplawyer100]

Any updates from Simmons post test?

If this is for the WVS I believe they've already held their AC's

 

[yasmars]

If this is for the WVS I believe they've already held their AC's

Oh that’s a shame, considering I just submitted my application on Friday and the deadline is the 25th of Oct

 

[asplawyer100]

Oh that’s a shame, considering I just submitted my application on Friday and the deadline is the 25th of Oct

I'm not sure if they will be holding more but some people on here have definitely already done AC's for the WVS either last week or the week before. This is a firm which recruits on a rolling basis so its possible (although I cannot say whether this is actually the case) that they have already filled up the vac scheme.

 

[Bread]

Hello! I have my first AC ever tomorrow and I was wondering whether there were any resources/forums (preferably for free) that could offer some insight into the Dos and Donts of ACs! Also, if anyone has some advice that they'd be willing to share, I would really appreciate it x

 

[Asda123]

I'm not sure if they will be holding more but some people on here have definitely already done AC's for the WVS either last week or the week before. This is a firm which recruits on a rolling basis so its possible (although I cannot say whether this is actually the case) that they have already filled up the vac scheme.

They have held some ACs but there are more to come

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

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.

Hi @Aspiringsolicitor01

If it’s been nearly a week and you haven’t received the online test link yet, I’d recommend reaching out to the graduate recruitment team. It’s a good idea to let them know that you’ve submitted your application and haven’t received the link, just in case there’s been a technical glitch or delay.

Best of luck with your application!

 

[TC seeker]

Do we need to submit a cover letter for DLA Piper?

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

The Covington application asks:

Why would you like to pursue a career as a solicitor at Covington, and how do you see yourself contributing to the firm’s success? 300 words

Is it okay to break down my answer by first answering why commercial law, then why Covington, and how I see myself contributing to the firm’s success?

Do my reasons for commercial law need to be explicitly tied to Covington throughout the answer, or can I answer it part by part?

Any tips would be super appreciated!!

Hiya @KSV


So great you're applying to Covington - they're a great firm 🥳

While it wouldn't necessarily be wrong to include a section on why you want to pursue commercial law, I’d recommend focusing directly on the question: why Covington, and how you see yourself contributing to the firm’s success. You can still show your commercial awareness by discussing Covington’s specific work and the commercial or legal impact it has in areas you’re interested in.

By addressing the question head-on, you’ll be able to make better use of the word count to highlight your knowledge of the firm. For example, you could mention particular cases, deals, or practice areas that resonate with you and explain why you find them interesting or significant. This will also give you the chance to do what the question is asking you to do - show how your skills, experiences, and interests align with the firm’s work and culture.

Rather than try to give an answer to why commercial law in this question, you can incorporate your understanding of Covington's clients, sectoral expertise, and market position to demonstrate your commerciality. It’s about weaving that insight into your reasons for wanting to join Covington specifically.

Hope this helps, and best of luck with your application!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Do we need to submit a cover letter for DLA Piper?

Hiya @TC seeker

From previous experience and the firm's website, I don't think you will need to submit a cover letter. They mention this here in the FAQ section. Best of luck with the application!

 

[ayiiii05]

4/5 firms i've applied to have already given out ACs and i've heard nothing! that's so great for me yay massive sigh

 

[legalxp2]

has anyone heard back from skadden?

correct me if I'm wrong but are they not non-rolling?

 

[VMS]

correct me if I'm wrong but are they not non-rolling?

I think they mean the first Open Day, for which the apps have closed.