TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Jessica Booker]

After one purely motivational question, Addleshaw Goddard has the additional question: "Use this space to tell us about any mitigating circumstances that you might have or any other information about you that might be relevant to your application.". Besides mitigating circumstances, is it common/does it make sense to use this section as a "Why me?" section, for example detailing skills and positions of responsibility? Or should I simply leave it blank if I don't have any mitigating circumstances? (If I had to guess, I would assume that it was intended to be only about information akin to mitigating circumstances, but I can't be sure.)

If the application form has “why me” and —a “extra curricular” section it is important of not just use this question as an opportunity to carry over details that could have been included elsewhere. Generally, I would only recommend adding any details in this section that you feel are important context to your application but that you don’t have the ability to provide elsewhere (eg you have not been asked the question/given the opportunity to explain).

 

[Jessica Booker]

Guys is this true or is this what they usually say as a PFO?

I would take that as encouragement to reapply. I doubt they send that to all applicants.

 

[Jessica Booker]

For writing a memo, if I'm trying to address multiple separate topics is it appropriate to use numbered bullet points in the executive summary to summarise each key topic. Also, when addressing each topic in depth is it appropriate to use numbered points again, or should I be writing in full prose?

Sorry for what is probably a dumb question, but I've looked online and I'm struggling to see a consistent approach that I can be confident in going into my AC.

I’d stress there is not a consistent approach to this.

You will need to weigh up presenting the information in the clearest, most structured and concise way, and there could be many different approaches that achieve that.

 

[Jessica Booker]

How should I be writing the work experience bit in applications. Should I just be writing what I did?

Focus on key responsibilities (you rarely have to list everything you have done) and any specific outcomes/success generated from those responsibilities.

 

[Popsmoke]

Anyone heard from Ashurst post written assessment ?

 

[bibss]

Anyone knows if the Cleary Winter scheme runs for 1 or 2 weeks?

 

[Tintin06]

Guys is this true or is this what they usually say as a PFO?

I got White & Case VI and AC without any Open Day - they're not essential, but they are nice to do, and some of them are still open for applications such as Cooley and W&C. Chin up and keep plugging away at it. Something will come up.

 

[lolasparks]

Anyone completed the Latham and Watkins online test?

 

[Brandon93]

Hi everyone, just a quick question about 'best friends' network. Say, for example, Macfarlanes regularly collaborates with Latham in the US. Is it that Macfarlanes is limited to working with Latham in the US or can they chose any firm they want to partner with based on the type of work?

 

[Amehta1]

HSF rejection :/ so far only rejections losing hope again

Hey, was this after AC?

 

[yeezyee]

For career changers/older applicants with more experience. How far back are you going with work experience? Is the past five years sufficient or do I go further back!?

 

[Tsitsipas10S]

If anyone could help with this, I'd be very grateful - if one SC firm recruits solely from its vacation scheme, and another has 50-100% from direct applications (and the rest through the vacation scheme), would my chances be higher of being offered a TC after a vacation scheme from the firm that recruits solely through its vacation scheme?

They have a similar number of TCs on offer.

Thanks!

 

[gazdgazd11]

Hey, was this after AC?

No, passing the SJT and application only

 

[cjwx]

Did anyone else apply for the Eversheds Sutherland open day? I applied but did not receive an email confirmation. There was no test or anything.

 

[Jessica Booker]

For career changers/older applicants with more experience. How far back are you going with work experience? Is the past five years sufficient or do I go further back!?

You can use your discretion with this as to what you think is appropriate but generally I would provide as many entries as possible even if it is going back some time.

For instance, I probably wouldn’t list all my part time jobs separately I did from 14-21 but I would list out the ski season I worked at the age of 18 because it was a full time role and for a period of time I was out of education.

 

[l789]

You can use your discretion with this as to what you think is appropriate but generally I would provide as many entries as possible even if it is going back some time.

For instance, I probably wouldn’t list all my part time jobs separately I did from 14-21 but I would list out the ski season I worked at the age of 18 because it was a full time role and for a period of time I was out of education.

Is 10 or more work experience entries too much. Idk if graduate recruitment would become a bit restless with reading so many 200 - 250word entries. On top of their application questions ?

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Does Latham give a feedback report after doing the test and video interview I have completed it no feedback report as of yet.

 

[Anastasia Eliades]

hey hey did everyone hear back from the ashurst post written exam?

 

[member7830]

does anyone have advice on what to wear to an in person open day? would you say full suit with blazer? or are formal trousers with a v neck jumper enough

 

[Jessica Booker]

Is 10 or more work experience entries too much. Idk if graduate recruitment would become a bit restless with reading so many 200 - 250word entries. On top of their application questions ?

Most likely yes - you don't always have to write 250 words though, and especially if there are older entries that are effectively superseeded my more recent ones.