TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Ram Sabaratnam]

For those with middling grades (low- to mid-2:1s at uni), which kind of firms are you applying to? I want to know if I'm being realistic or not!

Hiya @PoliLegal

Just wanted to add to what both @Apple and @lawstudent2002 have brilliantly mentioned. Overall, I always recommend that candidates apply to a range of firms. This isn't just because some might have stricter grade cut-offs (in practice, I've found that many are actually more flexible and forgiving about grades). It's also because applying to a range will allow you to get a better sense of what sort of work and firm appeals to you.

Second, keep in mind that grades are only one part of your overall application, and firms will be looking at the whole picture. Your work experience, extracurriculars, and the quality of your responses to application questions can all make a significant impact. Often, these factors can matter just as much, if not mor, than grades. Strong, well-rounded applications that show commitment, maturity, and genuine reflection about the profession are what firms want to see.

 

[Amehta1]

Same here! Can I ask when your A/C was? Mine was last week : P

Same mine was last week Wednesday. What about you?

 

[Legalgirl]

Same mine was last week Wednesday. What about you?

Mine was on Thursday! Hope we get some news soon, the waiting is killing me lol

 

[Andrei Radu]

@Andrei Radu @Jessica Booker

I would appreciate any advice on how to best approach the following questions - thank you! 😊

1. If you could choose a career other than law, what would you choose? (250 max)

2. Tell us about your interests and inspirations outside of education/work. (250 max)

Just to add to @Ram Sabaratnam's great response:

1. I agree with Ram here that you can choose any alternative career path to discuss as long as you can provide a convincing analysis of your motivation. However, I also think that, all other things being equal, you want your fundamental motivations for the alternative career path to overlap as much as possible with plausible motivations for choosing to pursue a career in law. The reason is that if there is no or only minimal overlap, this might lead some recruiters to doubt the coherence of your career-selection criteria when you decided to work in the legal field. At the very least, you want to provide motivations for an alternative career that will not directly contradict plausible motivations for working in commercial law. For instance, while of course you could discuss an alternative career path as an academic, I think it would be a mistake to cite a desire to work independently on long-term projects as a motivation - as in commercial law you will always have to collaborate with others in an environment that is also 'fast-paced'.

I would therefore say that if you can talk about a career path that has many overlaps with law that would be ideal, as it will be easier to find common motivations for both. Examples that come to mind include investment banking and consulting, as just like Big Law they involve (1) advisory work for varied clients in varied industries and (2) a focus on the world of large international business.

2. I completely agree with Ram's response here. The only thing I will add is to be exceptionally focused on the clarity and structure of your answer here. In the past recruiters have told me that the main point of this question is to test your ability to effectively convey comprehensive information accurately to an audience with no background in the relevant subject matter - as this is a task lawyers commonly have to undertake when explaining legal matters to business clients.

 

[Tsitsipas10S]

Applied for Linklaters WVS at the end of Sept. Should I assume PFO?

 

[bibss]

Last minute Cleary app is in 🤣

 

[sammm10101]

bird & bird app submitted aaaaaaaaaa

 

[KBanana]

Just to add to @Ram Sabaratnam's great response:

1. I agree with Ram here that you can choose any alternative career path to discuss as long as you can provide a convincing analysis of your motivation. However, I also think that, all other things being equal, you want your fundamental motivations for the alternative career path to overlap as much as possible with plausible motivations for choosing to pursue a career in law. The reason is that if there is no or only minimal overlap, this might lead some recruiters to doubt the coherence of your career-selection criteria when you decided to work in the legal field. At the very least, you want to provide motivations for an alternative career that will not directly contradict plausible motivations for working in commercial law. For instance, while of course you could discuss an alternative career path as an academic, I think it would be a mistake to cite a desire to work independently on long-term projects as a motivation - as in commercial law you will always have to collaborate with others in an environment that is also 'fast-paced'.

I would therefore say that if you can talk about a career path that has many overlaps with law that would be ideal, as it will be easier to find common motivations for both. Examples that come to mind include investment banking and consulting, as just like Big Law they involve (1) advisory work for varied clients in varied industries and (2) a focus on the world of large international business.

2. I completely agree with Ram's response here. The only thing I will add is to be exceptionally focused on the clarity and structure of your answer here. In the past recruiters have told me that the main point of this question is to test your ability to effectively convey comprehensive information accurately to an audience with no background in the relevant subject matter - as this is a task lawyers commonly have to undertake when explaining legal matters to business clients.

Thank you very much @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu ! 😊

@Andrei Radu - do you recommend using headings for this question then, or would that be too much? Or would you recommend approaching this like the standard 'Please give details of your extra-curricular activities...' question (i.e., to list as many different experiences as possible to show that you are a well-rounded individual)?

Thanks!

 

[member7830]

any advice for first round jones day interview?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi all,

I have an AC coming up that has a situational interview. Does anyone have any resources that I can use to help me prepare?

Moreover, @Jessica Booker if successful for the TC post a WVS (and assuming I get an offer before the end of December), has it been seen that a firm enrolls its future trainees on a PGDL course that January (a months after the scheme finishes) and then the SQE for a September 2026 start date? For context, the firm uses BPP as their course provider and their PGDL course is 8 months long.

Unsure if thats too tight a turnaround for candidates. Would be great to get any other insights!

The timings for the GDL and SQE are unlikely where the intakes firms recruit for are typically 24-30 months ahead and so the GDL could be started in September and then SQE the following September.

 

[tdbaby]

passed the benchmark for DLA VI

hey! can i ask how soon after completing the VI did they get back to you

 

[Gg2001]

For those with middling grades (low- to mid-2:1s at uni), which kind of firms are you applying to? I want to know if I'm being realistic or not!

I got a low 2:1, 60%, I am only applying to firms that have no academic requirements. I applied to 2:1 firms for winter vacation scheme and realised attending recruitment events they want mid 2:1, 64-65ish at least when they talk about 2:1, so my application was rejected on my grades as I passed the test. If you have mid 2:1 it’s fine. Attend grad rec events for the firms you want to apply to, as some firms are more open/close minded than others but they wont state that on the website, you have to dig out the information from them.

 

[TrainingContract2024]

I got a low 2:1, 60%, I am only applying to firms that have no academic requirements. I applied to 2:1 firms for winter vacation scheme and realised attending recruitment events they want mid 2:1, 64-65ish at least when they talk about 2:1, so my application was rejected on my grades as I passed the test. If you have mid 2:1 it’s fine. Attend grad rec events for the firms you want to apply to, as some firms are more open/close minded than others but they wont state that on the website, you have to dig out the information from them.

If you don't mind me asking, what are the firms which have no academic requirements? Thank you.

 

[HelpAStudentOut]

Sorry to ask again - does anyone know how quickly White and Case get back to applications post - AC? Had mine on Friday morning, wondering if I will hear this week

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

If you don't mind me asking, what are the firms which have no academic requirements? Thank you.

Application and selection criteria - Chambers Student Guide

The student’s guide to careers in the law. Gives the truth about law firms and the Bar. Based on thousands of interviews with trainees, pupils and market sources, this site offers the full package of careers advice to anyone entering the legal profession.

www.chambersstudent.co.uk

 

[theonecompetant]

Hi all.
Would GR think it's a red flag if the work experience section shows gaps between employment (as a recent graduate and working as a paralegal)?
Given the difficult employment market, would this be something they'd expect, or would it make them second-guess our applications?-- gaps of 2/3 months-ish. Thanks.

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Some people have been invited to interview at Dechert

Well I hope that wasn't all haha :')

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi all.
Would GR think it's a red flag if the work experience section shows gaps between employment (as a recent graduate and working as a paralegal)?
Given the difficult employment market, would this be something they'd expect, or would it make them second-guess our applications?-- gaps of 2/3 months-ish. Thanks.

No - gaps of 2-3 months are not an issue, especially if you are coming out of university

 

[Bread]

Any advice on how to succeed on a VS with a low TC retention? Like how do I stick out, how can I produce good quality work, etc
Any advice appreciated Ty!

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Any advice on how to succeed on a VS with a low TC retention? Like how do I stick out, how can I produce good quality work, etc
Any advice appreciated Ty!

Don’t stick out. Do the work given to you build a rapport with your team, come in early greet them ask them how they’re doing. Do not be overbearing. You do good work but listening to their instructions and asking for clarification if you do not understand. Establish your supervisors method of communication is it teams, email or in person chats, check in with updates on your work. Don’t be afraid to ask for help get it right by asking than wrong and alone.

You need to fit in to the firm and be a team player. Do your work, chat to the others, meet others in teams you’re not sat in if they interest you and go home. Don’t think into it too much. Read your initial application and brush up on any facts you stated. Do not do work at home just relax or brush up on your commercial awareness/reading your initial application.

You’re there now and you’re seen as a potential trainee in their eyes be you and get that TC.