TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[studentdelaw786]

Is it just me or are Davis Polk absolutely not interested in hiring graduates (VS/TC)? Zero mention of "graduate" on their website or recruitment brochure, and having had a quick look on LinkedIn it seems all future trainees/trainees were offered TCs whilst being students.

I am a graduate, but despite all these red flags I feel tempted to apply (as I'm really interested in corp fin and the style of the firm). Please can someone with insight or knowledge of the matter advise. Is it worth applying in my situation/as a graduate?

Looping in @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu

I spoke to Grad Rec at the Legal Cheek Law Fair, who confirmed that grads can apply for the Insight Days (closing on 12th November). I’ve drafted my application for them, you have nothing to lose by applying.

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

Has anyone taken the Deloitte test, and if so, does it include a VI component?

I have and it does yes.

 

[F a v o u r]

My university is holding an exclusive open day with a firm. And a few dinners with others. We have to apply through our law society but they are corrupt and take all the places for themselves and their friends.

Besides this would a firm be taking notes of students and looking out for their application if they showed good prospect at these events. I am keen to attend but uncertain as to whether I should leave it and apply for standard open days and vacation schemes.

@Jessica Booker any advice

Are you at Warwick by any chance? No shade to them but I completely relate😂

 

[F a v o u r]

Has anyone taken the Deloitte test, and if so, does it include a VI component?

The job simulation assessment includes a VI component

 

[helloj]

Sidley Austin Winter Interview - I was sure it was a rejection!

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Are you at Warwick by any chance? No shade to them but I completely relate😂

No I’m not, it’s sad to see other universities go through the same thing. Most of the exec are non law coasting away with their English and History degrees. As I rough it with law.

 

[Victor87]

Has anyone that did their W&C VI on the 14th or later received an AC invite or PFO?

 

[OrangeCherry1800]

Anything from A&O post AC?

 

[LexNavigator]

Has anyone that did their W&C VI on the 14th or later received an AC invite or PFO?

Did my W&C VI a week ago, nothing yet

 

[CN04]

any advice for first round jones day interview?

Don't know if you've done it yet but it was (like everyone else will say) very conversational. I think it's best to just go through your CV and really reflect on what you got from each experience.

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

The job simulation assessment includes a VI component

Thank you!

 

[gimmeavacschemepls]

Has anyone that did their W&C VI on the 14th or later received an AC invite or PFO?

They are still sending VI invites out so I assume they are probably in the process of arranging the next AC's, not 100% sure though.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Thanks @Jessica Booker

Do you advise I email grad rec?

I don’t see the harm in doing so to get clarity on this.

 

[Jessica Booker]

My university is holding an exclusive open day with a firm. And a few dinners with others. We have to apply through our law society but they are corrupt and take all the places for themselves and their friends.

Besides this would a firm be taking notes of students and looking out for their application if they showed good prospect at these events. I am keen to attend but uncertain as to whether I should leave it and apply for standard open days and vacation schemes.

@Jessica Booker any advice

I recommend going to these events if you can but it’s not an issue if you don’t attend.

There maybe a system where you effectively get a “star” flag for attending events like this (but you can get them via law fairs too) but I wouldn’t say they take notes on how you “performed” at a dinner. It would be no more than “keep an eye out for this candidate’s application”. But that won’t influence the decision on your application.

 

[Deleted member 37508]

I recommend going to these events if you can but it’s not an issue if you don’t attend.

There maybe a system where you effectively get a “star” flag for attending events like this (but you can get them via law fairs too) but I wouldn’t say they take notes on how you “performed” at a dinner. It would be no more than “keep an eye out for this candidate’s application”. But that won’t influence the decision on your application.

This specific firm that is hosting the open day has rejected me twice in the past month for their own open day. Is it a bad idea to apply for this as well. This application is done via the firm and not the society.

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Has anyone heard from Linklaters and Weil for their open days. Links closed 2 weeks ago and my application is on hold not sure what that means.

 

[PoliLegal]

I wish I had someone with a similar experience at the start who would have reassured me and pushed me to apply where I truly want to be. Only now, in my 2nd cycle, have I found this confidence to apply at top firms.

Personal Context:
A levels: ABB - average state school in the midlands.

UG in History at Warwick: 14 modules in total. 2 were graded 2:2 (in final yr) and 1 graded 46 in 1st year. However, the 46 was a result of handing in the wrong essay, the OG mod grade was a 67. Furthermore, I was receiving treatment for depression and social anxiety in my final year. Overall, a mix of high, mid, and low 2:1s and a 1st here n there.

PG in History at Warwick: 5 mods in total. 2 were graded at 2:2 level. Not ideal but I was continuing to receive treatment in my PG degree. The rest were 1sts and a 2:1.

Applying exp

With firms that just ask for the overall grade, I.e, 2:1, 1st or 2:2. I never had a problem. I always progressed to the next stage off the back of my written app. I even landed an AC for my first VS application!

With firms that ask for a module breakdown, I never had any issues. I recently attend the Baker McKenzie open day and Mishcon Open day which asked for breakdowns. I have also been offered mentoring schemes with Macfarlanes, an elite sports firm, HSF, etc. Safe to say I’ve been fine.

At the Bakers open day they said they look for a strong 2:1. However, (and this is important), this doesn’t mean you need a 2:1 in every mod. They recognise that everyone slips up, and that they have many trainees in the firm who have done so. There is no definitive ideal academic record. This is close to what they said word for word, as best as I can remember!

What does this mean for me?

I’m not targeting MC/US firms. Mostly due to the WLB n culture but also the practice interests I have. I also don’t feel that my legal career is “successful” because I joined an “elite” firm. I feel confident to go where I want to be on the basis of my passions and ambitions.

Thank you so much for sharing! Your experience is almost identical to mine which is comforting even if they were not pleasant experiences. I'm sorry you had to go through that.

 

[sjr22]

Hi all, currently completing Goodwin's application and I am a bit stuck on this question: Which other firms are you applying to and why?

@Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam (or anyone else) what is the firm looking for in this question? Should we mention how many we are doing or specific firms by name?

My application strategy is quite narrowed, and I'm essentially only applying to firms that fit into three criterias - one of them being a technology specialism, as I am currently working in a tech firm. I've mentioned this already in my 'why goodwin', so I'm worried I'm going to be repeating myself in this question. Thanks in advance!

 

[Jessica Booker]

This specific firm that is hosting the open day has rejected me twice in the past month for their own open day. Is it a bad idea to apply for this as well. This application is done via the firm and not the society.

I don’t see the harm in applying for the specific open day for your university. Open days can be very competitive, so if this gives you an opportunity to attend something similar, I would apply (if it was me).

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi all, currently completing Goodwin's application and I am a bit stuck on this question: Which other firms are you applying to and why?

@Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam (or anyone else) what is the firm looking for in this question? Should we mention how many we are doing or specific firms by name?

My application strategy is quite narrowed, and I'm essentially only applying to firms that fit into three criterias - one of them being a technology specialism, as I am currently working in a tech firm. I've mentioned this already in my 'why goodwin', so I'm worried I'm going be repeating myself in this question. Thanks in advance!

They are looking for what factors you consider to be important when applying to firms and how they then fit into this. You don’t have to include details of the numbers of applications, and you don’t have to name individual firms (although I personally find it more persuasive and impactful when people do), but you can just categorise the three criteria you have set and explain that the firms you have applied to fit into firms that meet all three criteria.