TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Cy_LHC]

When did you do their voice interview and is it for their placement and when did you submit their app and for which office.

A long time ago, somewhere between December 2023 and January 2024. And yes, for the placement that will consider you for the TC, it was probably in the middle of the window and London.

 

[-legal-]

Do we have to upload a cv for the freshfields workshop?

 

[B2025]

A long time ago, somewhere between December 2023 and January 2024. And yes, for the placement that will consider you for the TC, it was probably in the middle of the window and London.

Thank you and was just panicking as thought others have progressed for this cycle since they are rolling.

 

[Cy_LHC]

Thank you and was just panicking as thought others have progressed for this cycle since they are rolling.

Ah, I see; chill, they always have a lot of people applying to them. It will take quite a bit. Have you done the voice interview, though?

 

[B2025]

Ah, I see; chill, they always have a lot of people applying to them. It will take quite a bit. Have you done the voice interview, though?

No just been sent the test and have been practising the test today. The test looks not bad from what the practice questions are but some elements of the test are weird.

 

[ayiiii05]

hi, i hope you guys are good. i wanted to ask if there is anyone who passed the app stage with willkie, skadden, goodwin, weil or watson farley that could tell me what they think made their app successful, maybe with an example sentence if that's okay? i believe my apps are better this cycle but ofc i want them to be good enough to move past the app stage. massive thank you in advance

 

[LawyerUpPal]

When would it be appropriate to ask the grad team for an update post AC considering it’s been one and a half weeks and most people from the AC have heard back with an offer or rejection? Would it even be worth it to email them at all?

I understand the frustration, but what's the point? It's not like they have forgotten you. Just think how many people send these emails during a busy time for them. Do you think they would be more favourable to you if you're in that annoying pile that they have to respond with: "You'll hear back in due course"? Just hang in there; they will get back to you when they do. Interviews are still in full swing.

 

[futuretrainee101ac]

Hi, does anyone know whether the DLA Piper WG is automated or not? Thank you

 

[Audric_T]

Hi, does anyone know whether the DLA Piper WG is automated or not? Thank you

it is not automatic - they do a review before they send it out - my friend did the application and survey but didn't get the WG

 

[Bbhu19]

There are stills AC

Really appreciate this and your reply as well @Jessica Booker. My only concern was that the vac scheme was starting on the 25th November so was wondering if it is common to let people know 2-3 weeks before the vac scheme starts or if they usually let everyone know much sooner.

next Tuesday and Thursday so you still have time.

 

[Bbhu19]

I have yet to hear about Linklaters Open Day... the wait is very nerve-wracking! Someone said GR would get back by the end of today - has anyone else not received an email?

I haven’t received an email either.

 

[futuretrainee101ac]

it is not automatic - they do a review before they send it out - my friend did the application and survey but didn't get the WG

Thank you!

 

[Apple]

Im curious why DLA Piper choose who to give the WG to, but then even when they pass the test don't necessarily invite to VI.

 

[adrk1234]

Im curious why DLA Piper choose who to give the WG to, but then even when they pass the test don't necessarily invite to VI.

Agreed, it’s 3.5 weeks since I passed WG but no invite, would assume PFO from here

 

[bella98]

Agreed, it’s 3.5 weeks since I passed WG but no invite, would assume PFO from here

Sameee🥹 it’s been 3 weeks

 

[safari3]

For the Freshfields workshops, do we need to highlight why we want to attend the workshop specifically, as typical in an open day application? Just asking because the questions simply asks for a personal statement. Thank you!

 

[AS24]

Hey @AS24 , great question.

The question is indeed a hybrid, so dividing your word count between "the steps you took" and "what appeals to you about this career" is a solid approach. However, don’t feel bound to an exact 50/50 split. Instead, use your discretion to ensure each point is fully developed. For instance, you may find that your interest in a career as a solicitor in an international law firm requires more explanation than the specific steps you took, especially if those steps can be covered succinctly with a few examples and some detail.

Consider the question as asking both, “What steps have you taken to confirm that this is the career you want?” and “How have these experiences solidified or deepened your interest in commercial law specifically?” For the first part, focus on experiences that directly exposed you to commercial law or the day-to-day work of a solicitor, such as open days, vacation schemes, networking events, or specific workshops. Highlight any moments that were particularly formative—such as learning about the role of solicitors in complex transactions or understanding the way international firms approach cross-border work.

When explaining what appeals to you about this career, go beyond the surface level to show why you chose commercial law over other fields like immigration, criminal law, or even professions in adjacent industries like banking or marketing. Reflect on what aspects of commercial law excite you most: is it the strategic problem-solving involved in high-stakes deals? The dynamic nature of working with international clients and navigating varied regulatory environments? This is also a great opportunity to discuss any insights you gained about the commercial or business side of legal work and why that focus appeals to you. For instance, perhaps your research or work experiences revealed the value lawyers bring by understanding clients' industries, or you realized you thrive in environments where legal expertise intersects with business strategy. Remember to solidify the points here with remnants from your past experiences, to avoid your answer being labeled as generic.

Additionally, because the question specifically references international law firms, consider contrasting the appeal of international work versus domestic-only practices. You might mention the diversity of clients, the chance to address complex cross-border issues, or the appeal of working with multiple legal frameworks and regulations. This could be through direct examples, such as a case study or insight you encountered, or through your own aspirations to engage in a more globally connected practice.

Overall, think of this answer as an opportunity to demonstrate both why this career path is meaningful to you and how you’ve actively engaged in exploring and validating that interest.

Thank you so much @Amma Usman

 

[hazanelson]

Anyone heard anything from Latham open day?

 

[studentdelaw786]

Anyone heard anything from Latham open day?

I haven’t. I assume next week we shall.

 

[far]

anyone heard anything from Gibson Dunn for svs or debevoise for their open day?