TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

ayiiii05

Valued Member
Nov 10, 2023
102
219
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

Star Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Jan 9, 2023
41
109
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.
 

Bbhu19

New Member
Oct 26, 2024
4
3
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.
 
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AS24

Esteemed Member
Apr 16, 2024
81
42
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
 
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