TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[AI212121]

this is kind of random, but does anyone else register/login to allhires (whichever firm) and then get a huge influx of spam emails abt ads and stuff. Noticed that they only start appearing when i sign up to a new firm to apply or check my progress. Has anyone else had this issue?

 

[Tintin06]

some firms won't interview candidates twice

Unlike others, I don't think it's ridiculous. In a way it helps to cut down the numbers and it is understandable to give other people a chance. I don't think I have a chance with Latham & Watkins for that reason. To put it another way, anyone know any firms that DO reinterview people and has anyone been reinterviewed by a firm (successfully)?

 

[bella98]

Were your two questions basically the same but worded slightly differently?

Yesss!

 

[IneedaTCASAP]

HL WVS offer!!

Congrats.

Could you walk us through your application timeline?

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

Unlike others, I don't think it's ridiculous. In a way it helps to cut down the numbers and it is understandable to give other people a chance. I don't think I have a chance with Latham & Watkins for that reason. To put it another way, anyone know any firms that DO reinterview people and has anyone been reinterviewed by a firm (successfully)?

I understand it too, in terms of giving others a chance. But even over the course of a mere year, someone can become such a different and more qualified candidate. A lot of firms tend to overlook that. No one is always perfect 100% of the time in this career. That should be reflected in the application process. I really believe that re-interviewing shouldn’t be seen as a bad thing, like many firms clearly seem to think it is.

Especially as some interviews are only 30 mins long. How on earth can you reject someone for the rest of eternity based on a 30 minute meeting!

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

I’m increasingly finding that most US firms, in particular, won’t re-interview. And that’s even with some of the firms that explicitly say they on their website that they‘re happy with us reapplying.

It’s ridiculous, as it’s a waste of time for us even applying. At least Jones Day are honest about it. About the only firm out there that is

Debevoise are clear not to reapply if you have had a previous AC

 

[aspiringlawyer12]

Congrats.

Could you walk us through your application timeline?

Applied the second day apps opened, had the AC this week and got offer this morning!

 

[IneedaTCASAP]

Applied the second day apps opened, had the AC this week and got offer this morning!

Amazing. Well done. Enjoy your time there.

 

[F a v o u r]

Unlike others, I don't think it's ridiculous. In a way it helps to cut down the numbers and it is understandable to give other people a chance. I don't think I have a chance with Latham & Watkins for that reason. To put it another way, anyone know any firms that DO reinterview people and has anyone been reinterviewed by a firm (successfully)?

White & Case definitely does. Someone was rejected twice and finally got the TC offer the 3rd time round.

 

[Tintin06]

I understand it too, in terms of giving others a chance. But even over the course of a mere year, someone can become such a different and more qualified candidate. A lot of firms tend to overlook that. No one is always perfect 100% of the time in this career. That should be reflected in the application process. I really don’t think re-interviewing should be seen as a bad thing, like many firms clearly seem to think it is.

Especially as some interviews are only 30 mins long. How on earth can you reject someone for the rest of eternity based on a 30 minute meeting!

Move on qualification I would say. I feel the same way and when you're 20/21 you're applying thinking that you have to get something before graduating, and so you end up burning bridges with firms because you don't know what you don't know and you don't come over well first time. I feel this way about Cleary Gottlieb where I reached the AC in 2018. That was almost seven years ago when I was in second year, but I'm pretty sure they would never interview me again. Similarly, I don't know how people pull this off at 19 or 20. I will be 31 before I qualify. People say some firms prefer mature candidates and value transferable skills from career changers - I for one don't see it. You hardly ever meet career changers at open days or during Vac Schemes. Firms just seem to want young people who can get it right first time. I guess if you can have someone like that, then why not prioritise them?

I would say the same about the Watson Glaser - what does one test tell you about someone's potential? I actually really respect White & Case for not using any psychometric tests - same for firms like Slaughter and May and Travers Smith.

 

[cwhite233]

Is anyone still waiting on Sidley WVS lol

After interviewing or or after app? They seem to invite to interviews in batches I think (though I could be wrong!).

 

[livrobertson]

Just thought i'd come on here to vent and hopefully help others who might be feeling the same. Currently feeling very stressed and disheartened by the amount of rejections I have received. It is my second application cycle and it feels as though I am never going to get anything and I don't know where my applications are going wrong. I did manage to get two ACs last application cycle, but haven't yet had such luck this time around which makes me feel as though I am taking steps backwards instead of forwards. How have other people managed to keep going and remain hopeful something will work out eventually?

 

[IneedaTCASAP]

Move on qualification I would say. I feel the same way and when you're 20/21 you're applying thinking that you have to get something before graduating, and so you end up burning bridges with firms because you don't know what you don't know and you don't come over well first time. I feel this way about Cleary Gottlieb where I reached the AC in 2018. That was almost seven years ago when I was in second year, but I'm pretty sure they would never interview me again. Similarly, I don't know how people pull this off at 19 or 20. I will be 31 before I qualify. People say some firms prefer mature candidates and value transferable skills from career changers - I for one don't see it. You hardly ever meet career changers at open days or during Vac Schemes. Firms just seem to want young people who can get it right first time. I guess if you can have someone like that, then why not prioritise them?

I would say the same about the Watson Glaser - what does one test tell you about someone's potential? I actually really respect White & Case for not using any psychometric tests - same for firms like Slaughter and May and Travers Smith.

Yeah but Slaughter and May pick solely on university and grades no matter how good your application is. That is worse than any test imo. As someone who goes to a top ranked university with good grades I most definitely have the potential to apply to there yet refuse.

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

Anyone done the Irwin Mitchell Online Assessment that has the VI element? Any insights about the kind of questions they ask would be much appreciated!

 

[l789]

Applied the second day apps opened, had the AC this week and got offer this morning!

Look at you!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

 

[LexNavigator]

Debevoise are clear not to reapply if you have had a previous AC

Also, their policy not to provide feedback after vacation schemes is wild imo

 

[IneedaTCASAP]

Also, their policy not to provide feedback after vacation schemes is wild imo

Not surprised their graduate recruitment were pretty rude at my university law fair.

 

[LexNavigator]

Not surprised their graduate recruitment were pretty rude at my university law fair.

what's the tea

 

[Tintin06]

Also, their policy not to provide feedback after vacation schemes is wild imo

Subject Access Requests are your friend. That’s how I got Debevoise feedback.

 

[LexNavigator]

Subject Access Requests are your friend. That’s how I got Debevoise feedback.

Was it helpful? Sometimes firms tend to hide under the veil of "we are not disclosing confidential information about our recruitment process" and capture your feedback under this same heading