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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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- Sep 7, 2024
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Hey @applebunny , thanks for your question. An earlier start date is a possibility, but is not guaranteed by firms. This will depend on the firms capacity. Paralegalling is a great way to build those trainee skills prior to the start of your TC. I also know of a couple people who took a year out to study for the US Bar (NY and California) before their TC start, so there are multiple options.
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hey @KSV . It’s really all about getting to know your personality more. It usually comes up at the interview, after all the technical questions have been asked and I feel there’s a reason for this. A large pool of candidates are good at the technicals, but law firms want to see a person behind all that. This quality is what will enable them to be great future lawyers that can relate well with clients and other individuals they come across.
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Hey @Brandon93
I think looking at the wording of the question is really important here. It’s not limited to just artificial intelligence—it also says or other technologies. So, think about any tech tools you’ve used, even if they’re not advanced AI systems. It’s less about using the most sophisticated tech and more about highlighting how these tools helped enhance your personal development or productivity.
@Andrei Radu has also made a post on this:
“I agree with @Jessica Booker's response here. I'll also add that although the term 'technologies' is ambiguous, because of its association with "AI", I would assume it does not refer to everything and anything digital. Rather, I think it's likely it is referring to some of the newer developed technologies - I would not go further back than 4-5 years. As such, online courses might not qualify.
However, I don't think you should worry too much about this question if you already have two examples. Many other candidates only write about using Grammarly as a review tool, so you should definitely be fine.”
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Hey @legal18 , if the question specifically asks about why you want to become a commercial solicitor, then yes. However, if it doesn’t, then the general reasons for why a career in the law would be an appropriate starting point (supported by specific personal examples/ experiences). You can then choose to be specific about the business aspect. When I was applying, the intersection of law and business was always how I started my answers. I feel you can‘t escape the necessity to show the interconnection between the two. The important point is to show demonstrated interest by referencing your own unique journey.
How is it begining of November and I have been rejected by so many firms post VI. It feels like most of the app cycle has gone already and don't have many apps left. Sorry just feel defeated and if feels like January/February.
Hiya @helloj
I heard this from Kirsten Davies (Recruitment Manager at S&C) when I first applied, but they typically want candidates to write a concise letter that's no more than one side of A4. Hope that helps and good luck!
Hiya @B2025
I'm sorry about the rejections, but remember, the cycle isn’t over yet. Many firms keep reviewing applications into January and beyond, so there’s still time. Also, reaching the VI stage for several firms is no easy feat. It's a testament to your hard work that you're reaching this stage. I think with a bit of practice, you'll be able to better deal with this stage of the application.
More practically, I wanted to ask whether it was possible to reach out to the firms where you completed VIs to see if they can offer feedback? I know this isn't often possible in practice, but one of my friends was able to get feedback from Willkie and this enabled her to craft more convincing responses in future VIs.
If that's not possible, I'd encourage you to keep practising your VI responses by recording yourself with voice notes or tools like Photo Booth. I think it's especially useful to practise timing your answers with friends, family, or even your university careers service (the support I had at UCL was excellent). This can help you pinpoint areas to fine-tune, whether it’s your delivery, conciseness, or the quality of your answers. Best of luck with the rest of the applications and any upcoming VIs!
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Hiya @saminoriya
Amazing job on getting to the AC! The Jones Day recruitment process has changed slightly since I was on the scheme, but I hope the following is useful to you. In addition to having strong research about the firm, you may be asked questions about areas of law or business that you’ve expressed interest in at the application stage. For example, I was asked several questions about the National Security and Investment Act, and I'd prepared for this because I'd mentioned my interest in the defence sector in my application and knew it might come up again.
As with any other AC, it’s important to really think about what makes Jones Day particularly appealing to you. As @Tintin06 mentioned, many applicants will naturally discuss the non-rotational training system, but try instead to consider other aspects of the firm that really affect how it delivers client services and demonstrates real legal expertise. You might want to think, for instance, about the firm’s global structure (the “one firm worldwide” approach), the sectors/practice areas it’s particularly strong in (real estate finance and mid-market private equity matters, as well as in areas such as fraud and civil litigation), its top-tier reputation for client service (Jones Day consistently ranks highly in surveys on client satisfaction), and also its chief competitors in London. Being able to convincingly articulate why 2-3 of these reasons matter to you will help your answers stand out during the partner/associate interview. Best of luck with the AC!
Praying to receive good news this week !! I really want the vac scheme for my dream firm !!
I submitted my CC app and there is a horrendous typo (half a sentence is missing). I received the WG link and it says that if I don’t complete the test before the deadline, they will withdraw my application. Does anyone know if you can reapply in the same cycle after your application is withdrawn by failing to complete the test before the deadline? Would really appreciate a response as I doubt GradRec would be sympathetic
You do have an actual informal chat with a trainee at the start, but there is an interview after that, albeit a casual one.
Can anyone kindly provide insights into assessment days that only consist of interviews? Davis Polk and Sullivan & Cromwell are examples of firms that do this. Does this make the process ‘easier’ or is it just as difficult as a typical assessment centre?
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