TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[TC seeker]

Pre-emptive strike?

I started a application but didn't submit it, not sure about their system

 

[jta227]

I started a application but didn't submit it, not sure about their system

Yep they do this, when I went to apply for an Open Day this year I saw a rejected VS app from last year even though I never even filled it in, merely clicked on the apply button once

 

[Izzy1026]

Who are Travers Smith's competitors? I see they are very well-balanced and traverse (all pun intended) many practice areas, should I be referring to their practice area/sector competitors or overall competitors?

 

[-legal-]

@Jessica Booker I am currently drafting an answer for Why firm and I was wondering if I quote 3 or 4 different lawyers at the firm that I have spoken to in my 300 word response is that fine or is it going overboard?

 

[safari3]

I didn't apply Linklaters' open day why they send me a PFO?

lol same!

 

[ashwright]

I can advise ( if you want to dm) as I had this question for their insight day and made a successful application

Super sorry to jump on this but - could I ask whether you approached each aspect distinctly? Thank you

 

[l789]

Super sorry to jump on this but - could I ask whether you approached each aspect distinctly? Thank you

Don’t apologise….Ask away!

Yes I did, I believe grad rec recommended one example for each - so one EC, one POR and one achievement you are most proud of.

I strongly recommend reflecting on your experience for each point , I found CC application required the most introspection, really make sure you tease out the key skills.

. CC are big on client service, and that is evident by how innovative they are with their global delivery centres, data experts etc. They also emphasise this in their four year strategy, key skill to talk about is client focus/service.

Structure is going to be so important for this application, I subtly signposted, and made sure every sentence served a purpose.

I’m happy to talk further in DMs because I could go into a lot more detail.

In any instance I wish you the best of luck with the application and hope you knock it out the park!

 

[Willgetthere]

for the mishcon vac scheme, the section on activities and achievements, did people put uni societies? what are we meant to put there? cause we can only do 4 work experiences, so figured it makes sense to do societies.

Yeah, last year I put down societies, positions of responsibility and achievements in terms of like winning a competition or a prize. I’d say don’t just list them but explain in depth your role, the result, what qualities or skills you picked up very briefly. I got through to the AC last year so hopefully that helps.

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

Does A&O Shearman prefer prose or bullet points for WE section?

 

[Audric_T]

I started a application but didn't submit it, not sure about their system

Same - PFO without submitting an application. I think it's automatic if you don't complete the app. I started but because of the open day apps I got app fatigue. Plus I only really want 1 firm 🤷‍♂️

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker I am currently drafting an answer for Why firm and I was wondering if I quote 3 or 4 different lawyers at the firm that I have spoken to in my 300 word response is that fine or is it going overboard?

Four sounds a little too many unless you are grouping them together.

 

[yasmars]

I felt HSF’s report was way off, especially compared to other SJT results I’ve had - similar to you I chose answers that contradicted the report so not sure how they rate answers 👎🏻

So did I! Did you manage to pass it? I'm anticipating a rejection post test

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

I didn't apply Linklaters' open day why they send me a PFO?

Same!!! Lol

 

[-legal-]

Four sounds a little too many unless you are grouping them together.

If I quote 3 one for each of my reasons for joining the firm?

 

[AveragePoster]

Has anyone heard from Covington post-AC for the WVS?

 

[johnnysins]

Has anyone heard from Covington post-AC for the WVS?

Nope! I was informed they will get back to us towards the end of the week

 

[unknownnn7372]

PWC VI! does anyone have any insight! that would be really appreciated

 

[Andrei Radu]

Does A&O Shearman prefer prose or bullet points for WE section?

I am not sure about the A&O's specific policies about this but I think the general rule is that firms will be fine with you writing in prose. I know some have a slight preference for bullet points, but it is unlikely this will have a significant impact on your progression chances. However, I know some firms specifically dislike the use of bullet points as they think aspiring solicitors should try to demonstrate everywhere in their application a capacity to write very clearly in prose. As such, unless you find out anything to indicate the contrary, I think you can assume writing in prose is the safer bet.

 

[dxbbilly]

Has anyone heard for Hogan Lovells post WG for WVS AC?

got my rejection today guys 😣 ☹️

 

[Andrei Radu]

Who are Travers Smith's competitors? I see they are very well-balanced and traverse (all pun intended) many practice areas, should I be referring to their practice area/sector competitors or overall competitors?

If possible, I think it is best to do both. When asked the same question in an interview, I specifically stated that this can be interpreted as both as (i) which firms cover the same segment of the market, in that they have the most similar 'types' of firms; or (ii) who is the firm's toughest competition when pitching for mandates for the firm's most important practice areas.

The way I approached it, for (i) I gave an example of two firms that I thought were most similar to the firm I was interviewing with and also explained why I though that - what were the common aspects, what were the differences, and why on the whole they could be placed in the same category. For (ii), I choose the firm's largest 4-5 practice areas and named the 1-2 competitors that are strongest in each (which I largely based on Chambers and Legal 500 rankings, but also general market perception and other awards/recognition).

The interviewing partner said this was the most thorough answer he had heard for this question, so I think you cannot go wrong by following a similar approach.