TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[lolasparks]

I passed on the 13th and received the VI invite this morning.

What location please?

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi there, is there a thread on TCLA for tips in order to convert vac schemes into offers? I have tried searching but can't find anything. Thank you

@Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam

Hi @Chelsea101 I have just found one from 2021 that seems to include many useful resources and tips, you can take a look here. Since I have had a good VS conversion rate and since WVS are approaching, I am also planning to soon write a detailed guide on the topic, so be on the lookout for that !

Besides this, I have quoted bellow a great post from @Jessica Booker outlining the biggest mistakes people make during vacation schemes.

General themes why I have seen people not convert their VS to TC:

Arrogance/over confidence - it’s important to be confident on schemes but there are some candidates who just seem to think they are better than the rest of their cohort and that they will convert.

Lack of interest in the work - not asking questions, doing the work to a basic level, not asking for feedback or follow up conversations.

Spending too much time networking - too many coffee catch ups at the expense of doing work for their department

Over committing - saying yes to everything and then realising they don’t have enough time to do the things they have said they would.

Bad mouthing/manipulation: either talking bad of others (even at other firms) or trying to use their other experiences as a bit of a power trip (for instance bringing their other schemes/offers into conversations when there is no need to).

Not asking for guidance on their work: leading to spending too much time or having too many mistakes in their work

 

[RonRod13]

Anyone had a Travers interview this cycle? message me!

Did you get the interview for them? I thought they only give out interviews after the deadline?

 

[ashwright]

Thank you! I completed the test yesterday and today CC emailed me saying I passed the WG test.

Followed your tips. I watched the video from job prep test completing the full Watson Glaser test and he cleared the practice test available on the Clifford Chance website (which I was scoring max 60%).

Guys...I think TCLA has become an animal sanctuary.... I JUST FOUND THE GOAT!!! 🐐🐐🐐🐐

Big congratulations, you absolute legend 🙏🙏🙏
As I hope to join the goat sanctuary one day, may I ask which video you're referring to?

 

[lolololol]

Hi! Was this for the spring or summer VS?

summer

 

[theruleofno]

Any recent news from Gibson?

 

[Jessica Booker]

I previously worked as an online English foreign language tutor through a Chinese app, and this is something I am hoping to discuss on an application form. The issue I have is that there is no customer support / method of obtaining a reference; can I still discuss this on applications / employment history, or will this be an issue in terms of background checks etc?

It is not an issue to put this in an application. Reference check companies are super clued up at when getting references might be difficult from certain types of companies, and especially if that is across different countries.

They may ask you to present other evidence though - for instance, if this was a paid position, they may ask you to provide proof of income. I worked through a recruitment agency once who refused to provide a reference for me as it was outside of their data retention policy, and instead I provided proof to the reference company that the agency had paid me for the 9-10 months I worked through them. I also provided emails that confirmed the placement and my joining instructions with the client I was working for.

Even in a situation where you might not have such evidence, the reference companies deal with these issues day in day out. They make reasonable judgments about whether not getting a reference is an issue, especially when weighed up against the other references they will get for you from other employers/academic institutions.

 

[Unknowncabbage]

Did you get the interview for them? I thought they only give out interviews after the deadline?

It’s probably for their Direct TC

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

summer

Thank you! when did you apply if thats ok to ask?

 

[Parsorandini]

I passed on the 13th and received the VI invite this morning.

Congrats! But guess that’s not good news for me who passed on 30th Oct 🤦🏼‍♂️

 

[Chelsea101]

Hi @Chelsea101 I have just found one from 2021 that seems to include many useful resources and tips, you can take a look here. Since I have had a good VS conversion rate and since WVS are approaching, I am also planning to soon write a detailed guide on the topic, so be on the lookout for that !

Besides this, I have quoted bellow a great post from @Jessica Booker outlining the biggest mistakes people make during vacation schemes.

LEGEND - Thank you

 

[fffvfdsfv]

I did a vac scheme at a magic circle this summer and got rejected for the TC after, I have an AC for a vac scheme for a silver circle tomorrow and included my magic circle vac scheme on my application form - any idea how to approach any questions on this - idk if its viable to say I've changed significantly since the vac scheme considering it was only a few months ago.

 

[Jessica Booker]

I did a vac scheme at a magic circle this summer and got rejected for the TC after, I have an AC for a vac scheme for a silver circle tomorrow and included my magic circle vac scheme on my application form - any idea how to approach any questions on this - idk if its viable to say I've changed significantly since the vac scheme considering it was only a few months ago.

Its not about changing significantly, it is more about learning from any feedback you were given or doing your own self-analysis as to what you could have done better or why you weren't as well aligned to the firm (and maybe more aligned to the SC firm). For any areas for self-improvement, it isn't about changing, its more about taking the first steps to learn/push that area for development too.

 

[erderlylars]

Has anyone heard back about any ACs for bird & bird?

 

[LawLawLawLawLaw]

Hi there! for VS applications when they ask questions about their clients and what issues they might be facing and how can the firm help the challenge? how should I go about answering these kinds of questions - any help and tips very much appreciated!

 

[Amjaya]

Wishing for good news this week for all 💘

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi
I am writing the application question to Arnold and Porter I am a bit confused about the wording of the following question:
Give an example of where you have taken responsibility for others - describe the situation and your contribution.
Does anyone have any advice on how to address it or simply on what it means.
Thanks!

Hi @elsx

This is a great question, and I understand why the wording might be a little confusing.

The question asks you to showcase an example where you’ve taken responsibility for others. As @Ram Sabaratnam explained, this is really about demonstrating your leadership skills, accountability, and the impact you had in managing, guiding, or supporting a group. It’s also a chance to show how you respond under pressure or in challenging situations.

To address this, I highly recommend structuring your answer using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This ensures your response is clear, organised, and impactful.

I’ve provided a short snippet as an example below:

1. Situation

• Start by describing the context.
• What was happening? What was the environment like? Who was involved, and why did you need to step up?
• Keep this section concise but detailed enough for the reader to understand the importance of the situation.
• For example: During my role as the team lead for a university project, our group of six faced significant challenges when two members unexpectedly dropped out, leaving us behind schedule.

2. Task

• Clarify your specific responsibility in this situation.
• What goal or problem were you addressing?
• This is where you highlight the responsibility you took on for others.
• For example: My task was to reorganise the remaining team, ensure we met our deadlines, and deliver a comprehensive report despite the reduced manpower.

3. Action

• This is the most important part—focus on your contribution.
• Be specific about what you did to manage the situation. What actions did you take to lead, support, or ensure the group succeeded?
• Think about how you delegated, communicated, or solved problems.
• For example: I scheduled a team meeting to reassess our workload, reallocated tasks to balance the increased responsibilities, and stepped in to cover some of the more technical aspects of the project. To keep morale high, I held regular check-ins and created a shared document to track our progress transparently.

4. Result

• Highlight the positive outcome and tie it back to your leadership.
• Focus on measurable achievements where possible.
• For example: As a result, we completed the project on time and also received the highest grade in the class. Additionally, two team members personally thanked me for my support and leadership, which motivated them to stay committed to the project despite the challenges.

Additional Tips:

• Emphasise leadership skills: Focus on attributes like initiative, empathy, adaptability, and effective communication.
• Keep it concise: While detailed, your answer should remain focused on the key points. Avoid tangents.
• Choose a strong example: If possible, select an example that demonstrates leadership in a professional or academic setting, as these are most relevant to Arnold & Porter’s context.

Goodluck with the apps!!!

 

[Hana ♥]

Bakers, Akin and Skadden Open Days - but when will the VS come... 🥲

 

[Amma Usman]

Hey @Hana ♥ , the VS is surely on its way! I can’t emphasise the importance of attending open days, so it’s great you’ve got those three in the bag! Keep pushing and keep putting yourself out there! It’s only a matter of time.

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Bakers, Akin and Skadden Open Days - but when will the VS come... 🥲

It’s a start, you’re in a better position than most applying for those firms. You inherently have an advantage. Play on it and I’m sure you’ll get the Vacation Scheme.