TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[C_AJH]

Anyone heard back from S&M for summer vac scheme?

 

[VD19]

W&C PFO post AC

Sorry to hear that, did you just get the email now?

 

[Zaraa.x]

This sounds promising!! Thank you!

Yes, it’s very useful. I normally just spam about 3/4 tests and then focus on my lowest scoring area for eg inferences as there is isolated sections aswell as full tests. I have successfully passed the WG as a result

 

[Walon290]

Haven't heard back from White and Case WVS post VI. Does that mean I've been rejected basically since the scheme starts quite soon

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Thank you so much!!

Anytime, friend!

 

[LawyerUpPal]

It took them a month to reject me post AC for WVS, idk why but just speaking to other people they seem to be absolutely terrible in terms of getting back to you.

First of all, I'm sorry to hear that. I echo what @B2025 said about merely being invited to AC being a huge accomplishment. I also agree with your frustration about them getting back to people in a timely manner. Hang in there.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Ah just sent off my first VS application of the cycle...

Amazing! Hope you hear back with good news!

 

[lulilucha11]

Congratulations!!! for which location?

London!!

 

[Gday33]

So I was accepted onto Linklaters OD but they didn’t receive my 3(!) emails confirming details - and now have rejected me as they’re full! I’ve sent them proof I responded but they say they have no spaces left so can’t do anything which is disappointing. Pretty annoyed rn..!

Linklaters got in touch today to offer me a spot on next week’s OD as they’d made space - can’t make it unfortunately but nice of them to try 👌🏻

 

[Amma Usman]

Does anybody know from last cycle how long you have to complete the CC VI from the date you receive it?

Hey @Apple. If it hasn’t been stated in the initial email invite, feel free to shoot grad rec an email asking for this. Where there is a delay on their end in responding, I recommend completing it as soon as possible, as I know some firms set a limit of anything from 2-7 days.

 

[m12]

does anyone know the rough benchmark for CC watson glaser?

 

[tarty23]

Hi, I just received my feedback report from BCLP after completing the assessment. Has anyone who has been either successful/unsuccessful please share their 3 strengths and 1 area of development

Thank you!!

My strengths were growth mindset, active collaborator and pride, area of development was being too realistic?? 🤣 Got PFOd the next day, but in hindsight my application wasn’t that good so if you have the same feedback don’t worry lol

 

[TheInevitableTCholder2024/25🙏]

Does anyone have any substantive information on what distinguishes Burges Salmon as a law firm? apart from its practices. Really need help on this one.

 

[Amma Usman]

Does anyone have any substantive information on what distinguishes Burges Salmon as a law firm? apart from its practices. Really need help on this one.

Hi there @TheInevitableTCholder2024/25. Most firms have a 4-seat training structure but Burges Salmon’s TC’s include a six seat rotation.

 

[James Wakefield]

Hi, I just received my feedback report from BCLP after completing the assessment. Has anyone who has been either successful/unsuccessful please share their 3 strengths and 1 area of development

Thank you!!

I got Pride, Growth Mindset and Efficiency as my strengths and ‘preference to be relaxed and informal’ as my weakness.

Haven’t heard back from the firm but I applied in September so assuming PFO.

 

[Amma Usman]

Does anybody have any tips or resources for written exercises, I feel like I really let myself down in them every time despite a relatively strong interview performance

Hey @Apple. Sure thing, I’ve included a few points below;

• Read the question repeatedly - this may seem like a rather granular point, but taking enough time to understand the key requirements of the question will prevent you from making any last minute errors.
• Is the focus of the case study largely commercial or legal? Generally, you will be required to discuss both these implications. However, past feedback I’ve received from ACs made me realise that one core area will need to be expanded in greater depth. For example, if it’s a discussion on a recent economic development, the commercial implications will need to be touched on more than the legal consequences (if it’s a discussion based on a client scenario, for example).
• Structure - for emails, memos, etc, a proper formal structure should always be used. This could include anything from the appropriate greetings, to the appropriate sign offs. Also ensure to make written exercises as easy to digest as possible. Avoid complex terminology and ensure your points are well conveyed.
• Wider implications - are you allowed to go outside the given material to fashion a response? If not, stick to what you have been given and avoid adding any points which are not needed.
• Time management - another minor point but practice doing similar assessments under timed conditions to improve your stamina.
• Be weary of unnecessary facts - sometimes unwanted information is included in the case study details. Not everything will need to be touched on. However, ensure to read all the sources to gain a good background understanding of the question. Tied to this, is to also brush on your ability to skim texts quickly. It’s a skill that takes time to build but will help you pick out what’s important and what could be left out.

You’re on a great track, and I’m sure you’ll do amazing on future written exercises!

I’m sure @Jessica Booker, @Ram Sabaratnam and @Andrei Radu will have more tips too!

 

[futuretrainee101ac]

My strengths were growth mindset, active collaborator and pride, area of development was being too realistic?? 🤣 Got PFOd the next day, but in hindsight my application wasn’t that good so if you have the same feedback don’t worry lol

Thank you! And

I got Pride, Growth Mindset and Efficiency as my strengths and ‘preference to be relaxed and informal’ as my weakness.

Haven’t heard back from the firm but I applied in September so assuming PFO.

Hopefully you hear back soon! I got strengths: Collaborator, Pride and Ownership
Weakness: Tendency to be less critical

 

[theonecompetant]

Hi all.

In questions like "Why this firm?" - how could you mention the firm's merger? Guessing it would be pretty tricky to make that point.

Alternatively, is it better not to mention the merger and instead talk about something else? Thanks.

 

[cleojwilliams]

Hi all.

In questions like "Why this firm?" - how could you mention the firm's merger? Guessing it would be pretty tricky to make that point.

Alternatively, is it better not to mention the merger and instead talk about something else? Thanks.

I think as long as you talk about why that merger is interesting to YOU it’s fine to mention. Although, I’m not sure if I would spend a lot of time on this reason.

For example does the merger help the firm tap into new markets or get a stronger foothold in them? If so why is this appealing to you?

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi all.

In questions like "Why this firm?" - how could you mention the firm's merger? Guessing it would be pretty tricky to make that point.

Alternatively, is it better not to mention the merger and instead talk about something else? Thanks.

Hiya @theonecompetant

Just adding to what @cleojwilliams has aptly mentioned, I think it's perfectly fine to bring up. It could definitely be acceptable to cite this as a motivating factor, depending on the firm you're applying to and depending on how you frame the point. I think the key thing to remember is questions like "Why do you want to join us?" are fundamentally motivational, so if you find the firm’s merger compelling, you’ll want to reflect carefully on what it suggests about the firm and why that matters to you (particularly as a trainee).

For example, does the merger strengthen the firm’s capabilities in certain practice areas, providing you with opportunities to gain deeper exposure to areas that align with your interests? Does it signal a shift in the types of clients the firm advises or the nature of the matters you might get involved in? Again, if so, how does that align with your own interests and goals? Framing your answer in terms of what the merger means for you as a future trainee shows a clear connection to your motivations (which, again, is what this question is getting you to spell out).

You might also want to have a think about why law firms decide to merge. Firms often merge to expand their geographical reach, enabling them to better serve global clients, or tap into new and emerging markets. As I mentioned above, mergers between firms can also strengthen the firm’s expertise in certain practice areas or industries, creating a more comprehensive offering for clients. If any of these points resonate with you, you could weave them into your reasoning to show you’ve considered what the merger represents for the firm and why it interests you personally.

Hope this helps and good luck with the application!