TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[pleasepleaseplease]

Hi @pleasepleaseplease I agree with @Jessica Booker's points, and I expect @Ram Sabaratnam and @Amma Usman will also have very valuable inputs. To elaborate on how I think you could go about making the 'past-focused' why the firm reasons 'future-focused' distinction:

• Some reasons are inherently either past or future focused: if you mention history and prestige or past mandates, that is by its nature a past-focused type of reason. If you mention firm strategy or innovation instead, that is by its nature a future-focused reason.
• In other cases, you can talk about the same fundamental motivations in both a past and future focused manner. For instance, if one of your motivations is the firm's strength in one practice area, you could firstly discuss how the firm has grew the practice over years - what rankings and market recognition have they historically achieved, have they grow teams sizes, won new clients and mandates, improved revenues and so on. Subsequently, in the second answer you can focus on what the firm is looking to do with the practice in the future - are they looking to generally grow it and if so how, and in particular, are they looking to grow it in particular sectors or in specific geographies?
• In the second answer, you are also invited to discuss the 'why you' or 'fit' element a lot more - as such, you could concentrate on explaining your relevant experiences and achievements in a lot more depth.
• In your second answer, you are also invited to discuss what you think you could do in the firm - this is potentially a good opportunity to show off a bit of your commercial awareness. You could write about (i) what types of typical tasks and workstreams you would be excited to be involved in; and (ii) what predicted future developments about the work the firm is doing is exciting for you.
• Finally, the second question specifically directs you to discussing culture and values. As such, even if you do not identify anything special enough about it to merit framing it as a unique selling point reason, you should still consider discussing your overall fit with it. Thus, it may be better not to write a lot about culture/values in the first answer and focus on it in the second one.

If you follow all of these pointers, I think you should be able to minimize overlap and repetition. Finally, I will also emphasize that you do not need to reach the maximum word count limit in either section. 1500 words is very high, especially given the natural commonalities of the two questions. I think it is likely that the firm is also trying to test you on your ability to be concise and to the point even when not restricted in this regard - as for instance when drafting a contract or a memo, there are no word limits but it is still essential to avoid verbosity. Hence, I would advise you to observe the same norms of brevity in your writing style as if you were writing a response for an application form question with a much lower word count cap.

Thanks Andrei, this very helpful! I really appreciate it. The limit is 1500 characters, I don't know what I'd do if it was 1500 words hahaha

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi! If a firm asks the same application question for a vacation scheme and an open day (achievements and extracurricular activities), is it okay to copy and paste the successful answer?

Hi @molak202 the short answer I would give you is no. There's two main reasons for that. Firstly, applications for a VS are significantly more competitive than for an open day and as such the standards recruiters hold your answers to will be commensurately higher. What makes for a good enough answer to be admitted to an open day in many cases will not be good enough for progressing past the first stage in a VS application. Secondly, firms like candidates who are looking to constantly improve. This is especially the case if in the meanwhile you have attended an open day and should therefore have many further insights and interactions to mention.

Finally, in the unlikely case you do not find many substantive points to add/change or significant improvements to make in your writing style and structure, I still think you should rephrase some parts of your answer. You definitely do not want your VS application to be flag as an identical copy of an open day application, as some recruiters could interpret it as a lack of effort on your part.

 

[Tom smith]

Hi, what might be the key points to focus on in an interview if asked who the firm's competitors are?

 

[sibs23]

Hi, I am applying to Addleshaw Goddard for the GCO training contract route. There is only one application question which is the same as the one on the traditional TC route. The questions i - "What attracts you to a career with Addleshaw Goddard?" - is it ok to list one of my main points being the GCO role itself and why I am drawn to it? Or am I trying to answer a different question if I do that? The character limit is tight (1500 words). It would feel weird to not talk about the GCO role and why I want do it.

 

[A worried graduate]

Does anyone know if Hill Dickinson sponsors international students?

This is from the application form- "Please be aware that we are unable to employ you unless you have the right to work in the UK or the location to which you are applying at the date the role commences and for the duration of the contract".

@Jessica Booker

Just tried a random website called VisaSponsors.co.uk who have a sponsor list (the government one doesn’t load properly).

While Hill Dickinson LLP is not there, a company called Hill Dickinson Business Services Ltd is (based at the same location too so likely the same firm in some way).

As this firm only has the skilled worker visa listed, I’d guess that the answer is no for TCs but yes once a certain PQE is reached.

 

[andrecsaa]

Just tried a random website called VisaSponsors.co.uk who have a sponsor list (the government one doesn’t load properly).

While Hill Dickinson LLP is not there, a company called Hill Dickinson Business Services Ltd is (based at the same location too so likely the same firm in some way).

As this firm only has the skilled worker visa listed, I’d guess that the answer is no for TCs but yes once a certain PQE is reached.

I believe that firms have the option to sponsor VS and TC, however, they will not sponsor VS if they offer a direct TC route.

According to the FAQs from MC and US firms, they can provide the certification of sponsorship for TC. I assume that a trainee solicitor qualifies as a “solicitors’ clerk” and the salary meets the annual going rate/threshold of £30k, therefore, it would be easier to sponsor candidates in this case rather than for VS.

Found this thread 'Skilled worker visa threshold changes impact' that might helps:
https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....isa-threshold-changes-impact.8378/post-156789

 

[jta227]

I haven't done it yet, but there's no time limit: you can just open the assessment and then look at the actual questions and prepare your answers for as long as you want

I've now done it - that was the longest online assessment I've done for a firm before. It was almost just an assessment centre but online!

 

[Wompycapy]

Was this for London?

Got the same email after VI, and for reference I did apply to London.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi, I am applying to Addleshaw Goddard for the GCO training contract route. There is only one application question which is the same as the one on the traditional TC route. The questions i - "What attracts you to a career with Addleshaw Goddard?" - is it ok to list one of my main points being the GCO role itself and why I am drawn to it? Or am I trying to answer a different question if I do that? The character limit is tight (1500 words). It would feel weird to not talk about the GCO role and why I want do it.

I think you can weave in that fact that the firm offers this particular route as part of your answer, but I would try to cover why AG more generally into the answer too.

 

[lolasparks]

omg the same just happened to me right now, I should not have definitely done this at 4am right now but had no other time to do it. A nap definitely would have helped. did you progress to the next stage?

Hey hahaha, I still don't know but they did let me know I passed the test and are reviewing candidates so keep hopes up!

 

[Worldstar223]

Is anyone still waiting on the VI for White and Case? I haven't heard back post application for summer VS ;(

Nothing yet as well. Not sure how long they usually take to respond to successful apps

 

[bibss]

Cleary PFO post WG🥲

 

[andrecsaa]

Hi, I am applying to Addleshaw Goddard for the GCO training contract route. There is only one application question which is the same as the one on the traditional TC route. The questions i - "What attracts you to a career with Addleshaw Goddard?" - is it ok to list one of my main points being the GCO role itself and why I am drawn to it? Or am I trying to answer a different question if I do that? The character limit is tight (1500 words). It would feel weird to not talk about the GCO role and why I want do it.

During one event, the grad rec said that the GCO route is something AG is proud to have implemented. I would spend at least one paragraph explaining why this role drawn your attention.

 

[Zaraa.x]

Opinions pls - Do you think its wise to still submit an app for BCLPs spring vac scheme even though the deadline is 13th Dec and they recruit on a rolling basis? Or would it be better to apply for the summer vac scheme since the deadline is 17th Jan?
@Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Opinions pls - Do you think its wise to still submit an app for BCLPs spring vac scheme even though the deadline is 13th Dec and they recruit on a rolling basis? Or would it be better to apply for the summer vac scheme since the deadline is 17th Jan?
@Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu

Hi @Zaraa.x

I think the key factor here is the quality of your application. If you’ve already reviewed it thoroughly and feel confident that it’s polished and ready to go, there’s no reason why you can’t submit it for the Spring deadline. While they do recruit on a rolling basis, submitting a strong application late in the cycle can still be competitive.

That said, if BCLP is one of your top choices, it might be worth considering the Summer deadline instead. This would give you more time to refine your answers. Their application questions are quite detailed, and longer answers can leave room for small errors. Taking a bit of extra time to review or having someone else read through your application could make a difference in ensuring it’s as error-free and compelling as possible.

Best of luck with the application and hope you hear back with good news regardless of when you intend to apply!

 

[Zaraa.x]

Hi @Zaraa.x

I think the key factor here is the quality of your application. If you’ve already reviewed it thoroughly and feel confident that it’s polished and ready to go, there’s no reason why you can’t submit it for the Spring deadline. While they do recruit on a rolling basis, submitting a strong application late in the cycle can still be competitive.

That said, if BCLP is one of your top choices, it might be worth considering the Summer deadline instead. This would give you more time to refine your answers. Their application questions are quite detailed, and longer answers can leave room for small errors. Taking a bit of extra time to review or having someone else read through your application could make a difference in ensuring it’s as error-free and compelling as possible.

Best of luck with the application and hope you hear back with good news regardless of when you intend to apply!

Hey @Ram Sabaratnam

Thank you for this perspective! I’ve spent quite a long time on my application and it’s gone through review stages with my mentor, so that’s why I’m a little scared to hand in, what I believe is a strong application, so late in the cycle to just be ‘rejected’ on the basis of being at full capacity! I think I will probably opt for the summer vac to give myself a fair chance.

 

[Amma Usman]

Reminder…

Christian Dior didn’t start Dior until 41

Sam Walton didn’t start Walmart until 44

Adolf Dassler didn’t start Adidas until 48

Colonel Sanders didn’t start KFC until 62

This is your reminder that it’s never too late to begin.

 

[aether]

Hi everyone,
For those invited to DLA Piper's AC, how long after receiving the 'benchmark met' email did you get the invite?

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi, I am applying to Addleshaw Goddard for the GCO training contract route. There is only one application question which is the same as the one on the traditional TC route. The questions i - "What attracts you to a career with Addleshaw Goddard?" - is it ok to list one of my main points being the GCO role itself and why I am drawn to it? Or am I trying to answer a different question if I do that? The character limit is tight (1500 words). It would feel weird to not talk about the GCO role and why I want do it.

Hiya @sibs23

I think it’s absolutely fine (and even important) to mention the GCO route, as it’s a key feature of the programme you’re applying for. Having taken a quick look at the description, I was particularly struck by the distinctive nature of the seats offered and the specific work carried out by the GCO.

That said, as @Jessica Booker pointed out, the distinctiveness of the GCO role shouldn’t be the sole focus of your answer, since the question is designed to assess your broader motivation for wanting to train at Addleshaw Goddard. I'd have a good think about a few things. For instance, you could start by considering whether there are any particular client mandates, sectors, or practice areas the firm is well-known for that align with your interests, as well as what aspects of the training, support, or working environment at Addleshaw Goddard appeal to you. Additionally, it might be worth thinking about how the GCO role might be connected to these other aspects of the firm. I think by weaving in your interest in the GCO route with these broader aspects, you’ll create a balanced answer that adequately addresses the question and showcases both your knowledge and motivations in relation to the firm.

 

[aether]

For people that done the DLA Piper VI, did you guys receive a confirmation email after submitting the VI ? And if so, how long after submitting the VI did you get a confirmation email ?

I didn’t hear back after completing the Video Interview until I got the email saying I met the benchmark. I did the interview on Friday and received the benchmark success email on Monday. I hope yours went well too!