TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[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

 

[SSR27]

Just done the DLA Watson Glaser and I'm probably no going to pass onto the next stage, got opportunity for development in two areas. But to bring some hope, I don't think it was a very difficult test, I just needed to practice more, so if you've really been practicing it should be fine!

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?

 

[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!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

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.

And Ram Sabaratnam won't start his training contract until he is 35 (but in all seriousness, loved this @Amma Usman!!!!).

 

[Amma Usman]

And Ram Sabaratnam won't start his training contract until he is 35 (but in all seriousness, loved this @Amma Usman)!!!!

View attachment 6451

💪💪💪🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

When an application asks 'Why have you decided to pursue a career in Commercial Law? 250 words' how do I answer this, is it just why commercial law or does it have to be specific? The next question is why Reed smith in particular, so I thought maybe being specific isn't entirely necessary?

Hiya @jojo23

Completely agree with @Andrei Radu here. There's no need to include your research or motivations for joining Reed Smith in your answer to this particular question. Instead, I would treat this as a standard motivational question about why you’re pursuing a career in commercial law.

Additionally, I'd just like to gently suggest that your answer should highlight reasons that really focus on commercial and corporate law. Thus try to avoid generic reasons that could easily to other professional services like consulting or finance. I think really distilling reasons that are particular to commercial law will allow your answer to demonstrate a level of nuance and strong understanding of this area of law and why it appeals to you. Best of luck with your application!

 

[Amma Usman]

When an application asks 'Why have you decided to pursue a career in Commercial Law? 250 words' how do I answer this, is it just why commercial law or does it have to be specific? The next question is why Reed smith in particular, so I thought maybe being specific isn't entirely necessary?

Hey @jojo23 , the team has already shared great insights on this. I‘ve also quoted below a thread which includes examples of generic/non-generic responses to the why CL question;

Why Commercial Law? Investigating Your ‘Why’

The question that often makes you pause for a moment. You know why you want to pursue this, you’re certain it’s what you want. Yet, putting it into words — especially in a way that resonates with recruiters — is a challenge. Then, you see it in an application form, and it’s just like “argg!” How...

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