TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Tintin06]

Not had anywhere near as much success as last cycle, where I got 2 vac schemes, I genuinely feel as if those two that I failed to convert are actually a negative on my applications tbh

Surely they show commitment to law. That, plus experience of trainee life. They can't be a bad thing.

 

[NJS]

Surely they show commitment to law. That, plus experience of trainee life. They can't be a bad thing.

Unless I'm not using them correctly but its been all PFOs post app since, and i passed all the app stages I wrote last year without the schemes lol

 

[sunshine101]

Hi everyone, I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction. I have some extra time to allocate to applications.Does anyone know of a private equity law firm that has no A-level requirements. Already applying to Paul Weiss, Willkie and Jones Day.

 

[Nathan_CareerChanger]

Not had anywhere near as much success as last cycle, where I got 2 vac schemes, I genuinely feel as if those two that I failed to convert are actually a negative on my applications tbh

Can I ask why you didn't manage to convert ? I understand a massive part is luck

 

[NJS]

sadly I also relate to this. Sighhh!

Genuinely considering sending one off without the scheme, but not sure if I want to risk it lol because deep down it is good experience

 

[NJS]

Can I ask why you didn't manage to convert ? I understand a massive part is luck

My first one was because of a lack of detail in my work, which is fair enough, but whenever I got a research task it was always limited to 1 page, so kind hard to add detail lol.

Second one I didn’t do particularly well in the assessed exercise at the end.

Was encouraged to reapply for both but I’m sceptical if firms actually give you another chance if you blew it the first time

 

[jta227]

Genuinely considering sending one off without the scheme, but not sure if I want to risk it lol because deep down it is good experience

have you tried sending direct TC apps with the schemes and vac scheme apps without (or with only 1 scheme)

 

[Tintin06]

Unless I'm not using them correctly but its been all PFOs post app since, and i passed all the app stages I wrote last year without the schemes lol

It could be many other things. I don't think it's your VSs. A case of correlation, not causation? They are all achievements. I feel jaded by mine too. Not sure leaving them off helps.

 

[NJS]

have you tried sending direct TC apps with the schemes and vac scheme apps without (or with only 1 scheme)

No direct TCs yet, focussing on VS first because you get a better chance, but no VS without the schemes yet, apart from last year when I didn’t have them

 

[plshireme]

is it worth including a cover letter for DLA? I know it isn't a requirement

 

[Nathan_CareerChanger]

My first one was because of a lack of detail in my work, which is fair enough, but whenever I got a research task it was always limited to 1 page, so kind hard to add detail lol.

Second one I didn’t do particularly well in the assessed exercise at the end.

Was encouraged to reapply for both but I’m sceptical if firms actually give you another chance if you blew it the first time

Thank you for sharing it is appreciated - could I kindly ask which firms these were related to please?

 

[The-PFO-Collector]

Not had anywhere near as much success as last cycle, where I got 2 vac schemes, I genuinely feel as if those two that I failed to convert are actually a negative on my applications tbh

I also had 2 vac schemes last cycle and failed to convert.
I'm convinced that law firms give you one chance, so make your first application to them the best.
(I'll caveat that with, unless something drastically different has happened in that year and your next application will be much much much stronger).
Each time, I've had my most luck with firm's I've never applied to before. I think they try and give people a chance first time round.

 

[Lizzie_Sullivan]

Is there anyone doing the DLA assessment centre on Tuesday, that wants practice the group task and presentation with case studies? Please let me know I’ll be free later in the afternoon and tomorrow.

Which location you are applying for? Sorry i'm new and don't know the etiquette here, no worries if you can't say! I just submitted my WG for them and I was stressing that since they are rolling they would have already filled most roles, but I heard that they haven't hosted any ACs here yet.

 

[Audric_T]

No cover letter needed - I secured the vac scheme this year (prayed a lot though)

is it worth including a cover letter for DLA? I know it isn't a requirement

o

 

[Audric_T]

Which location you are applying for? Sorry i'm new and don't know the etiquette here, no worries if you can't say! I just submitted my WG for them and I was stressing that since they are rolling they would have already filled most roles, but I heard that they haven't hosted any ACs here yet.

DLA have hosted 4 ACs I believe they have 1 left for Jan for london

 

[NJS]

I also had 2 vac schemes last cycle and failed to convert.
I'm convinced that law firms give you one chance, so make your first application to them the best.
(I'll caveat that with, unless something drastically different has happened in that year and your next application will be much much much stronger).
Each time, I've had my most luck with firm's I've never applied to before. I think they try and give people a chance first time round.

I think the same, which is quite unfair in all honesty but it is what it is

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi!😊 would you mind sharing what VI questions you had please?

Although we know some members will share these via private messages, we ask that specific wording of video interview questions are not shared in the forums unless the firm themselves have been very open about what they are (for instance we know two firms that tell candidates what the questions will be). People are welcome to share general advice though on how to prepare or what generally to consider.

However, if you use Glassdoor, you will often find details of questions like video interview questions, so the information is sometimes in the public domain anyway.

 

[LawyerUpPal]

Any updates from AG?

I applied on 2/11 and got an invitation to an online assessment yesterday, 04/12, which I'm not doing in light of my TC offer.

 

[Nathan_CareerChanger]

is it worth including a cover letter for DLA? I know it isn't a requirement

I was fortunate to secure a place on their internship along with four others and none of us did cover letters - I will say to ensure your personality shines through your application though

 

[Nathan_CareerChanger]

Congratulations, where did you secure?

I applied on 2/11 and got an invitation to an online assessment yesterday, 04/12, which I'm not doing in light of my TC offer.