TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Gg2001]

For those that did the Mayer Brown SJT, did you receive a feedback report?

After like 3/4 days I think

 

[Law queries]

first stage test: verbal reasoning test + SJT test: automatic for everyone. Grad rec takes days/weeks to send out the test email so don’t worry if it takes time. I got the link after like 3 weeks.
Second stage test: simulation life at Mayer brown: if you pass tests above, you get email, again weeks later. This one is not automatic, you need pass earlier test.

Ahhh understood. Thank you so much!!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

After like 3/4 days I think

Thank you!

 

[Jmk]

Future trainee here. There was a networking event at my firm and I met some applicants. I asked one applicant what stage he was at and he told me he 'graduated a long time ago'. I asked him when he graduated and he told me 2021 (not a long-time ago at all). I told him I graduate in 2017, and I'm starting my training contract in March 2025. He was concerned that he was behind and old. I want to give advice to mature applicants that would have saved me so much time and effort. This mentality (thinking you're behind and old etc) may make you lose out on a training contract at your dream firm. I had this mentality on my first vacation scheme at my 'dream' firm and I am 90% sure it was the reason I did not receive the TC. Your mentality/mindset is the most important thing to acheiving your goals. Your subconscious mind determines what you genuinely believe you can do and achieve. If you feel like you are behind and old, no matter how outwardly confident you are, that energy will be sensed by recruiters and could affect how you are preceived no matter how well you do in assessments. No one will tell you this, but recruiters and hiring partners are human (suprise) and there is still a sense of hiring someone based on 'vibes'/'energy'. At the end of the day, you can be 'perfect on paper' but if your 'energy','attitude','confidence','vibes' are 'off' you may lose out on a TC offer. It could be being insecure, being overconfident, being unkind, jugdemental etc. Whatever it is - peoples 'energy' is sensed by recruiters especially on a vacation scheme and you might not get hired because you may not be the sort of person that people will want to work will late nights or in a team. Your grades and assessments on the VS or AC only partly influence your decision to be hired. In my opinion, recruiters are more likely to pick someone who has a great mentality and exudes positive energy, is confident and kind etc, but didn't necessarily score the highest in the VS assessments. There is a huge likeability aspect in the hiring process that you might not be told about and it's something to think about(obviously you have to still perform WELL). Therefore, your insecurity about being behind or too old might manifest in how you present yourself in an interview or VS. Watch out for it.

I got a second chance and received another vacation scheme offer which translated into a TC at another brilliant firm with objectively better training - everything happens for a reason! BUT, I could have saved myself so much time and energy if I was genuinely confident and not insecure about my experience and age the first time around. I learnt my lesson from the first time. Don't let the rejections and disappointments or the amount of time it's taking, make you feel like you're behind on life and that you're not smart or capable. Try to reject internalising this because it will affect your chances of success. A bad mentality will slow you down, make you give up, or if you get the offer - make you blow the interview or VS. The quicker you fail, the quicker you succeed. SO with each rejection, just know you are closer to success. A year ago I was on a winter VS and got rejected, now I'm working at another firm and about to start my TC in a few months. It does not have to take you years to get a TC, but if you internalise the rejections it will slow you down.

Stay focused, don't give up and watch your thoughts and mindset! 2025 can be your year!

 

[AfVio24]

Has anyone heard from Bird & Bird regarding the Spring VS?

saw 1 person get an AC for summer, I've been waiting post VI for 5 weeks

 

[Applebanana425]

Has anyone heard from Bird & Bird regarding the Spring VS?

waiting after VI i did last week

 

[mariistm]

Has anyone heard from Kennedys at all?

 

[lawyersum]

anybody who has done the Ashurst test, feel free to pm me if you want to compare feedback reports.

 

[hitherelaw]

Hi guys, does anyone know how to download a vantage application as a PDF/final document?

 

[dxbbilly]

CMS rejection after WG test received this morning, quite upset

 

[pax]

CMS rejection after WG test received this morning, quite upset

Sorry about the result. How long did you have to wait since doing the WG test to get the result?

 

[tarty23]

Got rejected from freshfields’ grad workshop a month ago and have just received another rejection with an invite for their application masterclass…nice lol

 

[l789]

View attachment 6504

Thanks for sharing… I guess this was just a generic invite lol

 

[Amjaya]

Got rejected from freshfields’ grad workshop a month ago and have just received another rejection with an invite for their application masterclass…nice lol

received this also

 

[andrecsaa]

Do you know if you have to complete the Linklaters WG before the deadline on the 12th as well?

Yes. Linklaters sent an email saying that:

“This is a final reminder to complete your application for the position of Spring Vacation Scheme 2025 at Linklaters before the deadline tomorrow, December 12th at 11:59pm.

You need to have submitted your application form and completed the Capp assessment by this date and time for your application to be considered.”

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Do you think it's worth sending feedback about SJTs anywhere?

I just did one where I scored 4/9 for digital mindset, whereas I'd say I'm more of a 9/9 kinda guy. I think I know a key reason why - one of the questions had a digital option that just wouldn't work in reality, so I chose the non-digital option, given that there wasn't a 'try the digital option (which will fail), then do this option' - you had to choose ONE answer, and it seems like they want the superficial digital option over the actual knowledge that it wouldn't work.

Or is just a case of move on.

Hey @thelawnet

Completely get why this feels frustrating, especially when you know your skills don’t match the score you received. That said, I think it’s probably best to move on rather than spend time giving feedback. Grad rec teams usually aren’t in a position to adjust or reconsider test results, and most situational judgment tests are outsourced to third-party providers. Instead, I’d focus on preparing for other stages of the process where you can really showcase your skills (including your digital mindset and problem-solving skills!). Best of luck with your other applications

 

[asplawyer100]

Has anyone heard back from Mayer Brown for the spring or summer VS?

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

If White & Case asks for a cover letter but where you submit it on the portal it has a word count of 1000 (which is more than one side of A4), do I still need to stick to writing a traditional cover letter with an address and use less words, or fill the 1000 word count?

Hiya @addy2004

Just adding to what was mentioned by @Jessica Booker. You definitely don't need to use the entire word count, and Jess was absolutely right to say that you should aim for 800-1000. I've seen successful applications in the lower end of that range (e.g. 850 words and some that were even 750 words). In terms of formatting, you can simply address the cover statement to the Early Careers Legal Recruitment team. Let us know if you have any other questions! Best of luck with your applications!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Might be a bit of a silly question, but will other firms be aware of the fact that Paul, Weiss purposefully includes a comma in their name? I want to discuss my Paul, Weiss open day in my work experience section, but I am not sure whether it would be safer to write the firm name without the comma in case they think it's a mistake...

@Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman

Thank you!

Heya @KBanana

Just jumping in here before @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman and @Jessica Booker do. But I don't think it's a silly question at all! When mentioning Paul, Weiss in your applications, I would err on the side of caution and suggest you include the comma because that’s how the firm officially writes its name. Other firms will likely recognise the correct formatting. If you’re ever unsure about how to present a firm’s name, I think it's always a safe bet to use what's on their website or official materials. You’re doing the right thing by thinking this through, since small details like this can make a difference. Best of luck with the application!

 

[a1024]

@Andrei Radu @Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam Hi! The Davis Polk application requires a cover letter and this is the question.
Please include your cover letter in the space provided below. Within your cover letter please include why you are specifically interested in Davis Polk, why you are attracted to the work that we carry out, and the skills that you have developed that would contribute towards your success in the role. (800 words)
I am confused about how to go about structuring it. Should we include a paragraph about why commercial law like we do generally in cover letters? Additionally, would you have any tips for the cover letter to stand out?