TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Ram Sabaratnam]

any advice on answering this question as part of Fieldfisher's TC app, would studying a non-law degree and linking this to law be sufficient or would you say it should be more personal? Thank you!! @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam Describe the personal life experiences that have given you the unique perspective you would bring as a Trainee at Fieldfisher, and how this perspective will support your success. (800 characters)

Heya @legallyells

Just wanted to add to the very good suggestions mentioned by @Amma Usman! I think you can definitely talk about your non-law degree here. It’s a great way to highlight how your background has shaped your perspective and working style. That said, I’d encourage you to think beyond your degree too. This question is asking about you, so it’s worth reflecting on other experiences that have influenced how you see the world.

For example, have you worked part-time, volunteered, or been involved in any extracurriculars that helped you develop unique skills or insights? Maybe you’ve faced a challenging situation that taught you resilience or adaptability, or you’ve been part of a community or environment that shaped how you collaborate or communicate. Whether you go with discussing your non-law background or something else, I think the key with this question is link your experiences to the qualities that would make you a successful trainee. You'll want to think about how they’ve influenced the way you work, problem-solve, or interact with others. Best of luck with the application!

 

[NJS]

Also did the Mayer Brown test on 29/10 and no news so assuming its a PFO. Do they historically send invites in batches?

I applied the same and didn't get the test, I was told we'd hear by the 16th, so I think well have to firm this one...

 

[Toenails]

i have done a vacation scheme before i did not convert can i apply to the same firm training contract route, feed back was on commercial awareness mostly, i really like the firm any advice

 

[AS24]

@Jessica Booker, I hope you are well.

I am currently applying for a vacation scheme at Forsters, in addition to the academic referee, they are also asking for an employment referee which I do not have. I am a contractor for the government and they are not allowed to give a reference. How do you think I should approach this situation?
Thank you in advance.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

i have done a vacation scheme before i did not convert can i apply to the same firm training contract route, feed back was on commercial awareness mostly, i really like the firm any advice

Hiya @Toenails

I think it’s worth checking the firm’s policy first to see if they have any specific rules about applying again after a vacation scheme. Some firms might have restrictions, but if there’s nothing mentioned, I’d absolutely encourage you to go for it.

I’ve actually met two candidates who didn’t secure a training contract after their vacation schemes but later applied for a direct training contract route in the next cycle and ended up joining as trainees. So, it’s certainly possible! (I also know several candidates who did vacation schemes with the same firm after being rejected post vacation scheme in the previous cycle). I think the key thing to focus on is how you’ve grown since your vacation scheme. Firms understand that candidates develop over time, so think about how you’ve worked on the feedback you received, especially around commercial awareness here, and how you can show that growth in your application.

I think overall, if you really like the firm, don’t let the previous outcome stop you. Best of luck with the application!

 

[RJvAngel]

i have Willkie and Weil Vi!!!

any tips? Much appreciated

Hi, First of all congrats on getting progressed to the VI stage at both firms. That is no easy feat amidst an increasingly competitive cohort of applicants. I did my Willkie VI on the 2nd of December and received an invitation to their Written Assessment on the 12th. What I believe made my VI stand out is firstly, not regurgitating what you wrote in your application but rather, using it as a foundation to build new answers to the questions outlined. It is also very strict on timing so I would recommend practicing answering commercial questions in 90 - 120 seconds where you have free time. There will be questions that throw you off/ you would not expect but use it as an opportunity to showcase your creativity and don't be scared to verbalise a viewpoint or idea that you wouldn't expect anyone else to know. Many times, this is seen as a strength rather than a flaw. Finally, it is imperative that you know the practices, culture and values of the firm as this underlies every question that they will ask you.

P.S Don't worry about stuttering or slight moments of hesitation - I had about 5 of these moments and they still progressed me onwards. Good luck!!

 

[Toenails]

Hiya @Toenails

I think it’s worth checking the firm’s policy first to see if they have any specific rules about applying again after a vacation scheme. Some firms might have restrictions, but if there’s nothing mentioned, I’d absolutely encourage you to go for it.

I’ve actually met two candidates who didn’t secure a training contract after their vacation schemes but later applied for a direct training contract route in the next cycle and ended up joining as trainees. So, it’s certainly possible! (I also know several candidates who did vacation schemes with the same firm after being rejected post vacation scheme in the previous cycle). I think the key thing to focus on is how you’ve grown since your vacation scheme. Firms understand that candidates develop over time, so think about how you’ve worked on the feedback you received, especially around commercial awareness here, and how you can show that growth in your application.

I think overall, if you really like the firm, don’t let the previous outcome stop you. Best of luck with the application!

thank you this is encouraging im afraid they will reject me after reading my application

i have mentioned what steps i have taken to improve my commercial awareness and what i have learnt. i put this in the additional information box.

i asked in my feedback call and was told i can apply again but my application would be seen as a new one and not as a previous applicant

is there any feedback that warrants a person should not apply again

 

[Toenails]

Hi, First of all congrats on getting progressed to the VI stage at both firms. That is no easy feat amidst an increasingly competitive cohort of applicants. I did my Willkie VI on the 2nd of December and received an invitation to their Written Assessment on the 12th. What I believe made my VI stand out is firstly, not regurgitating what you wrote in your application but rather, using it as a foundation to build new answers to the questions outlined. It is also very strict on timing so I would recommend practicing answering commercial questions in 90 - 120 seconds where you have free time. There will be questions that throw you off/ you would not expect but use it as an opportunity to showcase your creativity and don't be scared to verbalise a viewpoint or idea that you wouldn't expect anyone else to know. Many times, this is seen as a strength rather than a flaw. Finally, it is imperative that you know the practices, culture and values of the firm as this underlies every question that they will ask you.

P.S Don't worry about stuttering or slight moments of hesitation - I had about 5 of these moments and they still progressed me onwards. Good luck!!

thank you for this advice and thank you for not sharing the questions online

good luck with your applications

 

[James Wakefield]

Hi @Jessica Booker or anyone who can help.

I want to use the rare word ‘intrapreneurial’ in one of my law applications but All Hires is not recognising it as a word, and have put a red squiggly line beneath it.

If I use this word, am I risking the law firm thinking I’ve misspelt entrepreneurial? Or will they likely have come across this before?

 

[studenttolawyer]

HL Lift Off PFO. feels extremely disheartening, but i keep going.

could anyone advice, in their opinion, whether it is worth applying for the VS route? i remain passionate about the firm.

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

Hi @Jessica Booker or anyone who can help.

I want to use the rare word ‘intrapreneurial’ in one of my law applications but All Hires is not recognising it as a word, and have put a red squiggly line beneath it.

If I use this word, am I risking the law firm thinking I’ve misspelt entrepreneurial? Or will they likely have come across this before?

I don’t think this word is in the Oxford English Dictionary. The OED isn’t a language bible, but it’s a generally good tool to see what’s professional standardised English or not.

If it were me reading this word, I think I’d most likely assume you misspelt entrepreneurial tbh, unless I googled it. It’s probably better to be cautious

Edit: ignore me, it is in the OED!
I’d still be very cautious in its use. I’ve personally never seen this word before (so thanks for introducing me lol).

I think recruiters generally prefer when you write in super clear, basic English.

Of course, I could be totally wrong here. I’m very interested to hear others’ opinions on the word and similar, unusual words

 

[LawyerUpPal]

https://www.law.com/international-edition/2024/12/11/linklaters-sets-up-sandbox-to-test-ai-ideas/

For anyone applying to Linklaters.

 

[lawyersum]

if Mishcon wanna whip out the bad news it is Friday the 13th tbh

 

[evianmineral]

HSF PFO but at least they read my app lol

 

[wise readers]

Bird and Bird AC!

 

[TheInevitableTCholder2024/25🙏]

Anyone heard back from MDR?

 

[TheInevitableTCholder2024/25🙏]

if Mishcon wanna whip out the bad news it is Friday the 13th tbh

fr lol

 

[elizabethkate]

if Mishcon wanna whip out the bad news it is Friday the 13th tbh

have people heard back from mishcon??

 

[NCTC2025]

Did anyone who applied to the Mayer Brown Summer Vac Scheme get the job sim?

 

[ssszzg]

have people heard back from mishcon??

not yet, odd though bc they sent that email at the start of the week saying they will be informing by the end of the week?