TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Do McDermott take non law graduates? I’m slightly frustrated by the process. I’ve already done three Vacation Schemes. Direct TCs do feel quite rare. Few hiring a majority through those. Might multiple VSs hurt VS applications? It’s just frustrating in some ways. I don’t think being 27 hurts. So that’s something positive, I guess.

Then there is obviously another question. How do you get direct TCs? What do you have to prove? Especially for the US law firms.

It’s been a rough week, tbh. Struggling to get out of bed. Writing 30 applications was certainly energising. This current stage not so much. I got Milbank VS in 2019. It clashed with another firm’s VS. So I regret not doing it. I also regret not converting Ropes. These two things greatly depress me.

I'm 99% certain the McDermott deadline has passed

 

[WillkieGemma]

has anyone done willkie written task last year, was this on zoom. I have done my vi today and I’m awaiting the results but want to know more on next stage. is extra time given if you need it and are granted at other firms.
sorry @WillkieGemma if you could answer please

Hi @Toenails if you get through you will be sent all relevant information. With all firms, extra time will be given if it is requested. There is genuinely no need to check this with any firm - making adjustments is very normal and common practice.

 

[Eeeazyyy8]

Hi, I haven’t received my test result from TW yet, but if anyone has done the written task, could you provide some insight?

 

[CG_101]

waitlisted for Sullivan and Cromwell- good or bad?

 

[AS24]

Do you have a previous employer you could use instead?

I have always been a contractor and have been working in my role for almost 6 years now..someone on the forum suggested using my agency as a referee. What do you think?

 

[user23]

Hi! Is this VI for London office?

For the Bham office but I imagine the process is the same

 

[ashwright]

Honestly same! But remember it only takes one yes!!

You're absolutely right - thank you for reminding me ☺️ 🫶 We've got this 🤝

 

[wqueens8]

Taylor Wessing PFO, not entirely surprised as I don't meet grade req, and I only started my application a few hours before the deadline as a hail mary.

Linklaters Capp report came back, my best traits were Motivation and Respect, and my worst was apparently Commercial Thinking so I can't imagine that's a good thing 🥲

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I have always been a contractor and have been working in my role for almost 6 years now..someone on the forum suggested using my agency as a referee. What do you think?

Yes - your agency could be a good alternative. If you are through your own limited company and have an accountant, your accountant may also be a good referee (this is what I have had to do in my line of work before).

 

[Rus]

Anyone got advice for the Ashurst test?

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

did anyone else find the reed smith test and VI quite difficult😅

 

[Tintin06]

waitlisted for Sullivan and Cromwell- good or bad?

Not bad news is it really? Seriously I think it's good news!

 

[Tintin06]

Anyone got advice for the Ashurst test?

Similar test to this one:

. The video is pretty insightful actually. Still, I didn't pass the test. Make of that what you will.

 

[NJS]

Do Sullivan and Cromwell take graduates for the vac scheme?

 

[SS21]

Do McDermott take non law graduates? I’m slightly frustrated by the process. I’ve already done three Vacation Schemes. Direct TCs do feel quite rare. Few hiring a majority through those. Might multiple VSs hurt VS applications? It’s just frustrating in some ways. I don’t think being 27 hurts. So that’s something positive, I guess.

Then there is obviously another question. How do you get direct TCs? What do you have to prove? Especially for the US law firms.

It’s been a rough week, tbh. Struggling to get out of bed. Writing 30 applications was certainly energising. This current stage not so much. I got Milbank VS in 2019. It clashed with another firm’s VS. So I regret not doing it. I also regret not converting Ropes. These two things greatly depress me.

Hey - I can kind of relate as I just turned 26 and didn’t convert my VS last summer. Keep going… you’re obviously good enough - 3 separate firms decided to let you on their schemes.

My (totally unqualified) advice/personal opinion would be to focus on direct TCs as you clearly have enough experience now.

Best of luck! We got this

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Do Sullivan and Cromwell take graduates for the vac scheme?

Unfortunately it looks like you need to currently be studying.

This is from their website:

 

[Rus]

Similar test to this one:

. The video is pretty insightful actually. Still, I didn't pass the test. Make of that what you

Thank you! Seems like an annoying test format rip, not sure how I feel about this

 

[mariistm]

Hey all, can anyone provide any insight on what the Mills&Reeve online test is like please? I can’t find much about it, is it like a SJT or WG, or a mix with video questions? Thanks!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

did anyone else find the reed smith test and VI quite difficult😅

Could you please let me know if the questions were motivational, competency or commercial awareness based? Video interviews are really hard for me and I've failed every VI so far.
But feel free to ignore this if u don't want to 😊

 

[addy2004]

This can just start with Dear…… rather than have all the formal address format.

I would try to ensure the cover letter is 800-1000 words.

Thank you.