TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Tintin06

Legendary Member
Oct 23, 2019
676
1,529
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.
 

nliro85

Distinguished Member
Jan 25, 2024
73
98
For DWF application it has a question about one of their values and the question is as follows. The DWF value 'Be Better Together' is key to our business. Please identify when you have demonstrated this value and how you would apply this to the role of a Trainee Solicitor.

My question is would it be OK to talk about one example or should I mention two examples of demonstrating this value.
 

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
14,660
20,355
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
I think if you can show you have gone out of your way to improve your commercial awareness through tangible evidence, then you can generally apply again.

As you have a connection to the firm, it might be worthwhile contacting them and getting their thoughts on you reapplying though - I know this is something I have seen several previous VS people do in other firms.

Contacting them will also allow you to check the firm's policy about reapplying.
 
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Toenails

Well-Known Member
Dec 12, 2024
24
26
I think if you can show you have gone out of your way to improve your commercial awareness through tangible evidence, then you can generally apply again.

As you have a connection to the firm, it might be worthwhile contacting them and getting their thoughts on you reapplying though - I know this is something I have seen several previous VS people do in other firms.

Contacting them will also allow you to check the firm's policy about reapplying.
thank you

I was told in my feedback call that i can apply again as there are no rules on this my application will be treated as new. i have opted for the direct tc route another vs application there would be silly. with them saying it will be a new application is that a good thing. they won’t be able to use previous feedback ?
 

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
14,660
20,355
thank you

I was told in my feedback call that i can apply again as there are no rules on this my application will be treated as new. i have opted for the direct tc route another vs application there would be silly. with them saying it will be a new application is that a good thing. they won’t be able to use previous feedback ?
Depends on their data retention policy. They could easily use old feedback if the data is still available to them.
 
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desperateTCseeker1998

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Jan 1, 2023
290
255
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
 
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WillkieGemma

Legendary Member
Graduate Recruitment
Nov 4, 2021
175
393
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.
 

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
14,660
20,355
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).
 
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