TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Defnefresko]

Just received a Bird & Bird AC invite

Any tips (from last recruitment cycles?) would be highly appreciated can offer A&O AC insights

When did you do the VI?

 

[Amma Usman]

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 @Tintin06 ,

I can completely understand your frustration, and I want to acknowledge how much effort and dedication you've already put into the process. Having completed three vacation schemes, you're in a strong position to apply for direct TCs. As you mentioned, the viability of this route differs between firms. Many firms, particularly US ones from what I’ve seen, hire a significant proportion of their trainees from vacation schemes. This isn't a reflection of your ability as a candidate but rather an operational preference for firms to prioritise their vacation scheme pipeline. I’ve linked @Ram Sabaratnam ’s thread on this topic to help you decipher which direct TC apps to prioritise based off how much these firms tend to take in per cycle.

Regarding multiple VSs potentially affecting future applications, I don’t think it’s necessarily a negative. Instead, I’d suggest framing them as a testament to your adaptability and commitment to exploring different firms and practice areas.

As for direct TCs, it’s often about proving that you’ve gained enough insight into law firms and their practice areas to hit the ground running. Highlight how your experiences across VSs have prepared you to contribute to the firm’s specific needs. All law firms particularly value commercial awareness and a clear understanding of their distinctive culture and business model.

It sounds like it’s been a tough week, and I’m really sorry to hear that. It’s okay to feel this way - this process can be exhausting and overwhelming. Regret is a natural feeling that everyone encounters, but I think you should look at the Milbank offer from a positive light. You were able to secure 4 vac scheme offers once, so I have absolutely no doubt that you are more than capable to do this again! It’s important to remember that every step you’ve taken has contributed to where you are now. Those experiences have shaped your journey, and you’re far more prepared now than you were back then.

This stage of the process may feel draining, but it’s clear you’re resilient and capable of achieving your goals. You’ve got this - one step at a time!!! 🚀

 

[Amma Usman]

Hey @legal18 ,

I’ve seen a trend for some of the questions below in VI’s. I’ve also been creative and included some extra questions that may possibly fall within that scope:

Commercial Awareness Questions:


1. What is a recent news story that you found interesting, and why is it relevant to our firm?

2. How do you think a recent regulation or development will impact our clients?

3. Can you explain how the current economic climate affects law firms?

4. What do you understand by commercial awareness, and why is it important for lawyers?

5. How do you stay commercially aware?

6. What trends do you foresee affecting (specific sector) in the legal industry?

7. Why might companies choose to IPO in London or the US?

8. How do the new listing rules impact law firms?


Understanding of Law Firm Questions:

1. Why have you chosen to apply to our firm?

2. What do you understand about our firm's key practice areas?

3. How do you think we differ from our competitors?

4. What challenges are law firms facing today?

5. How do law firms add value to their clients?

6. What do you think makes a successful commercial lawyer?

7. What is the role of a trainee in our firm?

8. What do you understand about the importance of billable hours and pricing models for law firms?

9. What kind of responsibilities would you like to be involved in as a trainee?

Hey @legal18 , I’ve also linked @Andrei Radu ’s guide to succeeding in VIs below;

A complete guide for competency interview preparation

This is a guide for the purposes of preparing for competency interviews, be they in a VI, another intermediary step or an AC/final stage interview. The advice here is based on my personal approach, as I received VS offers from top US/MC firms 4/4 times I implemented it. This will include: A...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[Amma Usman]

When did you do the VI?

Hey there @Defnefresko , as your question also centres round VIs, I’ve linked the guide below as well to help;

A complete guide for competency interview preparation

This is a guide for the purposes of preparing for competency interviews, be they in a VI, another intermediary step or an AC/final stage interview. The advice here is based on my personal approach, as I received VS offers from top US/MC firms 4/4 times I implemented it. This will include: A...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[Amma Usman]

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.

For this question, I would personally focus on just one example. This will ensure that you are able to use STAR adequately and leave no stone untouched. Although, bear in mind this depends in the word count: if less than 300 words, then I recommend using only one example.

As the value is also be better together, I presume you will need to talk about an example where you’ve demonstrate teamwork. I’ve quoted below a post I made on this in the past. The subject matter is different, but it should provide more guidance on how to apply STAR in the spec of law firm applications.


“

• Situation: Start by describing a personal experience or challenge you've faced. This could be anything from adapting to a new culture, overcoming adversity, or leading an initiative. It’s important to show how it gave you a fresh perspective.
• Task: What responsibility or role did you take on in that situation? For example, did you take the lead on a project, support others, or push for change in some way?
• Action: Then, explain what specific steps you took to address the situation or make the most of it. How did you tackle the challenge or make an impact?
• Result: Finally, wrap up by explaining the outcome. What did you learn from the experience, and how did it shape you? Can you quantify it? Any feedback you got that was positive? Connect this back to how it will help you succeed on the Insight Scheme.

“

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to come up before the year ends to say a few things. I will use this quote to aid me….“Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, and Today is the Present”. I’m sure you’ve probably heard it multiple times as a child. I randomly remembered it on a morning walk the other day!

The journey of applying to law firms is anything but linear. It’s filled with highs, lows, and lessons. I want to break down this timeless quote and reflect on how it applies to the application process:


1. Yesterday is History

Rejections, setbacks, or even the occasional cringe-worthy mistake in an application are part of the process, but they do not define you. That rejection email you received? It’s already in the past. Learn from it, but don’t carry it as baggage into your next opportunity. Your previous experiences, good or bad, have helped you grow and prepare for the successes that await.


2. Tomorrow is a Mystery

It’s easy to stress about what’s ahead: Will you get the vacation scheme? Will the firm like your interview performance? These are valid concerns, but don’t let them consume you. The future is beyond your immediate control, so focus on what you can do today. Lay the groundwork without worrying excessively about outcomes. After all, every small effort adds up to bigger results over time.


3. Today is the Present

The application process can feel overwhelming, but don’t let it rob you of enjoying the moment. Want to read an article to sharpen your commercial awareness? Go for it - it’s a small step toward your future success. Want to spend time with friends or indulge in a hobby? Do that too, because life is about balance. Being well-rounded not only makes you a better applicant but also a happier person.


Remember, the application process is just one chapter of your story. Embrace every moment, knowing that your efforts today, big or small, are shaping a future filled with promise.

 

[Toenails]

Hello @Toenails,

I am unsure on whether they have a direct TC application window for the summer, like they did last application cycle. From the looks fo their website, I am doubtful on this as the only window for these direct TC apps are between October to January. I’ve linked the below website for more information if that’ll be helpful as well.

Eight-seat trainee associate programme

Considering Freshfields' eight-seat trainee associate programme, the City Consortium Solicitor Training Programme and qualifying work experience? Take a look at the salary and benefits we offer.

www.freshfields.com

thank you this is very helpful

 

[Toenails]

i wanted to ask how regulated this site was, i am new to it all so not familiar with who the staff are only Jessica. are we not allowed to make jokes or speak about other things i noticed all the funny messages yesterday were deleted which i found light hearted and was nice to make others laugh during a stressful period. we are all adults some older than others are we not allowed to make jokes. I want to be respectful of the environment already created so I’m not upsetting others. thank you

 

[Andrei Radu]

Any tips on AC group exercise would be greatly appreciated please!!

Hi @member3804 I think to have a great AC group exercise performance, you need (1) to ensure you show the desired interpersonal traits like collaboration and leadership; and (2) you want to ensure you showcase the desired substantial commercial/legal analysis and negotiation skills, which necessitates taking up a sufficient portion of the airtime. Since everyone will want to speak enough to impress, there is a natural tension between the friendly and group-outcome oriented attitude required to excel at (1) and the individual performance focus in a competitive environment required to excel at (2). You will therefore need to walk a fine line to have an overall great performance.

While the way you should go about it will heavily depend on the format of the assessment, details of the exercise, and the strategies of the other participants, I have a few tips based on my own experience:

• Offer to keep the time: this shows a proactive attitude while not being very demanding as to your mental focus. It also enables you to (i) avoid taking the responsibility of any required writing, which is more demanding; and (ii) naturally intervene at certain points in the discussion to mention time considerations, which is also an opportunity for you to add substantive points.
• Try to introduce structure and organization: instead of simply throwing yourself in discussing substantive points, try to introduce a framework: what points will you discuss, in what order, how much time will you spend on each, and what relevant assessment criteria should you keep in mind when analyzing the points?
• Focus on finding more niche/less-obvious analysis points: as you are given a brief for the group exercise task, you will normally have a bit of preparation time during which you can think what points to bring up. You will find some points that are really intuitive which you will know the others likely also thought of. Instead of focusing on those and fighting with everyone to get to express those obvious points, I would use that time (and the extra thinking time in the initial discussion phase when everyone is fighting to say the obvious points) to find relevant ideas that others may have missed. The, as the discussion is winding down on that subpart of the task, I would mention these more niche points. This will avoid making you seem competitive and also showcase ability for more nuanced analysis.
• Focus on synthesis and weighing: another similar strategy for impressive contribution which may not require too much fighting over airtime is to once again seek to contribute as the discussion on the substantive points is winding down. What you can do here is intervene to summarize what everyone has contributed, weigh their points, and then make an informed argument as to what the decision should be.

 

[Jessica Booker]

i wanted to ask how regulated this site was, i am new to it all so not familiar with who the staff are only Jessica. are we not allowed to make jokes or speak about other things i noticed all the funny messages yesterday were deleted which i found light hearted and was nice to make others laugh during a stressful period. we are all adults some older than others are we not allowed to make jokes. I want to be respectful of the environment already created so I’m not upsetting others. thank you

No messages have been deleted in the last week by the TCLA team. Posts can be easily deleted by the person who posted them though, and the TCLA team have no control over someone editing or deleting their previous posts.

The last posts that were deleted by the TCLA team were in relation to a conversation from last Saturday afternoon that resulted in a permanent ban of one member and any posts related to that conversation were deleted after a certain point where the conversation derailed the thread.

The forums are monitored by over 6 team members regularly and any content breaking the TCLA rules will be edited or removed. You can find the rules here: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/help/terms/

You are welcome to make jokes within the boundaries of the TCLA rules. However, I think you are highly mistaken if you think jokes have been removed from forum posts in the last 48 hours. As mentioned earlier, it maybe that others have chosen to remove their own content though.

I am happy to follow up if you want to direct me to any conversations you think have been removed though.

I’d also stress that someone being older than other people on this forum does not have any correlation to their ability to make jokes or be willing to be on the receiving end of them. In fact, it’s been an exceptionally small minority of forum members who have proclaimed maturity that have been our frequent rule breakers and yet seem to also be the most sensitive when it comes to reporting others.

 

[happdyln]

Anyone still not heard back from DLA? was told I passed the VI over two weeks ago now, but no ac invite / rejection?

 

[Andrei Radu]

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.

First off, I can completely empathize with how disappointing it can feel to be rejected from a firm you really like and after putting a lot of effort in the application. However, remember that this is no indication as to your worth - even the very best candidates have to face so many more rejections than acceptances. The cycle before last I was rejected at first stage in every single application. The way I eventually turned the situation around was by refusing to give up, always coming back more committed to doing better and to keep moving forward. I think this is the only way to succeed and this is the attitude I would advise you to try to embrace.

Secondly, it is not that uncommon for people to be rejected in one competitive application and be accepted in another in the same application cycle and at the same firm - I remember @Ram Sabaratnam wrote about being rejected for an open day at Cooley and still getting a VS and TC offer afterwards. Since applications are so competitive, progression is a game of small margins as recruiters have to make judgement calls in deciding between multiple strong candidates. I think a combinations of potential improvements in your application (even if you think your Lift Off applications were really good, trust me that there is always room for improvement) and the factor of luck (as different recruiters on different days will emphasize different criteria when making those difficult judgement calls) could definitely lead to VS progression, so I think it is worth a shot.

 

[emma.d]

Any examples of Willkie PE deals/ where to find info on this?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Any examples of Willkie PE deals/ where to find info on this?

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, Private Equity | Chambers UK Profile

Gain insights on the legal knowledge of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP in the practice area of Private Equity department and discover their rankings.

chambers.com

Private Equity | Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

Willkie is one of the industry’s preeminent advisors to private equity funds, having counseled sponsors, targets and portfolio companies for more than 50 years. Our team handles transactions wor

www.willkie.com

 

[NJS]

Unfortunately it looks like you need to currently be studying.

This is from their website:

View attachment 6515

Why do firms have these policies? Surely they are missing out on good candidates with decent experience this way?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Why do firms have these policies? Surely they are missing out on good candidates with decent experience this way?

There could be a few reasons (none of which I agree with).

1) helps to manage application numbers by restricting it to a certain group of people.

2) there is less risk of people reneging an offer where they cannot start another TC earlier than the offer the firm will give

3) there is less risk of people needing conflict checks / approval from other employers as they are less likely to be working elsewhere where they are in full time education

4) there is less risk of someone qualifying earlier with previous work experience and therefore not completing the training contract

They will definitely be missing out on good candidates but their theory will be that there are enough good candidates for them to find in the smaller pool of candidates that are eligible. For firms with small intakes, they only have to worry about finding a small number of good people and they can take that risk with a smaller pool of eligible candidates.

 

[Ricky]

Unfortunately it looks like you need to currently be studying.

This is from their website:

View attachment 6515

It also says this on the Trainee Solicitors Programme page, although that might just be for direct applications. I will email and ask for clarification as I plan to apply for their vac scheme.

 

[Jessica Booker]

It also says this on the Trainee Solicitors Programme page, although that might just be for direct applications. I will email and ask for clarification as I plan to apply for their vac scheme.

View attachment 6516

It says vacation schemes though at the start of the paragraph - so it is not clear/is inaccurate if they actually do allow grads to apply.

 

[legal18]

When I'm talking about current trainees in an interview setting would it be ok to just mention their first name?

 

[carys09]

Hiya! I was wondering if anyone could help clarify what counts as an 'extracurricular activities'? e.g. when a firm asks 'Please give details of any interests and extra-curricular activities, including any positions of responsibility or achievements. Tell us what skills and competencies you have developed in the activities you have undertaken and how you developed these' would positions on may ball/law ball committees, student unions, law society committee etc count as extracurricular or should I only include that as work experience? Could mooting also fall under extracurriculars? As most of my hobbies aren't group-based (e.g. knitting, reading) I have not been involved in any sport/hobby societies at uni. I know firms like people to be well-rounded and have interests outside of work/study but at the same time my hobbies/interests aren't those which you can use to demonstrate achievements or positions of responsibility so I'm not sure how to approach this question