TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[helloj]

Hi does Arnold & Porter accept applications from final year law students: It states you must be a post graduate/ a 2nd year law student/ final year non-law student for vacation schemes and training contracts??

 

[legalxp2]

Hi all, I applied to Cooley a bit late due to illness post attending the 11th Dec Meet Cooley event. Should I have received the Watson Glaser already or am I cooked. I submitted on the 23rd early morning. Deadline is 31st.

I applied today, it's rolling but from what I understand they do not give AC's until after the deadline and the test is not automatic!

 

[eleven14og]

Hi all, which U.S. firms are known to be strict on grades? I currently have Debevoise, Sidley, V&E, Orrick, Covington, and Ropes & Gray on my list. Should I avoid any of these with a mid 2:1 overall🥹

 

[user9809]

Hi all, which U.S. firms are known to be strict on grades? I currently have Debevoise, Sidley, V&E, Orrick, Covington, and Ropes & Gray on my list. Should I avoid any of these with a mid 2:1 overall🥹

I have a mid 2:1 overall and got an AC with Covington last cycle

 

[Jessica Booker]

would appreciate some help regarding this question on the burges salmon vs application: "Burges Salmon offers a six-seat training contract across a wide range of practice areas. Discuss 3 areas that you would be most interested in spending time in."
what am i meant to "discuss" in this? does it mean why I'm interested in those areas, or does it mean talk about those areas in general and discuss recent news about them? or both?

I would expect that this needs to be more motivational based.

 

[LawJourney101]

If I got analysis as my lowest following a combined WG/Cappfinity style exam for a firm does that essentially mean I did badly in the WG section? Not usually the case for me, so would be good to know (I will start practicing WGs again).

 

[wqueens8]

Speaking of grades. Does anyone have any insight into what Freshfields and Macfarlanes think of a-levels? Neither have a minimum requirement.

I know it’s a holistic process, and grades are just one part of it. But does anybody know if it’s like Slaughters who also have no minimum, but it seems it’s unspoken that you still need exceptional grades, or are they genuinely a bit more open. I think I‘ve got an otherwise decent application, and averaging 1st at uni, but got ABC at a-level.

I will be submitting applications either way, but would just like to manage expectations as they are two of my top firms!

 

[LawJourney101]

If I got analysis as my lowest following a combined WG/Cappfinity style exam for a firm does that essentially mean I did badly in the WG section? Not usually the case for me, so would be good to know (I will start practicing WGs again).

Also worth noting that when they explain what 'analysis' is in the report, they refer to reaching conclusions/assumptions etc more carefully. Hence my presumption.

 

[pepsicola96]

has anyone done the CMS Insight Programme?

1) what was it like? what sort of things does it entail?

2) on the website, it says you can be fast tracked to an AC for a training contract? am i right in assuming this means in the next cycle, you may get to skip the initial stages and go straight to AC, not that you participate in an an assessment during the scheme/shortly after the scheme like some other firms do?

 

[tosin4774]

You’d need to consider what innovation means specifically for that firm, whether it’s their strategy or practical applications of that strategy, and how that strategy then gives them a competitive advantage.

Do I need to elaborate on why this interests me @Jessica Booker?

 

[tea]

If I got analysis as my lowest following a combined WG/Cappfinity style exam for a firm does that essentially mean I did badly in the WG section? Not usually the case for me, so would be good to know (I will start practicing WGs again).

it might just be your lowest scoring section - why they've called it your weakness - but comparatively better than other people's strengths! I don't think there's much you can do with analysis reports without numbers

 

[Sad_Old_Grad]

he principal reason I want to join DLA Piper is the firm’s supportive and collaborative culture, since during the Summer Associates Programme at DLA Piper Dinu I benefited from the entire team taking an active interest in my development. As I was the only first-year student and the only intern who had not studied Romanian law, senior associates like (lawyer name) spent additional time to explain each task in detail. Another instance was when Counsel (lawyer name) invited me for lunch to discuss my future career goals and allocated me tasks that involved multi-jurisdictional research, enabling me to leverage my English contract law expertise. This continuous support allowed me to perform at a high standard and earn a letter of recommendation from the country’s managing partner.

While attending the ‘A day in the life at DLA Piper’ online presentation, I became convinced that the English offices place just as much emphasis on these values. Natalie Dalton explained that during the pandemic, the firm encouraged people to join periodic online meetings to play social games. The fact that DL

I got their VS in 2019. Happy to help where I can.

I don't suppose I could take you up on this offer?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Do I need to elaborate on why this interests me @Jessica Booker?

No - there is no need to connect this question to your interests.

 

[EK_27]

Does anyone have any tips on how to practise for a written exercise please? Preferably any free resources?

 

[Amiyrerose]

What feedback strengths /weakness did you get please? If you’re happy to share

I got flex, supportive, and explained and critical reasoning as my weakness😂what about you?

 

[NCTC2025]

I remember that Paul Hastings' TC is rolling but the deadline is in June or July. Anyone know when is a good time to apply and when grad rec usually progresses applicants?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Has anybody who has done the reed smith SJT and VI for summer heard back yet?

 

[coolpanda]

I applied today, it's rolling but from what I understand they do not give AC's until after the deadline and the test is not automatic!

But they would send the test before the deadline if you have a good application right?

 

[NCTC2025]

But they would send the test before the deadline if you have a good application right?

I doubt they've gotten around to reading yours. Not only has it only been four days since you submitted, those four days were Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and today 😭 . Have patience! Good things will come to you soon

 

[cjwx]

I hate online tests! I did a test for Trowers, and I got collaboration as an area of weakness... that looks so bad. My former employers have praised me for being a team player, and I love working with other people. Tests are not a good reflection of what someone is like😭

This is the first time though I didn't get leadership as an area of weakness. I got communication, resilience and adaptability as my strengths which are good but collaboration is SO important.

Was there loads of maths on the test?