TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[lawyersum]

Anybody who has applied to NRF in recent days, have you received the Artic Shores test yet?

 

[Rosscarr08]

Was that for the summer vs?

that was for summer

 

[lookingforaTC]

Genuine question - can we read off a script for VIs that are part of the first stage - that essentially replace written Qs? @Jessica Booker

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

I have just received an invite to a MoFo first round interview. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you

When did you apply? Only sent my application a few days ago but thought they were one of those firms that says they’re rolling but doesn’t actually reply until after the deadline most the time

 

[jacksollaf]

When did you apply? Only sent my application a few days ago but thought they were one of those firms that says they’re rolling but doesn’t actually reply until after the deadline most the time

Sadly no, they actually review on rolling basis. Kind of shocked that I did not hear from them yet, considering I applied on the 6th of October, and I completed their online virtual work experience program... + have a dual degree in English and French Law from a UoL... with 1 month internship at Baker and 2 months somewhere else in Paris...

 

[jacksollaf]

that was for summer

when did you apply ?

 

[jacksollaf]

Holding myself accountable again (PH app).

CC* ✅📝❌
HSF ✅📝❌
NRF ✅📝❌
Weil ✅❌
Akin ✅
Sidley ✅❌
Orrick ✅
Willkie ✅🎥❌
Cooley ✅
Latham ✅
Milbank ✅
Kirkland ✅
Dechert ✅❌
Skadden ✅❌
Goodwin ✅
Covington ✅❌
Linklaters* ✅📝❌
Paul, Weiss ✅
Slaughters* ✅❌
Fried Frank* ✅
Gibson Dunn ✅
Macfarlanes* ✅📝
White & Case ✅
Morgan Lewis ✅
Paul Hastings* ✅
Hogan Lovells* ✅
Cleary Gottlieb ✅❌
A&O Shearman ✅📝❌
Vinson & Elkins ✅
Arnold & Porter ✅
Baker McKenzie ✅📝
King & Spalding* ✅
Winston & Strawn ✅
Morrison Foerster ✅
Sullivan & Cromwell ✅❌

Key: ✅ = application submitted; 📝 = test received; 🎥 = video interview; ❌ = rejection.

*Training Contract applications

TC apps left to do: Stephenson Harwood; Sullivan & Cromwell.

we need an update!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Does anybody know if Farrer & Co places a lot of emphasis on grades?

 

[ziyadelk]

Anybody who has applied to NRF in recent days, have you received the Artic Shores test yet?

I think they send all candidates the Arctic Shores test after the deadline (6th January). I applied to their insight event in November and didn't get the test invite until after the submission deadline. I assume it's the same process for VS/TC apps, but I could be wrong.

 

[legallyells]

Does anybody know if Farrer & Co places a lot of emphasis on grades?

Unsure if this is still the case, but I know in previous years that were particularly competitive they explicitly said that they filtered candidates based on grades

 

[jta227]

Does anybody know if Farrer & Co places a lot of emphasis on grades?

Grades at the lower end of their requirements can definitely be offset by great applications/extra-curriculars. I will say though that all of their trainees that I know personally achieved a 1st. I would imagine that if you make it to AC you can stop worrying about that as the ball's in your court at that point.

 

[lookingforaTC]

Grades at the lower end of their requirements can definitely be offset by great applications/extra-curriculars. I will say though that all of their trainees that I know personally achieved a 1st. I would imagine that if you make it to AC you can stop worrying about that as the ball's in your court at that point.

Grades at the lower end of their requirements can definitely be offset by your private education and/or Oxbridge attendance.

 

[emma.d]

Genuine question is there much nepotism in VS/TC applications?

 

[jta227]

Does anybody know if Farrer & Co places a lot of emphasis on grades?

After some scouring, here are what their current trainees got: 2.1 (68 from UEA), 1st, 2.1 (Oxford), 1st + Dean's List, 1st, 1st + 1st in Cambridge masters (#1 in cohort) + Cambridge PhD, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st + Cambridge Exam Prizes, 1st + Dean's List, Double 1st, 2.1 (Cambridge), 2.1 (Cambridge), 1st, 2.1 (Cambridge)

I also noticed that literally all of their non-RG trainees are from UEA. Wonder if coincidence or not.

 

[lawyersum]

I think they send all candidates the Arctic Shores test after the deadline (6th January). I applied to their insight event in November and didn't get the test invite until after the submission deadline. I assume it's the same process for VS/TC apps, but I could be wrong.

Right, thanks for this!

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

If you don't mind me asking, when did you apply and when did you receive the test? I applied on the deadline sadly (close to the deadline); do you think there's a chance?

Hi I think I applied a couple of weeks before the deadline and received the link today. I think they review applications in a chronological order so I wouldn't worry too much yet

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Unsure if this is still the case, but I know in previous years that were particularly competitive they explicitly said that they filtered candidates based on grades

Thank you!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Grades at the lower end of their requirements can definitely be offset by great applications/extra-curriculars. I will say though that all of their trainees that I know personally achieved a 1st. I would imagine that if you make it to AC you can stop worrying about that as the ball's in your court at that point.

Thank you!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

After some scouring, here are what their current trainees got: 2.1 (68 from UEA), 1st, 2.1 (Oxford), 1st + Dean's List, 1st, 1st + 1st in Cambridge masters (#1 in cohort) + Cambridge PhD, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st + Cambridge Exam Prizes, 1st + Dean's List, Double 1st, 2.1 (Cambridge), 2.1 (Cambridge), 1st, 2.1 (Cambridge)

I also noticed that literally all of their non-RG trainees are from UEA. Wonder if coincidence or not.

Thank you!

 

[Jessica Booker]

I received an email on the 27th December at 14:55 inviting me to take the Mayer Brown job simulation. The email states that "you will have one week to complete it from receipt of this email." On the portal, the deadline issued is stated as "03/01/25" - does this mean it is until the end of day or 00:00 on the 3rd of January?

Deadlines in the vast majority of instances will include the date referenced.