TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[jacksollaf]

would it be a good idea to email W&C and ask them about the status of my application? I haven't heard back yet, even though I applied quite early (13th of October)

 

[Miss Chocolate]

I completely agree with what @jta227 and @Jessica Booker said. I only have two things to add. Firstly, I think it would be beneficial to do some extra research on the firm, which will allow you to naturally discover questions you might have an interest in asking. I would specifically target my research around the firm's unique selling points which I would consider using in a VS/TC application. This is both because I would have an actual interest in learning more about those aspects of the firm (so, I could make a good impression without looking like I am trying too hard) and because getting more information on those points is what would enable me to write a better VS/TC application. To give an example, when I recently attended an insight event at Davis Polk, someone asked about the firm's plans for its London corporate practice, as the firm had recently invested in a number of top lateral hires. This shows off the attendee's research but is also a genuine query that has a bearing on their decision making if they have an interest in doing a certain type of corporate work. Furthermore, the response someone from someone at the the firm can often be more nuanced and insightful view than can be found in the legal press, and will thus enable the attendee to write a more impressive application.

Secondly, if you have the opportunity, I think it is a good idea to go and say hi to the graduate recruitment team. As the other members said, definitely avoid going looking like you just want to impress. Instead, if your attitude and intention is just to try to get to know some people at the firm and learn about their experiences, I cannot see how this could negatively impact you. Quite the opposite - if the graduate recruitment team sees you as nice and sociable, the kind of person they might enjoy chatting with over a coffee, they might remember you when they are reading your application or reviewing a VI. This will not have a decisive influence on the ultimate outcome, but in a game of such small margins everything helps.

thank you so, so much! Incredibly helpful and definitely something I will keep in mind

 

[Miss Chocolate]

was the online test automatic? I applied on the 5th of November and still haven't received anything besides a confirmation email, no test nor VI; safe to assume PFO then I guess?

it wasn't automatic, I don't believe so. I don't know whether they send them out in batches so sorry not very helpful

 

[Miss Chocolate]

I got my VI mid December and submitted 18th. Some AC's were given just before Christmas, believe the next batch of AC's are due to be sent within next 10 days or so

oooh how long did you wait to get the VI invitation after the online test? thanks!!

 

[g.cl.2020344]

would it be a good idea to email W&C and ask them about the status of my application? I haven't heard back yet, even though I applied quite early (13th of October)

Tbh that’s what I did yesterday cos I applied in sept

 

[AfVio24]

oooh how long did you wait to get the VI invitation after the online test? thanks!!

about 4 weeks I think!

 

[T_03]

Dentons AC 😭omg I got rejected from AC stage last year so please if any one has advice on this or AC in general 🙏🏾 omg I defo flipped that VI though 🙃

 

[V2002]

Hi i Havent heard from Kirkland and Goodwin should I be worried? when did everyone hear back

 

[suhana]

hi for like ac dates i see a couple of dates in jan like 15, 21 and 29th and then one in feb. the email from he firm says they recruit on a rolling basis so we should book as soon as we see a convenient date. will it be detrimental if we book a later date in feb and not the early jan dates?

@Jessica Booker

 

[LawJourney101]

Hogan Lovells Summer AC!! Got rejected from Liftoff so assumed my VS app would be binned too but hope is not lost! There were two timeslot options: 14th Jan & 16th Jan

Well done Did you have to do a VI before or anything? When did you apply?
Best of luck with the AC!

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Dentons AC 😭omg I got rejected from AC stage last year so please if any one has advice on this or AC in general 🙏🏾 omg I defo flipped that VI though 🙃

huge congrats! when did u do the test if you dont mind me asking?

 

[Jessica Booker]

hi for like ac dates i see a couple of dates in jan like 15, 21 and 29th and then one in feb. the email from he firm says they recruit on a rolling basis so we should book as soon as we see a convenient date. will it be detrimental if we book a later date in feb and not the early jan dates?

@Jessica Booker

It is unlikely to be an issue as they would not run the dates that late if they didn't need to. Firms will have a fairly strong sense of how many AC places they need to offer to get to the number of hires they need, and if the worst comes to the worst, they can always slightly under or over hire.

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Hogan Lovells Summer AC!! Got rejected from Liftoff so assumed my VS app would be binned too but hope is not lost! There were two timeslot options: 14th Jan & 16th Jan

Congratulations!! Can I know when you applied if that's okay?

 

[fcac98]

Im currently doing an application to RWK Goodman and this is one of the questions in the application:

Describe your motivations for a career in law and how qualifications will support you with this? Please include your current (recent) qualifications and any future qualifications you would need to complete (400 word limit)

Struggling to structure this question. I was going to make the bulk of the answer respond to 'describe your motivations for a career in law', with a few sentences saying I have a law degree and will need to do the LPC. Or, does it want an extensive list of LPC, training contract, and PSC?

Any insight or ideas will be appreciated

 

[EA95]

I haven't heard back since I did their assessment on dec 4th!

What is the actual process after doing the application and assessment? Is there another stage before they send out AC invites?

 

[Tintin06]

Holding myself accountable again (Bakers rejection).

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.

I have done four Vac Schemes. Don’t really want to do more.

*Training Contract applications

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

 

[T_03]

huge congrats! when did u do the test if you dont mind me asking?

20th Dec

 

[g.cl.2020344]

What is the actual process after doing the application and assessment? Is there another stage before they send out AC invites?

I think its app, assessment, maybe a VI, then AC- unsure about the VI part as haven't heard any1 mention it

 

[Shandy101]

Im currently doing an application to RWK Goodman and this is one of the questions in the application:

Describe your motivations for a career in law and how qualifications will support you with this? Please include your current (recent) qualifications and any future qualifications you would need to complete (400 word limit)

Struggling to structure this question. I was going to make the bulk of the answer respond to 'describe your motivations for a career in law', with a few sentences saying I have a law degree and will need to do the LPC. Or, does it want an extensive list of LPC, training contract, and PSC?

Any insight or ideas will be appreciated

What a muddy question.....In any event, I think it's asking you to explain why you are motivated to pursue a career in law (I would include law generally and commercial law specifically), how your current qualifications support this goal, and what further qualifications you need to complete in the future. It’s designed to give GR insight into your passion for the legal profession, your academic and professional background, and your commitment to further development within the field. I would do the format like this:

I'd structure it like this:

1. Introduction (Motivation for a career in law):
   • Maybe begin by explaining why you want to pursue a career in law generally and then commercial law (if that's what the firm does-never heard of it).
   • Highlight any personal experiences, events, or values that have driven this interest (e.g., your past challenges and how they shaped your understanding of law).
2. Current Qualifications:
   • Provide a summary of your recent academic qualifications and any certifications. I have a certification in commercial and civil mediation for e.g. so I sell this for litigation firms I apply to like HSF, GD, DP etc.
   • Explain how these qualifications have helped you build the necessary skills for a legal career (e.g., research, critical thinking, problem-solving).
   • Mention any relevant experience (internships, volunteer work, achievements, etc.) and how these have reinforced your desire to become a lawyer.
3. Future Qualifications:
   • Discuss the qualifications you still need to pursue, such as the SQE or GDL, training contracts, or any other specific certifications or qualifications that will help you specialise in areas of law- especially if u plan to highlight an affinity for a particular practice area.
   • Explain how these future steps will help you achieve your goals and advance in your legal career.
4. Conclusion:
   • Tie everything together by reiterating your passion for law and your determination to continue developing professionally to make an impact. I would end with something like: My demonstrated resilience, tenacity, and determination intrinsic to my journey equip me for a demanding career, whilst my professional experiences will undoubtedly serve me well in managing high-stress situations, honouring tight deadlines, and communicating with colleagues and clients. With solid experience as a ..........and ..........., I can offer a unique blend of .........whatever the firm values like entrepreneurial spirit etc.

GL, but having just looked at their NQ pay in London.....I'm shocked and appalled.

 

[EA95]

I think you can see the percentage when you click on 'Applications' in the top left corner

Mine still says application is on hold at the candidate review stage. Chances of rejection are pretty high I take it then.