TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[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.

 

[NJS]

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.

i believe in you mate, we’re all on the long journey, you’ll do it 👊🏻

 

[EA95]

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

Thank you for your response

 

[jta227]

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?

Does your AllHires portal say anything? I saw earlier in the thread someone for Latham had a test but they never got the email

 

[fcac98]

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.

Great, thank you so much for this! Yes it's very muddy. Unfortunately, I just have a law degree so will take a lot of effort to bulk up the answer..
Not entirely interested in the firm (particularly because of their NQ pay), just thought I'd send off another application but may look elsewhere.

 

[Chris Brown]

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.

This is actually really impressive. Just out of curiosity, how have you managed to write so many applications - that takes some serious skill!

I think I’ve only managed to send around 7 applications so far since the beginning of the cycle and planning on sending 3 more. 🥲🥲

Best of luck in this application process and I hope you secure a TC soon! 🙂

 

[jacksollaf]

Does your AllHires portal say anything? I saw earlier in the thread someone for Latham had a test but they never got the email

YES! Me too! I didn't receive an email to complete the test, but by luck I opened the AllHires portal and saw "complete the test" !! Horrible!

 

[Ricky]

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?

The confirmation email included the instructions for completing the test!

 

[jacksollaf]

This is actually really impressive. Just out of curiosity, how have you managed to write so many applications - that takes some serious skill!

I think I’ve only managed to send around 7 applications so far since the beginning of the cycle and planning on sending 3 more. 🥲🥲

Best of luck in this application process and I hope you secure a TC soon! 🙂

Honestly, it all depends on how much work you put into the whole process; for instance, I applied to about 64 firms, but for a lot of them (those not so particularly interested in) I used similar arguments... So for questions like "what are you most proud of", "why law", "extracurricular activities" and all of these generic questions, it is possible to just put the same answer and then slightly change a tiny tiny bit... The most difficult part is completing the tests that come with the applications, that truly is exhausting! So far I applied to 64 and got rejected from 13 firms; it's tough but all you need is ONE 🙏

 

[jacksollaf]

The confirmation email included the instructions for completing the test!

View attachment 6581

Oh wow, NGL I didn't really pay attention to the confirmation emails; I didn't think they'd inclue this 😂

 

[Ricky]

Oh wow, NGL I didn't really pay attention to the confirmation emails; I didn't think they'd inclue this 😂

Good thing these law firms aren't looking for attention to detail aye

 

[Chris Brown]

Honestly, it all depends on how much work you put into the whole process; for instance, I applied to about 64 firms, but for a lot of them (those not so particularly interested in) I used similar arguments... So for questions like "what are you most proud of", "why law", "extracurricular activities" and all of these generic questions, it is possible to just put the same answer and then slightly change a tiny tiny bit... The most difficult part is completing the tests that come with the applications, that truly is exhausting! So far I applied to 64 and got rejected from 13 firms; it's tough but all you need is ONE 🙏

That makes sense to be honest but it must be stressful when you’re deadline with all of the deadlines. 🥲🥲

The worst test is probably Cappfinity it tests absolutely everything from SJT to WGT. 🙃

I am thinking of applying for direct TC’s during the summer window depending on how these applications go but I will probably only send a maximum of around 20 applications across the year overall combining VS and TC applications. I am aiming for 12 VS applications sent 7/8 so far got 3/4 left. 🫠

Best of luck with this application cycle and I hope you secure that TC! 🙂🙂

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Is it okay to refer White & Case as W&C in the cover letter? any insights would be appreciated, thank you!! @Andrei Radu @Jessica Booker

 

[Anonymousxyz]

I have an interview with Davis Polk and a Cleary AC next week- would be very thankful for advice on either!

 

[jacksollaf]

INSPIRED BY the great @Tintin06

Here are the firms I applied to, by chronological order; unfortunately I completely neglected to write when I received online tests and VIs, so whatever I just wrote is from memory; I will clean and perfect it once examination period, way too busy

Applied​

Baker McKenzie

Allen & Shearman | ❌

Goodwin

Pinsent Masons |❌

Mayer Brown |❌

Skadden ❌

Morrison Foerster

Slaughter & May | ❌

Jones Day | ❌

Gibson Dunn (attended their first-year insight scheme but didn't hear anything yet so a bit worried)

Cooley

Linklaters

Willkie Farr & Gallagher | ❌

Latham & Watkins (online test, silent since sadly)

Forsters LLP (they're going to send out outcomes on the 10th)

TLT

Dechert LLP

Orrick

HFW

BCLP

Paynes Hicks Beach

Eversheds (reached VI, still waiting for outcome)

Clyde & Co

Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Kirkland

Covington LLP

White & Case

Macfarlanes

UN Legal Affairs Intern (New York HQ)

Clifford Chance Dubai | ❌

Weil | ❌

Katten

Charles Russel Speechlys

King & Spalding (TC)

Quinn Emmanuel (Paris)

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP (placed on hold since early December, so awaiting outcome)

Perth Thingy… (I randomly applied to a company in Perth Scotland, since it was just CV based, and I have no idea what the name was and they ghosted me I think because I didn't get an email or anything 😂 😂 😂 )

Deloitte (completely ghosted, no confirmation email whatsoever so 100% PFO 😂😂)

Vison & Elkins

Morgan Lewis

Walker Morris

CMS

Hogan Lovells

Osborne Clarke

Davis Polk

RPC

Ropes & Gray

Paul Weiss

Squire Patton Boggs

Mills & Reeve

Simmons & Simmons (VI stage so far)

Norton Rose Fulbright

Withers (they asked for visa info, and I didn't realise it's outside my term time, so they suggested transferring my application to a TC so there's hope I think)

Joelson

Capsticks LLP | ❌

Gowling WLG

Gide Loyrette Nouel London

DAC Beachcroft (TC)

Howes Spercival

PwC |❌

Cleary Gottlieb | ❌

Reed Smith | ❌

Farrer & Co

Shoosmiths

Freshfields

Debevoise & Plimpton

Greenberg Traurig (TC)

Lockton

Watson Farley & Williams (last second and they're rolling so highly unlikely)

I forgot to add HSF (among my top choices too; passed the benchmark, still waiting)

Once done with exams, I will definitely start applying for direct TCs, because I graduate in June 2026...

 

[jacksollaf]

That makes sense to be honest but it must be stressful when you’re deadline with all of the deadlines. 🥲🥲

The worst test is probably Cappfinity it tests absolutely everything from SJT to WGT. 🙃

I am thinking of applying for direct TC’s during the summer window depending on how these applications go but I will probably only send a maximum of around 20 applications across the year overall combining VS and TC applications. I am aiming for 12 VS applications sent 7/8 so far got 3/4 left. 🫠

Best of luck with this application cycle and I hope you secure that TC! 🙂🙂

thank you, you too !!

 

[jacksollaf]

I have an interview with Davis Polk and a Cleary AC next week- would be very thankful for advice on either!

Oh wow! Congrats!! is that for the summer?

 

[NJS]

what's everyone's best podcasts for commercial awareness, or news websites?