TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[mulan0]

For Squire Patton Boggs, the first question says “why you are motivated to pursue a career in a commercial law firm, in particular Squire Patton Boggs” but the second question says “Which of our practice areas are you most interested in, what has influenced your interest in this area” (both 200 words).

One of my reasons for why the firm is their work, but should I steer away from that and use other reasons so that my answers don’t overlap? I’m worried that will make my first answer a little vaguer and not tailored enough to the firm if I only discuss things like their initiatives. Any help is appreciated!

@Amma Usman @Andrei Radu @Jessica Booker

 

[fairbourne]

should I assume Goodwin and K&E PFO, if haven't got VI invite?

 

[fairbourne]

congrats! can i ask when you completed the vi?

3rd of Jan)

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

that sucks, sorry. take a break for a day, and go out watch a movie/spend time on a hobby to energise, it will help mentally. When did you submit your app and do the test btw? I delayed the written app cause its too long but I will just submit today, I am seeing they’ve given out AC offers for summer already

What? They've given out AC offers? I applied in November and there's radio silence.

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Baker Mckenzie Summer VS PFO (applied a few days before the deadline)

 

[ashwright]

Baker Mckenzie Summer VS PFO (applied a few days before the deadline)

Ditto

 

[futuretrainee2025]

BCLP PFO for not meeting the benchmark on the sjt, I attended the open day and thought it was one of my best written applications and they didn't even read it. I haven't received the feedback report either yet so overall is pretty demotivating

So sorry to hear this. I am sure you can use parts of the application to build better answers! Your TC will come eventually!

I hope you don't mind me asking but was the test basically a WG or a WG with only some elements? Thank you.

 

[Tattyasha]

If I applied to Akin on 5/12 but haven’t heard anything, is it safe to assume pfo or is a test invite still possible? I got through to TI last year and it took ages to get the test but have a sinking feeling this time 😞

 

[shays]

for people who did the NRF arctic shores - what were your. results and how far did you get with the firm?
the test literally humbled me and with. focus I got 1/4 which is such a stupid thing bc you can't measure this like this what the hell

 

[eleven14og]

If a firm only has VS within term dates, is it still worth it to apply for an international student? Would really appreciate any advice @Jessica Booker

 

[lou1707]

Hi, does anyone have any insights into the Clyde & Co digital assessment? Is it true that there are video recorded questions?

Happy to trade insights with Weil VI, Mishcon VI, White & Case VI and AC last year, and Jones Day AC and partner interview.

Thanks!

it's a mix of sjt and videos, I did it a few months back so I don't remember every questions, but one was about your hobbies and interests

 

[NCTC2025]

Anyone receive positive news from Bakers for summer?

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Anyone receive positive news from Bakers?

I haven’t heard anything!

 

[Chris Brown]

BCLP PFO for not meeting the benchmark on the sjt, I attended the open day and thought it was one of my best written applications and they didn't even read it. I haven't received the feedback report either yet so overall is pretty demotivating

I was in this exact same situation last week!

I attended the open day in Dec and spent a lot of time drafting and writing my application.

Then I got PFO’d for not meeting the benchmark for the SJT.

Worst part is they had 4 x 500 word questions so by then we already wrote a novel for BCLP and they still rejected us. 😂😂

It can be really demotivating but I guess this is just part of the process and we will both get a TC from at least one of our target firms!! Best of luck in this application cycle! 🙂🙂​

 

[cjwx]

Someone said that towers would let us know a week after the application deadline if we passed the test. Does anyone know if this is the case?

 

[ad.]

Has anyone heard from Irwin Mitchell or BCLP?

yes from BCLP but for Spring VS

 

[Shandy101]

for people who did the NRF arctic shores - what were your. results and how far did you get with the firm?
the test literally humbled me and with. focus I got 1/4 which is such a stupid thing bc you can't measure this like this what the hell

The most ridiculous thing I have ever seen. At least the WG arguably has some relevance. Putting shapes in boxes like a 2-year-old is beneath me. Come too far in life for that. Left it and won't be completing it and going through all the hassle for a firm like that...So this is my PFO to NRF!!!

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

yes from BCLP but for Spring VS

I applied for Spring VS too in November but I have not heard anything. May I please ask what they said to you?

 

[ad.]

If a firm only has VS within term dates, is it still worth it to apply for an international student? Would really appreciate any advice @Jessica Booker

as an international student I avoided doing so to not waste time, as my student visa simply does not let me work full time during term time and firms generally do not sponsor visas for VS

 

[James Wakefield]

Someone said that towers would let us know a week after the application deadline if we passed the test. Does anyone know if this is the case?

I went to the open day at Trowers and they say they look at each application alongside the test result to decide who to progress to AC.

So I don’t think the test is pass/fail.