TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Shandy101]

In my experience, being honest adds authenticity. The key point is addressing the steps you've taken to improve and work on that weakness and maybe giving a recent example.

Anyone got any advice on how to answer 'What are your weaknesses?' or any tips on what not to say?

I would second that but qualify it by saying don't be too honest and open- balance transparency with tact. Choose something that isn’t critical to the role- that is if your weakness is something like a lack of attention to detail, don't use it. Strategic weaknesses are good e.g. saying that you tend to take on too many responsibilities because you want to help where you can. This sometimes leads to feeling stretched. To address this, you’ve worked on setting clearer boundaries and using task management tools to prioritise effectively. You’ve found that this allows you to make more impactful contributions. In essence, you've realised the importance of ensuring you're doing a great job with ur core responsibilities before u take on extra work. Maybe add at the end: "I'm getting better at it every day, and I think it’s helping me do a solid job all around"

 

[gazdgazd11]

Hey guys, is DAC beachcroft’s personal summary meant to be the same as a cover letter?

 

[Chris Brown]

Almost as if that's what they care for...

even though they don't have a minimum grades requirement, now I am debating whether to apply as i have a mid 2:1

This is why it confuses me when a firm claims it has no minimum grade requirements but then still looks at your grades… 🤨

Almost every single future trainee I have come across at these US firms all have AAA at A-level and a 1st. This is despite having ‘no minimum grade requirements’… 🙃

At least firms like Cleary Gottlieb are honest about their expectations: ‘AAA at A-level and a high 2:1 (68%) from a leading university’ which is pretty much just Oxbridge and RG.

It’s much better for firms to be transparent imo. At least then people know if they stand a realistic chance. 🫡

 

[Shandy101]

I also made this mistake in a few places so I’ve pretty much prepared for the immediate PFO. 🤣💀

If I get past the first stage it’ll be a miracle. 😭

It's pretty silly anyway. They may overlook it.

 

[applicationzzzzz]

Have ACs for K&E's summer vacation scheme been sent out yet?

 

[AlegalA]

What do people say to answer the question "what is your biggest mistake"? I can think of times when I've done mistakes, but I don't have like a BIG mistake and I don't want it to look like I'm copping out of the question...

 

[BillSikes]

Almost as if that's what they care for...

Nah bro if you work really hard on your app they will offer you AC...

 

[lucy_p]

Anyone heard r.e linklaters vac scheme?

 

[bsh]

anyone heard back from Latham post AC?

 

[lou1707]

has anyone ever applied for Harbottle & Lewis and got pas the first stage without any prior paralegal experience?

 

[cwhite233]

I also made this mistake in a few places so I’ve pretty much prepared for the immediate PFO. 🤣💀

If I get past the first stage it’ll be a miracle. 😭

At the open day, Paul said he doesn't mind either way of phrasing / spelling it as long as consistent so don't think it's an immediate PFO

 

[Chris Brown]

At the open day, Paul said he doesn't mind either way of phrasing / spelling it as long as consistent so don't think it's an immediate PFO

Hopefully I get extra brownie points for referring to the firm’s full name accurately in my application. 🤣💀

I wrote Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in full then put (Paul, Weiss) in brackets. Not sure whether I needed to but I didn’t want to risk anything. 😭

Guess we will all find out in the next few weeks!

 

[👩🎓]

Hi @Jessica Booker do you have any advice on researching a firm's clients or where I can start with it?

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Do we reckon I can shorten Paul, Weiss to P,W at all lmao I am so tight on word count

 

[Chris Brown]

Do we reckon I can shorten Paul, Weiss to P,W at all lmao I am so tight on word count

I would advise against this to be honest. 🙂

It’s better to stick to Paul, Weiss just to be on the safer side. 🙂

If you are tight on the word count try and see if you can rephrase and shorten sentences. 🙂

 

[SB01]

Hi, quite new to this whole UK vac scheme thing. Recently read about the Paul, Weiss vac scheme and the possibility for international students not studying in the UK to apply as well. How much is previous legal internship experience valued (for reference, I did A&O Shearman, Linklaters and Freshfields internships in Brussels). To what extent do tou think this is valued because it is not 'uk or london related'?

Thank you already and good luck for everyone!

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

I would advise against this to be honest. 🙂

It’s better to stick to Paul, Weiss just to be on the safer side. 🙂

If you are tight on the word count try and see if you can rephrase and shorten sentences. 🙂

I always thought shortening was ok so I referred to them as PW for most of it?

 

[Chris Brown]

I always thought shortening was ok so I referred to them as PW for most of it?

I think shortening is fine but it depends on the firm and how they refer to themselves and how they are referred to in media publications. 🫡

Take Squire Patton Boggs for example. I went to their Manchester open day and they had SPB written on the slides. 🙂

Paul, Weiss is either referred to in full or as Paul Weiss. I haven’t seen P,W or PW before but it might be fine.

I wouldn’t overthink it at this point because it is simply something nobody can know for. 🫡

 

[yumjuicebox]

this is a bit of a silly question, but if at an AC a firm asks you "why law", how long should I ideally be going on for..?

 

[AveragePoster]

Hi, has anyone heard from Cooley?