TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Ram Sabaratnam]

for the freshfields PS, would u recommend addressing it to grad rec/someone (i.e., format it like a cover letter) or just start with the statement directly?

Hiya @lawbear123

Just adding to what @chrisbrown mentioned, but there’s no need to format it like a cover letter. I didn’t address mine to grad rec or anyone specific. You can just jump straight into answering the main questions the personal statement is geared towards: why commercial law, why Freshfields, and why you! I think the most important thing is to ensure you focus on being clear and structured, and you’ll be good to go. Good luck with the statement 😊

 

[Bread]

Hi @Ram Sabaratnam

I have a bit of a scheduling challenge and would appreciate your advice. I recently received an AC invitation, but the available date is the 30th. I already have an AC scheduled for the 29th and an interview on the 31st.

With everything being so tightly packed and my exams, I’m concerned about being able to prepare thoroughly for any of the assessments. Given these circumstances, would it be worth emailing graduate recruitment to see if my AC on the 30th could be rescheduled to a later date? Should I mention the other AC and interview when I reach out?

I am not Ram, but if you do email Graduate Recruitment I would avoid mentioning your other assessments as I doubt they’d be sympathetic and they aren’t on the same day

 

[lawyersum]

Btw @Ram Sabaratnam if you took the most recent set of SQE exams - YOU SMASHED THEM HUNNY WE ARE ALL ROOTING FOR YOUR SUCCESS🤭🤞🤞🙏

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Btw @Ram Sabaratnam if you took the most recent set of SQE exams - YOU SMASHED THEM HUNNY WE ARE ALL ROOTING FOR YOUR SUCCESS🤭🤞🤞🙏

THANK YOU! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ If I fail, I'll just launch meme coins for the rest of my life.

 

[AS24]

Hey guys,

Regarding the Freshfields app, do you know if I can provide the info about my overseas academics in the section called

'Further information If you have completed any other academic or non-academic qualifications (such as Diplomas, for example) please list them here. Where appropriate include the score, grade or mark you attained'?​

@what do you think @Ram Sabaratnam

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hey guys,

Regarding the Freshfields app, do you know if I can provide the info about my overseas academics in the section called

'Further information If you have completed any other academic or non-academic qualifications (such as Diplomas, for example) please list them here. Where appropriate include the score, grade or mark you attained'?​

@what do you think @Ram Sabaratnam

Hiya AS24

I think that's perfectly fine I did so myself when I applied. That space was particularly helpful when applying as a mature candidate with degrees from other universities outside of the UK. Good luck!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi @Ram Sabaratnam

I have a bit of a scheduling challenge and would appreciate your advice. I recently received an AC invitation, but the available date is the 30th. I already have an AC scheduled for the 29th and an interview on the 31st.

With everything being so tightly packed and my exams, I’m concerned about being able to prepare thoroughly for any of the assessments. Given these circumstances, would it be worth emailing graduate recruitment to see if my AC on the 30th could be rescheduled to a later date? Should I mention the other AC and interview when I reach out?

Hiya @suhana

I think @Jessica Booker might have thoughts here, but I’d definitely encourage you to reach out. It sounds like you have a lot on your plate that week! I've generally found that many firms are quite understanding in situations like this, so it’s worth asking.

You could explain that you already have assessments and exams scheduled between the 29th and 31st, and ask if there might be any flexibility with the date of your AC. There’s no need to go into too much detail unless you feel comfortable doing so. The key is to show that you’re committed to giving the AC your best effort and want to approach it as prepared as possible. Good luck and I hope they’re able to accommodate you! 😊

 

[AS24]

Hiya AS24

I think that's perfectly fine I did so myself when I applied. That space was particularly helpful when applying as a mature candidate with degrees from other universities outside of the UK. Good luck!

Thank you @Ram Sabaratnam

 

[wqueens8]

For firms that have two intakes, September and March ish, how does that usually work? Do people request a certain intake or is it assigned to you? Would later intake correlate with a different SQE date?

 

[NCTC2025]

If you hosted a dinner who would you invite? - What would a law firm even be looking for from this question 😭

 

[AlegalA]

RPC VS!!! I am over the moon!!!
First VS ever!!! 🎉🎉

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

thank you! do u have any insights into the group task or senior lawyer task?

Hiya again @GSJ

You’re welcome! These tasks weren’t part of the assessment centre when I attended the AC or vac scheme, so I can’t speak from direct experience. That said, if the senior lawyer task is a written one, the principles for succeeding in any written task apply: clarity, structure, and a logical approach to the problem are key. I'll just attach these three amazing guides written by @Jacob Miller:

• One for case studies
• One for negotiations
• One for general interview preparation.

From my experience with group presentations during the vac scheme with Jones Day, I think I can confidently say that the firm values people who are confident but also demonstrate an ability to work effectively with others. It’s important to show that you can hold your own while bringing others into the discussion, building on their ideas, and gently helping the group stay focused when it seems like there's been digression. Good luck 😊

 

[VacSchemer]

RPC VS!!! I am over the moon!!!
First VS ever!!! 🎉🎉

Congrats on your vac scheme!! When were you invited for your AC and when did you manage to hear back after?

 

[Bread]

If you hosted a dinner who would you invite? - What would a law firm even be looking for from this question 😭

I actually met a guy who was on the hiring committee for a firm that would ask a similar question! He said that they are looking for an ability to structure your answer and to give a compelling answer. It doesn't actually matter who you say as long as you can show a genuine motivation for your decision and back your statements with examples.

 

[AlegalA]

Congrats on your vac scheme!! When were you invited for your AC and when did you manage to hear back after?

Thank you so much!
Timeline: applied 27/12, WG invite on 02/01, completed on 07/01, AC invite on 10/01, AC on 21/01, VS offer 22/01.
Hope that helps!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

If you hosted a dinner who would you invite? - What would a law firm even be looking for from this question 😭

Not the dinner party question 😅

To be fair, I actually enjoy questions like this! I’ve had to answer a few similar ones in other applications and interviews. Just to add to the great points made by @Bread, I also think the goal here is for the firm to gain insight into your personality, values, and how you think (which why Bread's point about structure is important). They’re looking for creativity and thoughtfulness, all things that are hard to assess through standard application questions.

The key is to choose people who genuinely interest you and explain convincingly why they’ve made your list. These could be historical figures, cultural icons, or even personal heroes (maybe avoid fictional characters or controversial figures unless you can really justify it 😬). Just make sure your reasons reflect something meaningful or insightful about you.

Most importantly, don’t overthink it! Good luck!

 

[BillSikes]

Thank you so much!
Timeline: applied 27/12, WG invite on 02/01, completed on 07/01, AC invite on 10/01, AC on 21/01, VS offer 22/01.
Hope that helps!

I refer to my earlier post, RPC don’t mess about 💀

 

[jacksollaf]

RPC VS!!! I am over the moon!!!
First VS ever!!! 🎉🎉

congrats!!!! is that for the summer vs in London?

 

[Kakaboo]

Anyone heard from Burges Salmon yet?

 

[ashwright]

Did anyone attend the Linklaters event on Monday? If so, did they mention anything about when they'll get back to us?

Bonus question - any movement from Mishcon or Hogan Lovells for their summer VS? I applied late for both so not very hopeful..