TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Katy12345]

Does anyone know for AG if you can be considered for a direct TC if successful at the AC? The app name is 2025 Placement Scheme / 2027 Training Contract / Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship so I am assuming (praying there is that possibility). Is it worth asking their recruitment?

 

[ashwright]

is this for direct TC?

Yes, apologies, I should've added that

 

[EA95]

PW assessment invite

 

[ashwright]

PW assessment invite

INCREDIBLE!! congratulations - you're going to smash it 🍀 🥳 🥳

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi everyone,

It is quite disappointing that I have to step in and moderate the earlier disputes. This is a gentle reminder that the forum is a space for support, not conflict. We’re all on this journey together, and it’s important that we uplift and encourage one another. Let’s keep the discussions positive and constructive as we head into the weekend.

Wishing you all a great one!

 

[ekuwa]

I have just received a VS offer. They ask about any reasonable adjustments I might need. I have Aspergers. I have never been on a vac scheme so not sure about the format and so not sure what adjustments might be needed (I'd likely know once I start the scheme and have reflected on my experience, but I suppose that will be too late). Any suggestions on how to go about this? Or just insight into adjustments people have previously gotten.

[Based on recent discussions on the forum, I feel the need to caveat by saying I am not looking to game the system. I have gotten reasonable adjustments backed by evidence at ACs. But this was because I knew what to request based on my prior experiences. I have no idea about what a VS looks like].

 

[EA95]

INCREDIBLE!! congratulations - you're going to smash it 🍀 🥳 🥳

Thank you

 

[elsx]

I have just received a VS offer. They ask about any reasonable adjustments I might need. I have Aspergers. I have never been on a vac scheme so not sure about the format and so not sure what adjustments might be needed (I'd likely know once I start the scheme and have reflected on my experience, but I suppose that will be too late). Any suggestions on how to go about this? Or just insight into adjustments people have previously gotten.

[Based on recent discussions on the forum, I feel the need to caveat by saying I am not looking to game the system. I have gotten reasonable adjustments backed by evidence at ACs. But this was because I knew what to request based on my prior experiences. I have no idea about what a VS looks like].

Hi,
I can't help you with the adjustements but just wanted to congratulate you!!!

 

[TC seeker]

Congrats on the AC, mind if I ask when you completed your VI?

I literally just came on to ask what the usual turnaround time is and saw you’d posted!

I completed it on Tuesday this week

 

[User24]

Akin AC
Goodwin VI
Weil VI
W&C VI
Dechert Written Task
Willkie Written Task
Linklaters
HSF VS
Reed smith AC
Macfarlanes AC
Addleshaw Goddard AC

12 applications, 5 ACs, 1 rejection

Successful with HSF and got an offer

Waiting for Weil, Linklaters, W&C and Goodwin.
Weil said 2 weeks but nothing yet. I saw a summer VS for Linklaters today, was that the fast track individuals.

Akin AC
Goodwin VI
Weil VI
W&C VI
Dechert Written Task
Willkie Written Task
Linklaters
HSF VS
Reed smith AC
Macfarlanes AC
Addleshaw Goddard AC

12 applications, 5 ACs, 1 rejection

Successful with HSF and got an offer

Waiting for Weil, Linklaters, W&C and Goodwin.
Weil said 2 weeks but nothing yet. I saw a summer VS for Linklaters today, was that the fast track individuals.

Congrats! That is amazing. I have an AC with HSF coming up, do you have any tips on how to prepare/ any resources that helped you?

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi guys- does anybody know off the top of their head which deadlines today are non-rolling before I go ahead and search? Thank you!

Hi there!

I’ve linked our deadlines thread here for both VS’ and TC’s - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....4-25-with-rolling-non-rolling-checklist.8957/

Training Contract Deadlines 2024/25 (Training Starting in 2027)

Hey friends! We have put together a list of firms currently recruiting trainees via the direct training contract application route. We hope this makes things easier for those of you looking to apply, especially if you aren’t able to do a vacation scheme. The list below is mainly for training...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[ekuwa]

Hi,
I can't help you with the adjustements but just wanted to congratulate you!!!

Thank you!!

 

[lawaspirant!]

Hi there, I appreciate that this is mainly for vacation scheme discussion, but in light of recent VS rejections does anyone know the chances of securing a TC without prior legal experience/vacation scheme places etc?

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

He literally asked “does anyone know what I can get”.

“Has anyone been successful in getting the questions in advance”

I’m sorry, but how is anyone reading that not going to have alarm bells ringing?

It sounds exactly like they’re trying to game the system. If they really wanted to know what adjustments they were entitled to, they would not come on here trying to see what other adjustments people have got.

That’s like saying you’re allergic to nuts and can’t eat nuts and require dietary restrictions because some random user like “bigboy101” on TCLA is allergic to nuts. Please explain this logic to me?

Well it isn't actually the case.

For example, the diagnosis and support plan does not cover SJTs or interviews as they aren't usual at school or uni. However firms do offer alternates for SJTs for those with diagnosis of different SEND based on which SEND they have.

So whilst the person may have phrased their questions differently perhaps stating what adjustments might they offer for people with aspergers/dyslexia/discalxulia for SJTs and interviews and other types of tests that weren't cover by an educational psychologistreport. Adjustments in the workplace aren't the same as adjustments at school/uni so aren't always covered in reports/support plans prepared for those settings.

Asking about getting questions in advance might well be a reasonable adjustment for a student who was used to getting copies of lecture slides in advance to assist with their note taking.

 

[marioskekkos5]

Did the PW test - was pretty hard in some parts. Feedback report gives you full outline of how you did on every area (on a bar chart). Email also outlines next stage is a virtual assessment centre.

I attended the October Open Day it was such a lie - we were promised no SJT and next stage would be in person interview ahah

Hi! On what skills does the bar give you an outline? numerical and verbal or more?

 

[lawyersum]

Akin AC
Goodwin VI
Weil VI
W&C VI
Dechert Written Task
Willkie Written Task
Linklaters
HSF VS
Reed smith AC
Macfarlanes AC
Addleshaw Goddard AC

12 applications, 5 ACs, 1 rejection

Successful with HSF and got an offer

Waiting for Weil, Linklaters, W&C and Goodwin.
Weil said 2 weeks but nothing yet. I saw a summer VS for Linklaters today, was that the fast track individuals.

This is so impressive! Would you mind sharing a tidbit of your application strategy?

 

[Jessica Booker]

“Does anyone know what I can get”

You are making your reasonable adjustments sound like you have just won a free burger at Burger King.

Ideally, you should have a support plan in place which has been created by a medical expert or disability coordinator. That’s where you will find out what adjustments you will require for work/studies. If they deem that you require written materials or questions in advance, then absolutely you may request this.

If you do not have this, and you have self diagnosed your neurodivergence, then it is most likely self curable too.

It’s highly unlikely that you will get the questions in advance as this is a massive risk to law firms and they have no way to stop you from circulating or leaking the information.

I need to step in here as a lot of what you have said in this post needs addressing.

Many medical reports/psychologist reports do not provide the detail of the varied reasonable adjustments someone could receive. This is because to do this you'd have to assess every variable scenario, which just doesn't happen. This makes the whole process of knowing what adjustments you need a minefield to navigate, especially when these forms of assessments are new to you or if you have not had significant experience in the workplace (academic and work place adjustments tend to be very different).

This means a lot of people don't know what adjustments they need, let alone what they can ask for.

Also, you do not need to have a formal diagnosis to ask for adjustments.

The idea that people who have self-diagnosed, especially given current wait times for professional diagnosis (sometimes over six years), means that people can "cure" their neurodivergence is (put frankly) a flawed argument.

Getting questions in advance is actually a fairly common adjustment too - I have seen this done across a number of organisations and to differing levels, from more guidance on the questions to a specific list of exact questions being provided.

 

[Rhohia]

Anyone else just get a "Thank you for completing your assessment" email from Reed Smith? (I did the assessment and VI a month ago...)

Don’t want to assume but I think this means they rewatched your VI

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi, grad rec have reached out and asked about reasonable adjustments for AC.

Apart from extra time - does anyone know what adjustments I can get for being neurodiverse?

Has anyone ever been successful in getting the interview questions in advance?

Please feel free to PM me about this and I can give you more advice that will be tailored to your specific requirements.

 

[yasmars]

Don’t want to assume but I think this means they rewatched your VI

Yeah, I think it means you passed their initial benchmark and they are confirming they have watched your VI. Cos