TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[traineedreamer]

This is my first application cycle post ADHD diagnosis. My diagnosis confirmation was very tailored towards workplace adjustments as I am now a worker, so I went into this not knowing or thinking to ask for extra time for tests. As someone newly diagnosed, I thought I just had to do my best with the time given. It was only once people mentioned it in the forum that I realised I could ask for extra time (although it was too late for my car crash test with Ashurst). For some people who have just struggled without knowing what could help, positive discussions and examples are incredibly useful.

Let's be mindful that people's circumstances are different, diagnosis providers and what information they offer are different and frankly, people are handling or coming to terms with their needs differently. It can be daunting asking for adjustments for a myriad of reasons. We are all here to support and learn from each other while trying to reach a common goal of getting that TC!

 

[kelisi88]

PW assessment invite

Congrats!! Did you just get it today?

 

[kelisi88]

Anyone heard positively from NRF?

 

[studentdelaw786]

COOLEY PFO LET’S GOOOOOOO!!

 

[BobThebIlly]

Anyone heard from Freshfields post WG for the VS??

I have only seen one person receive an AC and their response was pretty quick so I’m growing a bit concerned haha

 

[Tintin06]

Holding myself accountable again (Cooley rejection)

CC* ✅📝❌
HSF ✅📝❌
NRF ✅📝❌
Weil ✅❌
Akin ✅❌
Sidley ✅❌
Orrick ✅
Willkie ✅🎥❌
Cooley ✅❌
Latham ✅
Milbank ✅
Kirkland ✅
Dechert ✅❌
Skadden ✅❌
Goodwin ✅
Covington ✅❌
Linklaters* ✅📝❌
Paul, Weiss ✅
Slaughters* ✅❌
Freshfields* ✅📝
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.

*Training Contract applications

TC apps left to do: Stephenson Harwood; Sullivan & Cromwell.

 

[LawJourney101]

Does anyone have any insight into the HL SVS timeline from previous cycles, I applied start of nov did the test start of dec and haven't heard since. I know there were PFOs the other day and a couple ACs a few weeks ago but does anyone know how much longer roughly they gonna take before the full set of ACs?

My bf and I impulsively booked a four day holiday mid/end of feb and I'm now wondering if that is too soon and will get in the way since they have been taking a while for each wave of communications - I only have two apps left to hear back from so I thought it wld be fine but am now doubting that a bit

I wish I were as optimistic as you in life. I wouldn't think about it/change your plans personally. I did a VI for W&C in October for example and received an email from them before new year saying they will get back to me in the new year and they never did.. I adjusted my plans for this week thinking about the possibility of an AC and regret it now. I am in the same spot for HL btw, but there are still a lot of people in the process (about 50% I think), so I would just take it as a nice surprise if it does come without changing your plans.

 

[maymays]

Cooley PFOOO! I don't get it. Got an invite to the Meet Cooley event, researched everything thoroughly and followed the application tips given during the event to a T. I don't know what firms want from me anymore tbhh

 

[Legallywhatever]

OC wait is actually draining I wish they'd just send a PFO and get it over with 😭

 

[kelisi88]

Holding myself accountable again (Cooley rejection)

CC* ✅📝❌
HSF ✅📝❌
NRF ✅📝❌
Weil ✅❌
Akin ✅❌
Sidley ✅❌
Orrick ✅
Willkie ✅🎥❌
Cooley ✅❌
Latham ✅
Milbank ✅
Kirkland ✅
Dechert ✅❌
Skadden ✅❌
Goodwin ✅
Covington ✅❌
Linklaters* ✅📝❌
Paul, Weiss ✅
Slaughters* ✅❌
Freshfields* ✅📝
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.

*Training Contract applications

TC apps left to do: Stephenson Harwood; Sullivan & Cromwell.

absolute machine.

 

[Rhohia]

yeah thats what im thinking but im not sure

I wrote about the steam overall and specified certain seats within that stream and got through to VI

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

Guys, this feels like a silly question, but do you have an easy way of identifying proper nouns? Is 'M&A' in the context of '...during the due diligence stage of M&A deals' supposed to be capitalised? If I substituted M&A with Debt Finance, would it still be the same rule? I think I'm losing my mind a little...Wish I had paid attention in school when we were taught these things...

 

[Jessica Booker]

My ropes and gray answer is 325 words... do I need to pump those numbers up to reach closer to 500?😭😭

I'd strongly recommend getting closer to 500 words but not by just filling it out. Often when people are not using closer to the 500 words they are really missing the detail needed in the question, especially how the characteristic will drive the firm's business.

 

[Jessica Booker]

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].

Please feel free to PM me about this and we can discuss this privately.

 

[cwhite233]

Guys, this feels like a silly question, but do you have an easy way of identifying proper nouns? Is 'M&A' in the context of '...during the due diligence stage of M&A deals' supposed to be capitalised? If I substituted M&A with Debt Finance, would it still be the same rule? I think I'm losing my mind a little...Wish I had paid attention in school when we were taught these things...

M&A in caps always but 'debt finance' and 'funds' and that sort of thing in caps only when referring to the names of specific practice groups at firms - this approach has got me past app stage many times before

 

[cwhite233]

M&A in caps always but Debt Finance and Funds and that sort of thing in caps only when referring to the names of specific practice groups at firms - this approach has got me past app stage many times before

Also tiny unrelated point if you're talking about DD on a M&A deal I'd specify legal DD as a M&A deal will have loads of other types of DD workstreams that the deal lawyers won't be working on such as financial DD etc.!

 

[lawstudent2]

I wish I were as optimistic as you in life. I wouldn't think about it/change your plans personally. I did a VI for W&C in October for example and received an email from them before new year saying they will get back to me in the new year and they never did.. I adjusted my plans for this week thinking about the possibility of an AC and regret it now. I am in the same spot for HL btw, but there are still a lot of people in the process (about 50% I think), so I would just take it as a nice surprise if it does come without changing your plans.

haha dw I am very much anticipating a pfo, it wld just be nice to be able to go away and not have to think abt applications at all as they have consumed my life at this point so was wondering if they will get back to me by then or not

sorry about W&C tho I didn't apply but from what I've seen they really do take their time, it must be frustrating

but yeh thanks for the advice I'll defo keep the plans then

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi,
Speaking of adjustement,
I reached out to OC once I got invited to the virtual AC. They replied quite quickly asking for more details but I have not hear back since then and my AC is on Wednesday. Has anyone been in contact with them regarding adjustements and heard back? I am just stressed since it's my first interview with a law firm that is not recorded and my first time asking for adjustements.

Do have have an individual you have been in contact regarding this at OC or have you been responding to a shared inbox? I ask as sometimes find sending such details to a specific person rather than an inbox can be more helpful/you get a quicker response.

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

M&A in caps always but 'debt finance' and 'funds' and that sort of thing in caps only when referring to the names of specific practice groups at firms - this approach has got me past app stage many times before

Also tiny unrelated point if you're talking about DD on a M&A deal I'd specify legal DD as a M&A deal will have loads of other types of DD workstreams that the deal lawyers won't be working on such as financial DD etc.!

Oh this is very helpful thank you!

 

[lawbear123]

any insights on dechert written exercise?