TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi guys I've got my first ever AC coming up so if anyone has any general advice for preparation that would be really appreciated!

Also I had a more specific question about how to answer a question about firm's competitors in an interview? I hear some people are asked about other firms that they have applied to. Is it best to state firms that are similar to the firm so that your 'interest' in the firm seems more genuine? Or does it not really matter what the other firms you've applied to are as long as you state why you prefer the firm you're interviewing for? I've applied to a mixed bag of firms so just wanted some more info on best practice for these types of questions. Thanks everyone!

Hiya @elena11

It's great that you're thinking ahead about this! When discussing other firms you've applied to, it's generally a good idea to mention firms that are similar to the one you're interviewing at. This is not necessarily just to seem more 'genuine,' but because it helps demonstrate that you’ve taken a methodical and considered approach to your applications.

In answering the question, I’d start by briefly defining what you mean by ‘competitors.’ You could mention that you're taking a broad view, considering a range of factors such as firms with similar strengths in particular practice areas, international footprints, or firm structures. From there, you can explain how these factors shaped your decision to apply to the firm with whom you are interviewing, as well as others that align along similar parameters. This way, you’re showing the interviewer that your applications weren’t random but were instead guided by clear reasoning.

If your applications have been to a mix of firms, that’s fine too. Just be ready for your interviewers to push back and get you to articulate why this firm stands out for you given the variety of firms you've mentioned applying to (this happened to me once when I mentioned one firm that was very, very different from the one that I was interviewing at).

Best of luck with your AC!

 

[Rhohia]

Did you receive an email or log into see ?

I got an email!

 

[MR10]

wasn’t there supposed to be a squire update today? 👀

they said but nothing come through yet

 

[johnnysins]

Anybody received Milbank post-AC PFOs?

 

[Chris Brown]

For Ropes & Gray "Describe three characteristics that you believe make an outstanding Ropes & Gray lawyer and how that lawyer would drive our business," am I supposed to explain why I think I have these skills even though this isn't specifically asked?

Morning all!
Ropes and Gray. Advice given was variable and nobody seemed to have consensus so I took the opportunity to ask Ropes directly for their input. Maya very kindly came back to me a minute ago with very detailed clarification around what they want. Ultimately, tie back to your own experience IF word count permits without compromising your answer. Hope this helps 🙏
View attachment 6697

For the Ropes and Gray question use this as guidance because we were all confused as to whether we needed to link the question back to us as well. 😂

Click on view attachment. The advice is from Maya who is on the grad rec team at Ropes and Gray. 🙂

 

[kokoprep]

Question for anyone who has received a WG from Freshfields - how soon after completing the Online Assesment did you receive the WG?
Thank you so much!

edit: in reference to the direct TC

its out already?

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

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?

Hiya @Katy12345

This could definitely be a possibility. If you're successful in securing a vacation scheme offer, it’s worth raising this with graduate recruitment to see if there’s flexibility. For now, I’d focus on the assessment centre and securing the vacation scheme first. I had a similar experience at a firm where I couldn't accept the vacation scheme offer, and asked if they would be willing to invite me to interview for the direct training contract. Thankfully, they were willing to consider me for the direct training contract. While it's possible they can reject the request, I've generally found most firms with a direct training contract route are quite accommodating here. At the very least, it’s always worth asking. Best of luck!

 

[Chris Brown]

its out already?

Freshfields are quite fast lmao. Linklaters need to take notes. 👀😂

 

[kokoprep]

Freshfields are very fast lmao. Linklaters need to take notes. 👀😂

you got WG?

 

[avocadob]

Congrats! When did you apply OC?

OC AC and NRF interview!

 

[ashwright]

its out already?

i'm pretty sure i've seen some people that have been invited to take the WG, although i'm not sure whether it's been for vs or tc
i haven't heard back yet

 

[Chris Brown]

you got WG?

I didn’t apply to either Freshfields or Linklaters but I did see many forum users speak about application progress for Freshfields. 🙂🙂

 

[lawaspirant!]

DWF PFO...

 

[RandomFlyer]

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

For the VS, ACs have been happening since at least the start of this week and definitely continue into next week and probably beyond.

I could only book AC dates within a single week so I would assume they are sending ACs in batches. Adding to that, Freshfields ACs are quite small (~3 people per AC) so its unsurprising that very few people have heard back so far.

 

[Katy12345]

Hiya @Katy12345

This could definitely be a possibility. If you're successful in securing a vacation scheme offer, it’s worth raising this with graduate recruitment to see if there’s flexibility. For now, I’d focus on the assessment centre and securing the vacation scheme first. I had a similar experience at a firm where I couldn't accept the vacation scheme offer, and asked if they would be willing to invite me to interview for the direct training contract. Thankfully, they were willing to consider me for the direct training contract. While it's possible they can reject the request, I've generally found most firms witha direct training contract route to be quite accommodating here. At the very least, it’s always worth asking. Best of luck!

Thank you so much! I have tried to avoid VS where possible as I work in a big 4 consulting firm, it is not a conflict of interest but I just know my request to take unpaid leave and do the scheme would be rejected in an instant and I feel them even knowing would impact my role and career opportunities there! Definitely getting ahead of myself but wanted to check, I appreciate your response 👌

 

[Mace2121]

Reed Smith AC!

 

[Miss Chocolate]

I applied to AG for their spring scheme, did the test and STILL haven't heard anything...wtf like just send me my outcome 😭 I am losing my patience omg

 

[rapunzel]

so many firms getting together today to send PFOs before the weekend

 

[rabialegal]

OC AC and NRF interview!

Congrats! For your NRF interview does the link work to schedule a time?

 

[marisachr]

DWF pfo when the managing partner was my mentor for a uni mentoring scheme and literally coached me on how to write a good application 🤡