TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[toad92]

any insights on white & case vi would be very appreciated, can give insights on bakers VI, ff AC, hsf AC🫶🏻🫶🏻

 

[anon78365222111]

Has anyone got a reply from Baker McKenzie post AC?

 

[zoobla20]

This may be a silly question but with spring/summer vac schemes, how does giving out TC offers work? Would a firm allocate 50% to each so as not to disadvantage the later scheme or would they make all their TC offers after the final summer scheme (even for those who had a spring scheme)? Thank you!

 

[g.cl.2020344]

any insights on white & case vi would be very appreciated, can give insights on bakers VI, ff AC, hsf AC🫶🏻🫶🏻

Congrats! When did u apply/ get the VI invite?

 

[Chris Brown]

This may be a silly question but with spring/summer vac schemes, how does giving out TC offers work? Would a firm allocate 50% to each so as not to disadvantage the later scheme or would they make all their TC offers after the final summer scheme (even for those who had a spring scheme)? Thank you!

I think it depends on the total number of TC’s that are available. I think some firms make offers after each VS whereas others will wait until all the VS have finished and then make TC offers. 🙂🙂

I think MC + SC firms with larger intakes and TC spaces make offers after each VS based on what I have seen on LinkedIn. 🙂🙂

 

[Amma Usman]

Does anyone have any advice regarding an application question which asks what is your unique selling point and why? Would it be advisable to talk about skills or past work experience here?

Yes, it would be advisable to talk about skills or past work experience, but the key is to frame them in a way that highlights what makes you stand out. A "unique selling point" (USP) should focus on what differentiates you from other applicants; this could be a combination of your skills, experiences, background, or personal attributes.

If you have a particularly strong or uncommon work experience (e.g., a mix of legal, financial, and regulatory experience), that could be a great angle. Alternatively, if your skill set is distinctive (e.g., ability to bridge legal and commercial considerations effectively), you could focus on that.

For example, you could say:

"My unique selling point is my ability to combine legal expertise with commercial insight, developed through my experience at X,Y, and Z. Having worked in legal, compliance, and financial roles, I understand not only the legal frameworks governing transactions but also the strategic considerations that drive them. This enables me to add value beyond legal analysis by anticipating commercial implications. For example, taking part in X task where I X, I applied knowledge from all three listed domains which resulted in….”

For questions like this, you can really talk about anything! It’s not about the USP itself, it’s about how you link it back to your experiences and self which could demonstrate some strong candidacy.

 

[ish12345]

Any advice for the Macfarlanes AC?

 

[Amma Usman]

This may be a silly question but with spring/summer vac schemes, how does giving out TC offers work? Would a firm allocate 50% to each so as not to disadvantage the later scheme or would they make all their TC offers after the final summer scheme (even for those who had a spring scheme)? Thank you!

This varies among firms and each cycle. @Ram Sabaratnam has created a really helpful guide here - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....eme-vs-direct-tc-applications-2024-2025.9147/

 

[PFOenthusiast]

congratulations! when did you apply?

Thank you! I applied on 15th January (the day of the deadline).

 

[elsx]

does any1 know how to improve your scores for deductive reasoning tests?- the ones where they will ask you to schedule meetings etc

Hi did you find any resources apart from the practice test ? I am panicking a bit...
Also good luck for the virtual aC! What time are you doing it?

 

[Amma Usman]

NRF VI this morning; anyone has tips?

Hey there! I’ve linked @Andrei Radu ’s great guide here - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....de-for-competency-interview-preparation.9380/

 

[zoobla20]

I think it depends on the total number of TC’s that are available. I think some firms make offers after each VS whereas others will wait until all the VS have finished and then make TC offers. 🙂🙂

I think MC + SC firms with larger intakes and TC spaces make offers after each VS based on what I have seen on LinkedIn. 🙂🙂

thank you!

 

[Tclarocks123]

Freshfields rejection. Not sad though. Happy Monday guys

 

[wordyversus]

I had a first-round interview with GDC back in December and sent a follow-up email shortly after. Since then, I’ve been ghosted by the firm, while others who interviewed after me have already received rejection emails. Does anyone know if GDC has a waitlist, or if sending another follow-up email would come across as inconsiderate?

 

[lolasparks]

Does anyone have an insight into KPMG online assessment? If there are VI's maybe? Thank you

 

[Amma Usman]

anyone have any advice for ACs? my first one ever is tomorrow and I am quite nervous that im just gonna blank and forget everything I know or smth like that will go wrong

Hey there!

I completely get the nerves - I had them too and surely everyone has because we’re all human at the end of the day, and it’s totally normal to get nerves when you have an important day coming up.

I will not go into too many technicals on this post because the forum has loads of resources which cater to these (some of which I have linked below). I will go into the resilience side that comes with attending ACs. Trust in yourself. Trust in your abilities. Trust in the skills and knowldge you have gained till date. Trust in all the effort you have put over the past few months/years that got you to this stage. None of it was by chance. Your name was on the invite list…so they want you there too! Show them that, and I have no doubt you will succeed.

This is the view I want everyone that has any ACs/interviews to have. It’s not a scary thing… it‘s just an opportunity to bring your application to life. Lawyers, even the more senior ones, are people first. Treat it like a conversation with any other person in the world, and you will see the nerves settle slowly!

TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Hi guy, can anyone give me some tips regarding Open days? I’m attending one tomorrow, and quite nervous about what to say and do etc. Anything would be helpful. Hey @EA95 , Very well done on getting the open day spot! Such a wonderful opportunity! First of all, I would say to remain calm...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[👩🎓]

Yes, it would be advisable to talk about skills or past work experience, but the key is to frame them in a way that highlights what makes you stand out. A "unique selling point" (USP) should focus on what differentiates you from other applicants; this could be a combination of your skills, experiences, background, or personal attributes.

If you have a particularly strong or uncommon work experience (e.g., a mix of legal, financial, and regulatory experience), that could be a great angle. Alternatively, if your skill set is distinctive (e.g., ability to bridge legal and commercial considerations effectively), you could focus on that.

For example, you could say:

"My unique selling point is my ability to combine legal expertise with commercial insight, developed through my experience at X,Y, and Z. Having worked in legal, compliance, and financial roles, I understand not only the legal frameworks governing transactions but also the strategic considerations that drive them. This enables me to add value beyond legal analysis by anticipating commercial implications. For example, taking part in X task where I X, I applied knowledge from all three listed domains which resulted in….”

For questions like this, you can really talk about anything! It’s not about the USP itself, it’s about how you link it back to your experiences and self which could demonstrate some strong candidacy.

Thank you so much @Amma Usman, this is definitely very helpful.

 

[Amma Usman]

3 THINGS YOGA HAS TAUGHT ME (that apply to the law firm application process!)

The truth is, yoga and the law firm application process might seem worlds apart, but they share fundamental lessons that can make a real difference in approaching applications with clarity and confidence. When I was applying, I sometimes overlooked these three key things, which is why I am sharing them now, with the hopes that someone out there takes something from it too!

1. Discipline and Consistency Matter
Just like yoga requires regular practice to build strength and flexibility, the law firm application process demands consistent effort. Whether it’s refining your commercial awareness, perfecting your cover letters, or improving interview skills, progress comes from persistence. Even on tough days, showing up and putting in the work can make all the difference.

2. Balance Is Key
Yoga teaches the importance of balance, whether between strength and relaxation or effort and ease. The same applies to applications: balancing research with reflection, confidence with humility, and preparation with adaptability. Overloading yourself with applications can lead to burnout, while applying too passively might limit opportunities. Finding the right rhythm ensures both effectiveness and well-being.

3. Embracing Discomfort Leads to Growth
In yoga, holding a challenging pose might feel uncomfortable, but pushing through helps build resilience. Similarly, the law firm application process involves stepping outside your comfort zone, whether networking, handling rejection, or tackling difficult case study exercises. Growth happens when you embrace challenges rather than shy away from them.

 

[EA95]

Was this for the summer scheme or spring?

Spring

 

[Amma Usman]

Is it worth applying to firms if I haven't attended an open day or one of their virtual events? (My interest in the firm would only be shown through my online research and also perhaps speaking to one of the firm's solicitors)

@Jessica Booker @Amma Usman

You don’t need to have attended an event. The key is how you link your experiences from that event, to the new firm you’re applying to. For example, if you got an insight into a practice area that the firm you’re applying to is good at, use that experience to show demonstrated interest!