TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[aphelion]

Hello all,

I had a general question to ask regarding the idea of self funding the SQE. I already have my GDL.

This will be my fourth round of applying to VS/TCs, next year my 5th, and im coming to a point now where 1) I’m wondering it this is all worth it. And 2) whether I should go ahead and complete my SQE.

I have always feared that self funding the SQE shows 2 negative things:
1) you are in a fortunate position to do so. One that others do not have. And I’m afraid it could demonstrate a certain privilege. A privilege that firms may take badly.
2) if you’re self funding, then clearly, no one wanted to fund you. Maybe a slightly negative outlook on things, but I could see law firms thinking this. “Hmm, no one wanted to pay for this person's SQE, so maybe this candidate isn’t great?”

I’d love to know what people think. I’m really considering now moving on and funding it myself. I don’t think re applying might do me any good at this point.

@Jaysen
@Jessica Booker

I'm on my 5th cycle and have also considered self-funding. Ultimately I decided it wasn't worth it for me. My reasoning is that the sorts of firms we're applying to all sponsor the SQE for their trainees, and if I don't get a TC offer then there's no point having done the SQE exams, so self-funding is really just spending a ton of money on something you should be getting for free with no real benefit to it. Others may feel differently though.

Edit: this does not take into account firms that don't sponsor the SQE, as Katy12345 pointed out! If you're interested in such firms then I think it is more worth it to self-fund.

 

[Katy12345]

Hello all,

I had a general question to ask regarding the idea of self funding the SQE. I already have my GDL.

This will be my fourth round of applying to VS/TCs, next year my 5th, and im coming to a point now where 1) I’m wondering it this is all worth it. And 2) whether I should go ahead and complete my SQE.

I have always feared that self funding the SQE shows 2 negative things:
1) you are in a fortunate position to do so. One that others do not have. And I’m afraid it could demonstrate a certain privilege. A privilege that firms may take badly.
2) if you’re self funding, then clearly, no one wanted to fund you. Maybe a slightly negative outlook on things, but I could see law firms thinking this. “Hmm, no one wanted to pay for this person's SQE, so maybe this candidate isn’t great?”

I’d love to know what people think. I’m really considering now moving on and funding it myself. I don’t think re applying might do me any good at this point.

@Jaysen
@Jessica Booker

Let me add some insight that there’s quite a few law firms who only take people who self fund!

Hi Katy, I hope you don't mind but I have private messaged you a question. No worries if you are too busy to reply!

I have responded!

 

[elsx]

Howden VI !

 

[Broadwater]

Hello all,

I had a general question to ask regarding the idea of self funding the SQE. I already have my GDL.

This will be my fourth round of applying to VS/TCs, next year my 5th, and im coming to a point now where 1) I’m wondering it this is all worth it. And 2) whether I should go ahead and complete my SQE.

I have always feared that self funding the SQE shows 2 negative things:
1) you are in a fortunate position to do so. One that others do not have. And I’m afraid it could demonstrate a certain privilege. A privilege that firms may take badly.
2) if you’re self funding, then clearly, no one wanted to fund you. Maybe a slightly negative outlook on things, but I could see law firms thinking this. “Hmm, no one wanted to pay for this person's SQE, so maybe this candidate isn’t great?”

I’d love to know what people think. I’m really considering now moving on and funding it myself. I don’t think re applying might do me any good at this point.

@Jaysen
@Jessica Booker

If it’s a prep course combined with an LLM then it can feasibly be funded by a postgraduate loan i.e. it can’t be deduced whether you have paid a lump sum for it (unless you’re an international student I guess).

Even if it could be deduced, it certainly wouldn’t count against you for reasons of “privilege” or whatever. Both self-funding and applications from wealthy student (they can be mutually exclusive) are commonplace; law firms would be alienating a huge pool of strong candidates if they shunned these people

 

[Chris Brown]

Hi everyone, this is my first cycle applying. In previous years, whenabouts did the last AC invitations go out for Summer Vacation Schemes? For firms that haven't got back to me at this stage, when can I assume that it's going to be a rejection?

It varies among firms but most tend to be Feb for Feb + March AC’s. This is for SVS. I would say it’s too early to assume it’s a rejection. Best of luck in your applications! This is also my first cycle and it’s a long process. 🥲

 

[sapphireoreos]

Forsters PFO post-VI This is the second rejection I've had this cycle after a video interview and I'm worried because I have another one coming up. If anyone who has progressed after a video interview has any advice for me I would really appreciate it.

Sorry to hear that I finally managed to progress after a VI after getting continually post-VI PFOs last cycle (for law and non-law jobs). I’d say the biggest thing is practice, practice, practice—especially for the big three questions! @Andrei Radu’s post on competency interviews was invaluable in my prep and was a key part in my success. But I think it’s important to remember there’s a lot of luck involved too! You can have perfectly good answers but have it not go your way for whatever reason

 

[l789]

does anyone have advice for cappfinify tests!

A structured protocol and foolproof method that is guaranteed to pass.

 

[Addicted2chikin]

Hey guys, I recently did the Dechert WE and I was wondering if those who got an AC or a PFO, how long did it take for the firm to get back to you?

Is this for summer?

 

[lala_17]

Apologies, I don't have any insights but may I ask when you heard back from Linklaters and for which scheme? Thank you so much & all the best for both 🫶🫶

a few days ago for the summer one! there seem to be slots going into the next few weeks so imagine they're working thru apps atm

 

[AS24]

Has anyone done a Bristows written exercise and can offer some insight?

 

[simplyfaith]

Does anyone have any pre-AC imposter syndrome advice?

I have my first AC on Tuesday & feeling very much like an imposter & I feel it’s affecting my prep.

The first video and the couple of minutes timestamped in the second video helped me, maybe they'll help you.

After enough experience and exposure, engaging with those at all levels, this positive mindset will become ingrained in you.

Something else I like to keep in mind is that the roles we are applying for are not anything to be intimidated by in themselves. Their importance is inflated by the big numbers involved with clients, and the high thresholds for entry due to competition. Maybe it's just me, but realising that black letter law is the same for everyone was comforting. Of course, the stakes vary considerably, but it's something to keep in mind. Best of luck 🙏

 

[lolololol]

just got the WBD test!

 

[elsx]

Fladgate VI !!! Only did the test on Wednesday so very happy! + WBD test
Next week is going to be busy! I have three tests and two VI to do 😅

 

[MaryAra299]

CRS VI and Howden VI!

Congrats! Can I asked which branch you applied in for CRS and when did you receive the invitation.

 

[emma.d]

Hii, congrats to everyone with CRS VI offers for the London office. Could people please clarify when they applied? I applied on the deadline day but feel like it will be a PFO

 

[👩🎓]

I did AC last week, but they haven't come back to me yet. They said it will take around 2-3 weeks.

I did AC last week, but they haven't come back to me yet. They said it will take around 2-3 weeks.

I hope your AC went well, do you know if PMC will be running anymore ACs?

 

[g.cl.2020344]

WBD assessment!

 

[GSJ]

Anyone PM me with insights into Debevoise AC, can provide insights into Jones Day AC and CMS VI in return

 

[LawJ]

Also got the WBD assessment 🫡

 

[Maddy]

just got the WBD test!

Is this selective?