TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[trainee4u]

If asked in an interview why some of my module marks are lower than others, what should I say?

I have an application answer where I address this.

I say "in term 1 I scored a Commendation in one of my modules after a weak performance in my oral. After speaking to peers I found I had missed university-supplied material as I had revised independently. For my second term I addressed this issue by thoroughly reviewing all provided materials. In addition, I prepared exhaustively for the oral, drafting possible questions and practising interview technique with friends. My efforts paid off as I received 89% in the corresponding module in the second term."

 

[Katy12345]

Yes I’ve been waiting a month so assumed PFO but not seen anyone from my office get an AC. What office was this?

Which office are you waiting to hear back from?

 

[BillSikes]

For why the firm question at an interview - I want to make three points. 1.) How I am interested in their practice areas 2.) Their international outreach and secondment (particularly Middle East presence).

I'm struggling for a third if anyone can help. Culture/diversity is all I can think of but I personally believe this is a weak point - do people really talk about this at interview?

How long should my 'why firm' answer be also?

 

[RVD23]

Has anyone heard back from HFW post AC?

 

[pepsicola96]

If you get an offer for a SVS but have already accepted a scheme with dates that clash, would the other firm ever consider moving you to winter (assuming that you have a Spring VS too)?

You have nothing to lose by asking, but I don't think that would be very likely. Next winter is a different recruitment cycle, so you'd have been assessed differently to everyone else on the scheme, but like I say, if the alternative is not doing the scheme at all then definitely ask!

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

the silence is driving me insane

 

[marisachr]

Hello @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam, was wondering how you can incorporate talking about a firm's growth strategy in an interview! Unsure how to incorporate this in my upcoming AC

 

[pepsicola96]

I

Hello everyone.
I am currently getting ready to make applications for direct training contracts.
I am graduated with an LLB from a Dutch university where we did a comparative study between EU law jurisdictions and England & Wales, and finished my LLM in London this year.
I know the PGDL is not a regulatory requirement anymore if you have an LLB, however, some firms still require people to do the PGDL if they didn't do an LLB in the UK.
Does anyone know of any firms that don't require the PGDL if one has the LLB? I don't want to waste one year doing the PGDL and it'll help me prioritise certain firms. I am aware Baker Mckenzie has such an arrangement, but I'm unsure about any other firms.
Does anyone have any insights? Thanks

As a non-law student I'm in a similar position, I haven't done that much research but so far the only firm I have seen that doesn't require the PGDL is Baker McKenzie, somebody told me that was the case with BCLP but I don't think that is true. It's possible there are others, but ultimately I would just expect that you will have to do one

 

[M_m]

Does anyone know when we’ll hear back from OC post the virtual AC?

I just finished mine today and I think it was one of the last slots. So a week from now should be a good bet.

 

[yasmars]

For those interested in NRF:

They won’t be opening their direct training contract applications this year

 

[Willgetthere]

Does anyone know how long Goodwin will take to get back after AC stage ?

 

[Chris Brown]

Has anyone heard back from Paul, Weiss post online test with an AC invite, or has it only been PFO’s so far and nothing else?

The waiting is driving me insane. I just want it to be over and done with if it’s a PFO. 🥲🥲​

 

[ashwright]

Is it a bad idea to ask GR for an update post-app? It’s been two months since I took the tests for linklaters & one month since the HL Watson Glaser
Don’t want to be seen as annoying but just was hoping for a rough timeline
For @Jessica Booker and anyone else 😊

 

[lawyergirl2903]

For those interested in NRF:

They won’t be opening their direct training contract applications this year

Sorry how do we know this?

 

[kuuks_]

Has anyone heard back from Paul, Weiss post online test with an AC invite, or has it only been PFO’s so far and nothing else?

The waiting is driving me insane. I just want it to be over and done with if it’s a PFO. 🥲🥲​

I feel your pain. I'm this close to just pretending I never applied😂. The anxiety is killing me

 

[Ricky]

I feel your pain. I'm this close to just pretending I never applied😂. The anxiety is killing me

No news is good news at this point!

 

[Bread]

Has anyone heard back from Paul, Weiss post online test with an AC invite, or has it only been PFO’s so far and nothing else?

The waiting is driving me insane. I just want it to be over and done with if it’s a PFO. 🥲🥲​

At this point I’m guessing they sent out invites yesterday and today and will send other PFOs tomorrow 🥲

 

[Ricky]

At this point I’m guessing they sent out invites yesterday and today and will send other PFOs tomorrow 🥲

They couldn't have sent any invites out as I haven't received one yet.... 🤣

 

[yasmars]

Sorry how do we know this?

“Many thanks for your interest in the firm. We wanted to take a moment to update you on our current recruitment plans. After careful consideration, we have decided not to open our direct training contract window this year. We appreciate your understanding and continued interest in our firm. Please keep an eye on our website for updates about our 2025/2026 application windows.”

 

[Chris Brown]

They couldn't have sent any invites out as I haven't received one yet.... 🤣

I love the optimism I need to take notes. 📝

Hopefully it’s good news for all of us still waiting to hear back from Paul, Weiss.​