TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[trainee4u]

Camera: Logitech C920
Mic: Shure PGA58
Audio interface: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2nd gen

The PC itself was prebuilt. i5-10400F. RTX 3060.

Thanks. Not too pricey! I looked at a video yesterday and they were saying entry-level webcam is Insta360 2C (£130!)

Honestly I'm partly wondering about doing it on my phone; only problem is my phone also sucks, so maybe I need to buy a new phone (had it for almost 3 years now, Redmi)!!!

 

[Livelaughlove]

For those waiting for TS don’t lose hope yet. I got my interview offer for DTC much later than most of the people on my AC day and the others got theirs even later than me. I don’t think they work in batches but they do read everyone’s application so it does take them longer than most.

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

Hi, how long did it take for the SJ test to come through? I applied a week ago and I haven't received anything yet. The website says it will be sent shortly after the application is submitted. Thanks

Mine hasn't come through yet either. Since the email confirmation said they'll 'review' apps, I left it as is. Wasn't sure there was much to 'review', but also didn't want to annoy the emerging talent team lol.

 

[Gin]

Hi guys. If I really like a firm but I have missed their open day are there any other ways to find out more about them? I have messaged some trainees on LinkedIn and received no reply, not sure if it's because they are too busy or something wrong with my message. I'm wondering if I will be disadvantaged if I apply to their vs without having attended any of their events... This is so annoying. Does anyone have any suggestions? Any advice would be really appreciated!

 

[berocca567]

How do people deal with all the rejections/ not hearing back? Honestly it's taken quite a mental toll and the idea of waiting for the next round makes me feel sick. What can I do in the meantime to make myself a more desirable candidate?

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

I’ve probably asked this question at least 10x by now but has anyone heard from Travers Smith or Ropes & Gray at all? Low-key starting to crash out from waiting this long lmao. 😂🥲​

No news from Ropes & Gray. I looked through last year's thread and it looks like people heard back around the 26th of Feb. So perhaps next week we'll hear back?

 

[VMS]

That's so true! One of my questions at the end of the interview was about how they've been losing a lot of revenue and profit etc... and how the firm has been downhill for a while and what their strategy is in that regard... Technically, online the firm blames it on them leaving Moscow, so I specifically said that, obviously leaving Russia played a role in this, but besides this what are the other reasons (because leaving Russia isn't that convincing, especially considering that they're technically a US-UK firm...) But hey, one down, 19 applications to go 😂

Lmao I was similar when I interviewed with them. My last question was centred on their low retention rates 🤣 Poor interviewers 🤣

 

[LawJourney101]

My last VS hope is Hogan Lovells and looking at last year, all ACs were given out by end of January. Cooked.

 

[VMS]

Hi guys. If I really like a firm but I have missed their open day are there any other ways to find out more about them? I have messaged some trainees on LinkedIn and received no reply, not sure if it's because they are too busy or something wrong with my message. I'm wondering if I will be disadvantaged if I apply to their vs without having attended any of their events... This is so annoying. Does anyone have any suggestions? Any advice would be really appreciated!

Honestly, don't stress it. In the three cycles of apps I've done so far, I've had 4 ACs and have now obtained 3 VS' (one in first cycle, two in this one) and none of them were with firms I attended an Open Day for.

Instead, I use Legal Cheek, Chambers Student Guide, Legal500 and the firm's website for my research. Note that some firms do not have either a Legal Cheek or Chambers page, but normally have at least one. Then, you can use what you find in that research to search further - eg if you see a client on the Legal500 then can research further into the work they did for them.

Open Days are good, but they're DEFINITELY not a make or break.

 

[VMS]

Out of curiosity, how did they respond to that question? Did they try to dodge it or did they give an honest answer? 👀​

They kind of answered directly? Just said they were working on it and that sometimes it's simply that the trainees themselves want to move on, and that they know applicants look at these statistics so are aware of it. So, they did answer but tried to keep it a bit vague 🤣

 

[VMS]

How do people deal with all the rejections/ not hearing back? Honestly it's taken quite a mental toll and the idea of waiting for the next round makes me feel sick. What can I do in the meantime to make myself a more desirable candidate?

The way I get around it is by doing more, usually. If I get a rejection then I try to send off another app the same week so I know I have another one out there, and that normally makes me feel better.

I found it harder this cycle than the last two. After a rejection from a firm I did an AC with last cycle, I just couldn't get out of bed for a day I was that down. I've said it before on here, but the way I pick myself back up is by thinking of life as a wheel of fortune - sometimes you're at the bottom, sometimes you're at the top, but the wheel NEVER stops spinning. At one point, logically, you HAVE to be on top.

Also, cut yourself some slack. It takes a lot of energy to do all these applications. Celebrate the small successes (eg just getting an application out there) and have a dance around the kitchen or something. Sounds silly, but the little things really help

 

[Amma Usman]

If you have not received an AC this cycle ... how are you staying motivated?

I totally get how tough it can be. During my own cycle, every PFO just became an excuse to treat myself. A good dessert or a spicy meal always lifted my mood, and if that didn’t do the trick, I’d sleep it off. By the time I woke up, I’d remind myself that rejection is just a phase everyone has to go through. The key is finding healthy ways to cope - whether it’s food, rest, or something else that makes you happy. Keep going, because the right opportunity will come your way!

 

[Chris Brown]

Hi guys. If I really like a firm but I have missed their open day are there any other ways to find out more about them? I have messaged some trainees on LinkedIn and received no reply, not sure if it's because they are too busy or something wrong with my message. I'm wondering if I will be disadvantaged if I apply to their vs without having attended any of their events... This is so annoying. Does anyone have any suggestions? Any advice would be really appreciated!

In addition to what @VMS said, I think you can also try see if the firm has any forage internships that you could complete. This could help you understand the kind of work a trainee would do and the kinds of matters that the firm typically advises on. 🙂

Perhaps if the firm hosts virtual events (such as with AllAboutLaw, Legal Cheek, LawCareers.net and TCLA) you could find out more about them that way. I don’t think going to an open day makes any difference as to whether you can or can’t secure a VS with a firm. 🙂​

 

[VMS]

Hi guys. If I really like a firm but I have missed their open day are there any other ways to find out more about them? I have messaged some trainees on LinkedIn and received no reply, not sure if it's because they are too busy or something wrong with my message. I'm wondering if I will be disadvantaged if I apply to their vs without having attended any of their events... This is so annoying. Does anyone have any suggestions? Any advice would be really appreciated!

In addition to what @VMS said, I think you can also try see if the firm has any forage internships that you could complete. This could help you understand the kind of work a trainee would do and the kinds of matters that the firm typically advises on. 🙂

Perhaps if the firm hosts virtual events (such as with AllAboutLaw, Legal Cheek, LawCareers.net and TCLA) you could find out more about them that way. I don’t think going to an open day makes any difference as to whether you can or can’t secure a VS with a firm. 🙂​

Yes, as @Chris Brown said, those talks are really helpful.

If you check:

Events - Legal Cheek

www.legalcheek.com

Digital Campus | AllAboutLaw

We have an outstanding agenda of events running throughout the academic year, featuring speakers from some of the top law firms and law schools in the UK.

www.allaboutlaw.co.uk

You'll find upcoming Legal Cheek and AllAboutLaw talks, both in-person and online

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi guys. If I really like a firm but I have missed their open day are there any other ways to find out more about them? I have messaged some trainees on LinkedIn and received no reply, not sure if it's because they are too busy or something wrong with my message. I'm wondering if I will be disadvantaged if I apply to their vs without having attended any of their events... This is so annoying. Does anyone have any suggestions? Any advice would be really appreciated!

Hey there! From personal experience and general industry traits, you really don’t need to have gone to an event at a firm to succeed in applying to them. You may have gone to one by another firm (maybe an online webinar or an open day) and reference similarities in their work, which sparked your interest for a particular practice area - for example. You may have had a chat with a lawyer that works at X firm who told you about X, and state this in your application, linking to more specifics from your portfolio. There are so many things you could talk about, which don’t have to be in relation to the firm’s events. They certainly do help, but are in no way a prerequisite to an offer!

Best wishes with the applications! You’ll do great!

 

[Gin]

Honestly, don't stress it. In the three cycles of apps I've done so far, I've had 4 ACs and have now obtained 3 VS' (one in first cycle, two in this one) and none of them were with firms I attended an Open Day for.

Instead, I use Legal Cheek, Chambers Student Guide, Legal500 and the firm's website for my research. Note that some firms do not have either a Legal Cheek or Chambers page, but normally have at least one. Then, you can use what you find in that research to search further - eg if you see a client on the Legal500 then can research further into the work they did for them.

Open Days are good, but they're DEFINITELY not a make or break.

THANK YOU SO MUCH That makes me feel a lot better! Would you mind sharing what points would you definitely address in the application form (like a recent deal, a practice area, or other things unique about the firm)? I sometimes get a bit lost when seeing so much info and don't really know what are firms really looking for. 😭

 

[Gin]

Hey there! From personal experience and general industry traits, you really don’t need to have gone to an event at a firm to succeed in applying to them. You may have gone to one by another firm (maybe an online webinar or an open day) and reference similarities in their work, which sparked your interest for a particular practice area - for example. You may have had a chat with a lawyer that works at X firm who told you about X, and state this in your application, linking to more specifics from your portfolio. There are so many things you could talk about, which don’t have to be in relation to the firm’s events. They certainly do help, but are in no way a prerequisite to an offer!

Best wishes with the applications! You’ll do great!

Thanks that's really helpful!

 

[VMS]

THANK YOU SO MUCH That makes me feel a lot better! Would you mind sharing what points would you definitely address in the application form (like a recent deal, a practice area, or other things unique about the firm)? I sometimes get a bit lost when seeing so much info and don't really know what are firms really looking for. 😭

I've PM'd you

 

[Amma Usman]

In a recent assessment centre, I was asked about the biggest opportunities and challenges facing the firm. I'm curious to know how others would have responded to this question as I think the response that I have was vague and broad.

This is a really cool question. If I were to answer it during my cycle, I would probably touch on some of the following (which are still prevalent)…

Opportunities

1. Middle East & Asia-Pacific expansion (Growing deal activity, sovereign wealth funds)

2. Private credit & direct lending (Firms / traditional banks)

3. Energy transition & renewables (Legal work in green investments)

4. AI-driven efficiency (Automating due diligence, contract review)

5. Strengthening key client sectors (Tech, healthcare, private equity focus)


Challenges

1. Geopolitical risks (Sanctions, trade restrictions, supply chain issues)

2. Regulatory shifts (Stricter rules in financial services, ESG disclosures)

3. US firms’ talent hiring (Salary wars, talent retention)

4. AI commoditising legal tasks (Lower fees for routine work)

5. Client demand for value (Push for alternative fee structures, efficiency)

 

[Katy12345]

Congrats! What office?

Thank you and Manchester! I hope you hear soon 😃