TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[simplyfaith]

Question for anyone who has been to an AC/VS who is not a second year uni student:
Have you ever been questioned by fellow applicants about your age/the fact that you're 'older'/'later in progress' than they are?
My reason for asking is that I had an experience where my peers (all in their second year of uni + i was passed that) were bewildered by my age etc. It was quite tricky fending off questions about why I was 'still' applying/hadn't had any success. It was obviously quite demoralising for myself to handle but I pulled through.
Perhaps it was just that they happened to be young and innocent - unaware of the reality that many people don't get VS/TCs in their second year. However, I'm worried that since I'll be adding yet another year on by next cycle, such experiences will only get worse.
Hoping for some reassurance/anecdotes about how my bad experience was an anomaly 😅
Thanks guys

Some younger people straight from school can be surprised when meeting someone of a different age alongside them for the first time. Most know it's to be expected at this stage and might just be making conversation, but a few might not know how to react and end up being awkward about it. I've never met anyone who was malicious about it, though! I'm sorry you had an unpleasant time. By a strange turn of events, I started undergrad several years 'late' and am still in the application trenches, so get what you're talking about. I can still hear it now... "oh my god, you're 90s kid"... yes, Sienna 💀

Try to not let it get to you. You already know trainee ages vary, particularly at firms with lean teams or industry expertise. If anything, I think it gets easier, in the sense that you're a distinctly wiser person alongside other applicants and when speaking with senior lawyers. That's worth a lot. Gotta get that fully developed prefrontal cortex, right

 

[Mathlaw432]

Huge congrats. 🥳

I imagine this first-stage interview will focus on competency and motivational questions but then further assessments would probably be commercial case studies and situational judgement/scenario-based interviews.​

I'm inclined to agree with you however the application process has been quite opaque ( i was told in the open day that the interview would likely be online)so i wonder if the further assessment is after this stage or during the vac scheme.

but let just get through this stage first

 

[ysr567]

Congrats! How did you prep for it? I’m going to do it tomorrow but haven’t prepped yet

Honestly, the only thing I changed was thinking about whether or not I was choosing choices that were more collaborative. I always used to pick choices that leaned more towards working independently but that's not always the best since law is collaborative. With that being said do pick what feels right for you!

 

[legal18]

Willkie partner interview just now!!!!!!! Going to cry lol

 

[SonghaivAngel]

Willkie Final Partner Interview Invite!!!

 

[Chris Brown]

I'm inclined to agree with you however the application process has been quite opaque ( i was told in the open day that the interview would likely be online)so i wonder if the further assessment is after this stage or during the vac scheme.

but let just get through this stage first

Yeah I’m not sure to be honest but I think if we all focus on this first stage and pass it, I’m sure they will tell us all what to expect if there are any further assessments prior to the VS and during the VS (e.g., final partner exit interviews).​

 

[James Wakefield]

Willkie PFO post written exercise.

 

[Amakaa]

Willkie post Written exercise PFO🥰

 

[trainee4u]

I received a PFO from Irwin Mitchell saying I didn't complete the blended assessment within 7 days, so PFO. I'm not really sure whether this is accurate. I remember doing it in early December, badly. Maybe I did finish it maybe not. Their system shows "completed" but with a disclaimer saying that this is in fact always "completed" even if you only "started" it. Seems odd to send out a message like that 3 months later. PFO was totally expected based on performance, so I guess it doesn't matter.

 

[Mathlaw432]

Yeah I’m not sure to be honest but I think if we all focus on this first stage and pass it, I’m sure they will tell us all what to expect if there are any further assessments prior to the VS and during the VS (e.g., final partner exit interviews).​

Yeah hopefully this is the last stage lol, but who knows am getting sick of doing them. Good luck with the interview, im sure you'll smash it.

 

[Chris Brown]

There is actually no way WTF!!! I am literally so shocked and confused right now. 😮

Willkie partner interview invite!!!! I don’t know how this is happening. I lowkey could cry rn. 🥲​

 

[BBsharkk]

Willkie WE PFO.... this is an extremely tough one as I thought I did pretty well, especially after completed a TCLA mock WE.

Welp, this is pretty much the end of cycle for me.

 

[Chris Brown]

Willkie Final Partner Interview Invite!!!

Huge congrats! 🥳

 

[SamiyaJ]

There is literally no way wtf. I am literally shocked yet again! 😮

Willkie partner interview invite! I don’t know how this is happening. Low-key could cry. 🥲​

Cry away oh humble one!!! Congratulations 🫶🏾 you’re clearly doing something right so don’t underestimate yourself! Best of luck to you and everyone else who progressed 🤞🏽

 

[sapphireoreos]

Does anybody have any information on how GDL applications work in London? If I do not get a TC, I want to start the GDL in September. (currently 3rd year non-law), but I want to wait till I get my results back from my uni in July or atleast post exams. Is this too late? Do spots fill up for the popular uni choices like city?

If you're a domestic student you can literally enrol in August. If you're an international student, I would recommend applying earlier as you'll need to get a visa. I applied two weeks ago to programmes in London, and I'd do it sooner to get it out of the way with. The only things you need to do is 1) get a reference and 2) write the statement, which is pretty straightforward. If you have a 2:1 or above, you will almost certainly get in. I heard that they're more willing to give you money the earlier you apply, however

 

[jacksollaf]

ML TI PFO

Dw keep your head up, you'll get something better!! If you don't mind me asking, when did you do your interview?

 

[Lamb7075]

Anyone has any insights on Boodle Hatfield’s virtual interview? I can offer insights on OC virtual AC/ Macfarlanes AC/Cleary AC

 

[AlegalA]

Quick question guys- did anyone actually get a feedback report from DACB post test? I can't seem to find one in my email?

 

[BuddyingLawyer744]

If you're a domestic student you can literally enrol in August. If you're an international student, I would recommend applying earlier as you'll need to get a visa. I applied two weeks ago to programmes in London, and I'd do it sooner to get it out of the way with. The only things you need to do is 1) get a reference and 2) write the statement, which is pretty straightforward. If you have a 2:1 or above, you will almost certainly get in. I heard that they're more willing to give you money the earlier you apply, however

do spots not fill up though? especially in london

 

[simplyfaith]

There is actually no way wtf. I am literally so confused right now. 😮

Willkie partner interview invite! I don’t know how this is happening. Low-key could cry. 🥲​

Bro really is cooking this cycle damn