TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[confusedbird]

its about to be march so latham was either lying to me or they lost my application🫠

istg i just know that if any of us try and contact them they will either - a) say they stated that they will aim/were hoping to respond by then OR b) continue to ignore us

 

[trainee4u]

absolutely rookie numbers with the applications today.

Did:

• Devonshires - spent quite a long time researching this, bit of a tedious process
• Peters & Peters - much of this was copy+paste, but again the research of the firm
• Winckworth Sherwood - did an appallingly bad application last year, this one was better
• Beale - wrote something random about cladding, the standard research stuff, plus four copy+paste-type generic questions
• Stephenson Harwood

Didn't do:

• Howard Kennedy - absolute nonsense application form: 500 words each on "Reflecting on your personal experiences, strengths and values, explain why you are pursuing a career as a Solicitor.
  With this in mind, drawing on your research of Howard Kennedy, identify specific examples of our work, culture and values that have led to your interest in training here." "Describe a situation from your personal or professional life where you had to adapt quickly to meet someone's needs.
  
  Explain the steps you took to address the situation and how your actions contributed to the final outcome.
  
  What did you learn from this experience, and how will it help you to meet clients' needs in your role as a Trainee Solicitor at Howard Kennedy?" "
  Identify one specific market trend or legal development that relates to one of our recent client projects, deals, articles or case studies.
  
  Explain how this impacts Howard Kennedy and propose how we might position ourselves to address these challenges or opportunities?" "
  Describe a time when you faced a professional, personal or academic challenge that required resilience.
  
  Reflect on what you learned from this and explain what you would do differently if given the chance.
  
  How did this experience mirror a challenge you might face as a trainee solicitor?"
  
  
• RWK Goodman - not interested in the practice areas at all.

 

[A worried graduate]

Consider it flirting at this point

Almost as bad as the workday applications that say that your experiences were impressive

 

[A worried graduate]

just got a rejection for Shoosmiths placement (stong application though - not sure if that means anything). completed SH but not as sure about that.
I have this sinking feeling that I'm gonna be back next year

Based on the assessment criteria etc

I’d guess that having a “strong” comment means that the initial benchmark was passed for the application to make the proper pool

 

[Starfish31]

Haha! I started it this afternoon so I’m pretty impressed I managed to finish it (although maybe not my best work…)

Best of luck - you got this! 💪🏼

Got the job done!

 

[abbiewhitlock03]

Got the job done!

Let’s gooooo! 😮‍💨💪🏼

 

[simplyfaith]

Has anyone tried submitting an intentionally awful application, just to see if they would come back and say "while we were impressed with your application..." 🤣

 

[NJS]

Last time I’ll ask, anyone heard Sidley Austin summer? Just wondering if the March deadline they gave is a PFO

 

[ad.]

Has anyone been successful in their first AC? Or is it unlikely

Yes! Personally, I don’t see any reason why it would necessarily be more unlikely, provided that you prepare well and are enthusiastic

 

[Law queries]

did anyone her from mischon de raya? they said they would get back in mid feb havent heard from them yet

 

[lt481]

Hi, I need to withdraw from a couple of firms as I have received an offer from my top choice firm, so I am withdrawing from those with a dates clash. For those without a withdrawing option on their portal, I am going to have to email them. Should I mention that the reason I am withdrawing is because I have received an offer from another firm? I don’t want to harm my reputation with the firm in case I want to reapply in the event I do not convert my SVS. Thank you!

 

[allenpopi]

Hi, I received an email yesterday that I missed a call from goodwin. Called them back but no one was at the office and I am assuming i wont hear back until Monday. Is this an offer?? or could it be something else? or would they call with a rejection as well?

 

[lucy_p]

This is probably a stupid question but how are people finding out their WG percentile e.g. for Linklaters? Do you need to email them for it?

 

[gazdgazd11]

This is probably a stupid question but how are people finding out their WG percentile e.g. for Linklaters? Do you need to email them for it?

yes its via email request

 

[gazdgazd11]

Yes! Personally, I don’t see any reason why it would necessarily be more unlikely, provided that you prepare well and are enthusiastic

thank you i guess im worried bc ive been seeing people do like 10 ACs before they secure sth x

 

[Law queries]

did anyone her from mischon de raya? they said they would get back in mid feb havent heard from them yet

could somebody please confirm this?

 

[Cool pigeon]

Anyone know what a law firm does if it is working on a deal and they don't have a practice area needed? I assume they use a boutique firm maybe?

i.e. if a firm is working on an M&A deal and don't have an employment team.

 

[a1024]

@Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman Hi, if we're applying again to the firm for a direct TC that rejected us for the VS, would you recommend applying from the same email ID or different?

 

[Mace2121]

I have the Baker McKenzie AC early next week. If anyone has done the AC this cycle please, please message me. I am happy to swap insights on the ACs that I have done.

 

[AS24]

For those who completed the Mishcon and CRS VIs, do you know when we will hear back?