TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Kk288]

Hi,
I am currently in the process of picking the practice area I would like to sit in during my vacation scheme. I understand that this is a personal choice but I’m honestly not sure how to approach this. I have a few considerations such as which practice areas I’m most interested in and which I’ve done modules in, but not sure if it is better to do one I have knowledge in or one I’m interested in and would like to develop more knowledge.
Sorry for the ramble and I understand that there is probably not a right way to go about it but would love any input!
Thanks so much

 

[NCTC2025]

Been radio silence for a while now...given its already March, hoping firms are replying this week if at all

 

[tkl24]

anyone heard from PMC (Penningtons) post AC yet?

 

[g.cl.2020344]

when do we think MoFo and Winston & Strawn will get back to us post-app?

 

[rapunzel]

Hi,
I am currently in the process of picking the practice area I would like to sit in during my vacation scheme. I understand that this is a personal choice but I’m honestly not sure how to approach this. I have a few considerations such as which practice areas I’m most interested in and which I’ve done modules in, but not sure if it is better to do one I have knowledge in or one I’m interested in and would like to develop more knowledge.
Sorry for the ramble and I understand that there is probably not a right way to go about it but would love any input!
Thanks so much

I would say it's great to do a seat in one you don't know much about as it's an amazing opportunity for you to learn and showcase that you are willing to go beyond your comfort zone. That being said when I previously selected an area I had knowledge in I didn't get to sit there because it was so busy and a very active practice group of the firm. I was put into a group I had no idea about but still enjoyed it regardless. It's really important to have an open mind because changes can happen to the seats you have selected for the vacation scheme!

Hope this helps!

 

[amy2602]

when do we think MoFo and Winston & Strawn will get back to us post-app?

I haven't heard a thing from MoFo since submitting my app in January and I think it was the best one I have written this season... hopefully soon to put me out of my misery in March, but I have heard of people getting VI invitations in March too!!!!

 

[Kk288]

I would say it's great to do a seat in one you don't know much about as it's an amazing opportunity for you to learn and showcase that you are willing to go beyond your comfort zone. That being said when I previously selected an area I had knowledge in I didn't get to sit there because it was so busy and a very active practice group of the firm. I was put into a group I had no idea about but still enjoyed it regardless. It's really important to have an open mind because changes can happen to the seats you have selected for the vacation scheme!

Hope this helps!

Thanks so much this is really helpful!

 

[MR10]

anyone applied to brabners

 

[James Wakefield]

Hi,
I am currently in the process of picking the practice area I would like to sit in during my vacation scheme. I understand that this is a personal choice but I’m honestly not sure how to approach this. I have a few considerations such as which practice areas I’m most interested in and which I’ve done modules in, but not sure if it is better to do one I have knowledge in or one I’m interested in and would like to develop more knowledge.
Sorry for the ramble and I understand that there is probably not a right way to go about it but would love any input!
Thanks so much

I’m going to be a bit of a strategist and say look at what the firm does, and which areas are busiest at the moment if you can. You can use this alongside a list of seats you think you’ll like!

After all, law firm businesses, and it may help your case if you show interest in a growth area for them or one of the biggest teams.

 

[Lapistuskin]

hi everyone! has anyone heard from Paul, Weiss? I did their online test but haven't heard ever since

 

[Chris Brown]

hi everyone! has anyone heard from Paul, Weiss? I did their online test but haven't heard ever since

They began sending interview invites out from 14th Feb (Valentine’s Day) and I believe their interviews will finish at the end of this week. A lot of us have heard back post test (either PFO or interview invite), but there’s also a lot of people who haven’t heard anything at all, so I don’t know what is happening for those of you that are in the middle (no response at all). 🥲​

 

[g.cl.2020344]

I haven't heard a thing from MoFo since submitting my app in January and I think it was the best one I have written this season... hopefully soon to put me out of my misery in March, but I have heard of people getting VI invitations in March too!!!!

wow its interesting how some firms only start stage 2 when others r giving out vac scheme offers!!

 

[sibs23]

Hi,
I am currently in the process of picking the practice area I would like to sit in during my vacation scheme. I understand that this is a personal choice but I’m honestly not sure how to approach this. I have a few considerations such as which practice areas I’m most interested in and which I’ve done modules in, but not sure if it is better to do one I have knowledge in or one I’m interested in and would like to develop more knowledge.
Sorry for the ramble and I understand that there is probably not a right way to go about it but would love any input!
Thanks so much

Personally, I have gone for the one I am most likely to enjoy and do well in, rather than take a chance on a more "random" or less familiar choice. It depends a lot on the firm, but often a lot of your feedback will come from your department so it's important to impress them. I think still keep open minded because there's no guarantee you'll get the seat you'll want, but at the end of the day, the TC is the end goal so think about which seat will help you to sell yourself in the best way.

 

[sibs23]

I have seen people post on the forum with AC and interview invites from MoFo, from around early to mid Feb. I’ve also seen people say MoFo tend to air applicants. I’m not sure about Winston & Strawn though to be honest. 🥲🥲​

I got the Winston WG end of March last year if that helps

 

[lawelmo]

anyone applied to brabners

I did

 

[S7321]

Any general advice for preparing for an AC? It'll be my first one ever. Also, is it acceptable to reach out to current trainees on LinkedIn for tips?

 

[rlw123]

I did

Me too

 

[bluescarf]

Hi, does anyone have any advice for how to stand out in a cover letter (this is for a DTC app)? I've never had to do one for a law firm before. They've given a few pointers i.e. why this firm/office/why a career in law, but I'm struggling with sounding quite generic (I feel!)

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

I haven't heard a thing from MoFo since submitting my app in January and I think it was the best one I have written this season... hopefully soon to put me out of my misery in March, but I have heard of people getting VI invitations in March too!!!!

I thought this too and have passed app stage for similar firms so think my answers to their Qs should be convincing… hate that you can’t check what you submitted to them

 

[laurenn42]

Similar questions have been asked before but if an interview is not CV-blind, and I am asked to introduce myself at the beginning, what details should I be looking to cover? Normally, I'd talk about my educational background etc but I don't want to just repeat what the interviewers already know.