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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Chris Brown

Legendary Member
Jul 4, 2024
596
1,970
Does anyone know how many vac schemers Orrick take on? Given the small size of the TC intake, is there any point in making a direct TC?
I read somewhere that Orrick has between 12-16 places on their VS. I think they have around 4-6 TC places in total, so it could be they have a very low conversion rate (maybe 25%). If this is the case, perhaps they make 3-4 TC offers from the VS route and 1-2 offers from the DTC route. Orrick also recently upped their NQ pay from £140,000 to £160,000.​
 
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Reactions: Wannabe_Lawyer

Cool pigeon

Distinguished Member
Nov 18, 2023
65
96
Does anyone have any advice ?

I have an upcoming DTC interview with slaughters.

I also have 3 vac schemes, all with US firms with smaller cohorts.

As part of the interview they ask about application strategy?
- Shall I not mention them and say different firms I applied for but then it seems like I have had an unsuccessful season if they ask how I have got on (such as macfarlances , linklaters, etc)
- one of the VS is with a US firm focused on corporate work, and have a trainee intake of about 25. I could mention them for similar work but again training is v different.
- mention all the vac schemes and be totally honest about strategy- wanted firms where I will get to work on high calibre corporate work and firms that I’ve met.

I think the schemes will make me seem like a stronger candidate but also I worry they will not think I WANT slaughters enough because of them.

Also in the event they were to offer me a TC, does anyone know if they extend- I really want to do the schemes and I don’t know what I would pick honestly.
 

jta227

Legendary Member
Nov 10, 2024
144
280
Does anyone have any advice ?

I have an upcoming DTC interview with slaughters.

I also have 3 vac schemes, all with US firms with smaller cohorts.

As part of the interview they ask about application strategy?
- Shall I not mention them and say different firms I applied for but then it seems like I have had an unsuccessful season if they ask how I have got on (such as macfarlances , linklaters, etc)
- one of the VS is with a US firm focused on corporate work, and have a trainee intake of about 25. I could mention them for similar work but again training is v different.
- mention all the vac schemes and be totally honest about strategy- wanted firms where I will get to work on high calibre corporate work and firms that I’ve met.

I think the schemes will make me seem like a stronger candidate but also I worry they will not think I WANT slaughters enough because of them.

Also in the event they were to offer me a TC, does anyone know if they extend- I really want to do the schemes and I don’t know what I would pick honestly.

- I have heard of them extending before, not sure if blanket policy or case by case basis.
- I would mention your successful applications as coming across like an in demand candidate is a positive in my opinion. There are probably similarities you can draw if you look deeply enough, and at the end of the day as long as you can convey your motivations towards Slaughter and May across the entire interview I would think you'd be fine. Your portfolio (3 US vac schemes + Slaughter and May) seems identical to @Andrei Radu so maybe he can offer some more insight.

Good luck!
 

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