TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Andrei Radu]

@Andrei Radu I have an upcoming interview with a really specialist law firm who focus on one thing only pretty much, and the only reasoning I have as to why I like the work is because it's just my personal interest. Do you think it's a disadvantage to use that as my reason given I haven't done a specific module at uni for it, not paralegalled in it, etc?

I do not think it will be a disadvantage. Firstly, firms are aware that not all universities offer options for all specialist modules - for instance, because some academics in the department left, my university has not even been able to offer a competition law course this year. As such, there will be no expectation for you to have demonstrated your interest by having done a relevant module. Similarly, firms know that paralegal opportunities are in short supply, particularly in niche practices. As such, they will definitely not expect candidates to have that.

Secondly, and more importantly, the main reason why a module or a paralegal experience would matter here is because they evidence an interest in the practice. However, you can also prove your interest directly, and arguably to a greater effect, by simply showing off your understanding it. In particular, I have found partners are quite impressed when you are able to make comparisons with other practice areas and explain how the legal work done in the one you are interested in is relevantly different.

 

[Amakaa]

Sidley post app PFO🥰

 

[thelegalstudent]

Is it a disadvantage to only have one vacation scheme? Would having multiple vacation schemes make a candidate more appealing/stand out more especially when firms are deciding on who to convert to a TC post VS?

 

[NCTC2025]

Has anyone heard from Dechert recently?

 

[trainee4u]

Is it a disadvantage to only have one vacation scheme? Would having multiple vacation schemes make a candidate more appealing/stand out more especially when firms are deciding on who to convert to a TC post VS?

It's a disadvantage to have only one VS in the sense that most people on a given VS will not get a TC, so more VS increases the chances you will get a TC.

However, the firm is going to meet you for an entire week (or two), and will be able to judge you quite reliably based on your performance over this time, and isn't likely to factor in how attractive you appear to be to other firms into its decision-making about whether to offer you a TC.

 

[sack]

Sidley summer vs PFO- waiting 6 months just for that.

 

[Kenny]

I think they have communicated with everyone by now, so I can announce this: Cooley VS Offer!! 🥳

Thanks to this forum/the TCLA for being so supportive!

It’s still sinking in that I’ve managed to secure a VS at a top firm! Will have to keep pinching myself, I’m so excited! 😁

When did you hear back? I think a lot of people still haven't heard back yet.

 

[JessicaTC27]

Addleshaw Goddard VS offer!!

Congrats!! Which office, London?

 

[JessicaTC27]

Has anyone heard back from AG yet/received PFO emails within the past few weeks? I’ve only seen people receive AC invitations here and there but not rejection emails which is strange considering they told us we would hear back 10 weeks from the application deadline (which would be by the 17th March).

I believe the AG offices e.g London, Manchester and Leeds are working on different redlines. I think it’s only London currently who have got back to people.

 

[lawyeringitout]

can I tell the firm that has offered me a VS that I can no longer do their VS because I am doing a different VS or should I make up some other reason? I am hoping this firm can move me to direct TC

 

[student110]

Still waiting post SJT on Paul, Weiss for Summer VS only. Any thoughts?

 

[fidrrygalka]

Still waiting post SJT on Paul, Weiss for Summer VS only. Any thoughts?

lol same

 

[NB1999]

Where did they say they would get back to us this week? I don’t think any of my emails mention that 🥲

at the very bottom of the test invite email

 

[saj2002]

Many congrats on getting an AC invite I hope it went great! Can I ask if you applied for the spring scheme or the summer one?

I think you get considered for both as they asked for preferences at the AC, hope that helps

 

[saj2002]

Anyone apply to PMC (Penningtons) Guildford and done an AC and heard back?

 

[ysr567]

Does anyone have any insights on the marriott harrison AC or any advice on how to prepare for it? Thanks

 

[Chris Brown]

Still waiting post SJT on Paul, Weiss for Summer VS only. Any thoughts?

I received a Paul, Weiss interview invite around mid Feb and had my interview last week. I was told that they were aiming for interviews to be finished by today, with VS offers or post interview PFOs to be sent next week. Quite a few people have had interviews who applied for Summer VS only. I applied for both Spring and Summer VS. It could be possible that Paul, Weiss is operating a reserve or waiting list for subsequent interviews (if for example people dropped out of doing their interviews or don’t end up accepting VS offers). I guess no news is always good news, as most people have had PFO either post application or post online test. Idk for sure though. 🥲🥲​

 

[Jessica Booker]

Is it a disadvantage to only have one vacation scheme? Would having multiple vacation schemes make a candidate more appealing/stand out more especially when firms are deciding on who to convert to a TC post VS?

Your performance on the vacation scheme is going to decide whether you get an offer or not, not how many vacation schemes you have done elsewhere.

The only disadvantage of having one vacation scheme is that you only have one opportunity to convert, while people with multiple offers will have 2 or more chances to convert.

 

[legallyells]

has anyone heard from CRS or WBD yet??

 

[theruleofno]

can I tell the firm that has offered me a VS that I can no longer do their VS because I am doing a different VS or should I make up some other reason? I am hoping this firm can move me to direct TC

Don’t make up anything. Just politely thank them for the opportunity but inform them you are no longer able to attend.