TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[tryingmybestlol]

Has anyone who has done a vac scheme before been asked to complete tests e.g. the WG whilst on the scheme?

 

[jacksollaf]

Yeah of course! Once I get through the end of this cycle, I will post a breakdown of my applications and interviews. As it is my first cycle, I can only go based off of my experience this time around. I have a few firms left to hear back from! 🙂​

btw @Chris Brown, I haven't been that active on the forum lately so missed a lot of messages have you gotten a reply back from Paul, Weiss; I know you had an AC not too long ago, did they get back? please tell me with an offer!!!

 

[AS24]

I am still waiting to hear back from 2 firms, but I have completed 8 Vis this cycle and only passed one but was rejected after the written exercise. Since completing two Vs two years ago, I have not been able to gain another placement, but only VIs and interviews. I am feeling a bit deflated and defeated, I have never received feedback and do not know what I am doing wrong. I study hard for my VIs and interviews and am a bit lost, I have now finished my Farrer application, however, I do not want to submit it because I feel like am wasting my time. @Ram Sabaratnam, do you have any tips to help move on?

 

[jacksollaf]

I think everyone has heard back by now, so I think I can make this post: Willkie VS Offer!!! 😅😅​

oh my!!! congrats!!!! well-deserved truly!!

Edit: just saw you also got Paul Weiss, congrats again truly!!!!!!!!

 

[lawyeringitout]

Would it be rlly stupid to do a tc at a mid market uk firm over an American city firm? (only for the working hours)

is it a big mistake??? considering that I could always move to a better work life balance firm post the tc right or can I not @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu @Jessica Booker

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

I am still waiting to hear back from 2 firms, but I have completed 8 Vis this cycle and only passed one but was rejected after the written exercise. Since completing two Vs two years ago, I have not been able to gain another placement, but only VIs and interviews. I am feeling a bit deflated and defeated, I have never received feedback and do not know what I am doing wrong. I study hard for my VIs and interviews and am a bit lost, I have now finished my Farrer application, however, I do not want to submit it because I feel like am wasting my time. @Ram Sabaratnam, do you have any tips to help move on?

Hiya @AS24


First of all, I’m really sorry you're feeling deflated. The VI stage can be incredibly frustrating, especially given the lack of feedback. However, given that you've previously secured vacation schemes and seem to consistently reach video interviews, you're clearly capable and have shown resilience throughout this process.

Second, please, please don’t be discouraged from submitting your Farrer application. Farrer was actually one of the first firms that gave me a shot at a partner interview in my first application cycle. From my understanding, their process is slightly different and potentially plays to your strengths: rather than doing a traditional pre-recorded video interview, they go straight from the written application to a first-round partner interview and then a second-round interview with partners. Given your experience and persistence, I genuinely believe you have a strong chance of reaching that stage and perhaps going even further.

If you have to do more video interviews for other firms, I found it helpful to record myself practicing answers, then asking someone trusted (a friend, a family member, or a mentor) to watch and give me their honest impression (it feels a bit awkward initially to do this, but it can genuinely highlight things you wouldn’t notice yourself). I also relied on mock interviews with TCLA to help me understand what was going wrong with my delivery for video interviews in particular, but I appreciate that this might not be accessible to everyone.

Finally, I'd recommend giving yourself a short break for a few days. I don't think you should give up now. Rather, I'd encourage you to just step back to recharge and come back refreshed for the rest of the cycle. You're definitely not wasting your time! I really do hope you submit that application to Farrer. Best of luck and let us know if we can offer more help!

 

[👩🎓]

Does anyone have any insight into Haynes and Boone - in terms of what to expect if you were a trainee at the firm? I can offer insight into other firms.

 

[👩🎓]

Yes - this would be considered non-academic unless you received academic credits for the work done there.

Thank you so much @Jessica Booker

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam! Can I talk about my volunteering experience in a question asking about non-academic interests, but the volunteering is at my university's law clinic. If not, what sort of examples would you draw upon?

Thank you

Hiya!

Just adding to what @Jessica Booker has already said, but absolutely! I've definitely mentioned similar volunteering experiences in sections asking about non-academic interests. Depending on how extensive your volunteering at the university's law clinic is, you might even consider including a more substantial entry in your work experience section too (just be mindful not to discuss it in repetitive terms). Good luck!

 

[jta227]

Would it be rlly stupid to do a tc at a mid market uk firm over an American city firm? (only for the working hours)

is it a big mistake??? considering that I could always move to a better work life balance firm post the tc right or can I not @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu @Jessica Booker

Self-awareness is important: I know one or two people that started a US TC and couldn't deal with the lifestyle, who ended up leaving the TC (and law altogether).

That being said, if you think you can hack it for 2 years, and the US firm is better than the mid-market UK firm in the areas that matter to you, then I would personally encourage you to go for it. You can indeed move firm post-TC - obviously you'd still have to interview for NQ positions and the job market is tough but I imagine you would be in a good position to get another role - if not upon qualification then at least in the subsequent years.

In terms of either decision being a "mistake" - this is ultimately a personal decision about what you want from your career. I'm sure you can have a great career at a mid-market UK firm, furthermore it could be possible to be able to move up to US/SC level from those firms after qualifying or a few PQE. A CMS trainee recently joined Fried Frank upon qualification (not saying this is the norm, just that it happens). I think whatever you choose, as long as you make the most of the opportunity you'll be fine!

Congrats on the offers!

 

[👩🎓]

Hiya!

Just adding to what @Jessica Booker has already said, but absolutely! I've definitely mentioned similar volunteering experiences in sections asking about non-academic interests. Depending on how extensive your volunteering at the university's law clinic is, you might even consider including a more substantial entry in your work experience section too (just be mindful not to discuss it in repetitive terms). Good luck!

Hi @Ram Sabaratnam!

Thank you so much, this is really helpful!

 

[jojo23]

Hey guys. Is 26/36 a good score for SH SJT? I have no idea haha

How many maths questions are there? I wanna know how many times I'm gonna cry

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Would it be rlly stupid to do a tc at a mid market uk firm over an American city firm? (only for the working hours)

is it a big mistake??? considering that I could always move to a better work life balance firm post the tc right or can I not @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu @Jessica Booker

Hiya @lawyeringitout

Just jumping in ahead of @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu and @Jessica Booker on this, but wanted to reassure you that it certainly wouldn't be ridiculous to choose a training contract at a mid-market UK firm over an American City firm.

Having completed vacation schemes exclusively at US firms, I've personally met several exceptional associates who trained at excellent mid-market UK firms (e.g. firms like Bird & Bird, Charles Russell Speechlys, Clyde & Co, Pinsent Masons, and Stephenson Harwood) before moving to those US firms a few years after qualification. Many of them expressed to me how much they appreciated the structured training and supportive environment during their training contracts, which helped them build strong foundations and become successful junior associates.

Additionally, trainees at US firms sometimes face considerable challenges post-qualification, either struggling to secure NQ roles internally due to competitive retention processes and also struggling to find external roles at mid-market UK firms due to the difficult economic market. I just wanted to be clear that training at a US firm doesn't automatically guarantee a smooth or superior career trajectory.

Ultimately, as @jta227 alluded to, it's important to consider carefully where you think you'll best develop the skills and experience that align with your long-term career goals. Think about the type of work, the areas of practice you're genuinely passionate about, and the environment that best suits your personal and professional growth. Hope this helps and looking forward to what the others have to say

 

[Bbhu19]

congratulations !! Also wanted to ask if your willing to share your SJT results

 

[TCseeker101]

Has anyone heard from Farrer & Co post AC?

 

[Overthinker123!]

Hey guys, just wanna reach out for some advice. I had a TI with a firm today, and the next stage is a two-day AC. Unfortunately, the first day of AC clashes with my interview with SM, but the first day is just an unassessed insight day to prepare us for the next day, so I might be able to miss it. I don’t know the outcome of today’s TI yet, but should I reschedule my SM interview just in case?

If I do reschedule, should I mention it’s due to another AC or give a different reason? Thanks

@Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman

 

[ironspears45]

Travers PFO and Paul Weiss SVS offer to finish off the 24/25 application season.

 

[LawAspirer]

Would you guys say that direct TC applications are more competitive than TC through VS?

 

[VMS]

… Another Vac Scheme offer to finish my cycle 🙈

Last year (and the year before really), nobody wanted me and now it’s 3 VS’ and 1 TC 🤣 (I’m not allowed to say who my TC or last VS are for per firm’s rules).

To everyone going through this process, please don’t give up. You learn something new from every cycle. Without me learning from my mistakes on the last two, I never would have got to this point!

Best of luck to everyone still waiting to hear back from firms!

I’m going to keep popping on here though 👀 I’ve been on this forum for nearly two years, it feels a bit like home 💖

 

[SamiyaJ]

… Another Vac Scheme offer to finish my cycle 🙈

Last year (and the year before really), nobody wanted me and now it’s 3 VS’ and 1 TC 🤣 (I’m not allowed to say who my TC or last VS are for per firm’s rules).

To everyone going through this process, please don’t give up. You learn something new from every cycle. Without me learning from my mistakes on the last two, I never would have got to this point!

Best of luck to everyone still waiting to hear back from firms!

I’m going to keep popping on here though 👀 I’ve been on this forum for nearly two years, it feels a bit like home 💖

Your heart must be so full!! Well done and congratulations 🫶🏾🤍✨