TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[jojo23]

Would it seem weird to schedule """coffee chats""" (as people call them) and then drink water/another non-coffee beverage?

Go for whisky and assert your dominance.
Or better yet, the classic rum and vybz kartel combo

 

[toad92]

anyone know how to remove autism during interviews 🙏

guess i didn't need to remove it, gibson dunn invited me to second stage interview even though i was really bad in the first one this morning lmaoo 😭

 

[mfuturetrainee]

there's an insight event being held for the vac schemers, if im unable to go, do you think it looks bad? @Jessica Booker

bumping this! @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi @Ram Sabaratnam , do you have any advice or tips for the Cooley vac scheme? I’d really appreciate any insights on how you found the scheme and the firm, as well as any tips for success. Thanks in advance! 😊

Hiya @paralegaltotrainee


Congratulations again on securing your place on Cooley's vacation scheme! I've put together some of my thoughts below for you.

You'll find the scheme consists in a balanced mix of live client assignments and structured tasks set by graduate recruitment. Both elements are equally important, so even though the live client work is engaging and rewarding, make sure you give the structured tasks plenty of attention too. These exercises provide graduate recruitment with a consistent benchmark to compare candidates (which can be more difficult to assess if they were to look strictly at your live client work), so I'd recommend that you invest care and thought into each one.

You'll likely sit in two different seats during your time on the scheme. While it's tempting to focus on work within your assigned teams, I strongly encourage you to look beyond them as well. Some of the most insightful and enjoyable experiences I had involved actively approaching associates and partners in other practice areas. Reaching out to express your interest and proactively asking for tasks will not only enrich your understanding of how the firm operates but also help you demonstrate initiative and curiosity.

My trainee buddy was an invaluable support to me during the scheme (sadly, they've since left the firm). They allowed me to navigate everything from understanding senior lawyers' workloads to figuring out the best way to approach certain tasks. Really recommend that you don't hesitate to ask your buddy any questions you have (whether practical, professional, or simply about firm culture). My buddy certainly made the experience much less daunting.

Finally, while the vacation scheme can be intense, you shouldn't put unnecessary pressure on yourself. One thing I tell myself often is to "get out of my own head." Overthinking can feel awful. Instead, actively seek feedback before submitting work, but don’t let it shake your confidence if you receive heavily edited documents. I had my fair share of redlined feedback and still managed to secure multiple offers.

Good luck! I’m sure you’ll do brilliantly!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

there's an insight event being held for the vac schemers, if im unable to go, do you think it looks bad? @Jessica Booker

Hiya @mfuturetrainee

I've not had this exact situation before, but I have been invited to similar pre-scheme events by firms. Typically these were pre-vacation scheme events, where expectations for the scheme were set and general guidance was provided by the training principal or several members from the graduate recruitment team. Personally, I'd try my best to attend, as these insight events can be very valuable. They give you a good sense of the firm's culture, introduce you to key people, and can help you feel more comfortable once the scheme starts. However, if you're genuinely unable to go, I wouldn't immediately assume it reflects poorly on you. I'd recommend dropping graduate recruitment a quick email to politely explain that you're unable to attend, just to keep them informed. That said, @Jessica Booker would probably be the best person to confirm whether missing the event could have any impact on how you're evaluated.

 

[x_lauren112]

Has anyone heard from Paul Hastings for the summer placement scheme?

 

[Tintin06]

Holding myself accountable again (MoFo rejection)

CC* ✅📝❌
HSF ✅📝❌
NRF ✅📝❌
Weil ✅❌
Akin ✅❌
Sidley ✅❌
Orrick ✅❌
Willkie ✅🎥❌
Cooley ✅❌
Latham ✅❌
Milbank ✅❌
Kirkland ✅❌
Dechert ✅❌
Ashurst* ✅
Skadden ✅❌
Goodwin ✅❌
Covington ✅❌
Linklaters* ✅📝❌
Paul, Weiss ✅❌
Slaughters* ✅❌
Freshfields* ✅📝❌
Fried Frank* ✅
Gibson Dunn ✅
Macfarlanes* ✅📝
White & Case ✅❌
Morgan Lewis ✅📞❌
Paul Hastings* ✅
White & Case* ✅
Morgan Lewis* ✅
Hogan Lovells* ✅📝
Cleary Gottlieb ✅❌
A&O Shearman ✅📝❌
Vinson & Elkins ✅❌
Arnold & Porter ✅❌
Baker McKenzie ✅📝❌
King & Spalding* ✅
Winston & Strawn ✅
Morrison Foerster ✅❌
Sullivan & Cromwell ✅❌

Key: ✅ = application submitted; 📝 = test received; 📞 = TI; 🎥 = VI; ❌ = rejection.

*Training Contract applications.

 

[James Wakefield]

Hiya @paralegaltotrainee


Congratulations again on securing your place on Cooley's vacation scheme! I've put together some of my thoughts below for you.

You'll find the scheme consists in a balanced mix of live client assignments and structured tasks set by graduate recruitment. Both elements are equally important, so even though the live client work is engaging and rewarding, make sure you give the structured tasks plenty of attention too. These exercises provide graduate recruitment with a consistent benchmark to compare candidates (which can be more difficult to assess if they were to look strictly at your live client work), so I'd recommend that you invest care and thought into each one.

You'll likely sit in two different seats during your time on the scheme. While it's tempting to focus on work within your assigned teams, I strongly encourage you to look beyond them as well. Some of the most insightful and enjoyable experiences I had involved actively approaching associates and partners in other practice areas. Reaching out to express your interest and proactively asking for tasks will not only enrich your understanding of how the firm operates but also help you demonstrate initiative and curiosity.

My trainee buddy was an invaluable support to me during the scheme (sadly, they've since left the firm). They allowed me to navigate everything from understanding senior lawyers' workloads to figuring out the best way to approach certain tasks. Really recommend that you don't hesitate to ask your buddy any questions you have (whether practical, professional, or simply about firm culture). My buddy certainly made the experience much less daunting.

Finally, while the vacation scheme can be intense, you shouldn't put unnecessary pressure on yourself. One thing I tell myself often is to "get out of my own head." Overthinking can feel awful. Instead, actively seek feedback before submitting work, but don’t let it shake your confidence if you receive heavily edited documents. I had my fair share of redlined feedback and still managed to secure multiple offers.

Good luck! I’m sure you’ll do brilliantly!

Thanks for this Ram! Did you have an interview at the end, or do Cooley only judge candidates holistically on the scheme?

 

[BillSikes]

Browne Jacobson (BJ if you like) have sent their automatic test over today

45 mins to complete the test! Only if they’ve removed the two 500 word written questions!

 

[Jessica Booker]

there's an insight event being held for the vac schemers, if im unable to go, do you think it looks bad? @Jessica Booker

No - if you have got commitments you cannot get out of, then this is not an issue. Just explain why you cannot attend to the firm/graduate recruitment team.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi, could I ask if anyone knows what it means if slaughters contacts your referee?

Hi. It could mean a few things, for different firms, and I am unsure about S&M specifically. Sometimes, it’s a positive sign that your application has progressed and they’re at the final stage of consideration. Other times, contacting a referee may simply be part of their operational process and not necessarily indicative of the outcome. Hope that helps!

 

[James Wakefield]

Anyone heading to Russell-Cooke for their VS week after next? Feel free to DM!

 

[nonlawTCseeker]

CRS London holding email

I also received the CRS holding email, and have recently been told I'm on the reserve list for a vac scheme. Feeling quite disheartened knowing I was SO close (like close enough to not be outright rejected but also not quite worthy of a spot yet). I'm seriously manifesting a phone call telling me I'm invited on the scheme. They are my top choice firm 🥹

 

[nonlawTCseeker]

I finally got a post-application rejection from Linklaters at 14:48. So much for my 97th percentile Watson-Glaser score 😂

"However, this doesn't have to be the end of the road and we would encourage you to re-apply next year" bro/sis I ain't glazing you again 💅

I had the same thing from DAC Beachcroft, could not have done any better in their psychometric test (top percentile) and still rejected.

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi, could I ask if anyone knows what it means if slaughters contacts your referee?

Last year, multiple people have told me that the firm normally only does that in case of a positive decision. As such, while it is not a strict policy and they could do it for other reasons, I would definitely take it as a good sign.

 

[Someoneinlaw]

For anyone still waiting for Linklaters Linkup event outcome, I heard back today and I’d be attending. Feel free to send a Dm if you’d like to meet. <3

 

[Chris Brown]

I have another (possibly silly) question about VS’ and how they work. What kind of clothes are appropriate to buy and wear for a VS (for a guy)? I think the expectation is that it needs to be professional attire or workplace clothes, but what does that even mean? 😅

What kind of things does this include? Is the expectation to wear traditional 3-piece suits, or is it fine to wear more smart-casual style clothing? Are quarterzips or jumpers allowed? I don’t know what the expectations are. 🥲

Also, what colours are good and bad for a VS at a city law firm? Should it be neutral colours like black, blue and grey? I literally don’t know how this works at all lmao. I will be buying some more stuff over the next few days but I need to know where to begin. 😂

Any advice, guidance or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Please help! 😅

@Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Jessica Booker​

 

[_microwaved]

Anyone still waiting for a PFO from PW post test?

 

[Someoneinlaw]

Also wasn’t successful on both of my ACs for this cycle 😔but I’d like to thank everyone that helped with insights. I’ve met nice people on this platform . Especially @Thom&as and @Aleila. Huge thank you to you guys ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Also, I don’t know if HSF is still doing any ACs but I’m happy to share insights.
We go again next cycle 💪💪

 

[floral.tcla]

accepted onto LL's 'Link Up 2025'!