TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Jessica Booker]

My W&C cover letter is about 850 words (1.6 pages). its written extremely concisely and I am really reluctant to cut down more since I think its really good and really links to the firm. However, is this excessively long to the point where it will get rejected for length alone? I know the recommend length is a page (400-600 words). Not sure what to do..

Seen successful W&C letters that are more than 850 words. I wouldn’t worry about this if it is still concise and well structured

 

[bw1012]

Withers test invite! If anyone has any advice I'd be hugely grateful!

 

[Jessica Booker]

I was told that the W&C cover letter should not exceed 1k words. I wrote 950 words for my cover letter, which in hindsight, I regret not shortening. Do you think it is possible that it will be rejected based on that alone?

No - you are within the limit you have been told. You will not be rejected because of the number of words you wrote.

 

[law2022x]

Does anyone know what Jones Day cares about the most application-wise? Are they very academic? I am completing my application for the Summer VS right now and I would like to know whether or not doing their Forage programme will benefit my application. Is it bad if I don't do it given the form has a section where they explicitly ask if you have?

 

[saj2002]

How long after sending app does Mayer Brown test come through?

a few days (like 5)

 

[eleven14og]

Would law firms prioritise external applicants for their vac scheme? I am currently contracting at a firm so cannot go the internal TC route. Having a hard time deciding whether to apply for VS or TC.

 

[Legalstalker]

Withers test invite! If anyone has any advice I'd be hugely grateful!

WELL DONE!!

Is this automatic and are they rolling? I’ve done half my application but quite unsure…

 

[JoannaAHA]

Guys if you botch one VI question COMPLETELY (I literally apologised midway through!!!), but think you did okay in the other questions, is it an instant PFO 😭😭💔

 

[Legalstalker]

Guys if you botch one VI question COMPLETELY (I literally apologised midway through!!!), but think you did okay in the other questions, is it an instant PFO 😭😭💔

I have no advice for you so I’m sorry but to make you feel better I did a VI for Simmons WVS a few months back and farted whilst talking (quite loud).…. I tried to continue but started to laugh😭 I didn’t have time to say sorry. I don’t think grad rec found it funny as I was unsurprisingly unsuccessful! Got invite to apply again through 10K interns did my VI a few weeks ago and I think it went much smoother but its Never a PFO until they tell you😁 good luck!

 

[JoannaAHA]

I have no advice for you so I’m sorry but to make you feel better I did a VI for Simmons WVS a few months back and farted whilst talking (quite loud).…. I tried to continue but started to laugh😭 I didn’t have time to say sorry. I don’t think grad rec found it funny as I was unsurprisingly unsuccessful! Got invite to apply again through 10K interns did my VI a few weeks ago and I think it went much smoother but its Never a PFO until they tell you😁 good luck!

Hahahahahaha omg!!! I would've let that slide clearly HR don't have a sense of humour 🤣

 

[Anaros]

Does anyone know if Linklaters will inform both successful and unsuccessful candidates for Vacation Schemes (23/24). Mine is still on hold. Thanks in advance.

 

[anon12]

Does anyone know if Linklaters will inform both successful and unsuccessful candidates for Vacation Schemes (23/24). Mine is still on hold. Thanks in advance.

Yeah they will, interviews are currently taking place this week and next week for those fast tracked so youll probably know the outcome by next week latest.

 

[BM99]

No idea why firms seem to respond so slow this cycle… has been quite a few days of dead silence

 

[danturner]

How long is the Mills and Reeve assessment? Is an hour long enough to complete it? Thank you!

 

[clo224455]

Just received a crappy feedback report from Mills & Reeve.

Any tips for the online assessment?

 

[futuretrainee2024]

No idea why firms seem to respond so slow this cycle… has been quite a few days of dead silence

So real. Way more applicants this year? No clue

 

[law2022x]

Jones Day invite to first round interview

I was wondering if you did their Forage? Also would you say you have a strong 2.1/1st? Not sure how seriously they take academics at university

 

[Seven]

Hi! Congratulations

Can I ask when you did the VI?

Thank you! 3rd of Jan

 

[Jessica Booker]

Would law firms prioritise external applicants for their vac scheme? I am currently contracting at a firm so cannot go the internal TC route. Having a hard time deciding whether to apply for VS or TC.

Really depends on the firm but if you are working for them already, they are likely to think a vacation scheme is a bit of a waste of time. Most of the things you will get out of a vacation scheme, you’d get out of working for the firm more generally.

 

[tal]

Withers test invite! If anyone has any advice I'd be hugely grateful!

well done!!! can i ask when you applied?