TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Amehta1]

@Jessica Booker im preparing for a HSF Ac and I attended the Linklaters Ac master class and they said one of the most important things you need to display is a solid reason of “why that firm”. How do I go about making my answer seem highly specialised and my motivations genuine? I’m afraid if I talk about a Practice area or their innovative practices then it is not personable enough.

 

[BNBlawyer]

Should I email grad rec for Bristows to know when they’ll give feedback or wait it out?

 

[lonelycruise]

They are about to invest tens of thousands of pounds into your training and that’s before you have even joined the firm. They don’t want to risk spending that money and then you deciding to go and work for another firm you prefer because you have done a vacation scheme with them.

I totally appreciate that, and it does makes sense. Though, at the vacation scheme stage they haven't invested a huge amount, even with an offer on the table. I'd understand it if they've already transferred a maintenance loan and you're trialling other firms mid-contract, but at so early a stage I can only see the benefits in allowing candidates to participate in additional schemes. I'm sure there's something I'm missing!

 

[icebear]

any news from HL?

 

[BM99]

any news from HL?

Wondering the same (Nope). I can't even get my WG score lol

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker im preparing for a HSF Ac and I attended the Linklaters Ac master class and they said one of the most important things you need to display is a solid reason of “why that firm”. How do I go about making my answer seem highly specialised and my motivations genuine? I’m afraid if I talk about a Practice area or their innovative practices then it is not personable enough.

To make it personal, attach it to your experiences. How do your personal experiences align with the specific innovative practice groups? Take your individuality and the firm’s individuality and find the common themes that connect the two - this should then be more tailored to the firm and also connected to you, which will make your answer unique compared to other candidates who may claim the same connection but apply that connection in a different way.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I totally appreciate that, and it does makes sense. Though, at the vacation scheme stage they haven't invested a huge amount, even with an offer on the table. I'd understand it if they've already transferred a maintenance loan and you're trialling other firms mid-contract, but at so early a stage I can only see the benefits in allowing candidates to participate in additional schemes. I'm sure there's something I'm missing!

This should only relate to training contract offers. I have never heard of a firm stopping you from doing multiple vacation schemes if you are only at the vacation scheme stage.

 

[OliviaPope]

Jones Day PFO!

 

[Yesha.2]

Jones Day PFO!

Hey really sorry to hear this. You're doing great, good luck with the rest of your applications. If you don't mind me asking, when did you apply to them?

 

[S2L24]

I’ve chased for an update . Will post if I hear back!

Hi did they get back to you on this please?

 

[Chelsea101]

Anybody been sent a PFO from Freshfields? Thought I would receive it today considering I did the WG a week ago and most AC invites have gone out already. I remember seeing someone in this thread say they did the WG and were sent the AC invite that very same afternoon post-wg!

 

[OliviaPope]

Hey really sorry to hear this. You're doing great, good luck with the rest of your applications. If you don't mind me asking, when did you apply to them?

Thankyou I applied on 31st Dec

 

[Happycloud100]

Has anyone received a first round for MoFo? Saw a few invites and wondering if they’ve sent out more

 

[Yesha.2]

Thankyou I applied on 31st Dec

I see thank you

 

[OliviaPope]

Anybody been sent a PFO from Freshfields? Thought I would receive it today considering I did the WG a week ago and most AC invites have gone out already. I remember seeing someone in this thread say they did the WG and were sent the AC invite that very same afternoon post-wg!

I’m in the same position! Really thought we’d hear back this morning

 

[GWJlaw]

Has anyone heard from Reed Smith post-VI, or know roughly when they will send out their ACs ??

 

[lawgurl90]

Does anyone know when the deadline for Trowers is? The email says midnight Tuesday. Does that mean tonight or tomorrow night?

 

[pb15]

has anyone heard from SullCrom or Cooley?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker I was just wondering if in your experience VS/TC offers are made conditional on achieving certain grades (e.g. 2:1 minimum) like unis do?

Yes - particularly for TC offers, they will need to see you have obtained the grade they state is their minimum requirement.

VS is a little more difficult as you don’t usually get your results until the scheme has started/concluded, so they will usually work on the basis of the grades you have provided in your application (eg first year grades if you are currently in your second year). But you’ll usually have to provide some form of formal transcript to prove your grades to date for a vacation scheme.

 

[Untilwinter]

If I passed the app stage 6 months ago, would I need to rewrite my application answer for the question "Tell us about something – anything- that excites you and inspires you"?
Would it be smarter to rephrase things at least or add a few examples? or would it be advised that I write it on something new? I am not sure about this one cause it sounds a bit superficial that my source of inspiration is supposed to change within 6 months.