TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Lawyer2003]

Been writing more apps since last week so the number doesnt go down💀 I refuse to conclude my cycle

What firms are still open?

 

[Sunshinepink]

Since you asked...

Willkie Farr & Gallagher ✅📼📝❌
Covington & Burling ✅❌
Shearman & Sterling ✅❌
White & Case ✅📼🎙️❌
Milbank ✅❌
Ropes & Gray ✅
Arnold & Porter ✅
Sullivan & Cromwell ✅❌
Latham & Watkins ✅🎙️❌
Kirkland & Ellis ✅❌
Skadden Arps ✅❌
Vinson & Elkins ✅❌
Weil Gotshal & Manges ✅❌
Akin ✅📝❌
Gibson Dunn ✅❌
Goodwin ✅
Cleary Gottlieb ✅❌
Paul Hastings ✅
Ashurst ✅ 📝❌
Macfarlanes ✅📝❌
Mayer Brown ✅📝❌
Winston & Strawn ✅
Morgan Lewis ✅❌
Orrick ✅
Dechert ✅📝❌
Cooley ✅❌
Morrison Foerster ✅
Slaughter and May ✅❌


✅ = applied; ❌ = PFO; 📼 = VI; 🎙️ = AC; 📝 = test.

When did you hear back from Mayer Brown post test?

 

[yasmars]

Does that mean you applied to Spring VS and still haven't heard back post VI?

I haven’t heard back at all since applying for the summer scheme

 

[EllaClayton]

I haven’t heard back at all since applying for the summer scheme

Neither, hopefully we hear back next week 😫

 

[AlegalA]

I wouldn't assume PFO as they are still reviewing VIs (summer). When did you do your VI?

I haven't received a VI that's why I was wondering if they'd sent everything out already

 

[AlegalA]

I emailed them regarding the latter and they said they’re still reviewing applications and we should hear back latest end of Feb.

Oh amazing that's reassuring!

 

[EqualityNonNegotiable]

I haven't received a VI that's why I was wondering if they'd sent everything out already

I believe some people here have already received PFOs post app. So, I think your application may still be under review. I hope you'll hear back soon!

 

[midnightsky990422]

Am i missing something or does Browne Jacobson not have any actual questions in its application? (only work experience section?)

Hey I noticed this too! On the bit where it tells you how much of your application you have left to complete, there’s no mention of questions. Saves us time at least haha

 

[justanotherstudent]

Hey I noticed this too! On the bit where it tells you how much of your application you have left to complete, there’s no mention of questions. Saves us time at least haha

yeah same, is there a recorded VI just after? I cant find the application stages on their website but that might explain why there are no questions, similar to clyde & co

 

[Sunshinepink]

@axelbeugre @Jessica Booker Can I include things like SEO London & Bridging barriers on my application form as experience too? The firm has separated legal and non-legal work experience but the bridging barriers program that I am part of leans to the legal side because my mentor is in the legal profession as Partner at her law firm.

 

[sxw517]

How long should an answer about a recent deal be? Mine at the moment is around 60 seconds, is this too short? I don't want to elaborate too much, as I fear the more I say the more it will be probed by interviewers.

 

[S87]

How long should an answer about a recent deal be? Mine at the moment is around 60 seconds, is this too short? I don't want to elaborate too much, as I fear the more I say the more it will be probed by interviewers.

I believe that you could take it up to 2 minutes minimum 1 minute and a half.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@axelbeugre @Jessica Booker Can I include things like SEO London & Bridging barriers on my application form as experience too? The firm has separated legal and non-legal work experience but the bridging barriers program that I am part of leans to the legal side because my mentor is in the legal profession as Partner at her law firm.

You can mention it in sections about your motivations or careers related activities you have been involved in. I don't think it should be in work experience, but it can be leveraged elsewhere in applications to show your interest in or knowledge of the sector.

 

[bangarangbass39]

You can mention it in sections about your motivations or careers related activities you have been involved in. I don't think it should be in work experience, but it can be leveraged elsewhere in applications to show your interest in or knowledge of the sector.

What about open days/insight days? I've never really understood why people litter them all over their LinkedIn profiles. Can they be mentioned in the experience sections?

I'm non law so I always feel my "experience" is skinny and limited, particularly with Law. I've logged out of LinkedIn because it makes no sense to me lol.

 

[S87]

Hi guys,

I have a couple of questions, would love @Jessica Booker and @axelbeugre opinions but forum please feel free to chime in.

1)How would you relate the firm's growth to you as an aspiring solicitor? Would it be enough to relate it to practice areas' growth, the opportunity to experience more workload in terms of cases/deals and therefore increase your commercial acumen?

2) I am particularly fascinated by Finance infrastructure for a couple of reasons. First, it is someone related to what I do but I deal more with setting up the infrastructure but not finance. Secondly, there are a lot of macro and micro economic factors which make the practice area widely interesting. However, I do not have experience in this particular area. How do I talk about it, how do I express my desire to learn more?

 

[LB24]

Has anyone heard back from IM (personal services) or DWF (ethnic minority scheme) post VI for Manchester?

I heard back from IM for Manchester but it was the business services, but I heard back on the 15th Feb

 

[TC seeker]

What about open days/insight days? I've never really understood why people litter them all over their LinkedIn profiles. Can they be mentioned in the experience sections?

I'm non law so I always feel my "experience" is skinny and limited, particularly with Law. I've logged out of LinkedIn because it makes no sense to me lol.

I think talk about open days/insight day would definitely be helpful. Some firms allow you to put insight day on their application form as work experience. So many people write it on their Linkedin

 

[nnt_1304]

If anyone is looking for accommodation for spring or summer vac scheme 2024 in London, feel free to PM me!

I have a spare double bedroom in N1 (within 20 min walking distance to Kings Cross) to sublet for £220 a week, all bills and utilities included, bathroom and kitchen shared with one person (myself). The room will be available from 15 March to 15 June, suitable for spring vac schemers and early summer vac schemers. I am currently a paralegal at a city law firm and a future trainee.

Virtual or in-person viewings would of course be welcome!

PS. Apology to the TCLA team if perhaps this is not the most suitable forum for housing advertisements like this. I have a spare room in need of subletting, and I have also in the past helped fellow vac schemers find accommodation in London, so I thought some members of this forum can benefit from this post.

 

[bangarangbass39]

I think talk about open days/insight day would definitely be helpful. Some firms allow you to put insight day on their application form as work experience. So many people write it on their Linkedin

Lol, I think that's a bit ridiculous but fair enough. I wish there was a separate section. I don't think Open Days/Insight Evenings should qualify - hardly any work involved - but I realise they are "competitive" to get on to.

Am I disadvantaged by not attending open days? I have attended virtual events and campus talks but thought the whole open day was a bit much for travelling to be told the same things.

 

[TC seeker]

Lol, I think that's a bit ridiculous but fair enough. I wish there was a separate section. I don't think Open Days/Insight Evenings should qualify - hardly any work involved - but I realise they are "competitive" to get on to.

Am I disadvantaged by not attending open days? I have attended virtual events and campus talks but thought the whole open day was a bit much for travelling to be told the same things.

I think open day just give you a chance to familiar with the firm. it is a great opportunity to network with trainees/associates，and it also would be helpful when you write about“why this firm”. You can also do this by participate the networking events on campus or virtually.If you familiar with these firms very well，you won't be disadvantaged.