TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Zaakir]

Does anyone have a list of law firms that actually care about getting a first? And by “care”, I mean to the extent that they, for the most part and bar the occasional anomaly, won’t interview candidates with 2.1s. Thanks!

 

[LehmanBrothersRiskManagementIntern]

Does anyone have a list of law firms that actually care about getting a first? And by “care”, I mean to the extent that they, for the most part and bar the occasional anomaly, won’t interview candidates with 2.1s. Thanks!

I don't have a list, but there are not many firms obsessed with a first. Slaughter & May is quite keen on a first, but I have heard of people with a 2:1 getting interviews there. Cleary also looks for a first, but it is not an essential requirement. The likes of Akin, Davis Polk, Gibson Dunn, etc. expect a first. But again, if you have unique work experience, skills, etc. not having a first wouldn't be a big issue.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Does anyone have a list of law firms that actually care about getting a first? And by “care”, I mean to the extent that they, for the most part and bar the occasional anomaly, won’t interview candidates with 2.1s. Thanks!

I don’t think there are any firms that do this.

 

[cet1997]

SH VS! Good luck guys

Congrats!! Which summer scheme is this for June or July? Also do you mind sharing how you did on the online assessment?

 

[GRingham]

SH VS! Good luck guys

Congrats! Did you receive email or phone call?

 

[A worried paralegal]

SH VS! Good luck guys

And they had the cheek to tell me that they are still screening today too.

 

[mp2000]

And they had the cheek to tell me that they are still screening today too.

They might be?

 

[legal18]

And they had the cheek to tell me that they are still screening today too.

what did they say?

 

[SR99]

Has anyone else just received their Browne Jacobson feedback

 

[Jaysen]

Hi @Jaysen @Jessica Booker I have just secured my first ever vacation scheme with a national firm!!! I’m a non-law grad with good commercial experience over the last 18 months but no real knowledge of academic law, do you have any tips for me to maximise my chances of converting it to a TC? I believe the firm take 10-ish vac schemers and recruit trainees predominantly from this route, although there is a direct entry. Thanks!!

This is amazing news, really well done.

I know it can be hard to know what to expect on a vacation scheme (or how to do well!). This video should help - you'll hear from five future trainees about how they converted their vacation scheme into a training contract:

How to convert a vacation scheme into a TRAINING CONTRACT | The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA)

Originally from our live class (available for Gold members), hear from 5 future trainees about how they converted their vacation scheme into a training con

tcla.realms.tv

 

[AS24]

Hi @Jessica Booker

I hope you are well.

I have been put on a hold list for a direct tc. I completed my VI and need to wait if they are going to have more AC or if someone is going to drop out. I was wondering if I could email the firm and ask if, in case none of the above happens, I could be considered for the next recruitment process without the need to send an app and complete another VI.
Thank you in advance.

 

[tasuli2809]

Hi! I have just been put on the 'hold list' for a direct TC AC. They said they would update me if there are any drop-outs or more ACs. Is there any chance of either happening?

 

[tasuli2809]

Hi @Jessica Booker

I hope you are well.

I have been put on a hold list for a direct tc. I completed my VI and need to wait if they are going to have more AC or if someone is going to drop out. I was wondering if I could email the firm and ask if, in case none of the above happens, I could be considered for the next recruitment process without the need to send an app and complete another VI.
Thank you in advance.

Hey, I think we have received it from the same firm, I was thinking of the same, let me know if you do email them regarding this. if you dont mind me asking, when did you complete your VI?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi @Jessica Booker

I hope you are well.

I have been put on a hold list for a direct tc. I completed my VI and need to wait if they are going to have more AC or if someone is going to drop out. I was wondering if I could email the firm and ask if, in case none of the above happens, I could be considered for the next recruitment process without the need to send an app and complete another VI.
Thank you in advance.

Typically you would still need to reapply in a different cycle, but there is no harm in asking. I would wait until you know there is no chance of them inviting you through though (eg when the recruitment process has concluded).

 

[SirLancelot7777]

Hey guys. I'm really lucky in that I've got two VS offers for early Summer, that unfortunately overlap. One of my parents suggested doing them at the same time, which seemed unhinged, but I was wondering whether anyone had done it?

I think conflict of interest would be a problem, as well as sanity, and getting the most out of each scheme. It seems like a terrible idea but the fact that my parent suggested it makes me wonder if I'm missing something.

 

[SirLancelot7777]

Congrats!! Which summer scheme is this for June or July? Also do you mind sharing how you did on the online assessment?

Thank you! Phone call, June.

Middle on applied verbal & numerical, high on grit & creativity, mid-high on applied intellect & digital mindset

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hey guys. I'm really lucky in that I've got two VS offers for early Summer, that unfortunately overlap. One of my parents suggested doing them at the same time, which seemed unhinged, but I was wondering whether anyone had done it?

I think conflict of interest would be a problem, as well as sanity, and getting the most out of each scheme. It seems like a terrible idea but the fact that my parent suggested it makes me wonder if I'm missing something.

Absolutely no chance of doing them at the same time - no offence to your parents, but this is an absolutely terrible idea.

Even if both schemes were virtual, you'd be found out pretty quickly. Even if one of them was in person, it would be spotted pretty much immediately.

 

[FTS209990]

Hi @Jessica Booker

I was fortunate enough to secure 3 vacation schemes this summer, but can only do 2 of them as they overlap.

Is it common for people to ask a firm to move a VS app to a direct TC app? This way, I could attend the standalone assessment center and still be considered for the TC.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi @Jessica Booker

I was fortunate enough to secure 3 vacation schemes this summer, but can only do 2 of them as they overlap.

Is it common for people to ask a firm to move a VS app to a direct TC app? This way, I could attend the standalone assessment center and still be considered for the TC.

Thanks in advance!!

Yes - very common. Some firms will be able to accommodate, others may not (especially as they know they are not your first choice). There is absolutely no harm is asking though.

 

[AS24]

Typically you would still need to reapply in a different cycle, but there is no harm in asking. I would wait until you know there is no chance of them inviting you through though (eg when the recruitment process has concluded).

Thank you Jessica