TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[TCLA Community Assistant]

linklaters WVS offer today.... literally over the moon!!! was so impressed by everyone at the AC i'm really in shock.

one question - does anyone have advice re: securing accom in london for those two weeks? would rather not fork out so much £££ for a hotel, but not sure what the alternatives are. unfortunately have no friends/family in commutable distance of the office that would have a spare room

I would speak to the firm to see if they have any recommendations.

You can sometimes book halls of residence (although this is more likely in the summer) or find private halls/professional co-living spaces that are happy to take people on for short periods if they have availability.

I know some people also book rooms in Airbnbs, especially if they are just outside of London, they can sometimes be more affordable.

Know some who end up booking a Travelodge/Premier Inn near a major train station just outside of London but in zones 3-4 and commute in too.

 

[rvvacscheme]

does linklaters not provide accommodation? maybe reach out to grad team

i can't find anything on their website indicating whether they do, so i'm assuming not? i also have only received phone confirmation of my place (no email yet) so i'm hoping that will say either way.

 

[gimmeavacschemepls]

Hi - Is this for winter scheme or spring? Congratulations!!!

I applied for Winter!

 

[msclm]

i can't find anything on their website indicating whether they do, so i'm assuming not? i also have only received phone confirmation of my place (no email yet) so i'm hoping that will say either way.

I presume they would offer at least some help/some financial assistance for participants outside of London!

 

[Legalgirl]

Hi! Does anyone know which means HSF uses if you have received an offer for their WVS? Is it an email or call?

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Anyone not heard from Dechert post-written exercise? Assuming a PFO now - I did my written exercise 13 days ago

I did mine last week but afaik no one has received a reply yet, so don't assume PFO!

 

[VMS]

BCLP first stage interview invite!!

I am SO SO over the moon after having a really tough last week. I'm weirdly looking forward to it?? I'm going to try and blow their socks off, haha!

I did not, in fact, blow their socks off as I got a PFO today On the bright side, GR have said we can contact them for feedback, so hopefully this experience will help me for future interviews.

 

[GV]

Does anyone know if DLA Piper’s Watson Glaser invites are automatic or if they review your application first?

I just received the Waston Glaser invite. I think they review your application first as the email says “We are delighted to inform you that you have successfully progressed to the next stage”

 

[legally.brown]

I did not, in fact, blow their socks off as I got a PFO today On the bright side, GR have said we can contact them for feedback, so hopefully this experience will help me for future interviews.

I’m so sorry! But the fact that you progressed to that stage is impressive

If you don’t mind, can I ask how long did they take to offer you the interview after the test?

 

[Amma Usman]

linklaters WVS offer today.... literally over the moon!!! was so impressed by everyone at the AC i'm really in shock.

one question - does anyone have advice re: securing accom in london for those two weeks? would rather not fork out so much £££ for a hotel, but not sure what the alternatives are. unfortunately have no friends/family in commutable distance of the office that would have a spare room

Hey @rvvacscheme , huge congratulations on securing the WVS! I hope you celebrate well

It’s worth reaching out to graduate recruitment as often times they may provide support with accommodation inquiries. I have also attached the link to a website here which may be of help.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi! Does anyone know which means HSF uses if you have received an offer for their WVS? Is it an email or call?

Hey @Legalgirl , I am unsure about HSF in particular, but often times phone calls will be made when an offer is extended.

 

[Soprano]

Hey @Soprano . I have created two threads on why commercial law and why a specific firm. I have linked these two below:

WHY COMMERCIAL LAW: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/why-commercial-law-investigating-your-‘why’.9113/

WHY THIS FIRM:

Why This Firm? 🤔💭 : Crafting Applications

Hi TCLA Community! 😁 I created this thread because we all know that October is the season of drafting more and more applications for law firms. Knowing that you want to work at a particular firm is one thing; effectively demonstrating why that specific firm interests you is another. There are...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

On another note;

In all honesty, I recommend you applying to any firm out there you are drawn to. Firms generally don’t have a preference for law students over non-law students. In any case, you will still need to do the GDL/PGDL so you will otherwise still get the legal qualification. I believe leveraging your non-law work experience will also be a catalyst to your applications. For example, with your tech experience at Barclays, you could link it to many practice areas within data and technology transactions (if that’s something that still interests you as a wider industry). The key with non-law experience is leveraging your transferrable skills. Even soft skills like mastering digital email communication and interpersonal communication are a plus. The more technical elements, such as demonstrating an awareness of many practice areas from the clients perspective is another great point.

Another thing I recommend is attending a couple of open days, as this will introduce you to the legal/commercial world from a dual standpoint. Attending open days are not a prerequisite for getting a training contract, but they certainly help. Here’s a list of open day deadlines you could apply for: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....ay-and-insight-scheme-deadlines-2024-25.9218/

Hope this helps!

Thank you so much. for the detailed response. This is very helpful!

 

[VMS]

I’m so sorry! But the fact that you progressed to that stage is impressive

If you don’t mind, can I ask how long did they take to offer you the interview after the test?

Thank you. I did the test on 26/09 and received the interview invite on 14/10. I wish you all the best with your app

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

@Jessica Booker can I ask how granular firms get when looking at SJT results. Do they just look at overall score or do they red flag someone out of the process if they score highly overall but maybe get a really low score on one attribute?

 

[marisachr]

Anyone know if the invite for the Taylor Wessing test automatic?

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Some people have been invited to interview at Dechert

 

[Amehta1]

Hi! Does anyone know which means HSF uses if you have received an offer for their WVS? Is it an email or call?

They call if you are successful I believe, having asked the recruitment team at the AC

 

[msclm]

Some people have been invited to interview at Dechert

post-written?

 

[Simi.O]

I'm convinced Linklaters has the hardest watson glaser

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

post-written?

Yes