TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Chris Brown

Legendary Member
Jul 4, 2024
591
2,190
Yeah but they're rolling. I heard that for those recruiting on a rolling basis I should apply at least a month earlier. Is that true or just a rumor? It got me confused 😭
Definitely a rumour. Firms set deadlines for a reason. As long as you apply before the deadline you will be okay. I am also looking to apply to SH by mid Feb.

Of course firms like BCLP, Bird & Bird and DLA Piper do take rolling recruitment more seriously but most ‘rolling’ firms will consider your application regardless of which date you applied to them. 🙂🙂

White & Case and Willkie are technically rolling but still review every application. I applied a week or so before their final deadline for both and I was fine. I would strongly recommend you still apply to SH if you like their firm! Best of luck! 🙂🙂​
 
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Ram Sabaratnam

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 7, 2024
493
1,136
I have a 30 min virtual interview with Cooley next week. This is my first interview with a corporate law firm so any advice would be appreciated!

Hiya @corporatelore (and also to others who've already asked me, including @James Wakefield)

First off, well done to everyone who has made it to this stage! Just wanted to add some Cooley-related information to the excellent response by @Andrei Radu.

As I'm sure you'll already know, the Cooley video interview typically involves two senior fee earners who will ask a mix of motivational and competency-based questions (there were no real commercial awareness questions - these are typically dealt with during the assessment centre). The interviewers will likely have read your application beforehand, so it’s a good idea to reflect on your experiences, particularly any work experience you’ve mentioned, and your motivations for joining the firm.

For example, I was asked about my background as a career changer and why I had decided to pursue law at this stage. I was also asked to elaborate on two of the legal work experiences that I'd mentioned in my application, with follow-up questions requiring competency-based answers. The interviewers were clearly interested in understanding my thought process behind how I carried out certain tasks during these work experiences and I'd recommend sticking to a clear STAR structure when answering such questions.

Additionally, I was given the names of my interviewers in advance. This was really helpful in allowing me to prepare tailored questions about their careers and their reasons for joining Cooley. If you've received your interviewers' names, it’s worth looking them up briefly.

Overall, I’d recommend thinking about any aspects of your application that stand out or could benefit from further explanation, as these might be areas your interviewers choose to explore. Good luck to everyone doing their video interviews!
 

BobThebIlly

Distinguished Member
Premium Member
Dec 6, 2024
74
111
After receiving my final rejection for this year’s VS cycle, I've quickly realised that I underestimated just how competitive it really is. I only applied to four firms (all extremely competitive) and assumed that my extensive experience with two of them would be enough to secure an AC invitation. Looking back, I see that this was a naive approach, but this was my first real taste of rejection at this level.

I would really appreciate any advice, especially from @Amma Usman , as your daily commercial updates have been incredibly helpful.

I want to make sure I prepare as effectively as possible for the next VS and TC cycle. Im currently in my penultimate year, so I’ll be entering my final year in September. My key questions are:

1. How should I balance my applications between vacation schemes and direct training contract applications? Ie should I split it between 10 VS applications and 10 TC or is it based on other factors?

2. Where can I find someone who can provide detailed, constructive feedback on my applications? I found that the person I previously relied on did not offer the most helpful insights.

3. How do I strategically select firms to apply to? I am still keen on the MC firms and US firms

4. For those who secured VS or TC offers after rejections in previous cycles, what changes did you make that had the biggest impact?

Any guidance would be massively appreciated!
 
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Gin

Star Member
Dec 26, 2023
35
30
Definitely a rumour. Firms set deadlines for a reason. As long as you apply before the deadline you will be fine. I am also looking to apply to SH by mid Feb.

Of course firms like BCLP, Bird & Bird and DLA Piper do take rolling recruitment more seriously but most ‘rolling’ firms will consider your application regardless of which date you applied. 🙂🙂

White & Case and Willkie are technically rolling but still review every application. I applied a week before their final deadline for both and I was fine. I would strongly recommend you still apply to SH if you like their firm! Best of luck! 🙂🙂
I see. Thanks a lot!!!
 
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