TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Harvey Specter]

Lots of people take the MA/LLM versions of GDL courses to then apply for student finance.

There used to be commercial loans many years ago but the banks stopped giving them out. I haven’t really seen or heard of many professional development loans since unfortunately.

How would this work for people who perhaps can’t take out student finance or loans due to religious or cultural reasons? Would a firm be able to provide that person with additional financial support or would that future trainee be stranded? 🥲​

 

[jta227]

How would this work for people who perhaps can’t take out student finance or loans due to religious or cultural reasons? Would a firm be able to provide that person with additional financial support or would that future trainee be stranded? 🥲​

Firms likely will hear you out on a case by case basis. Though I'm sure for several people, the preferable option would be to get an additional part-time job rather than rack up more debt anyways - so a firm might ask why you aren't doing this. I would assume the richer firms would potentially give more money, I have seen on some firms' websites that they can do this based on individual need but I don't recall the exact firms.

 

[Harvey Specter]

Firms likely will hear you out on a case by case basis. Though I'm sure for several people, the preferable option would be to get an additional part-time job rather than rack up more debt anyways - so a firm might ask why you aren't doing this. I would assume the richer firms would potentially give more money, I have seen on some firms' websites that they can do this based on individual need but I don't recall the exact firms.

This could be an option but then some firms don’t want their future trainees to work while studying the sqe so it becomes a problem with that aspect as well. Also, it could prevent or reduce the chances of that person passing the sqe exams first time if they need to work part time while studying. Some firms expect the sqe be passed on the first attempt. I guess it depends on each firm and their position on it but it would be good to see needs-based sqe or pgdl grants (in addition to the standard amount firms offer to all future trainees). I guess in light of the increased focus on diversity and social mobility, with some firms setting specific targets for it, there may be an incentive to offer these things as standard to those who need it. 🤷🏾‍♂️​

 

[jta227]

This could be an option but then some firms don’t want their future trainees to work while studying the sqe so it becomes a problem with that aspect as well. Also, it could prevent or reduce the chances of that person passing the sqe exams first time if they need to work part time while studying. Some firms expect the sqe be passed on the first attempt. I guess it depends on each firm and their position on it but it would be good to see needs-based sqe or pgdl grants (in addition to the standard amount firms offer to all future trainees). I guess in light of the increased focus on diversity and social mobility, with some firms setting specific targets for it, there may be an incentive to offer these things as standard to those who need it. 🤷🏾‍♂️​

If a firm doesn't want their trainee to work then they'll give them more money - the firms with low grants don't tend to be the same firms that say this I think (if they did they'd be either obvious hypocrites or obvious elitists). I relate to your point as the SQE grant has actually been a major factor in deciding between firms for me.

 

[BillSikes]

apparently it isnt, well done!! 🎉

Where have you seen this? I think it may be automatic - or they have extremely poor AI screeners!

 

[Diana54]

Their website says they look for a 2:1 or 1st at undergraduate level and a majority of A grades at A-level, which I’m guessing means AAB. I think they use rare recruitment though and do take into consideration MC, so idk how strict that requirement is. 🤷🏾‍♂️

I’m working on my application for it atm and I am hoping to get it sent within a few days. 🙂​

I am thinking of applying as well but it’s not clear whether successful applicants will be considered for their TC. Their website is unclear and just frames it as work experience.

 

[Legal Wizard]

@Amma Usman @Andrei Radu and anyone else - I was wondering if you could provide some insight into Gibson Dunn and what makes them different from other US firm other than their strong transactional vs contentious spilt and their broad internal presence. I am also interested in understand their clients from what I’ve understood the firm clientele is quite broad across various industries, but perhaps some insight on if certain practice groups have a specific market segment focus - this would be great. Thank you!

Hi! Do you have an interview?

 

[BonanzaBih_]

Where have you seen this? I think it may be automatic - or they have extremely poor AI screeners!

In the email it says ‘congrats on reaching the next stage’ so I don’t think it’s automatic

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

How would this work for people who perhaps can’t take out student finance or loans due to religious or cultural reasons? Would a firm be able to provide that person with additional financial support or would that future trainee be stranded? 🥲​

Possibly - but only in the form on an interest free loan rather than an increased maintenance grant.

The firm may also look at alternatives like part-time study that would allow the individual to work alongside their studies, or look to support with paid employment during the holidays.

A lot of people are able to work part time alongside a GDL course and so I suspect allowing someone to work part time would be the most sensible approach though.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Where have you seen this? I think it may be automatic - or they have extremely poor AI screeners!

I really don’t think you can make assumption. Some teams work on the sprint model of project management and can turn around things like screening quickly with the right resources and planning.

 

[chlawstudent]

I had my AC today for the SVS

How did you find it? I have mine on Monday!

 

[Tired of Applications]

Anyone heard anything from weil today?

Wednesday is when they respond appaz

 

[Boating]

Sidley Austin said they’d get back to applicants late March, I assume that’s for Summer, because that seems too late for spring, I can’t remember what I applied for lol

 

[NCTC2025]

Sidley Austin said they’d get back to applicants late March, I assume that’s for Summer, because that seems too late for spring, I can’t remember what I applied for lol

Could be the classic law firm "well get back to applicants rejects in late march"... 😭

 

[Harvey Specter]

Could be the classic law firm "well get back to applicants rejects in late march"... 😭

They’ll also use the classic law firm “we received an unprecedented number of applications and as a result, we are unable to provide specific feedback on your application…” 🥲🥲​

 

[NCTC2025]

They’ll also use the classic “we received an unprecedented number of applications and as a result, we are unable to provide specific feedback on your application…” 🥲🥲​

had a friend who just did the jones day first stage interview and was told they cant provide feedback at this stage after a rejection. How do you have a 1 hour partner interview and no feedback is generated😭

 

[SeniorJunior]

How did you find it? I have mine on Monday!

It’s a lot to get through and they’re great at moving you through the steps and explaining everything.
Everyone was very friendly and personable.
The tasks are exactly as described in the email as well.
Good luck!

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

had a friend who just did the jones day first stage interview and was told they cant provide feedback at this stage after a rejection. How do you have a 1 hour partner interview and no feedback is generated😭

Jones Day AC feedback is also four sentences long, two for each interview...

 

[Boating]

had a friend who just did the jones day first stage interview and was told they cant provide feedback at this stage after a rejection. How do you have a 1 hour partner interview and no feedback is generated😭

Their feedback for the AC is also just a 3 sentence email too

 

[Leveraged]

had a friend who just did the jones day first stage interview and was told they cant provide feedback at this stage after a rejection. How do you have a 1 hour partner interview and no feedback is generated😭

Jones Day AC feedback is also four sentences long, two for each interview...

Their feedback for the AC is also just a 3 sentence email too

My friend SAR’d them post-AC, as you can’t re-apply anyway. Comments were v insightful they just cba to give honest feedback aha