TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[tkl24]

Anyone heard from PMC post AC?
Kind of losing hope, considering tis been nearly 4 weeks.

 

[AspiringSolicitor25]

Wednesday is when they respond appaz

Where did you hear that?

 

[ashwright]

Final update guys:
I received my final PFO for this cycle yesterday. In total, I received 8/8 rejections (4 MC). I'm still awaiting a response from one firm but they sent out loads of VI invites last week so I'm presuming that's a PFO.

Thanks to my mistakes + the fact this is my first cycle, I've learned a lot. These are some of my reflections on things which I know/believe weakened my apps. If you didn't know them, consider taking them on board; if you did know them, consider this post a reinforcement.

1. Answer the question.
   • Internalise the old-school editor's mantra - "kill your darlings". Sometimes, you'll write a response which you love. You feel like you entered a flow state + you and your Word document were one and the same. But... your response doesn't fully answer the question. In parts, you compromise on answering one aspect of the question because you got so caught up in writing poetry for another part of the question. As painful as it is, delete the irrelevance. Whatever doesn't answer the question = delete-worthy.
2. When talking about 'why commercial law' or 'why this firm', do not skimp on interesting information. Brevity is a necessary consideration given the usually low word counts - don't waste it on flowery language and ambiguity.
   • Your response generally requires a descriptive element (e.g., what the deal was) - you can't just jump into the normative (e.g., what does the deal mean for industry). The best way to tackle this descriptive element is to explain it simply in your own words. Go back to first principles, pretend you're doing an ELI5... do whatever it takes to convey the info succinctly and accurately. This shows that you know your stuff - it also shows that you're not providing analysis on something you don't actually understand.
3. Apply to a variety of firms. Or don't. What matters is that the firms you apply to actually align with what you want your TC to look like. Be intentional with your applications. It's easier to write a decent love letter if you actually like the person.
4. Community (like TCLA) can help immensely. For support, advice, consolation, celebration - this forum is a uniquely welcoming community. Make the most of it.
5. If you're intimidated by something, still try it out. I missed out on so many opportunities this year because I was too scared that I wasn't the right candidate. I now regret this. Not trying something means you have a 0% success rate - don't self-select your own rejection.
6. Avoid comparison. It isn't just the thief of joy, but it can also be the thief of success.

My plans for my second cycle are to do more Forage stuff, employment, and attend more commercial awareness events.
I'll be logging off for a while but just wanted to say thank you all for your support this cycle. You've all been tremendously kind. I will always be cheering you on.

 

[saminoriya]

Anyone heard from PMC post AC?
Kind of losing hope, considering tis been nearly 4 weeks.

I have been waiting since 30th January and still nothing, but I heard that they are very slow after ACs.

 

[YS391]

Anyone heard from PMC post AC?
Kind of losing hope, considering tis been nearly 4 weeks.

They are doing ACs till the end of Feb. No one has heard back yet either, so I reckon we hear back in early and mid-March like last year.

 

[lolololol]

latham pfo finally for summer

 

[TC129129]

AG AC invite! Super nervous and happy all at the same time. Any tips would be greatly appreciated (can exchange for my very best well wishes only as this is my first AC this cycle )

Congrats! When did you hear back?

 

[g.cl.2020344]

latham pfo finally for summer

hey sorry to hear this, is this post app or post test?

 

[bluescarf]

I have got some uni grades back today - what is the done thing in terms of updating applications? I am still waiting on updates for some and wondering if it's useful to let grad rec know?

 

[Tired of Applications]

Where did you hear that?

I emailed them. But surely some people have already heard back and all.

 

[lolololol]

hey sorry to hear this, is this post app or post test?

post test!

 

[PFOenthusiast]

Does anybody know what the prep time is for questions in the Simmons & Simmons VI?

 

[lillypad321]

CRIPPS PFO

 

[sibs23]

CRIPPS PFO

me too the first email this morning was confusing as I never got past the 1st stage so thought I had missed an assessment or something but glad they cleared it up

 

[Diana54]

Does anybody know what the prep time is for questions in the Simmons & Simmons VI?

Hey, prep time was unlimited when I did mine in Dec. Good luck!

 

[APGCA]

HL PFO, thought I actually stood a chance given the time

 

[g.cl.2020344]

omg SPB AC!!!

 

[legallawyer]

Congrats! When did you hear back?

Thanks! Yesterday evening (for Manchester btw)

 

[DolphinShades44]

Travers Smith SVS offer

Can't believe it

Edit - thanks for all the love! I'm rooting for each and every one of you

 

[EA95]

Latham & Watkins PFO, feels like i’m never going to get any success