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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Hello! New poster and I have some questions if anyone can answer:
1. I got PFO from Covington's winter vac scheme ages ago, but also applied to their summer scheme using the same application (because the application seemed to allow it? ). The rejection was for the Winter scheme, but should I consider the summer one a lost cause too?
2. I have not heard back from Bird & Bird in three weeks about the WG. Should I expect a PFO incoming?
3. I completed the Simmons & Simmons VI/SJT on the 28th of November and haven't heard back (I know it has not been long). Given that it is rolling, should I also consider this one a PFO?
4. Am I shooting myself in the foot by not getting a job right now (unemployed graduate) and trying to focus on applications? It feels like everyone I see is becoming a paralegal, and that I may have done better this cycle if I had an ongoing job right now (I have only progressed past one initial screening and gotten PFOed from 6 firms).
1. I got PFO from Covington's winter vac scheme ages ago, but also applied to their summer scheme using the same application (because the application seemed to allow it? ). The rejection was for the Winter scheme, but should I consider the summer one a lost cause too?
2. I have not heard back from Bird & Bird in three weeks about the WG. Should I expect a PFO incoming?
3. I completed the Simmons & Simmons VI/SJT on the 28th of November and haven't heard back (I know it has not been long). Given that it is rolling, should I also consider this one a PFO?
4. Am I shooting myself in the foot by not getting a job right now (unemployed graduate) and trying to focus on applications? It feels like everyone I see is becoming a paralegal, and that I may have done better this cycle if I had an ongoing job right now (I have only progressed past one initial screening and gotten PFOed from 6 firms).
Would still deeply appreciate this, especially since there are many more applicants who are also curious!
I secured a vac scheme last year whilst travelling SEA post uni and my interviewers loved the fact that I was dedicated enough to attend a virtual AC whilst backpacking i.e. you don't need to be working straight out of university and all work / life experience is valuable, not just paralegalling
Sorry I made a separate thread and now realising that maybe(?) I should have posted this question here!
Currently writing a covering letter. I find myself every few sentences saying something like '...and I want to explore this during the scheme' or 'this is why I want to do the scheme'... Feels like I am repeating myself and wasting words but if I don't say it I feel a bit like I'm just listing a bunch of facts that don't really have a clear relevance to the application (even though it should be fairly easy to infer). Does anyone have any advice here? Should you keep linking back to the scheme? If so, is there a less boring way to do it? Thanks so much!
Currently writing a covering letter. I find myself every few sentences saying something like '...and I want to explore this during the scheme' or 'this is why I want to do the scheme'... Feels like I am repeating myself and wasting words but if I don't say it I feel a bit like I'm just listing a bunch of facts that don't really have a clear relevance to the application (even though it should be fairly easy to infer). Does anyone have any advice here? Should you keep linking back to the scheme? If so, is there a less boring way to do it? Thanks so much!
Hey guys, applying to White and Case! I need some help, and I have two questions:
1. The Extra-Curricular Activities - if I spoke about things i added to my work experience section , would it matter, and is there a specific structure they're looking for in this question
2. The app question - what sort of structure are they looking for, and what did you use to help your research?
1. The Extra-Curricular Activities - if I spoke about things i added to my work experience section , would it matter, and is there a specific structure they're looking for in this question
2. The app question - what sort of structure are they looking for, and what did you use to help your research?
How long do you typically wait for the immersive assessment of Mayer Brown to come through or is it automatic? Is it a 7 day window too complete it? I know it’s rolling but wanted to know timelines so I don’t overwhelm myself
Congratulations! If you do not mind sharing, when did you apply and take the test?
Looking at Gibson Dunn, would it be risky in applying to their TC only and not the VS? The website states you can apply for the TC separately however, 90% of their TC's go to those who have completed the VS. I have just graduated and started a job in IB, not applied to many VS due to annual leave and the nature of my job means conflict of interest for many firms. Also has anyone received a VS offer thus far given they're rolling and close next month? 🤔
I applied for VS. Radio silence since the test (like a month, I think)
Looking for some advice please - you are all really good at that on here!
I am in the final year of my law degree so will be graduating next summer. I did a VS earlier this year but unfortunately did not convert it to a TC. I am applying again for VS and direct TCs but I am anxious about work after uni. I cannot afford to not have a full time job, so will be looking to paralegal. I cannot afford to live in London on a paralegal salary, so would have to work at a more local firm. Is this looked down upon by city and US firms? Because I am not paralegalling in a commercial law firm setting?
It just seems as though everyone already lives in London and can paralegal at firms they hope to eventually train at. This is simply not viable for me, so any insights would be appreciated please!
I am in the final year of my law degree so will be graduating next summer. I did a VS earlier this year but unfortunately did not convert it to a TC. I am applying again for VS and direct TCs but I am anxious about work after uni. I cannot afford to not have a full time job, so will be looking to paralegal. I cannot afford to live in London on a paralegal salary, so would have to work at a more local firm. Is this looked down upon by city and US firms? Because I am not paralegalling in a commercial law firm setting?
It just seems as though everyone already lives in London and can paralegal at firms they hope to eventually train at. This is simply not viable for me, so any insights would be appreciated please!
I paralegal at a mid tier firm in Manchester not in a commercial department and have gotten to interview stage at Travers and HSF, I don’t think they really care too much as long as you highlight your transferable skills etc. If you can get a paralegal role in corporate or commercial even better but I don’t think it’s essential.
If your firm allows you to do VS at other firms whilst paralegalling there I think personally you’re in an even better position, you’re competing with law students who don’t have any real world experience whereas you have actual knowledge and experience with solicitors.
No firms will not look down on it. Experience is experience whether that's a waiter, barista or cleaner. A paralegal role that does not require years of prior experience before applying is hard to come by if you can get one closer to home I'd go for it!. Once you have a few months/a year in a smaller firm you can always move up from there.
A lot of firms do not prioritise paralegals over new applicants as it would not be fair unless they held a TC at the firm prior to being a paralegal and need a job before their TC starts. (I know this is the case for Kirkland, Milbank and Akin)
Would you consider other jobs that are not being a paralegal? tons of grad jobs pay better than paralegal jobs. You could work in compliance, legal analyst, risk and consulting these are all similar to law and the client exposure some of these roles offer would be insanely good!
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