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  1. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    I’m in exactly the same position and also applied on the deadline. Having had a look on here, it seems some people got AC invites in November, so it could well just be a case of them already filling up spaces. Would have been nice to just get a PFO if that’s the case though.
  2. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    Is it me, or is the whole process post-app taking far longer this year? Last year, I heard back relatively quickly after applications (whether that be a progression onto the next round or a PFO) but right now I’m still waiting to hear from HSF, Dentons, Reed Smith, Bird & Bird, Cooley, Mishcon...
  3. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    I was completing the WG and the internet just died in my house 😭 Fortunately, I only had about 5 minutes to go but I still had a couple of questions unanswered and had no time to check. Ah well, guess there's no point in emailing Grad Recruitment as what can they really do? More annoyed at...
  4. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    Thanks Jessica :) On the application form, there is the option for a “supplementary information function to enable applicants to update their exam/degree/law school results, in addition to adding any extra work-experience or information, in support of their application.” Would you say it’s...
  5. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    I've just realised I made a mistake on one of my applications - all other applications I've completed have the duration of work experience as years/months/weeks, but this form had it the other way round and on way of my entries I've put 0 weeks, 5 months, 3 years, when it should be 3 weeks, 5...
  6. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    Just about to start W&C's cover letter and what's the general take on subheadings for clarity/ease of reading? I feel just having paragraph after paragraph may be hard to digest, especially as I'm planning to logically split mine into "why law", "why W&C", why me", so subheadings structurally...
  7. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    Thank you and sorry to hear about the PFO! It’s the waiting that kills me more than anything, like I’m not even expectant, but ugh, I’m waiting on about 8 firms post-app haha
  8. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    Ah that seems to be the case. Guess it’s just a case of waiting!
  9. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    Sorry to hear that - when did you apply/complete the test if you don’t mind me asking? Even though they’re non-rolling so don’t really see how it should make a difference?!
  10. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    Has anyone else just had complete radio silence from HSF? Expecting it to be a PFO now but my application has been under review since 3 December and I’ve heard nothing.
  11. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    I 100% agree. Even when it's a rolling deadline, it's worth sending in an application one minute before the deadline if you can. Of course, you'd rather have got it in sooner, but there will be people who have done last minute applications and landed TCs. At the end of the day, if you submit a...
  12. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    I'm in the exact same position, I applied 28 December off the top of my head and haven't heard back and seen people who applied after who have 😭 Ah well, until it's a PFO, it's not a PFO, so have to maintain faith.
  13. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    It sounds obvious, but I really think it depends on the questions in the application form. When the questions are competency based, I generally have a set answer for these, so it's a case of modifying it slightly to more accurately reach the question or word count. This can take 20 minutes or so...
  14. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    If I'm answering a question about strengths and weaknesses, would it be a mistake to only focus on one for each? The question asks for "strengths and areas for growth", but I feel with the word count available, I'm unable to go into sufficient detail if I explain more than one strength and one...
  15. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    From memory, the answers were 2,000 characters? I think that tended to be in the region of about 250 words for me but obviously depends how long your words are! As for the second part, I think I split it into four paragraphs: Two on extracurricular activities (positions of responsibility kinda...
  16. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    This is a random question, but with rolling deadlines, why am I yet to hear when others who said they applied after me have heard back with either a PFO or VI offer? Surely if it's rolling and I applied before someone, my application would get reviewed first, right? Yet I've seen people discuss...
  17. L

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

    I'm not sure percentage wise, but isn't their VS only open to those in the penultimate year of university? I'm pretty sure it would have to be a sizeable chunk from direct applicants, otherwise they're selling themselves a bit short.
  18. L

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

    I believe some firms recruit more from VSs, while others will have a mix of VS and direct TC applicants chosen. Can’t view it as a “one size fits all” approach I don’t think. I know some firms prefer you to have had at least some paralegalling or equivalent legal experience before going down...
  19. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    Oh god, made a note to finish off my Ashurst application today before the deadline shuts and, of course, the deadline was at 12pm 😭😭 I really need to make a note of those firms which don’t close at 23:59pm. Shame as I really liked Ashurst - anyone know if they take many direct TC applicants?
  20. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    Is anyone still waiting for HSF, Bird & Bird, and Reed Smith post-app? Feels like I’ve been waiting for ages and seen others getting VI/AC invites. I’d rather have that PFO and just know than be constantly refreshing emails 😭

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