TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Jessica Booker]

With some firms opening their applications for winter, spring and summer schemes in the coming weeks, we thought it was time to open a new thread for a new application cycle.

Please use this master thread to discuss anything related to vacation scheme applications for the 2023-2024 application cycle. This can include everything from application and interview queries to news from particular law firms.

If you want to check last year's thread you can find it here: TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

Wishing everyone the best of luck for the upcoming cycle.

Thanks,

Jess

 

[InvesmentBanker]

It is my honour to be the first person to comment on this thread

 

[webberwerter]

Do Jones Day reject you straight off the bat if you haven't done their forage?

 

[InvesmentBanker]

Do Jones Day reject you straight off the bat if you haven't done their forage?

I got invited to their interview last year without doing their forage programme

 

[Asil Ahmad]

I got invited to their interview last year without doing their forage programme

On this wanted to ask do they require a high 2.1 or if you got a low 2.1 you can still apply.

 

[sxw517]

On this wanted to ask do they require a high 2.1 or if you got a low 2.1 you can still apply.

I got 64 overall and received a Spring VS offer earlier this year. I would just hammer home how their unique training style would suit you.

 

[Asil Ahmad]

I got 64 overall and received a Spring VS offer earlier this year. I would just hammer home how their unique training style would suit you.

Thank you very much for this and yes I know.

 

[kmo20]

How feasible is it to undertake winter vacation schemes during the conversion course at BPP? Are there exams during the first half of December?

 

[kmo20]

@Jessica Booker Would you be able to offer any advice as to whether I should apply to the Linklaters winter vacation scheme or their open day (as open day students get fast-tracked to an assessment centre)? I am just starting my conversion course at BPP and have had 2 internships at smaller boutique law firms (no vacation schemes) and not sure which one I may be better suited to. Thank you for your help in advance

 

[jnice]

@Jessica Booker Would you be able to offer any advice as to whether I should apply to the Linklaters winter vacation scheme or their open day (as open day students get fast-tracked to an assessment centre)? I am just starting my conversion course at BPP and have had 2 internships at smaller boutique law firms (no vacation schemes) and not sure which one I may be better suited to. Thank you for your help in advance

It depends on your circumstances. If you have time for the winter VS but not for a spring or summer vs, then apply for the winter vs. But if it’s the opposite, apply for the open day. If you don’t get a place, you have another chance to apply for the spring or summer vs. Hope this helps!

 

[kmo20]

It depends on your circumstances. If you have time for the winter VS but not for a spring or summer vs, then apply for the winter vs. But if it’s the opposite, apply for the open day. If you don’t get a place, you have another chance to apply for the spring or summer vs. Hope this helps!

Thank you!

 

[nma123]

Travers Smith’s WVS application asks us to tick yes/no for the question “if a direct process for a training contract was a possibility would you prefer to take this route rather than attend a scheme?” - what are the advantages/disadvantages to answering ‘yes’ to this? Obviously I ultimately want the TC but as I haven’t done any vac schemes yet I don’t want to disadvantage my application, so I’m not sure what to say. I’m final year so I really am looking to secure a TC asap

 

[wz_13]

if anyone has done the a&o assessment and has some insight on the vi questions it would be GREATLY appreciated <3

 

[hanz123]

If anyone's been successful with Addleshaw Goddard, Shoosmiths or DLA Piper in previous applications please message me

 

[stone’sthrow]

Is anyone on this year’s SEO Corporate Law programme?

 

[Bubbles]

Is there a list of law firms that sponsor Tier 2 visas?

 

[Marissa]

Is there a list of law firms that sponsor Tier 2 visas?

I'm not aware of a list specifically for law firms, but there is a website where you can search for all companies (including law firms) that hold a tier 2 sponsorship licence - https://uktiersponsors.co.uk

 

[babylawyer1942]

@Jessica Booker Would you be able to offer any advice as to whether I should apply to the Linklaters winter vacation scheme or their open day (as open day students get fast-tracked to an assessment centre)? I am just starting my conversion course at BPP and have had 2 internships at smaller boutique law firms (no vacation schemes) and not sure which one I may be better suited to. Thank you for your help in advance

I'm actually wondering how open day students get "fast-tracked" because the application process for both vs and open day is the exact same?

 

[HendyBabyFutureLawyer]

Reading through Slaughter and May's successful TC and VS applications, I feel like that 99.9% of them were from current students or recent graduates of Oxbridge or G5 universities. Ngl I'm having serious doubts about applying lol

 

[hannah04]

Travers Smith’s WVS application asks us to tick yes/no for the question “if a direct process for a training contract was a possibility would you prefer to take this route rather than attend a scheme?” - what are the advantages/disadvantages to answering ‘yes’ to this? Obviously I ultimately want the TC but as I haven’t done any vac schemes yet I don’t want to disadvantage my application, so I’m not sure what to say. I’m final year so I really am looking to secure a TC asap

I would just be honest in the response and say "yes" - I dont think its there as a trick question to gauge your interest in the firm or anything like that, so I would say it wouldnt disadvantage your app at all!