TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi @Jessica Booker
What reputable website would you recommend to search law firm competitors?

Legal 500 and Chambers if you are looking at client work. Look at rankings broken down by location.

If you are trying to compare firms by things like work life balance / pro bono opportunities or other “culture” or “training” opportunities, then looking at the Future Lawyers listings and Legal Cheek’s “most” list.

 

[lawstudent1245]

Legal 500 and Chambers if you are looking at client work. Look at rankings broken down by location.

If you are trying to compare firms by things like work life balance / pro bono opportunities or other “culture” or “training” opportunities, then looking at the Future Lawyers listings and Legal Cheek’s “most” list.

Thank you!
Would their competitors be those ranked in higher tiers?

 

[Arianne Kez]

When a firm asks Do you have any links to the firm

If you have networked with one of their trainees/associates and have had a discussion about the firm over networking/LinkedIn can you inlcude it here. Or is this kind of connection not applicable?

Thanks so much

 

[InvesmentBanker]

Hi @Jessica Booker
What reputable website would you recommend to search law firm competitors?

Thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[InvesmentBanker]

When a firm asks Do you have any links to the firm

If you have networked with one of their trainees/associates and have had a discussion about the firm over networking/LinkedIn can you inlcude it here. Or is this kind of connection not applicable?

Thanks so much

I could be wrong but I think that wont be applicable. I believe that usually refers to something like family ties.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Thank you!
Would their competitors be those ranked in higher tiers?

Generally the same or similar tiers (eg one up or one down).

 

[kmo20]

How long does A&O take to get back to you regarding whether or not you have passed the SJT? Last year it was 48 hours I think but not sure if it’s the same this year

 

[lawstudent1245]

Is anyone applying to HSF?
How can I see the written questions in the online application form?

 

[leaaa2023]

@Jessica Booker If a firm recruits on a rolling basis and applications close in January and they have an open day in December. Would you say it's worth holding off applying to apply to their Open day? Or would applying much earlier than that be an advantage? What if I receive a rejection from the Open Day and have to put that on my VC app? I guess I see more odds not in my favor by waiting for the Open Day and possibility of rejection

 

[Arianne Kez]

I could be wrong but I think that wont be applicable. I believe that usually refers to something like family ties.

Okay thank you!

 

[artlawyer]

How important are PGDL grades? I recently attained a mid-commendation but got 50s in four modules (most notably contract). The rest of my academics are strong though (A-Levels and RG university).

I also had this panic as I got a low pass in the PGDL (in 2020 Covid era albeit) but I now have a TC at a silver circle firm. I got a distinction on the LPC though as I worried it would impact me but it genuinely hasn't. I wouldn't worry too much about it given the rest of your academics are strong! - also a mid-commendation is v good!

 

[bella98]

Guys, can I see the questions for A&O beforehand and prepare for them or it will be like a video interview where you have to answer on the spot?

 

[kmo20]

Guys, can I see the questions for A&O beforehand and prepare for them or it will be like a video interview where you have to answer on the spot?

You can see them before and have some time to prepare before recording

 

[Louise59]

Hi - for Jones Day VS, is it bad if I did not join any event nor did the Forage internship (I could do it now if it could impact my application) ? I want to apply but unfortunately haven't joined events as of yet.

Also for the cover letter, if it is 300 words, should I do 100 words why law, 100 words why Jones Day and 100 why me ? or focus more on Jones Day.

 

[bella98]

You can see them before and have some time to prepare before recording

Hi Kitty, thanks for your quick reply

Do I have limited time to prepare? or can I open them today and record tomorrow for example?

 

[kmo20]

Hi Kitty, thanks for your quick reply

Do I have limited time to prepare? or can I open them today and record tomorrow for example?

Hi that’s ok! I’m not actually sure as it doesn’t say how long, although I wouldn’t shut down the browser just to be safe as I don’t know how you would access it again. Although there is no limit and you can take as long as you want preparing otherwise.

 

[bella98]

Hi that’s ok! I’m not actually sure as it doesn’t say how long, although I wouldn’t shut down the browser just to be safe as I don’t know how you would access it again. Although there is no limit and you can take as long as you want preparing otherwise.

Oh, that makes sense! Thank you so much for the information

 

[lawapplicant]

Hi - for Jones Day VS, is it bad if I did not join any event nor did the Forage internship (I could do it now if it could impact my application) ? I want to apply but unfortunately haven't joined events as of yet.

Also for the cover letter, if it is 300 words, should I do 100 words why law, 100 words why Jones Day and 100 why me ? or focus more on Jones Day.

Why do people keep asking this about Jones Day?

 

[Louise59]

Why do people keep asking this about Jones Day?

Because the first thing they ask is 'have you attended events' or 'have you completed the Forage internship'.

Thanks for saying people asked, I did not see it!

 

[ADKM]

I did not see the previous questions but I guess they are confused about it, as I am

Hi - for Jones Day VS, is it bad if I did not join any event nor did the Forage internship (I could do it now if it could impact my application) ? I want to apply but unfortunately haven't joined events as of yet.

Also for the cover letter, if it is 300 words, should I do 100 words why law, 100 words why Jones Day and 100 why me ? or focus more on Jones Day.

Hi there. Here’s my two cents on this matter:

If you have a strong reason for why you want to become a commercial solicitor/why you wish to work for JD, then I don’t think not doing a forage internship would put you at a disadvantage. I read on this forum that someone was invited to a JD interview without doing their forage internship. Another thing to note is since forage programmes are open access internships, doing one isn’t particularly going to make you stand out. So many people can do them. In fact, I know someone who’s never attended any open days yet has completed vac schemes at top magic circle, silver circle & int’l law firms (where they’re a future trainee now). So I suppose it’s more about presenting your reasons in a convincing manner rather than thinking you’ll be at a disadvantage for not competing a forage internship.

I hope this helps. Good luck!