TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Izzy1026]

Does Sullivan Cromwell allow people to apply to both VS and TC in the same cycle?

 

[RonRod13]

Does anyone else feel like HR and partners are after two different things in an interview? What tips do people have for initial first round interviews with grad rec? And what tips do people have for interviews with partners?

 

[LehmanBrothersRiskManagementIntern]

Does Sullivan Cromwell allow people to apply to both VS and TC in the same cycle?

Yes, someone that I know applied again last year for the TC and was put on “hold”. However, they may have changed their policy since last year, so I’d advise to check with the firm before applying.

 

[legal1803]

thanks and they called me on friday tbh did my test so long ago forgot

would you mind checking your email for the results haha, dw if not

 

[WB2024]

Their deadline was today so they’ll probably start getting back to people starting next week.

I don't want to derail this thread but I can't scroll past this comment without warning people applying here.

I would strongly recommend not training at that firm. They have no real training structure (you won't always be trained by someone England and Wales qualified), their HR is clueless, they overhire and most trainees are unlikely to be retained. The issue is if you return to the UK no one will have heard of them and if you stay out in the Middle East you may struggle to find a junior position (there aren't many around), you'll be stuck in limbo.

This is without mentioning the strong levels of racism which exist across the firm which can affect your work, the below-market salaries and the very questionable work they are often involved with (it won't get you struck off but only if the SRA don't find out).

By all means, apply to other firms across the Middle East but stay away from smaller regional firms which don't have offices in the UK.

Edit - happy to answer questions about the firm in PMs (not related to the application or interview process).

 

[johnnn821]

Anyone heard anything from Winston?

 

[EzeLaylor]

Depends on the firm's policy. Most firms don't consider you for a TC if you do not convert the VS. I'd ask the firm and clarify before applying.

Thanks @LehmanBrothersRiskManagementIntern

I've emailed both firms but haven't received an answer yet😭😭 - If anyone knows if Weil or Latham let you reapply for a TC after not converting a VS, please help a guy out🥲

 

[Biglaw simp]

Hi guys,
Just wanted some advice on the following: I've recently received a TC offer off the back of a spring VS from a firm I really like, and the deadline for acceptance is May 31st. I also have a VS at another firm I like from June 3rd-7th. I would love the opportunity to spend time at both firms and make a decision from there, but am worried at what a firm's attitude towards me asking for an extension to acceptance would be (lack of commitment etc). Anyone have any suggestions as to what to do/how to word it? Should I just accept the offer I have given I really like the firm? Not sure if this is relevant but both TCs would be a sept 2025 start.

 

[lookingforaTC]

Hi guys,
Just wanted some advice on the following: I've recently received a TC offer off the back of a spring VS from a firm I really like, and the deadline for acceptance is May 31st. I also have a VS at another firm I like from June 3rd-7th. I would love the opportunity to spend time at both firms and make a decision from there, but am worried at what a firm's attitude towards me asking for an extension to acceptance would be (lack of commitment etc). Anyone have any suggestions as to what to do/how to word it? Should I just accept the offer I have given I really like the firm? Not sure if this is relevant but both TCs would be a sept 2025 start.

Just accept it and rescind later on if you get the offer from the other firm

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Thanks @LehmanBrothersRiskManagementIntern

I've emailed both firms but haven't received an answer yet😭😭 - If anyone knows if Weil or Latham let you reapply for a TC after not converting a VS, please help a guy out🥲

I emailed Latham about whether their direct TC route will be open at all this year and they said it’s very unlikely they’re going to open it…

 

[Biglaw simp]

Just accept it and rescind later on if you get the offer from the other firm

I've been advised this but a) isn't it slightly dishonest and b) I had a mate who did this and was asked about whether he'd had and accepted an offer from previous VS on his subsequent one and obviously he can't lie

 

[lookingforaTC]

I've been advised this but a) isn't it slightly dishonest and b) I had a mate who did this and was asked about whether he'd had and accepted an offer from previous VS on his subsequent one and obviously he can't lie

Is that obvious? 🤔

 

[evianmineral]

I've been advised this but a) isn't it slightly dishonest and b) I had a mate who did this and was asked about whether he'd had and accepted an offer from previous VS on his subsequent one and obviously he can't lie

It's not dishonest. As long as you don't sign a contract and don't take any money from the original firm there's literally nothing wrong with accepting a subsequent offer from a different firm if you want to.

Also - why lie to the subsequent firm about an offer? Shows that you're of quality, desirable etc. I do understand that you'll feel like the subsequent firm will be questioning your commitment/desire to work there but the fact you're attending the VS shows that you may actually prefer the subsequent firm.

 

[mp2000]

It's not dishonest. As long as you don't sign a contract and don't take any money from the original firm there's literally nothing wrong with accepting a subsequent offer from a different firm if you want to.

Also - why lie to the subsequent firm about an offer? Shows that you're of quality, desirable etc. I do understand that you'll feel like the subsequent firm will be questioning your commitment/desire to work there but the fact you're attending the VS shows that you may actually prefer the subsequent firm.

But what if you have signed a contract with one company and want to rescind....

 

[LawyerInMaking]

Hi guys,
Just wanted some advice on the following: I've recently received a TC offer off the back of a spring VS from a firm I really like, and the deadline for acceptance is May 31st. I also have a VS at another firm I like from June 3rd-7th. I would love the opportunity to spend time at both firms and make a decision from there, but am worried at what a firm's attitude towards me asking for an extension to acceptance would be (lack of commitment etc). Anyone have any suggestions as to what to do/how to word it? Should I just accept the offer I have given I really like the firm? Not sure if this is relevant but both TCs would be a sept 2025 s

Hi guys,
Just wanted some advice on the following: I've recently received a TC offer off the back of a spring VS from a firm I really like, and the deadline for acceptance is May 31st. I also have a VS at another firm I like from June 3rd-7th. I would love the opportunity to spend time at both firms and make a decision from there, but am worried at what a firm's attitude towards me asking for an extension to acceptance would be (lack of commitment etc). Anyone have any suggestions as to what to do/how to word it? Should I just accept the offer I have given I really like the firm? Not sure if this is relevant but both TCs would be a sept 2025 start.

Why not ask the first firm if they can extend the offer by a month or so ?

 

[mp2000]

Hill Dickinson's silence is off-putting....

 

[evianmineral]

But what if you have signed a contract with one company and want to rescind....

I'm unsure to be honest and I think it'd depend on the contract, someone who has more knowledge of this area may be able to help e.g. Jessica Booker.

However as a general rule you should be able to rescind but depends on the specific circumstance.

But generally I would not go around signing contracts I did not intend to fulfil.

 

[mp2000]

I'm unsure to be honest and I think it'd depend on the contract, someone who has more knowledge of this area may be able to help e.g. Jessica Booker.

However as a general rule you should be able to rescind but depends on the specific circumstance.

But generally I would not go around signing contracts I did not intend to fulfil.

Yes, Jessica has advised me on this. Just seeing if there are any others with similar experiences. I certainly didn't sign a contract knowing I would not be able to fulfil it - people's circumstances can change and much better opportunities often arise.

 

[jenniferrrrrrr]

Hi guys,
Just wanted some advice on the following: I've recently received a TC offer off the back of a spring VS from a firm I really like, and the deadline for acceptance is May 31st. I also have a VS at another firm I like from June 3rd-7th. I would love the opportunity to spend time at both firms and make a decision from there, but am worried at what a firm's attitude towards me asking for an extension to acceptance would be (lack of commitment etc). Anyone have any suggestions as to what to do/how to word it? Should I just accept the offer I have given I really like the firm? Not sure if this is relevant but both TCs would be a sept 2025 start.

I know that most firms do not allow people who signed a TC to participate on their VS - better check if the June firm allows that before signing with the first firm.

 

[evianmineral]

Yes, Jessica has advised me on this. Just seeing if there are any others with similar experiences. I certainly didn't sign a contract knowing I would not be able to fulfil it - people's circumstances can change and much better opportunities often arise.

Of course but generally, the point of signing a contract is to stop you from accepting better opportunities.