TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[therealslimshady]

Hey all,

Those of you who haven't secured a VS yet, are you still applying for Direct TCs this year? I only ask as it is my first cycle, but work full-time (legal but not in corporate). Just wondering if you can apply to a TC without VS experience - and if so are we at a disadvantage?

You can definitely apply to a TC without VS experience. I have completed several VSs but there are candidates that get a TC with no VS experience.

 

[AlegalA]

What firm is this for?

Browne Jacobson

 

[aspiringm&alawyer]

Anyone STILL waiting on Cleary post app?

 

[user184794]

how long does it take for w&c to get back to you post-ac, does anyone know?

 

[axelbeugre]

It seems like the magic circle law firm ( Slaughter, Freshfields and Clifford Chance) only provide the direct TC if you after your penultimate year, so the only way to get into these firms is to reapply if unsuccessful? In addition, do you think it would be helpful if add a summer/ winter vacation scheme when applying the TC route.

I do think that having vacation schemes in your experiences does help you when applying for direct training contracts but it does not mean that if you do not have them, you will not be successful. I know people with no legal experience whatsoever who were successful in securing training contract offers.

 

[tcplease2345]

If I apply for vacation schemes again next cycle and do not do anything in between, will that lower my chances?

 

[axelbeugre]

An app is stating: "Please provide details of all modules which are counted towards your final degree grade. In order to complete the section you need to include at least 1 module". Does this mean we don't include our first year grades if they are not weighed in the end grade? (My uni was 25% 2nd year and 75% final year). Or should we still include them because without them we would not have a degree?

I personally would include them. I think they are mainly referring to modules that people might have done that did not count but not including your whole first year grades does not seem like something law firms would not want to see only because they did not count in your university. I would say to still include them!

 

[Ash2323]

You can definitely apply to a TC without VS experience. I have completed several VSs but there are candidates that get a TC with no VS experience.

Thanks a lot, all the best for your apps

 

[lawtrainee]

If I apply for vacation schemes again next cycle and do not do anything in between, will that lower my chances?

my thoughts too!

 

[yasmars]

Any news from Orrick? Also, for those who have applied, is the next stage the WG?

 

[OliviaPope]

Wedlake Bell PFO

 

[Chelsea1]

Hey guys, when in an interview where you have been given the names of the interviewers is it okay to mention that you have had a similar experience to one of the interviewers (non-law related.) One of the panellists at the organisation volunteered at the same place I did when they were a student (found out by LinkedIn lurking), is it okay to make a passing comment like "I volunteered at the same place you did when you were a student Bob, the skills I have developed doing xyz..."

Would this be a good idea or be seen as too forward 😂

 

[VMS]

Anyone heard from CRS (post-VI) or Withers (post-test) this week?

 

[Bread]

View attachment 5847

What does this mean? That I passed the assessment but they just don't want to employ me😝

Anyone else get this?

Can’t believe they misspelled “a lot”

 

[Lawyer500]

Out of interest, why do some firms send out successful/ unsuccessful correspondence in one batch and then take longer ie a day or more to send out the opposite outcome to the other candidates? Not sure if I made any sense! I’m not so much meaning after the final stage as I understand reasons for why that could be. Do you @Jessica Booker by any chance have any insight of why this is? thank you!!

 

[rosec]

Exactly! It takes one yes and separately, an application cycle will always change your perspective on a firm. The ones you seem to overlook for one reason or another may be the ones you end falling in love with (speaking from personal experience)

I second this!! Keeping an open mind is so important whilst going through the application cycle, you might think you know what you want until you get to another firm and are forced to reconsider and it ends up being way better for you (also speaking from experience!)

 

[therealslimshady]

I have seen posts on this thread referring to a firm as their 'dream firm'. How do candidates know that a firm is their 'dream firm'? In my opinion, I don't think doing a vacation scheme alone is enough to come to this conclusion.

 

[Arf1309]

DWF AC!! 🤩 🤩 (Initially applied for the Ethnic Minority Scheme but been considered for a vac scheme instead)

 

[studentdelaw786]

HFW PFO

i cba.

 

[Miss Chocolate]

I applied last year, they only send tests out to a number of applicants but they should email you a PFO. However, I applied back in October and still haven’t heard back so maybe they’re not sending out PFOs this year.

Which company is this for if you don't mind me asking?