TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[laby201]

I love posts like this! Congratulations on all your hard work. Sometimes the perseverance really pays off, especially to get you to your dream firm!

Thank you so much Jessica! Your advice in particular has been invaluable.

 

[sm99]

just wanted to mention to anyone who has received a TC and is eligible for the LPC - it’s worth asking your firm.

My offer letter stated sponsorship for the LLM SQE1&2, but I asked if I could switch to the LPC MSc as I am a 2020 LLB grad and eligible and they said yes! Not sure how every firm will react but it’s definitely worth asking the question

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

just wanted to mention to anyone who has received a TC and is eligible for the LPC - it’s worth asking your firm.

My offer letter stated sponsorship for the LLM SQE1&2, but I asked if I could switch to the LPC MSc as I am a 2020 LLB grad and eligible and they said yes! Not sure how every firm will react but it’s definitely worth asking the question

You can ask but most firms are moving to the SQE as the old training system has far more regulation and structure that they have to comply with that they don’t have to with the SQE. There is no harm in asking, but I would expect that in most instances there is a significant chance they will say no.

 

[Tintin06]

Can we sell Vacation Scheme notes on here?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Can we sell Vacation Scheme notes on here?

Unfortunately we don’t allow any promotion of products or services via the forums where the individual will financially benefit from the transaction.

 

[_shims_]

Hi, one of the questions on the Trowers application is 'Describe a recent commercial news story that interested you and explain how it relates to us'

I was thinking of writing about how the government has recently lifted the de facto ban on onshore wind farms because I am interested in renewable energy, which is a growing area for Trowers. Would this be okay, or is this story better classed as public policy rather than commercial news?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi, one of the questions on the Trowers application is 'Describe a recent commercial news story that interested you and explain how it relates to us'

I was thinking of writing about how the government has recently lifted the de facto ban on onshore wind farms because I am interested in renewable energy, which is a growing area for Trowers. Would this be okay, or is this story better classed as public policy rather than commercial news?

That is very much a commercial story, so you are okay to use this.

 

[_shims_]

That is very much a commercial story, so you are okay to use this.

Perfect, thank you Jessica!

 

[Tintin06]

How many Vac Schemes = too many?

 

[amy2002]

How many Vac Schemes = too many?

In what sense? If you've been offered vac schemes and you don't have any clashes, I don't think it's possible to have too many. They're amazing to add to a CV and it helps you compare different firms and know exactly what you're looking for before you sign a TC.

 

[JLaw56]

Hi, does anyone know how long a cover letter to Vinson & Elkins should be (2 pages?) and what font size and font to use?

 

[Tintin06]

What are the Sidley questions please?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

How many Vac Schemes = too many?

Do you mean in general or if you don't convert them?

 

[futuretrainee2025]

Do you mean in general or if you don't convert them?

I didn't ask but I'm curious to know about the latter!

 

[Tintin06]

Do you mean in general or if you don't convert them?

When you've not converted. Thank you.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

When you've not converted. Thank you.

I don't think there is an actual number (know this is not the most helpful response) due to the number of variables that could happen.

For instance, doing 5 over 5 years is very different to doing 5 over one cycle. Its also very different if they are also all very recent rather than some many years ago.

One person doing 5 schemes could have had 5 very different reasons for being unsuccessful at those firms, while the next could be getting consistent feedback that they need to develop in a certain area.

And then someone could have done 5 vacation schemes at 5 very different firms, while another may have applied to all 5 MC firms.

Generally though if you have done multiple vacation schemes (3+) in one cycle and are rushing into applying for the next cycle to either the same or similar firms, and got similar feedback, I'd say it is more of a concern. But if the variables are more varied (like those above), it is less of a concern, especially if you can show development/growth or can identify why you have finally found the right firm for you.

 

[qw]

Hi, does anyone know how long a cover letter to Vinson & Elkins should be (2 pages?) and what font size and font to use?

1-2 pages for the cover letter. And font size and font could be 11 Times New Roman, but you can play around with what looks best when printed.

 

[JLaw56]

Does anyone know if A&O Shearman recruit on a rolling basis?

 

[ajdbnjsbfjns]

Hi has anyone heard back from Travers Smith summer vacation scheme on whether they got a return training contract offer?

 

[AS24]

I underestimated how hard the switch to law was. Does anyone have a list of good but smaller (less competitive perhaps) commercial firms in London, that I could leverage to move to bigger law firms?