TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Overall I have 11 or 12 jobs/voluntary roles I can put in the work experience section. Is it a case of the more the better so put all of them, or should I select only a few to not bore grarec? 😅

I would generally include all of them. Sometimes it is possible to group entries together, particularly things like open day or legal clinic work, and it’s not a problem to do this as long as you are clear about the precise dates of each activity in the description. You don’t have to group them together though - 12 entries is not going to be excessive if you are only writing 200-250 words per entry on average (or less).

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

How many TCs does Linklaters offer through their direct route? Currently leaning towards applying for their direct as opposed to their vac scheme route

Their marketing states that around 90% of their trainees had done a programme with the firm before securing a TC.

 

[wordyversus]

Does anyone know how many spaces are open for Gibson Dunns Virtual Open day? and has anyone heard back

 

[LawJourney101]

How long after CC WG do you get your result? Do they always say immediately if you failed?

 

[Parsorandini]

How long after CC WG do you get your result? Do they always say immediately if you failed?

I got told I had passed 3 days after.

 

[xxx]

How long after CC WG do you get your result? Do they always say immediately if you failed?

You usually get an email the next day, but some people get it a few days later

 

[Deleted member 37508]

I have a direct TC offer from Freshfields, which I plan to accept! I will be turning down my VS at W&C (moved to spring) and HSF (winter), so there may be spots for two people on those schemes. Good luck to everyone, and please feel free to PM me if you have questions.

Congratulations. How did you get a TC offer? Was this from last cycle.

 

[ashwright]

You usually get an email the next day, but some people get it a few days later

I got told I had passed 3 days after.

Not OP but could I check if you guys know if the opposite is true? Do they tell you soon after if you failed? Thank you

 

[ashwright]

I have a direct TC offer from Freshfields, which I plan to accept! I will be turning down my VS at W&C (moved to spring) and HSF (winter), so there may be spots for two people on those schemes. Good luck to everyone, and please feel free to PM me if you have questions.

Incredible stuff!! Congratulations - that is an amazing result. You should be super proud of yourself 🫶 ❤️

 

[Parsorandini]

Not OP but could I check if you guys know if the opposite is true? Do they tell you soon after if you failed? Thank you

Sorry, I'm not sure! How long has it been since you took the test?

 

[ashwright]

Sorry, I'm not sure! How long has it been since you took the test?

No worries at all! I haven't taken the test yet but just wanted to brace myself for failure, to be honest 😅

 

[Tcvspfo]

OMG I won't say the firm name but they said I have to do their test even though I have been by pass from that same test by other firms. I have a neurodiversity and it is really annoying some firms still won't accommodate to make it fair for everyone and considering I spent 6 days on their application. I am just really annoyed with this and bet others will be feeling the same as me in this situation.

 

[Parsorandini]

I would generally include all of them. Sometimes it is possible to group entries together, particularly things like open day or legal clinic work, and it’s not a problem to do this as long as you are clear about the precise dates of each activity in the description. You don’t have to group them together though - 12 entries is not going to be excessive if you are only writing 200-250 words per entry on average (or less).

Thank you very much! One last thing (as I have heard contrasting opinions on this), should I link to 'why law'/why the firm in the work experience section? Also should I explicitly state skills I have learned? Wondering whether I do all of that or just stick to the facts of my role, its responsibilities, and maybe an outstanding achievement etc.

 

[Tintin06]

I haven't done CC's Watson Glaser yet. I got 65% on a practice test today. I'm not feeling hopeful. I've already justified not passing the test owing to the firm's C score for work life balance on the Legal Cheek Junior Lawyer Survey. It's amazing how you can justify anything to yourself if you want to. This might be why I don't have a TC yet.

 

[Deleted member 37508]

I haven't done CC's Watson Glaser yet. I got 65% on a practice test today. I'm not feeling hopeful. I've already justified not passing the test owing to the firm's C score for work life balance on the Legal Cheek Junior Lawyer Survey. It's amazing how you can justify anything to yourself if you want to. This might be why I don't have a TC yet.

A tip I got from an junior at a US firm was that.

A US firm Lawyer and a MC lawyer will be on the same case against each other. If the US lawyer is finishing at 11pm then the MC most likely will be to. It’s just that the US lawyer gets paid more. Yes the US lawyer has greater responsibility being in a team of 3 compared to the MC lawyer being in a team of 7 but their experience/exposure will succeed those at the MC firm. I wouldn’t focus too much on the hours between US and MC given that most of your applications are to US firms. I was also told by a partner that if hours are your focus go in house. As for CC Watson Glaser. the test is very similar to other Watson Glaser tests like CMS and Linklaters.

 

[Tintin06]

A tip I got from an junior at a US firm was that.

A US firm Lawyer and a MC lawyer will be on the same case against each other. If the US lawyer is finishing at 11pm then the MC most likely will be to. It’s just that the US lawyer gets paid more. Yes the US lawyer has greater responsibility being in a team of 3 compared to the MC lawyer being in a team of 7 but their experience/exposure will succeed those at the MC firm. I wouldn’t focus too much on the hours between US and MC given that most of your applications are to US firms. I was also told by a partner that if hours are your focus go in house. As for CC Watson Glaser. the test is very similar to other Watson Glaser tests like CMS and Linklaters.

My focus is on money, mostly. I was being sarcastic. Any advice for passing the test?

 

[Deleted member 37508]

My focus is on money, mostly. I was being sarcastic. Any advice for passing the test?

Don’t use your brain. 🧠
Read it aloud as if you’re saying it to someone then contradict with the statement it’ll either make sense or not. Writing mind maps also helps. I’m not a Watson Glaser pro but these helped me.

 

[NCTC2025]

Does anyone know how many days HSF gives to do its SJT after submitting an application?

 

[axele]

Any good WG practice sites? Bought the one on assessment day so looking for a better source. Thanks!

 

[Tcvspfo]

Any good WG practice sites? Bought the one on assessment day so looking for a better source. Thanks!

My personal opinion is job test prep and TCLA course are better and more helpful than assessment day.