TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Chris Brown]

Honestly, it all depends on how much work you put into the whole process; for instance, I applied to about 64 firms, but for a lot of them (those not so particularly interested in) I used similar arguments... So for questions like "what are you most proud of", "why law", "extracurricular activities" and all of these generic questions, it is possible to just put the same answer and then slightly change a tiny tiny bit... The most difficult part is completing the tests that come with the applications, that truly is exhausting! So far I applied to 64 and got rejected from 13 firms; it's tough but all you need is ONE 🙏

That makes sense to be honest but it must be stressful when you’re dealing with all of the deadlines. 🥲🥲

The worst test is probably Cappfinity it tests absolutely everything from SJT to WGT. 🙃

I am thinking of applying for direct TC’s during the summer window depending on how these applications go but I will probably only send a maximum of around 20 applications across the year overall combining VS and TC applications. I am aiming for 12 VS applications sent 7/8 so far got 3/4 left. 🫠

Best of luck with this application cycle and I hope you secure that TC! 🙂🙂​

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Is it okay to refer White & Case as W&C in the cover letter? any insights would be appreciated, thank you!! @Andrei Radu @Jessica Booker

 

[Anonymousxyz]

I have an interview with Davis Polk and a Cleary AC next week- would be very thankful for advice on either!

 

[jacksollaf]

INSPIRED BY the great @Tintin06

Here are the firms I applied to, by chronological order; unfortunately I completely neglected to write when I received online tests and VIs, so whatever I just wrote is from memory; I will clean and perfect it once examination period, way too busy

Applied​

Baker McKenzie

Allen & Shearman | ❌

Goodwin

Pinsent Masons |❌

Mayer Brown |❌

Skadden ❌

Morrison Foerster

Slaughter & May | ❌

Jones Day | ❌

Gibson Dunn (attended their first-year insight scheme but didn't hear anything yet so a bit worried)

Cooley

Linklaters

Willkie Farr & Gallagher | ❌

Latham & Watkins (online test, silent since sadly)

Forsters LLP (they're going to send out outcomes on the 10th)

TLT

Dechert LLP

Orrick

HFW

BCLP

Paynes Hicks Beach

Eversheds (reached VI, still waiting for outcome)

Clyde & Co

Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Kirkland

Covington LLP

White & Case

Macfarlanes

UN Legal Affairs Intern (New York HQ)

Clifford Chance Dubai | ❌

Weil | ❌

Katten

Charles Russel Speechlys

King & Spalding (TC)

Quinn Emmanuel (Paris)

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP (placed on hold since early December, so awaiting outcome)

Perth Thingy… (I randomly applied to a company in Perth Scotland, since it was just CV based, and I have no idea what the name was and they ghosted me I think because I didn't get an email or anything 😂 😂 😂 )

Deloitte (completely ghosted, no confirmation email whatsoever so 100% PFO 😂😂)

Vison & Elkins

Morgan Lewis

Walker Morris

CMS

Hogan Lovells

Osborne Clarke

Davis Polk

RPC

Ropes & Gray

Paul Weiss

Squire Patton Boggs

Mills & Reeve

Simmons & Simmons (VI stage so far)

Norton Rose Fulbright

Withers (they asked for visa info, and I didn't realise it's outside my term time, so they suggested transferring my application to a TC so there's hope I think)

Joelson

Capsticks LLP | ❌

Gowling WLG

Gide Loyrette Nouel London

DAC Beachcroft (TC)

Howes Spercival

PwC |❌

Cleary Gottlieb | ❌

Reed Smith | ❌

Farrer & Co

Shoosmiths

Freshfields

Debevoise & Plimpton

Greenberg Traurig (TC)

Lockton

Watson Farley & Williams (last second and they're rolling so highly unlikely)

I forgot to add HSF (among my top choices too; passed the benchmark, still waiting)

Once done with exams, I will definitely start applying for direct TCs, because I graduate in June 2026...

 

[jacksollaf]

That makes sense to be honest but it must be stressful when you’re deadline with all of the deadlines. 🥲🥲

The worst test is probably Cappfinity it tests absolutely everything from SJT to WGT. 🙃

I am thinking of applying for direct TC’s during the summer window depending on how these applications go but I will probably only send a maximum of around 20 applications across the year overall combining VS and TC applications. I am aiming for 12 VS applications sent 7/8 so far got 3/4 left. 🫠

Best of luck with this application cycle and I hope you secure that TC! 🙂🙂

thank you, you too !!

 

[jacksollaf]

I have an interview with Davis Polk and a Cleary AC next week- would be very thankful for advice on either!

Oh wow! Congrats!! is that for the summer?

 

[NJS]

what's everyone's best podcasts for commercial awareness, or news websites?

 

[ashwright]

Mine still says application is on hold at the candidate review stage. Chances of rejection are pretty high I take it then.

Don't worry - mine does too! The 77%/66% is just a conspiracy theory for us to pass the time 😅 😂 Hopefully we'll get some positive news soon - I think it should be the end of the month at latest but hopefully sooner.

 

[TCLA0322]

Submitted S&C Summer VS on Saturday, getting an email saying "on hold" today.

 

[Chris Brown]

Is it okay to refer White & Case as W&C in the cover letter? any insights would be appreciated, thank you!! @Andrei Radu @Jessica Booker

I did this but I wrote it in full the first time and then in brackets put (‘W&C’) next to the firm name so hoping it’s okay otherwise I’m cooked 😂😂😂

Although I don’t think I wrote it like that in the cover letter - I wrote it like that in the other sections of the application form.​

 

[m12]

I have an interview with Davis Polk and a Cleary AC next week- would be very thankful for advice on either!

congrats!! do you mind saying when you applied for davis polk

 

[ren1110]

Is no response better than a rejection? Or shall I just assume that I have been rejected?

 

[EA95]

Don't worry - mine does too! The 77%/66% is just a conspiracy theory for us to pass the time 😅 😂 Hopefully we'll get some positive news soon - I think it should be the end of the month at latest but hopefully sooner.

Thank you for your response and the confidence booster 🤣🤣

 

[EA95]

Btw this is a bit random, but has anyone applied for the Discovering Linklaters event? And if so have they received a response?

 

[suhana]

is it okay to use v&e in the applications and not vinson and elkins full?

 

[BonanzaBih_]

INSPIRED BY the great @Tintin06

Here are the firms I applied to, by chronological order; unfortunately I completely neglected to write when I received online tests and VIs, so whatever I just wrote is from memory; I will clean and perfect it once examination period, way too busy

Applied​

Baker McKenzie

Allen & Shearman | ❌

Goodwin

Pinsent Masons |❌

Mayer Brown |❌

Skadden ❌

Morrison Foerster

Slaughter & May | ❌

Jones Day | ❌

Gibson Dunn (attended their first-year insight scheme but didn't hear anything yet so a bit worried)

Cooley

Linklaters

Willkie Farr & Gallagher | ❌

Latham & Watkins (online test, silent since sadly)

Forsters LLP (they're going to send out outcomes on the 10th)

TLT

Dechert LLP

Orrick

HFW

BCLP

Paynes Hicks Beach

Eversheds (reached VI, still waiting for outcome)

Clyde & Co

Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Kirkland

Covington LLP

White & Case

Macfarlanes

UN Legal Affairs Intern (New York HQ)

Clifford Chance Dubai | ❌

Weil | ❌

Katten

Charles Russel Speechlys

King & Spalding (TC)

Quinn Emmanuel (Paris)

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP (placed on hold since early December, so awaiting outcome)

Perth Thingy… (I randomly applied to a company in Perth Scotland, since it was just CV based, and I have no idea what the name was and they ghosted me I think because I didn't get an email or anything 😂 😂 😂 )

Deloitte (completely ghosted, no confirmation email whatsoever so 100% PFO 😂😂)

Vison & Elkins

Morgan Lewis

Walker Morris

CMS

Hogan Lovells

Osborne Clarke

Davis Polk

RPC

Ropes & Gray

Paul Weiss

Squire Patton Boggs

Mills & Reeve

Simmons & Simmons (VI stage so far)

Norton Rose Fulbright

Withers (they asked for visa info, and I didn't realise it's outside my term time, so they suggested transferring my application to a TC so there's hope I think)

Joelson

Capsticks LLP | ❌

Gowling WLG

Gide Loyrette Nouel London

DAC Beachcroft (TC)

Howes Spercival

PwC |❌

Cleary Gottlieb | ❌

Reed Smith | ❌

Farrer & Co

Shoosmiths

Freshfields

Debevoise & Plimpton

Greenberg Traurig (TC)

Lockton

Watson Farley & Williams (last second and they're rolling so highly unlikely)

I forgot to add HSF (among my top choices too; passed the benchmark, still waiting)

Once done with exams, I will definitely start applying for direct TCs, because I graduate in June 2026...

I would just like to add I applied to WFW a few hours before the deadline and made it to final interview for direct tc so don’t lose hope!!

 

[Legalgirl]

I have an interview with Davis Polk and a Cleary AC next week- would be very thankful for advice on either!

Congrats! Can I ask when you were invited to the Davis Polk Interview?

 

[fcac98]

Is no response better than a rejection? Or shall I just assume that I have been rejected?

I am assuming that if people have got passed the second round of the application process and I haven't had a response yet to the initial application then its a rejection. If theres no sign that anyones application has moved forward I'm assuming I'll hear back some point this month

 

[EA95]

I have an interview with Davis Polk and a Cleary AC next week- would be very thankful for advice on either!

Congrats!!

 

[BreadandButter]

I have been a lurker for a few months and finally made an account, I have made 10 applications. I am thinking of doing more. Sharing my journey with you all.