TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[shays]

Is NRF test automatic or do they send it after reviewing the app?

I believe it is automatic, it just took them longer than expected to send it

 

[Jessica Booker]

Does anyone have any advice on how to fill out the work experience sections of these application forms. Im worried that the way Im answering them is having an impact on my success.

Is it recommended to do bullet points, mention the firm, body of text... Any insight learned on open days/ discussions with any firms would be really appreciated

When you say "mention the firm" you mean the firm you are applying to, then you don't need to do this. I would generally recommend prose over bullet points as it often helps you connect your responsibilities up and also sell your impact more. Bullet points only really tend to work for presenting more individual responsibilities and outcomes rather than the story telling that is often needed to "sell" your experience and skills demonstrated.

 

[EA95]

Hi I’m so sorry you were unsuccessful. I believe you can apply to the winter scheme but that will rule you out of the TC for that cycle. Do you mind if I ask when you heard back

Hi I’m so sorry you were unsuccessful. I believe you can apply to the winter scheme but that will rule you out of the TC for that cycle. Do you mind if I ask when you heard back?

Hi there, I’m in the process of applying for the TC with Freshfields now. Apologies for not clarifying this. I just wanted to know the answer to this hypothetical scenario.

 

[Law queries]

I believe it is automatic, it just took them longer than expected to send it

Ahh got it. Thank youu

 

[Jessica Booker]

People here are already doing VIs and ACs for the firms that haven’t responded to me, so it’s safe to say those are all rejections in my case. I don’t know if I should even continue applying to the remaining firms on my list or if it’s already too late.

I really don't think you can make that assumption. Do continue applying - there are still a whole host of opportunities out there and a lot of firms that don't recruit on a rolling basis.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Do people actually get asked legal knowledge questions during interviews? Not commercial awareness but like "what is a freehold covenant".

Can happen but tends to be rare. When it does happen, its usually because you have experience, whether it be work experience or academics related to the topic included in your application though.

 

[xxx]

what is the deadline for the VI, i’m trying to figure out if there is still a possibility that I’ll get one or if the no response so far means it’s been rejected.

The deadline for mine was yesterday and I had around 7 days to do it from when they sent it to me 😊

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

Is there a list of firms with application deadlines still open? Trying to get a few more applications out for this cycle 🙏

 

[Chouette]

Could someone please refer me to the list of firms with rolling deadlines? I think I saw it here earlier this application cycle. Thank you!

 

[futuretrainee!]

Do people actually get asked legal knowledge questions during interviews? Not commercial awareness but like "what is a freehold covenant".

Not really, but they are often included in AC tasks to provide a clearer perspective on the case study problem. For instance, think of it like understanding the mechanics of a car—you don’t need to be a mechanic to drive it, but knowing how the engine works can help you identify warning signs or inefficiencies. Similarly, understanding these terms can help you spot technical red flags. That said, firms are more focused on your ability to identify broader issues and demonstrate a natural grasp of the business landscape in commercial law. Hope this helps!

 

[member7830]

does the nrf artic shores have all seven core games + safe?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Is there a list of firms with application deadlines still open? Trying to get a few more applications out for this cycle 🙏

You can use our directory and filter by deadlines: https://directory.thecorporatelawacademy.com/

 

[bjelostan]

That's crazy, The questions asked in my A&O Shearman AC was completely geared towards understanding the dynamics of commercial law with some probing on financial analysis e.g "What's the EBITDA based on this financial statement."

I think that they will only ask you legal questions if you give them the indication that you have extensive knowledge on it!

I would argue that knowing the basic function of a warranty/representation is simply pre-requisite knowledge if you're going to an AC. That being said, I did lead the conversation towards that topic since its a natural strength. I've done 3 AC's this cycle (3 more coming up) and I have been tested on legal concepts at every single one.

 

[jacksollaf]

Eversheds pfo 😂

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Eversheds pfo 😂

Same! Tbh I knew it wasn’t my best VI

 

[jacksollaf]

Same! Tbh I knew it wasn’t my best VI

the sad part is I thought I did alright, guess not 😂 😂 😂

 

[jacksollaf]

Yes Just had the worst interview ever end of last week. Legal questions asked of a non law student! Legal not commercial. Proper waste of everyone's time. Explained I was non law and therefore hadn't undertaken any form of legal education yet.

what question did you get?

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

NRF Arctic shores- any1 have any advice?

will pm you

 

[jacksollaf]

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...

Sadly adding Eversheds ❌ to the list of PFOs!

 

[jacksollaf]

will pm you

me too please!