TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Parsorandini]

I passed on the 13th and received the VI invite this morning.

Congrats! But guess that’s not good news for me who passed on 30th Oct

 

[Chelsea101]

Hi @Chelsea101 I have just found one from 2021 that seems to include many useful resources and tips, you can take a look here. Since I have had a good VS conversion rate and since WVS are approaching, I am also planning to soon write a detailed guide on the topic, so be on the lookout for that !

Besides this, I have quoted bellow a great post from @Jessica Booker outlining the biggest mistakes people make during vacation schemes.

LEGEND - Thank you

 

[fffvfdsfv]

I did a vac scheme at a magic circle this summer and got rejected for the TC after, I have an AC for a vac scheme for a silver circle tomorrow and included my magic circle vac scheme on my application form - any idea how to approach any questions on this - idk if its viable to say I've changed significantly since the vac scheme considering it was only a few months ago.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I did a vac scheme at a magic circle this summer and got rejected for the TC after, I have an AC for a vac scheme for a silver circle tomorrow and included my magic circle vac scheme on my application form - any idea how to approach any questions on this - idk if its viable to say I've changed significantly since the vac scheme considering it was only a few months ago.

Its not about changing significantly, it is more about learning from any feedback you were given or doing your own self-analysis as to what you could have done better or why you weren't as well aligned to the firm (and maybe more aligned to the SC firm). For any areas for self-improvement, it isn't about changing, its more about taking the first steps to learn/push that area for development too.

 

[erderlylars]

Has anyone heard back about any ACs for bird & bird?

 

[LawLawLawLawLaw]

Hi there! for VS applications when they ask questions about their clients and what issues they might be facing and how can the firm help the challenge? how should I go about answering these kinds of questions - any help and tips very much appreciated!

 

[Amjaya]

Wishing for good news this week for all

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi
I am writing the application question to Arnold and Porter I am a bit confused about the wording of the following question:
Give an example of where you have taken responsibility for others - describe the situation and your contribution.
Does anyone have any advice on how to address it or simply on what it means.
Thanks!

Hi @elsx

This is a great question, and I understand why the wording might be a little confusing.

The question asks you to showcase an example where you’ve taken responsibility for others. As @Ram Sabaratnam explained, this is really about demonstrating your leadership skills, accountability, and the impact you had in managing, guiding, or supporting a group. It’s also a chance to show how you respond under pressure or in challenging situations.

To address this, I highly recommend structuring your answer using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This ensures your response is clear, organised, and impactful.

I’ve provided a short snippet as an example below:

1. Situation

• Start by describing the context.
• What was happening? What was the environment like? Who was involved, and why did you need to step up?
• Keep this section concise but detailed enough for the reader to understand the importance of the situation.
• For example: During my role as the team lead for a university project, our group of six faced significant challenges when two members unexpectedly dropped out, leaving us behind schedule.

2. Task

• Clarify your specific responsibility in this situation.
• What goal or problem were you addressing?
• This is where you highlight the responsibility you took on for others.
• For example: My task was to reorganise the remaining team, ensure we met our deadlines, and deliver a comprehensive report despite the reduced manpower.

3. Action

• This is the most important part—focus on your contribution.
• Be specific about what you did to manage the situation. What actions did you take to lead, support, or ensure the group succeeded?
• Think about how you delegated, communicated, or solved problems.
• For example: I scheduled a team meeting to reassess our workload, reallocated tasks to balance the increased responsibilities, and stepped in to cover some of the more technical aspects of the project. To keep morale high, I held regular check-ins and created a shared document to track our progress transparently.

4. Result

• Highlight the positive outcome and tie it back to your leadership.
• Focus on measurable achievements where possible.
• For example: As a result, we completed the project on time and also received the highest grade in the class. Additionally, two team members personally thanked me for my support and leadership, which motivated them to stay committed to the project despite the challenges.

Additional Tips:

• Emphasise leadership skills: Focus on attributes like initiative, empathy, adaptability, and effective communication.
• Keep it concise: While detailed, your answer should remain focused on the key points. Avoid tangents.
• Choose a strong example: If possible, select an example that demonstrates leadership in a professional or academic setting, as these are most relevant to Arnold & Porter’s context.

Goodluck with the apps!!!

 

[Hana ♥]

Bakers, Akin and Skadden Open Days - but when will the VS come...

 

[Amma Usman]

Hey @Hana ♥ , the VS is surely on its way! I can’t emphasise the importance of attending open days, so it’s great you’ve got those three in the bag! Keep pushing and keep putting yourself out there! It’s only a matter of time.

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Bakers, Akin and Skadden Open Days - but when will the VS come...

It’s a start, you’re in a better position than most applying for those firms. You inherently have an advantage. Play on it and I’m sure you’ll get the Vacation Scheme.

 

[Tcvspfo]

Anyone know if CMS are rolling or not as have seen mixed feelings about this online.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi there, is there a thread on TCLA for tips in order to convert vac schemes into offers? I have tried searching but can't find anything. Thank you

@Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam

Hey @Chelsea101 , just before @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Jessica Booker jump in, I’ve included a few pointers below:

1. Be Proactive from the Start: Law firms value self-starters who can anticipate needs and take initiative without waiting to be asked. On your first day, introduce yourself to your team, ask how you can assist, and familiarise yourself with the work. Offer to help with smaller tasks, such as proofreading, researching, or preparing documents, even if they are not explicitly assigned to you. If you find yourself with downtime, politely ask your supervisor if there’s anything additional you can assist with.



2. Understand the Work Beforehand: Familiarity with the firm’s work areas shows preparation and allows you to contribute meaningfully. Research the firm's key practice areas, landmark deals, and recent cases before starting. Pay attention to client industries, market trends, and legal developments. If you know your practice area placements in advance, review introductory resources, articles, or deals related to those areas. If not, be prepared to adapt by understanding the firm’s general focus areas.


3. Schedule coffee chats with lawyers from practice areas you’re genuinely interested in. During a VS, you’ll be surrounded by a plethora of legal talent - make the most of the learning opportunity!


4. Show a Genuine Interest in Learning: Firms look for trainees who are curious and eager to grow professionally. Approach tasks with an open mind and ask intelligent questions to deepen your understanding of the legal and commercial context. For example, instead of just editing a document, ask how it fits into the broader transaction or case.


5. Exceed Expectations in Your Work: Exceptional work leaves a lasting impression and demonstrates your potential as a trainee. Take your time to ensure accuracy and quality in your work. Proofread carefully, double-check details, and ask for clarification if unsure. Submit your work on time or, ideally, ahead of deadlines. If feedback is provided, take it constructively and implement it immediately—this shows you can learn and adapt quickly.


6. Show Commercial Awareness: Commercial lawyers are not just legal experts—they are also business experts. Keep up with current events and consider how they impact the firm’s clients. During tasks, think beyond the legal issue and consider the broader business or strategic implications.


7. Maintain professionalism at all times.


8. Gather feedback and reflect.


Final Advice: Beyond technical ability, demonstrate qualities like adaptability, resilience, and teamwork. These are essential skills for a trainee.


By implementing these strategies, you’ll position yourself as a standout candidate for a training contract. Good luck—you’ve got this!

 

[g.cl.2020344]

any1 waiting to hear from PWC post ac

 

[RSK]

Has anyone heard back today from W&C WVS post-ac?

 

[RSK]

Anyone know if CMS are rolling or not as have seen mixed feelings about this online.

non-rolling

 

[unknownnn7372]

Has anyone heard back today from W&C WVS post-ac?

do you think we'll hear back today

 

[RSK]

do you think we'll hear back today

Today / tomorrow I think, but honestly I have no clue at this point

 

[g.cl.2020344]

I don't think so- probs one day this week- or they are considering us for spring

 

[summersun]

Hi @elsx

This is a great question, and I understand why the wording might be a little confusing.

The question asks you to showcase an example where you’ve taken responsibility for others. As @Ram Sabaratnam explained, this is really about demonstrating your leadership skills, accountability, and the impact you had in managing, guiding, or supporting a group. It’s also a chance to show how you respond under pressure or in challenging situations.

To address this, I highly recommend structuring your answer using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This ensures your response is clear, organised, and impactful.

I’ve provided a short snippet as an example below:

1. Situation

• Start by describing the context.
• What was happening? What was the environment like? Who was involved, and why did you need to step up?
• Keep this section concise but detailed enough for the reader to understand the importance of the situation.
• For example: During my role as the team lead for a university project, our group of six faced significant challenges when two members unexpectedly dropped out, leaving us behind schedule.

2. Task

• Clarify your specific responsibility in this situation.
• What goal or problem were you addressing?
• This is where you highlight the responsibility you took on for others.
• For example: My task was to reorganise the remaining team, ensure we met our deadlines, and deliver a comprehensive report despite the reduced manpower.

3. Action

• This is the most important part—focus on your contribution.
• Be specific about what you did to manage the situation. What actions did you take to lead, support, or ensure the group succeeded?
• Think about how you delegated, communicated, or solved problems.
• For example: I scheduled a team meeting to reassess our workload, reallocated tasks to balance the increased responsibilities, and stepped in to cover some of the more technical aspects of the project. To keep morale high, I held regular check-ins and created a shared document to track our progress transparently.

4. Result

• Highlight the positive outcome and tie it back to your leadership.
• Focus on measurable achievements where possible.
• For example: As a result, we completed the project on time and also received the highest grade in the class. Additionally, two team members personally thanked me for my support and leadership, which motivated them to stay committed to the project despite the challenges.

Additional Tips:

• Emphasise leadership skills: Focus on attributes like initiative, empathy, adaptability, and effective communication.
• Keep it concise: While detailed, your answer should remain focused on the key points. Avoid tangents.
• Choose a strong example: If possible, select an example that demonstrates leadership in a professional or academic setting, as these are most relevant to Arnold & Porter’s context.

Goodluck with the apps!!!

@Amma Usman Thank you very much !