TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[AlegalA]

Is it worth sending a rolling app with still a month to deadline?

 

[AlegalA]

Hi Everyone! I hope you all had a nice Christmas.

Would you say that 730 words is too much for an unlimited answer to this question: "Personal summary: Your personal summary is your opportunity to summarise your key skills and achievements and include positive words that describe you as a person. Highlight the roles you have held and your key achievements to date. Avoid anything that narrows down your options too much unless you are only applying to very specific roles.".
There is only one other question about interests and hobbies, also unlimited, and my answer is 240 words, so I'm a bit worried about the unevenness in my answers.
My main thing is I've added a paragraph about "why the firm" for the first question, after recommendation from my university careers, which is an extra 150 words, but I don't feel the question actually asks that. (But there is no question about why the firm anywhere else in the app).

The application details state "Please complete all sections of the application form as thoroughly and accurately as is possible. Once you have completed your online application form, and have met the minimum criteria, you will be invited to complete a short 60 second video interview to support your application." So I am wondering if the VI is semi automatic, and there will be a question on why the firm there?

Any help would be really appreciated! @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman

Thank you!!

@Jessica Booker, sorry to bump this, but I was wondering if you had any insights? Thanks

 

[aspiringcitylawyer]

Has anyone heard back from Pinsent Masons post-blended assessment for the London Summer Placement?

 

[yeezyee]

how do you guys navigate firms that want a reference? my current supervisors dont know im actively applying for these... some of my coworkers do is that okay?

 

[wordyversus]

They're rolling basis, so by now I think it would be too tough; in order to be strategic, you could just apply next cycle (I don't remember if they asked if we have previously applied, but if they do, it would be better to wait it out to not put yourself at a disadvantage..)

Hey can you direct me to where It says K&E is rolling, kinda gutted I spent the last 3 days on this application to find this out so late

 

[wordyversus]

interview?? you're applying for the summer vacation scheme?

Yeah, I heard back mid Dec for a first round

 

[AnAnonymousDuck]

Has anyone heard back from Pinsent Masons post-blended assessment for the London Summer Placement?

i think they respond to everyone at once and last year i saw people get responses around early feb

 

[walterwhite]

Hey can you direct me to where It says K&E is rolling, kinda gutted I spent the last 3 days on this application to find this out so late

it just says on their website bud, sorry to hear that

 

[jacksollaf]

Thank you, saved me my night!! Alternatively, do you think Gibson Dunn would be too late now?

You could try, it would be really though tho, I applied on the 11th of October and still haven't heard back whatsoever from them even though I participated at their First Year Insight Day + I am pursuing a dual degree in English and French Law, with one month experience at Baker McKenzie (Middle East) and two-month traineeship in a leading arbitration firm in Paris! Also, someone applied in September and already got an invite for the interview early December so it might be really tough; unless you're CV is really strong, then perhaps you could attempt to... Or else, just wait next cycle, prepare the questions from now, perfect them, and the second they open in September just apply immediately!

 

[MR218]

Hey can you direct me to where It says K&E is rolling, kinda gutted I spent the last 3 days on this application to find this out so late

I went to the open day this year, and i’m pretty sure HR said that they are (sort of) rolling but that it is still fine to submit on the deadline day. Anecdotally, I have a friend who applied late last cycle and still got an interview

 

[jacksollaf]

Hey can you direct me to where It says K&E is rolling, kinda gutted I spent the last 3 days on this application to find this out so late

https://congrapps.com/blog/which-law-firms-recruit-on-a-rolling-basis-2022-23/
Honestly don't know how accurate.. however, if you already spent 3 days then might as well apply... Still have somewhat of a chance, apparently people applied late and still managed to get interviews... Might as well try your luck..

 

[jacksollaf]

Yeah, I heard back mid Dec for a first round

damn, I just retrieved a nice PFO Christmas gift

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Is it worth sending a rolling app with still a month to deadline?

Yes - definitely.

 

[pepsicola96]

who else despises video interviews 🥲

just completed one, had unlimited time to prepare, and genuinely had (I think) great answers to all of them, but as soon as I'm recording i stutter, and lose my train of thought.

it's so annoying because i'd literally be fine if it wasn't recorded. i'm so good at interviewing in person or over zoom, just can't seem to face the camera

 

[pepsicola96]

on that note, has anyone heard anything from Slaughters for a while? I applied on the deadline, so I'm not holding my breath for an interview, but also haven't been rejected yet so.

 

[legal18]

who else despises video interviews 🥲

just completed one, had unlimited time to prepare, and genuinely had (I think) great answers to all of them, but as soon as I'm recording i stutter, and lose my train of thought.

it's so annoying because i'd literally be fine if it wasn't recorded. i'm so good at interviewing in person or over zoom, just can't seem to face the camera

Something that helped me is blurring your screen so you can't see yourself

 

[abhuzaifa]

Has anyone still not heard a response from DLA after passing the VI ?

 

[jacksollaf]

on that note, has anyone heard anything from Slaughters for a while? I applied on the deadline, so I'm not holding my breath for an interview, but also haven't been rejected yet so.

I got rejected from Slaughter for their summer vacation scheme... applied on the 11th of October; and rejected on the 5th of December.

 

[elizabethkate]

bird and bird PFO post VI (

 

[moo]

Has anyone heard from Morrison Foerster?