TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[AnAnonymousDuck]

@Amma Usman @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu

What is the best way of approaching answers to why law vs why commercial law? I did law undergrad and had debated changing careers until I decided to pursue masters degree in international commercial where I took a practical M&A module which made me realise i wanted to go into commercial law. This is what I have talked about in my applications/VIs and have given this answer regardless of whether I was asked why law or why commercial law. If asked in an interview to elaborate on the difference between the two, how would you suggest approaching an answer to this?

thank you so much in advance!

 

[xMontmorency]

For reference, I applied to DP on December 7 (spring and summer VS), and heard back today. I applied to Cleary (spring) at the beginning of November and got the invite yesterday. Good luck everyone!

Is your Cleary AC on Jan 16?

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

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!!

hey is this for this cycle or last?

 

[bangarangbass39]

Has anyone heard back from AG (Addleshaw), Bates Wells, DAC, CMS (for the grad solicitor apprenticeship), and Lewis Silkin?

I have applied for all of them long before the end of October.

For AG = Completed the critical thinking test on the 26th of Oct
For CMS = Completed the WG on the 18th of Oct
For DAC = Completed the VI on the 3rd of Dec
I have heard nothing from Bates Wells - applied on the 10th of Oct; they are supposed to be reviewing applications on a rolling basis.
Similar with Lewis Silkin who I applied to on the 23rd of Oct.

 

[fcac98]

Has anyone heard back from AG, Bates Wells, DAC, CMS (for the grad solicitor apprenticeship), and Lewis Silkin?

I have applied for all of them long before the end of October.

For AG = Completed the critical thinking test
For CMS = Completed the WG on the 18th of Oct
For DAC = Completed the VI on the 3rd of Dec
I have heard nothing from Bates Wells; they are supposed to be reviewing applications on a rolling basis.

I applied for Bates Wells and haven't heard anything at all

 

[ren1110]

Has anyone completed the Simmons and Simmons blended application? Any advice, tips and tricks would be highly appreciated!

 

[jacksollaf]

Has anyone heard back from AG, Bates Wells, DAC, CMS (for the grad solicitor apprenticeship), and Lewis Silkin?

I have applied for all of them long before the end of October.

For AG = Completed the critical thinking test
For CMS = Completed the WG on the 18th of Oct
For DAC = Completed the VI on the 3rd of Dec
I have heard nothing from Bates Wells; they are supposed to be reviewing applications on a rolling basis.

I think I saw something about DAC replying quite late, so not before February/March I think... Also, for CMS, consider yourself lucky! I didn't even receive the WG and haven't heard anything yet so there's hope for you!

 

[Miss Chocolate]

@Andrei Radu Hi I have another question if you don't mind, please. I made an (unsuccessful after VI) application to CRS last year and for one of their 'demonstrate a time when you have demonstrated this skill/value' type questions in the application form, my example is still the same. It's the most recent work experience. I could change it and use a different example but that would mean using an older experience. Would it be better to do that, even if that means going back as far as 2021? Thanks!

 

[futureTS03]

Has anyone heard back from Davis Polk for summer VS?

 

[trainee4u]

Just did the Goodwin VI. Seemed pretty vanilla, no real curveballs. Probably didn't do well enough especially if they've put a lot of people through to this stage, but oh well.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Amma Usman @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu

What is the best way of approaching answers to why law vs why commercial law? I did law undergrad and had debated changing careers until I decided to pursue masters degree in international commercial where I took a practical M&A module which made me realise i wanted to go into commercial law. This is what I have talked about in my applications/VIs and have given this answer regardless of whether I was asked why law or why commercial law. If asked in an interview to elaborate on the difference between the two, how would you suggest approaching an answer to this?

thank you so much in advance!

I honestly don't think you would be ask to elaborate on the difference between the two - I think you would just be asked the questions individually.

 

[NCTC2025]

Well done Did you have to do a VI before or anything? When did you apply?
Best of luck with the AC!

Congratulations!! Can I know when you applied if that's okay?

No VI, straight from WG to AC.
I applied on the 10th of October so quite early on. WG on the 7th of December.

 

[AnAnonymousDuck]

I honestly don't think you would be ask to elaborate on the difference between the two - I think you would just be asked the questions individually.

In application forms, I've only ever been asked either why law or why commercial, so I've always used the same answer and same experience but obviously elaborating a bit more on the commercial aspect if asked the latter. If I am asked why law, would it be acceptable to say that I didn't realise I wanted to go into law at all until I took the module that sparked my interest in commercial law?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

In application forms, I've only ever been asked either why law or why commercial, so I've always used the same answer and same experience but obviously elaborating a bit more on the commercial aspect if asked the latter. If I am asked why law, would it be acceptable to say that I didn't realise I wanted to go into law at all until I took the module that sparked my interest in commercial law?

Yes - that would be perfectly reasonable. Some people don't start at law - they start on the commercial aspects first and then consider law.

 

[AnAnonymousDuck]

Yes - that would be perfectly reasonable. Some people don't start at law - they start on the commercial aspects first and then consider law.

Thank you so much!

 

[Amakaa]

Anyone have any Info on Akin’s online test. Are they automated?

 

[Amakaa]

Willkie Written exercise

 

[vr36]

Anyone have any Info on Akin’s online test. Are they automated?

Don’t think so. When did you apply?

 

[helloj]

Akin assessment invite! Does anyone know if it is the next stage or part of the first?

 

[Amakaa]

Don’t think so. When did you apply?

sometime in early December. Deadline was 5th January and it was rolling but i think they sent all the test invites today as the deadline to take them is friday