TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Miss Chocolate]

Totally in the same shoes right now. I can’t even sleep at night thinking about what to do with my life as a recent graduate. I’ve experienced every type of law from legal aid to commercial, and I genuinely want to be in this career for the long term. It’s a really scary, demoralising time and please keep yourself safe guys. I had to recently take a mental health break as I was in a very very bad place. You’re not in the same boat and I don’t want to sound cliche by saying ‘hold on, it’ll come to you’, but it seems like us graduates will be taking the long, hard route to a TC, so stay as confident as you can and take each day as it comes xxx

I am glad you took a break for your mental health, your health is the most important thing here. And I appreciate your support, same goes to you. <33

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Ah this makes so much sense! Often times the assumption questions catch me out but when I run the answer key through different AIs to check the rationale, they all come up with different answers. Makes me feel better but also broadens the scope for subjectivity of how law firms grade these. Many thanks Jessica

It gets even more complicated as one firm may assess something like assumptions questions more heavily, and another firm may not even have assumption questions, or if they do put less weighting on them! But you never know this detail so it’s impossible to know whether you might be better or worse from one assessment to the next.

 

[👩🎓]

Hi @Jessica Booker do you have any advice when answering this question: "In the legal field, it is widely recognised that artificial intelligence (AI) will play an increasingly important role in boosting efficiency. Client relationships will continue to be essential. What approach do you think law firms should adopt to strike a balance between the two?" or what sought of things are firms looking for in the answer? Thank you

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Did you find any trainees that didn't list their grades and just had their university name and degree title?

Not future trainees nope, some of the current trainees had 2:1s… guess it’s to be expected when the application is just grades and one commercial awareness question

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Not future trainees nope, some of the current trainees had 2:1s… guess it’s to be expected when the application is just grades and one commercial awareness question

If current trainees got 2.1s, you clearly don’t need a first!

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

They called me this morning before 12pm!

They called you!! Wow I never expect calls, when did you apply?

 

[Amjaya]

V&E VI!

How are you preparing for this? Thanks

 

[Rus]

HOLY SHIT LATHAM AC INVITE

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

HOLY SHIT LATHAM AC INVITE

Congrats! Reassuring to hear they’re still going out too

 

[Amakaa]

Since it is raining PFO’s today, I'm happy to announce my W&C Post app PFO🥺

 

[Legallywhatever]

Hi, has anyone received an OC rejection? I see that people have started getting ACs but I haven't heard anything yet so unsure what to think!

 

[l789]

I’d be interested to know… does having a first or consistent firsts from a RG uni (non-RG doesn’t apply to me in this instance) have any advantage anymore given that people with stellar academic records are still being rejected.

I’m still clueless as to work experience as I have the typcial probono, retail and few consulting projects, and law firm open days. Which I’m sure just as many applicants have- if not better.

It’s hard to figure out how to make myself a better candidate and in regards to which aspect.

 

[Apple]

I’d be interested to know… does having a first or consistent firsts from a RG uni (non-RG doesn’t apply to me in this instance) have any advantage anymore given that people with stellar academic records are still being rejected.

I’m still clueless as to work experience as I have the typcial probono, retail and few consulting projects, and law firm open days. Which I’m sure just as many applicants have- if not better.

It’s hard to figure out how to make myself a better candidate and in regards to which aspect.

Grades are part of the application and considered holistically, there is definitely an advantage to having a first, it just isn't everything.

 

[l789]

Grades are part of the application and considered holistically, there is definitely an advantage to having a first, it just isn't everything.

Thank you for your input… I’m just confused about everything right now.

 

[l789]

I think it’s about being well-rounded. Firms are likely to want to see evidence of academic ability from university and school, work experience, extra-curriculars and then most importantly, strong answers to the application questions.

Some firms tend to take a holistic approach and choose candidates who excel in one of those areas but then it is possible that other firms would want to see everything.

Honestly it’s been so difficult to balance pushing towards a first in each module and worked part time- (20+ hours a week) and then probono and volunteering on the side. Plus a range of extracurriculars.

I feel coming from a lower socio-economic background I’ve really had to seek out leadership and other opportunities to just learnt the basics.

I feel disheartened because I have a lot of competencies/skills to draw on but it doesn’t feel like enough- so I’m always looking for more opportunities, and then there’s the grey area of being rejected with first class grades.

Nothing feels like enough - I’m so restless at night, thinking about what I can improve about my candidacy and as a person.

 

[aspiringlawyer5]

Does anyone know what Gateley is looking for in their application when they ask "Please provide relevant detail and information from your work experience to date."?
There are no other questions other than one about whether you have done the Forage work experience - any advise would be great! Is the application also rolling? Don't know if I have any chances if it is, deadline is tomorrow I am pretty sure, but just going to try my luck anyways!

 

[Apple]

Honestly it’s been so difficult to balance pushing towards a first in each module and worked part time- (20+ hours a week) and then probono and volunteering on the side. Plus a range of extracurriculars.

I feel coming from a lower socio-economic background I’ve really had to seek out leadership and other opportunities to just learnt the basics.

I feel disheartened because I have a lot of competencies/skills to draw on but it doesn’t feel like enough- so I’m always looking for more opportunities, and then there’s the grey area of being rejected with first class grades.

Nothing feels like enough - I’m so restless at night, thinking about what I can improve about my candidacy and as a person.

If you have multiple extracurriculars, good grades, and work part-time, you are already a great candidate, I don't think trying to take on more things would be worth it/beneficial.

I have a similar background to you but with a 2:1, and it definitely hasn't stopped me progressing to interviews with MC and US firms. Keep pushing!

 

[Harvey Specter]

Honestly it’s been so difficult to balance pushing towards a first in each module and worked part time- (20+ hours a week) and then probono and volunteering on the side. Plus a range of extracurriculars.

I feel coming from a lower socio-economic background I’ve really had to seek out leadership and other opportunities to just learnt the basics.

I feel disheartened because I have a lot of competencies/skills to draw on but it doesn’t feel like enough- so I’m always looking for more opportunities, and then there’s the grey area of being rejected with first class grades.

Nothing feels like enough - I’m so restless at night, thinking about what I can improve about my candidacy and as a person.

I fully empathise with how you feel. I also come from a lower socio-economic background. The jump from a comprehensive state school to a RG university is super intense. 🥲🥲

In my experience this cycle, I included everything like part-time jobs, extracurriculars, virtual law internships, open days, virtual events, positions of responsibility, etc. In terms of academics, I have a high 2:1 (68-69%).

This cycle I have managed to progress with Willkie and White & Case. The above hasn’t hindered my progress just yet.

The fact you are working part-time whilst also juggling extracurriculars and academics is very impressive. 🤩

The skills, competencies and qualities you have gained are more than enough. I think you are a truly excellent candidate!!

Keep pushing and don’t give up just yet! It only takes that one yes! 🙂​

 

[Kakaboo]

Anyone know what Gateley is looking for in their application when they ask "Please provide relevant detail and information from your work experience to date."?
Given that there aren't any other questions apart from one about their Forage work ex, should the answer to this read like a cover letter? Like what I've done, what I've learned and how the skills apply to Gateley?

Hello, just clarifying this is literally the only question no why Gateley or anything? Because I dont want to push submit and of missed something haha

 

[aspiringlawyer5]

Anyone heard back post-app from Fieldfisher (granted I did apply on the deadline day), Squire Patton Boggs or DWF? I applied to all by their deadlines and it has been really quiet - worried they are PFOs..

I would understand Fieldfisher- I did apply on deadline day, but nothing from the others which I don't think were rolling.