TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Does anyone have good insight in to why they would choose a Traditional TC over a Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship (1 year as an apprentice whilst studying and 2 years doing the normal TC) and vice versa?

I have to make my decision by 5pm today!

Context: I’m a non law grad who has just joined the Civil Service Ministry of Justice. I also live in the midlands. The potential offer would mean I work in the firms London office.

The first thing is to stress you shouldn’t be pressurised into making a decision unless the role is starting soon. Do speak to the employer to see if they can give you more time to consider the offer if you are feeling pressurised to make a decision (even if it’s just until Monday).

Balancing an apprenticeship while working is tricky. You are effectively working four days a week and studying one, but it will be challenging balancing both. Most apprentices I know end up studying more like 2 days per week, which means they are often studying in the evenings or weekends alongside their study day.

But the benefit is that you are working from day 1. You will have more experience than your traditional TC peers when you qualify (which should help with finding an NQ role). You’ll be earning money, which even if the salary is minimum wage, will be financially better than being on a maintenance grant of £20,000 (which is the maximum I have seen for firms that sponsor their future trainees through the SQE before starting the TC). Given you are also getting all employee benefits on top such as annual leave, pension and NI contributions, sick leave etc which you won’t get as a future trainees through being sponsored through an SQE course.

 

[Jessica Pearson]

Reed Smith pfo post-vi. 😭

 

[vr36]

Reed Smith pfo post-vi. 😭

I'm sorry to hear that When did you complete the test/vi if you don't mind me asking?

 

[avocadob]

Omg OC virtual AC!

Congratulations! Can I please ask when did you complete the application and automatic assessment? Thanks!

 

[lawyersum]

thanks for all the support guys but I bombed the skadden interview hahaha - idk if there are any other interviews after today but happy to give some insight if anyone wants it just dm me

i'm sure you didn't! stay strong, we always judge ourselves more harshly than others

 

[tea]

Has anyone received an AC invite after completing Freshfields’ WG for the VS?

I completed mine on Sunday (received on Friday and had the deadline for Monday) and haven’t heard anything back

I know someone who did but I haven't. I guess we'll have to wait and see

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Congratulations! Can I please ask when did you complete the application and automatic assessment? Thanks!

Did the assessment 2nd Jan!

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Does any1 have any advice for the OC virtual AC- it’s online and involves a research exercise and presentation- as a non law student this makes me v nervous. @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam how would you recommend I prepare for this thank you!

 

[sooae]

thanks for all the support guys but I bombed the skadden interview hahaha - idk if there are any other interviews after today but happy to give some insight if anyone wants it just dm me

Hey Pm'd you!

 

[ACHat8r]

Anyone who has done the Fieldfisher virtual AC got any tips/ advice and what to expect. Please private DM me. It's my very first AC

 

[cwhite233]

Does any1 have any advice for the OC virtual AC- it’s online and involves a research exercise and presentation- as a non law student this makes me v nervous. @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam how would you recommend I prepare for this thank you!

It had absolutely nothing to do with law last year and I doubt it will this year either so being non law would not at all disadvantage you

 

[lawlover123]

has anyone heard from w&c post AC?

 

[Mace2121]

Hi, if anyone has done the Covington AC in the previous years, I would be grateful if you could message me with any insight.

Happy to return the favour for the firms that I have gotten through some stages/ AC this year so far.

 

[vr36]

Has anyone heard from Dechert for their summer vac scheme?

 

[miscocrossover]

has anyone heard from w&c post AC?

Still waiting it’s been two weeks

 

[xxrr.18]

Is it just me or I feel like law firms are being slower this year. This time last year I had plenty more PFOs and responses?

 

[ghostyb]

Hi everyone! I'm preparing to attend my first-ever AC after 3 application cycles🥶. This AC includes an Individual Presentation, and I have no idea what to expect so would be grateful for any further insights!

Here's what I know:

• Format:
  • Total duration: 45 minutes
  • 20 minutes prep, 25 minutes to present + Q&A with partners
  • Split into two parts:
    • Part A: 10 mins presentation + Q&A
    • Part B: 5 mins presentation + Q&A
• Preparation:
  • No prep required beforehand—info will be provided on the day.

The other AC components are a strength-based interview and a group exercise. Since neither of those components seems particularly technical, could this presentation be about a commercial topic? What kind of presentation topics can be broken down into 2 parts like this? Could Part A involve synthesizing information, and Part B about proposing solutions or recommendations? Will the firm assign the topic or let me pick from a few options?

This is all complete hypothecation on my part, so if anyone has any experience with this kind of presentation, I’d really appreciate any tips or insights to help me prepare. Also asking @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu. Thanks very much in advance😊

 

[suhana]

@Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman
when law firms ask "why the firm" questions in interviews, is it alright to say the same thing you have written in your application form or make it different and consider new reasons?

 

[floral.tcla]

Has HL sent anything today?

 

[simplyfaith]

Honestly idk how I feel about W&C- I applied for their winter vac and never heard back since… then at the beginning of Jan they finally responded to my email and said I am being considered for spring or summer and will hear an update when they are ready- surely I should have either been rejected or given a VI by now

They emailed me 7th Jan- what should I do? Email them again or carry on waiting? Bearing in mind I applied 14th Sept!!!!

It's very frustrating. It reminds me of when I applied for a V&E winter and was told "We will respond to your application by the end of October if not before". Literally nothing ever since, even after submitting supplementary information. It's like they're stringing you along by keeping you on their roster, or something. I never bothered following up, since I decided I'll just find something else to do 🤣

I wouldn't email again, as I don't think there's any more information to get out of them, now they've confirmed you're being considered for spring/summer. I'd follow the timelines of those who initially applied for those schemes to gauge your chances! In the meantime, try to not dwell on it too much. Or, if it makes you feel better, imagine HR as this gif: