TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[LawJourney101]

haha dw I am very much anticipating a pfo, it wld just be nice to be able to go away and not have to think abt applications at all as they have consumed my life at this point so was wondering if they will get back to me by then or not

sorry about W&C tho I didn't apply but from what I've seen they really do take their time, it must be frustrating

but yeh thanks for the advice I'll defo keep the plans then

Honestly- I've probably spent more time thinking about my applications than doing them.

 

[theruleofno]

I didn’t get a Paul, Weiss test invite but I’ve checked and double checked every inch of my application and the SPAG is perfect. Anyone else?

 

[BillSikes]

Anyone yet heard back from Pinsents Manchester?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker ,
Thank you.
I have been in contact using the general trainee recruitment email. Would you advise to send another email to the person I have been in contact with? Their email address is at the signature of their email.

I would try and follow up with them directly if you have their direct email. You can just ask politely whether the adjustments you requested will be able to be accommodated ahead of the day, or ask whether the firm needs any further information from you ahead of your AC. You can explain that you just want to ensure you are aware of what will happen on the day so you can prepare for the assessments.

 

[lawstudent2]

Honestly- I've probably spent more time thinking about my applications than doing them.

literally, I've had dreams about applications

 

[EA95]

Congrats!! Did you just get it today?

Thank you and yeah I received the email today.

 

[elsx]

I would try and follow up with them directly if you have their direct email. You can just ask politely whether the adjustments you requested will be able to be accommodated ahead of the day, or ask whether the firm needs any further information from you ahead of your AC. You can explain that you just want to ensure you are aware of what will happen on the day so you can prepare for the assessments.

Thank you very much @Jessica Booker ! I will do that!

 

[pmpmpm123]

Hi everyone,

I can imagine this gets asked every year but I am wondering if anyone has any tips on finding accommodation in London for a spring vac scheme. I am not from London myself and all of the advice I have seen on the forum on the matter is usually relevant for the summer when student residences offer short-term accommodation for the summer only.

 

[vr36]

any insights on dechert written exercise?

Hey! Congratulations on the written exercise.

If you don’t mind me asking, is this for summer?

 

[legallycece]

I am in the same boat, I emailed them today and still waiting for a response. Did you apply for a VS or direct TC?

Direct TC - hoping that may explain the silence …would u let me know what they respond ?

 

[legallycece]

Was this for SVS or DTC?

DTC - does that make a difference ?

 

[avocadob]

Has anyone applied to OC in Jan 2025 and heard back?

 

[jojo23]

There are two ways to view this. On one hand, if it is the only application question on the form, then you will ideally want to spend as much words covering all the relevant aspects, backed up with specific examples. On another hand, meeting the word count exhaustively when you do not have much to say, may come at the expense of tarnishing the quality you have already built. That said, I do know that the ropes question asks one to cover three qualities their lawyers must have. In 300 words, you may not be able to cover this fully. Thus, I would personally try to up the word count by critiquing your own work and deducing what would make it better when added.

I'd strongly recommend getting closer to 500 words but not by just filling it out. Often when people are not using closer to the 500 words they are really missing the detail needed in the question, especially how the characteristic will drive the firm's business.

Thank you guys! I've managed to push it to around 485. I think content wise it seems pretty decent and well structured 😅

 

[lawbear123]

Hey! Congratulations on the written exercise.

If you don’t mind me asking, is this for summer?

hello yes it is!

 

[xxrr.18]

Omg just got paul weiss test despite missing the comma all throughout my application! Think it is automated and is maybe being sent out alphabetically cos my surname is wuite low down the alphabet?

 

[kelisi88]

GUYSSS my PW assessment came through, they're still sending them out!!! all hope is NOT lost!!!!

 

[xxrr.18]

will they review it for spag after the test do you think?

 

[kelisi88]

Omg just got paul weiss test despite missing the comma all throughout my application! Think it is automated and is maybe being sent out alphabetically cos my surname is wuite low down the alphabet?

both my first and last names are pretty much at the top. i think they randomised the apps

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi there, I appreciate that this is mainly for vacation scheme discussion, but in light of recent VS rejections does anyone know the chances of securing a TC without prior legal experience/vacation scheme places etc?

Hiya @lawaspirant21

I think this really depends on the firm, but securing a training contract without a vacation scheme is definitely possible, although it can be a bit trickier without any legal experience at all. Most people I know who’ve successfully secured a TC without a vacation scheme have done so after gaining some paralegal experience. Two close colleagues of mine secured training contracts at Baker McKenzie and RPC without vacation scheme experience, but both had been paralegals for nearly a year before applying. If you're aiming for direct TC applications, I’d highly recommend trying to gain some relevant experience, whether as a paralegal or in related roles. Even business services, compliance, or regulatory roles can provide valuable experience that firms look upon favourably. Wishing you the best of luck with your applications!

 

[Miss Chocolate]

Guys for Hill Dickinson, please can I check if the following means that your TC is only within one of those areas? Does this mean that if you want to join their health sector, your TC will not include seats in, say, marine work?

As a firm, we operate across a number of sectors and specialisms, and offer sector-specific training contracts in each of our business services, health and marine groups.

Which of our teams would you be most interested in completing a seat in and why?