TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[toad92]

Congrats! When did u apply/ get the VI invite?

i applied a day before the deadline, got the VI invite at like 1pm yesterday

(and to compare to the ff experience i just posted, i was responded to within 30 minutes of emailing them back to ask about extra time, then was sent a new link with extra time this morning at 10am, as well as a new 72 hour deadline)

 

[Bread]

2018: Slaughter and May work experience
2019: Debevoise & Plimpton summer VS
2020: Travers Smith virtual vac scheme
2024: Ropes & Gray spring VS

When do these count against me? Is it worth more VS apps? Should I only apply for TCs? Will these even matter for TCs? Not boasting but feeling very confused. Also feeling like these were pointless.

Not an expert by any means so don’t take this as advice, I’m just wondering whether it’s even worth including any experience prior 2020 at this point? Especially for week-long placements, like it’s been over five years…

 

[Chris Brown]

Not an expert by any means so don’t take this as advice, I’m just wondering whether it’s even worth including any experience prior 2020 at this point? Especially for week-long placements, like it’s been over five years…

I think it’s useful to include all work experience tbh but where they are similar just amalgamate them into one entry.

While one VS was 2020, the other one was recently in 2024. It wouldn’t make sense to not include the older work placements. They’re equally valuable imo. 🤷🏾‍♂️​

 

[g.cl.2020344]

How did you find the deductive reasoning test today?

tbh was quite time rushed but not too bad hbu?

 

[helloj]

Heya huge congrats, when did you do your VI?

Hey thank you! I did it on the 6th Jan

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Hey thank you! I did it on the 6th Jan

same! hopefully I hear soon...

 

[Legal Wizard]

Goodwin Interview invite!!

Congrats!!!

 

[EA95]

last monday -
freshfields: here’s your invitation to our assessment, but if you want adjustments email us and do not attempt the test until we have responded

me: emails later the same day asking for reasonable adjustments, deadline for the assessment passes

today
ff: unfortunately we shall not be progressing with your application

me replying: im guessing this is because i didn’t do the assessment, but i emailed about adjustments and was not replied to

ff response just now -

That is actually pathetic from FF. so sorry you had to go through that. At least it’s become more clear to you now that it’s not a firm you would want to apply for in the future.

 

[MilkMaid]

im really sorry to ask: which office was that?

Scotland Central Belt

 

[user9809]

There were only times available on Thursday, Friday, Monday and Tuesday! Only around 2-3 slots per day, with Monday only having one slot!

Are they virtual or in person interviews?

 

[librame17]

pinsent mason manchester AC, any insight would be appreciated ))

 

[BillSikes]

pinsent mason manchester AC, any insight would be appreciated ))

When did you apply?

 

[LiveLaughLawyer]

Anyone heard back from Jones Day Summer Vac Scheme ?

 

[Bread]

I think it’s useful to include all work experience tbh but where they are similar just amalgamate them into one entry.

While one VS was 2020, the other one was recently in 2024. It wouldn’t make sense to not include the older work placements. They’re equally valuable imo. 🤷🏾‍♂️

yes, but what about 2018? This isn't specific to vacation schemes btw, I am just wondering whether there is any point including experience from 7 years ago

 

[BobThebIlly]

I am thinking about applying for Baker's direct TC and would love for some advice when approaching the first application question Discuss a topic that you are passionate about. How did you become interested in it, and how has it influenced your personal or professional life. (300 words max) *

What is the best recommended structure for this question? I am also not sure what topic I can passionately discuss whilst also linking it back to professional skills

 

[AlegalA]

Taylor Wessing AC whoooo 🎉

Question- they offer both in person and online ACs. I theoretically could do both. I do think in person ACs allow you to show your personality more but I feel that online interviews are less nerve wracking and I'm able to keep more calm and deliver better answers.
Do you think it is better to do in person or online? do they take in consideration the fact that we might have notes if we're online and therefore perform less well in person?
Any advice/opinion is welcome!!

 

[jacksollaf]

Interview invite for BCLP London/Paris VS, so that's good I guess

 

[jacksollaf]

Can i just ask why this emoticon? Is it not a respectable firm? Asking for my own application!

no no, that's not what I meant; it's just that I received 3 PFOs today within the span of 1h30 😂

 

[librame17]

When did you apply?

applied 31/12 and completed the blended assessment 02/01

 

[Tintin06]

Not an expert by any means so don’t take this as advice, I’m just wondering whether it’s even worth including any experience prior 2020 at this point? Especially for week-long placements, like it’s been over five years…

I honestly don’t know the answer. If felt important to include it, honestly. It was competitive to get it. I haven’t changed much since 2018! That’s why I’m still making applications. Work experience also includes gap year. I feel like including everything really. It's all experience and should count.