TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker I wondered if you would be able to assist with a query I have. How likely are firms to rescind an offer if you try and negotiate a salary? I have been offered a paralegal job somewhere where I really want to work (I have almost 3 years of experience as a paralegal) but it is a substantial pay cut to my current role. They told me at my first interview that I was the most qualified candidate who applied for the position, and it was advertised as a paralegal position for a recent graduate. It is in a niche sector I am really interested in so I chose to apply. Are they likely to rescind the offer and go with someone else if I ask if they can meet my current salary? Thank you in advance

I don’t think they will rescind but they may just stick to the salary they have offered in the expectations that you decline the offer instead.

I would speak to the recruiter and explain what your current salary is and say that you are hoping to achieve that salary again but that you’d be keen to discuss the firm’s expectations. Try to factor in any other benefits you may receive on top of the base salary when factoring your decision. For instance, a reduction in annual leave entitlement is worth nearly £500 even on minimum wage.

 

[starfish345]

Does anyone know what Russell-Cooke's London NQ salary is? Can't seem to find it anywhere

 

[Legal Wizard]

Weil AC

 

[emma.d]

Anyone have advice for a final stage interview. I heard that the interview also includes a case study type scenario which is communicated verbally by interviewers. I’m feeling anxious about this and just generally the interview considering this is such a competitive firm 😭

Is this for Weil?

 

[Lizardlaw]

I have been invited to the CMS final round interview for the insight program, and been offered a place for the Thorntons AC!!
Just as pleased as I am nervous 🫠

 

[emma.d]

Do we think Weil have given out all AC invites and for the rest post-VI will be a PFO?

 

[mariistm]

Hi

I think the best thing to do is let them know as early as possible that you are "exploring the option of taking this internship" with an explanation of why you are doing it. Everyone in the legal field will understand a younger team member's desire to move up in the world. Your ambition is likely a reason they employ you in the first place! Either they will be okay with it and let you know that its okay, or they will let you know that you won't be allowed to return. In either case, the sooner you tell them, the better.

1. They say this won't be allowed and you can start job hunting now before the vac scheme and give your notice at the appropriate time.
2. They are okay with this and are grateful you have given them so much notice to cover your absence.

Even if they are reluctant at first, an explanation of the significances for this in your career will likely be a compelling reason and they may be more accommodating than you think. In any case, giving your team members ample time to prepare for any absence and plan their workflow is always the best option in my opinion.

thank you for your thoughts, definitely something to consider

 

[T_03]

Is this for Weil?

No sorry its Goodwin

 

[Legal Wizard]

Kirkland PFO 🙈

 

[emma.d]

Weil AC

Congrats!!! When did this come through?

 

[Tintin06]

Holding myself accountable again (Kirkland rejection)

CC* ✅📝❌
HSF ✅📝❌
NRF ✅📝❌
Weil ✅❌
Akin ✅❌
Sidley ✅❌
Orrick ✅
Willkie ✅🎥❌
Cooley ✅❌
Latham ✅❌
Milbank ✅
Kirkland ✅❌
Dechert ✅❌
Skadden ✅❌
Goodwin ✅❌
Covington ✅❌
Linklaters* ✅📝❌
Paul, Weiss ✅
Slaughters* ✅❌
Freshfields* ✅📝❌
Fried Frank* ✅
Gibson Dunn ✅
Macfarlanes* ✅📝
White & Case ✅
Morgan Lewis ✅
Paul Hastings* ✅
Hogan Lovells* ✅
Cleary Gottlieb ✅❌
A&O Shearman ✅📝❌
Vinson & Elkins ✅
Arnold & Porter ✅
Baker McKenzie ✅📝❌
King & Spalding* ✅
Winston & Strawn ✅
Morrison Foerster ✅
Sullivan & Cromwell ✅❌

Key: ✅ = application submitted; 📝 = test received; 🎥 = video interview; ❌ = rejection.

*Training Contract applications

TC apps left to do: Stephenson Harwood; Sullivan & Cromwell, possibly White & Case.

Anyone waiting for W&C for VS? I wish they'd just reject me. Then I can try their TC.

 

[BillSikes]

Does anyone know what Russell-Cooke's London NQ salary is? Can't seem to find it anywhere

150k

 

[Legal Wizard]

Congrats!!! When did this come through?

Just now.

 

[legallady123]

I don’t think they will rescind but they may just stick to the salary they have offered in the expectations that you decline the offer instead.

I would speak to the recruiter and explain what your current salary is and say that you are hoping to achieve that salary again but that you’d be keen to discuss the firm’s expectations. Try to factor in any other benefits you may receive on top of the base salary when factoring your decision. For instance, a reduction in annual leave entitlement is worth nearly £500 even on minimum wage.

Thank you very much!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Hey guys
Any recent news that I should absolutely know before going into a commercial case study interview
I keep feeling like I'm missing out on something

 

[nya]

Hey guys
Any recent news that I should absolutely know before going into a commercial case study interview
I keep feeling like I'm missing out on something

maybe the recent Trump tariff scare as it's been on the news quite a lot?

 

[trainee4u]

Does anyone know what Russell-Cooke's London NQ salary is? Can't seem to find it anywhere

They say:

First year salary: £46,000

Second year salary: £48,500

Newly qualified salary: Market rate for the area into which the trainee qualifies

They have quite a few practice areas and specialise in property, family, charity and private client.

Based on the trainee salaries I would estimate £75-£80k.

 

[Deleted member 31343]

Hey guys
Any recent news that I should absolutely know before going into a commercial case study interview
I keep feeling like I'm missing out on something

US topics
Tariffs
DEI
World Trade
Deepseek investigation

Other
Data centres
EU AI act and the US

I’ve spoken about all of the above on every AC I’ve done over the past week. Form an opinion on US DEI shenanigans and if it’ll affect the UK as I was asked this in two different interviews.​

 

[eleven14og]

Hi all. Question for anyone who has done a vac scheme whilst working full time: how did you navigate annual leave and telling your employer that you are doing a vac scheme?
I’m a bit worried because my employer is quite traditional and have no idea how to communicate that I am doing a 2 week paid experience for another company, they might treat me differently afterwards. I don’t work in a legal setting so they don’t understand the importance of vac schemes and getting a training contract.
I would be breaching contract if I don’t let them know i am on another company’s payroll though.
At the same time I can’t afford to quit this job as there is no security i’ll get a training contract after the vac scheme.
@Jessica Booker I wonder if you have any thoughts on this as well ?

It's worth checking with HR first before telling your supervisor/line manager. In my previous role, the HR simply said they don't care what you do on annual leave while the contract says you can't take employment elsewhere. Someone in my team did a vac scheme during the summer. It really depends on the company policy and asking HR speculatively wouldn't hurt.

 

[ish12345]

Hey, does anyone have any insights into the Shoosmiths assessment or how I can best prepare?