TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[legaldruid]

Keeping myself accountable:

Total applications submitted: 19
Total applications rejected: 9
Applications that passed the first stage: 2
Applications rejected at the second stage (SJT, WG, VI etc): 1
Applications that passed the second stage (SJT, WG, VI etc): 0
Waiting to hear back: 10

We keep pushing forward!

New update to keep myself accountable + hopefully this will give some motivation to my fellow international students:

Total applications submitted: 21
Total applications rejected: 19
Applications that passed the first (application) stage: 5
Applications rejected at the second stage (SJT, WG, VI etc): 3
Applications that passed the second stage (SJT, WG, VI etc): 1
Waiting to hear back: 1 (post AC)
Vacation Scheme offers: 1

Thoughts:

I'm done with this cycle now. It was a tough couple of months managing full-time work with these applications but it paid off. My best advice would be to keep researching and learning how to improve. There's always something that you can work on, be it writing applications, practicing for tests or preparing for interviews. This platform is perfect for advice and seeking help so make the most of it.

Besides that, don't put all your hopes into one category of firms like US for example. Try a different mix of categories (International, National, Regional etc) because you never know which category might appreciate your skills and talents. You've got something unique to offer and its on you to articulate it to best of your ability, but once you do, the firms will definitely respond positively. It might just be in a category that you did not expect!

And as always, just keep pushing forward despite setbacks. You just need one chance to prove yourself!

 

[missfuturetraineemaybe]

While sometimes a larger intake can signify a higher likelihood of a higher availability of formal training programmes and organized support structures, this is not always the case (with a firm like White & Case it definitely is, but at a firm like Kirkland a lot less); and furthermore it is definitely not indicative of overall training quality in my view. The risk that comes with a larger cohort size consists of each trainee getting less visibility and becoming more of a "cog in the system", which is exactly what many people who apply at US firms seek to avoid. As such, I would not say a trainee cohort size of under 10 is a bad sign. I would rather just infer that you will likely get a lot of visibility and responsibility (perhaps more than at some US firms with larger cohorts) and that you should also likely not expect much in organized support (perhaps somewhat less than at the US firms with larger cohorts). Whether that is good or bad will just come down to your preferences.

As for the questions about the best US firms for training, I can only comment based on the firms I have had the opportunity to interact with and research, so I will undoubtably miss a number of great ones. The ones I can say I have seen some quite positive reviews for are White & Case (although I have been told it is more similar to MC training than US training in many regards nowadays), Willkie and Davis Polk (who are examples of places with small cohorts but where the cultural elements I mention seem to be working well), and Latham (which I understand comes with a more hands on experience than a White & Case but less so than firms like Willkie and Davis Polk).

Could you please share where you think Gibson Dunn sits within this. What do you perceive their training structure to be like?

 

[STEM Student]

Hi Everyone,

I got an AC invite for NRF🦾 (I honestly dk how I was yapping throughout that interview)

I’ve never done an AC before. Was wondering if anyone has any general tips for prepping and anything specific for the NRF AC specifically.

Also how many people out of everyone who applies gets to the AC?

 

[Ricky]

off topic but what kind of name is foot antsy😭

It sounds like what happens under the table at a dinner date after a few drinks.... 🤣

 

[Jessica Booker]

Bro too many of the questions have typos for it to be a mistake. It's gotta be intentional.

Unfortunately I expect them to just be mistakes.

 

[Tintin06]

30+ apps and just endless rejections. Is there really any point anymore? I’m 27 and just feeling dejected. I’ve done several vac schemes previously. But they don’t seem to count. So few direct TC routes too. What is the point of continuing?

 

[EA95]

Linklaters PFO

 

[paralegaltotrainee]

I've received 7 PFOs in a row this week jeez 😭 and the week is not over yet

 

[Joshyf10]

Time for my daily: anyone heard back from goodwin post interview?

 

[andrecsaa]

Linklaters pfo (spring)

At least they got back to us 😆

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Linklaters PFO

sorry. if u dont mind me asking, is this for the direct tc

 

[NJS]

Were the linklaters PFOs post app?

 

[fitzer401]

Sorry to sound like a broken record but has anyone heard back from Ashurst post interview?

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

Ropes & Gray PFO just now

 

[Joey green]

R&G pfo

 

[jojo23]

Not even fully awake yet and I got a Ropes and grey pfo😴

 

[LexQuest25]

30+ apps and just endless rejections. Is there really any point anymore? I’m 27 and just feeling dejected. I’ve done several vac schemes previously. But they don’t seem to count. So few direct TC routes too. What is the point of continuing?

27 is still very young in the grand scheme of a career. I'm 25 and only decided to switch to law last year. I have a vacation scheme this summer, but realistically, it could be years before I secure a training contract, and I’m okay with that—because when I finally land the role, it will be the best feeling after working so hard. If this is your dream career, you must pursue it for as long as it takes to get there. I have faith in you—if you've secured vacation schemes before, it’s clear that you possess qualities firms find attractive. Don't give up!

 

[floral.tcla]

l

27 is still very young in the grand scheme of a career. I'm 25 and only decided to switch to law last year. I have a vacation scheme this summer, but realistically, it could be years before I secure a training contract, and I’m okay with that—because when I finally land the role, it will be the best feeling after working so hard. If this is your dream career, you must pursue it for as long as it takes to get there. I have faith in you—if you've secured vacation schemes before, it’s clear that you possess qualities firms find attractive. Don't give up!

mind putting in a few good words for us?😃 in all seriousness congrats on ur VS!

 

[knight1999]

Linklaters pfo (spring)

At least they got back to us 😆

Sorry to hear that, I also just received R&G PFO :/ Do you remember if you already passed candidate review in ur application ? Just to shed some light the 66/77% debate lol

 

[LawJourney101]

Linklaters PFO (I was at 66%).