TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Andrei Radu]

Is it foolish to use the same answer from the application to the same competency question during the interview?

I do not think there is any issue with having an interview answer that mirrors an application form answer. I actually have no idea why this has become such an almost universally accepted myth - I personally never saw an issue with using the same reasoning as in your application. In many cases partners will not even review your application in any level of depth before the interview, and if they do, they will not as a result form an expectation for you to come up with a different reasoning as to your motivations, or skill set, or to use different (and less directly applicable) examples if asked the same question merely for purposes of variation.

They will simply expect you to answer the question in the most accurate and convincing way you can. This might necessitate some changes to the application form answer, both because the communication format is different, and because you might want to have a more nuanced/detailed analysis in view of potential follow ups. However, the main themes and ideas should likely stay the same. If anything, it would likely look somewhat suspicious if your fundamental motivations, skills and most relevant experiences were to all of a sudden be very different from the ones mentioned in the application form.

 

[ohnoselim]

anyone else who did the mishcon VI still waiting on a response?

 

[missTCLA]

hi @Jessica Booker ; wanted to ask what documents do a firm need for vs? is it just transcript / right to work ? Also, i was told by a firm id hear 'next week' regarding the offer in writing but its been a week and a half, shall i email them or give it more time? thanks in advance.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

hi @Jessica Booker ; wanted to ask what documents do a firm need for vs? is it just transcript / right to work ? Also, i was told by a firm id hear 'next week' regarding the offer in writing but its been a week and a half, shall i email them or give it more time? thanks in advance.

When does the scheme start?

It’s really hard to say specifically what they will need as this can vary from firm to firm but generally transcripts, right to work, and proof of address (bank statement/utility bill) are the common documents needed.

 

[Miss Chocolate]

anyone else who did the mishcon VI still waiting on a response?

yep! I don't know if we should assume a PFO. looks likely. i don't think they send out anything in batches -- even with VI invites they were sent together, no?

 

[RaniaH062002]

Anyone had Brabners SJT sent out yet? And anyone who's previously done it? Any tips?

 

[TC129129]

Anyone who did their AC's post the w/c 17th Feb still waiting on White & Case? Has been more than a month now...

Just from previous experience as someone who’s done a W&C vac scheme, they usually get back to successful candidates fairly-very quickly after an AC. This was the case for a lot of my cohort. It doesn’t mean you have been unsuccessful but just wanted to lyk. Wishing you all the luck

 

[0livia.pope]

Does anyone have any advice on how best to prepare for a case study exercise? I have no idea where to begin

 

[Toomanypfo]

Anyone had Brabners SJT sent out yet? And anyone who's previously done it? Any tips?

Yes they have sent the test to me on 11 march and I applied to their Manchester office

 

[RaniaH062002]

Yes they have sent the test to me on 11 march and I applied to their Manchester office

I've not had one sent out to me- I can only imagine then i've got a PFO heading my way 😢

 

[sibs23]

AG PFO post-app at long last!!

 

[lawstudent002]

Anyone had Brabners SJT sent out yet? And anyone who's previously done it? Any tips?

I received the test last Monday for SVS

 

[RaniaH062002]

I received the test last Monday for SVS

I emailed them last week about not receiving an SJT invite but not received any response - I can only assume the test isn't automatic then? Is there anyone who hasn't received an invite for Brabners SJT?

 

[Zara.Th]

Anyone know how long HL takes to respond for successful candidates post-ac? is it usually next day?

 

[solicithor]

I emailed them last week about not receiving an SJT invite but not received any response - I can only assume the test isn't automatic then? Is there anyone who hasn't received an invite for Brabners SJT?

i also haven’t… i think because there’s no interview just the written app and SJT you have to be shortlisted to get the SJT 😕

 

[TCseeker101]

Any news for CRS London Summer VS?

 

[RaniaH062002]

i also haven’t… i think because there’s no interview just the written app and SJT you have to be shortlisted to get the SJT 😕

Welp that's all my VS applications rejected for this year. 22, turning 23 this year and not a single VS

 

[jojo23]

Any news for CRS London Summer VS?

They said they'd get back to us this week.. so I'd guess 4:59pm on friday

 

[student353]

They said they'd get back to us this week.. so I'd guess 4:59pm on friday

Or if they are PW, they will just air you

 

[Chris Brown]

Welp that's all my VS applications rejected for this year. 22, turning 23 this year and not a single VS

I’m sorry to hear about the VS application PFOs this cycle. I can imagine it has been incredibly disheartening to feel like the efforts put in have gone to waste. I don’t know if this will help in any way, but I am of a very similar age to you. I only began applying for VS after I had already graduated (July 2024), so I also felt that I was really late and that time was ticking. I felt that I was super behind everyone else in my uni, who had already applied for VS and TC in their 2nd and 3rd year (law) and secured TC offers at major city law firms like Clifford Chance, DLA Piper, Herbert Smith Freehills, etc. 🥲

I think It’s really important to bear in mind that everyone is on their own journey and whilst it’s tempting to compare ourselves to others who seem to have obtained VS/TC sooner, all it ends up causing is more harm than good. The key thing to bear in mind is that the average age of a NQ solicitor is 30! This means on average people aren’t securing a TC until they are 26/27, which they start when they are around 28. In my opinion, there are huge positives when you start a TC slightly later, in that you are able to build up a wider range of skills and experiences which are beneficial to the role of a trainee associate! 😅

Try not to lose faith in yourself! I know that is easier said than done, but the important thing to maintain throughout this entire process is resilience and determination. I think once you do secure that well deserved TC (which I know you will), it will feel that much better, knowing how much hard work was put in. Speaking of TC, I think it could be a good idea to try apply for some DTC applications over the Spring and Summer (March - July). Who knows, it may be that one of these DTC applications will convert into the TC offer! Best of luck with the rest of this application cycle my friend! 🙂​