TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[x_lauren112]

Has anyone heard from Paul Hastings for the summer placement scheme?

 

[Tintin06]

Holding myself accountable again (MoFo rejection)

CC* ✅📝❌
HSF ✅📝❌
NRF ✅📝❌
Weil ✅❌
Akin ✅❌
Sidley ✅❌
Orrick ✅❌
Willkie ✅🎥❌
Cooley ✅❌
Latham ✅❌
Milbank ✅❌
Kirkland ✅❌
Dechert ✅❌
Ashurst* ✅
Skadden ✅❌
Goodwin ✅❌
Covington ✅❌
Linklaters* ✅📝❌
Paul, Weiss ✅❌
Slaughters* ✅❌
Freshfields* ✅📝❌
Fried Frank* ✅
Gibson Dunn ✅
Macfarlanes* ✅📝
White & Case ✅❌
Morgan Lewis ✅📞❌
Paul Hastings* ✅
White & Case* ✅
Morgan Lewis* ✅
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; 📞 = TI; 🎥 = VI; ❌ = rejection.

*Training Contract applications.

 

[James Wakefield]

Hiya @paralegaltotrainee


Congratulations again on securing your place on Cooley's vacation scheme! I've put together some of my thoughts below for you.

You'll find the scheme consists in a balanced mix of live client assignments and structured tasks set by graduate recruitment. Both elements are equally important, so even though the live client work is engaging and rewarding, make sure you give the structured tasks plenty of attention too. These exercises provide graduate recruitment with a consistent benchmark to compare candidates (which can be more difficult to assess if they were to look strictly at your live client work), so I'd recommend that you invest care and thought into each one.

You'll likely sit in two different seats during your time on the scheme. While it's tempting to focus on work within your assigned teams, I strongly encourage you to look beyond them as well. Some of the most insightful and enjoyable experiences I had involved actively approaching associates and partners in other practice areas. Reaching out to express your interest and proactively asking for tasks will not only enrich your understanding of how the firm operates but also help you demonstrate initiative and curiosity.

My trainee buddy was an invaluable support to me during the scheme (sadly, they've since left the firm). They allowed me to navigate everything from understanding senior lawyers' workloads to figuring out the best way to approach certain tasks. Really recommend that you don't hesitate to ask your buddy any questions you have (whether practical, professional, or simply about firm culture). My buddy certainly made the experience much less daunting.

Finally, while the vacation scheme can be intense, you shouldn't put unnecessary pressure on yourself. One thing I tell myself often is to "get out of my own head." Overthinking can feel awful. Instead, actively seek feedback before submitting work, but don’t let it shake your confidence if you receive heavily edited documents. I had my fair share of redlined feedback and still managed to secure multiple offers.

Good luck! I’m sure you’ll do brilliantly!

Thanks for this Ram! Did you have an interview at the end, or do Cooley only judge candidates holistically on the scheme?

 

[BillSikes]

Browne Jacobson (BJ if you like) have sent their automatic test over today

45 mins to complete the test! Only if they’ve removed the two 500 word written questions!

 

[Jessica Booker]

there's an insight event being held for the vac schemers, if im unable to go, do you think it looks bad? @Jessica Booker

No - if you have got commitments you cannot get out of, then this is not an issue. Just explain why you cannot attend to the firm/graduate recruitment team.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi, could I ask if anyone knows what it means if slaughters contacts your referee?

Hi. It could mean a few things, for different firms, and I am unsure about S&M specifically. Sometimes, it’s a positive sign that your application has progressed and they’re at the final stage of consideration. Other times, contacting a referee may simply be part of their operational process and not necessarily indicative of the outcome. Hope that helps!

 

[James Wakefield]

Anyone heading to Russell-Cooke for their VS week after next? Feel free to DM!

 

[nonlawTCseeker]

CRS London holding email

I also received the CRS holding email, and have recently been told I'm on the reserve list for a vac scheme. Feeling quite disheartened knowing I was SO close (like close enough to not be outright rejected but also not quite worthy of a spot yet). I'm seriously manifesting a phone call telling me I'm invited on the scheme. They are my top choice firm 🥹

 

[nonlawTCseeker]

I finally got a post-application rejection from Linklaters at 14:48. So much for my 97th percentile Watson-Glaser score 😂

"However, this doesn't have to be the end of the road and we would encourage you to re-apply next year" bro/sis I ain't glazing you again 💅

I had the same thing from DAC Beachcroft, could not have done any better in their psychometric test (top percentile) and still rejected.

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi, could I ask if anyone knows what it means if slaughters contacts your referee?

Last year, multiple people have told me that the firm normally only does that in case of a positive decision. As such, while it is not a strict policy and they could do it for other reasons, I would definitely take it as a good sign.

 

[Someoneinlaw]

For anyone still waiting for Linklaters Linkup event outcome, I heard back today and I’d be attending. Feel free to send a Dm if you’d like to meet. <3

 

[Chris Brown]

I have another (possibly silly) question about VS’ and how they work. What kind of clothes are appropriate to buy and wear for a VS (for a guy)? I think the expectation is that it needs to be professional attire or workplace clothes, but what does that even mean? 😅

What kind of things does this include? Is the expectation to wear traditional 3-piece suits, or is it fine to wear more smart-casual style clothing? Are quarterzips or jumpers allowed? I don’t know what the expectations are. 🥲

Also, what colours are good and bad for a VS at a city law firm? Should it be neutral colours like black, blue and grey? I literally don’t know how this works at all lmao. I will be buying some more stuff over the next few days but I need to know where to begin. 😂

Any advice, guidance or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Please help! 😅

@Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Jessica Booker​

 

[_microwaved]

Anyone still waiting for a PFO from PW post test?

 

[Someoneinlaw]

Also wasn’t successful on both of my ACs for this cycle 😔but I’d like to thank everyone that helped with insights. I’ve met nice people on this platform . Especially @Thom&as and @Aleila. Huge thank you to you guys ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Also, I don’t know if HSF is still doing any ACs but I’m happy to share insights.
We go again next cycle 💪💪

 

[floral.tcla]

accepted onto LL's 'Link Up 2025'!

 

[fidrrygalka]

Anyone still waiting for a PFO from PW post test?

yuppp

 

[trainee4u]

Received five emails in relation to applications today. Honestly law firms need to learn how to give their emails appropriate subjects.

> RE: Your application to Winckworth Sherwood - Application marking update - No reply required".
^^^ This is a "we're still checking apps" follow-up. Clear subject, necessary (in)action for recipient identified in subject, 10/10

> Application for Vacation Scheme - Devonshires
^^^ This was a second blanket email reminding applicants to do a test they've probably already done, with the caveat "Please note this email has been sent to all candidates, if you have already completed the test, you can disregard this email. " Bad subject, bad blanket email. 0/10

> DMH Stallard - 2025 Training Contract Application Update
This was a "we're still checking applications" email. Score 5/10, subject fails to communicate anything, try "decision delayed"

> Peters & Peters - Training Contract Application Outcome

A PFO. Points for use of the word "outcome"; would however prefer to see the world "unsuccessful" in there somewhere. 7/10.

> Update on your Michelmores Application

Also a PFO. A pfo is an "outcome". not an "update". 2/10.

 

[Anon Lawyer]

accepted onto LL's 'Link Up 2025'!

Same see you guys there! 🙂

 

[trainee4u]

I have another (possibly silly) question about VS’ and how they work. What kind of clothes are appropriate to buy and wear for a VS (for a guy)? I think the expectation is that it needs to be professional attire or workplace clothes, but what does that even mean? 😅

What kind of things does this include? Is the expectation to wear traditional 3-piece suits, or is it fine to wear more smart-casual style clothing? Are quarterzips or jumpers allowed? I don’t know what the expectations are. 🥲
​

It depends on your personal style (or lack of it), but I think a 3-piece suit is too much.

Just get a 2-piece (matching!) single-breasted suit (grey/navy, typically), tie, shirt (probably white), black Oxford shoes.

One thing I can advise is that:

* Charles Tyrwhitt have a student discount
* they also have a no-questions-asked even-if-washed-multiple-times six-month return policy.

So if you buy a new suit from them, do your VS, and get your £180k TC, then keep it. And if you don't get it, you can return it.​

 

[Overthinker123!]

Hey everyone,

Just reaching out to see if anyone could share their opinion or insights.

I just received a call today from a firm offering me a vac scheme (mid tier city firm I would say). But unfortunately the first day clashes with my final round interview at a MC firm. I let early careers know on the call and asked how I could navigate this and they said they’ll get back to me. Do you think i have jeopardised my place on the VS or would they be flexible? Thanks

@Jessica Booker