TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Amma Usman]

WBD Leeds AC!!!

Genuinely in shock, I have been applying for VS/TCs for 4 cycles now & always getting rejected post-app. This is my 2nd AC this cycle alongside 2 VI & 1 TI. For those struggling this cycle don’t give up, I have always lived by ‘what is for you will never go past you’ & this won’t go past you!!!

Congrats, well deserved! It’s amazing to see your hard work paying off.

As for preparing, if you could share more details about the components of the assessment centre, I can give more specific advice. If the firm hasn't mentioned, I would presume a competency interview will be part of it or a variation where you'll need to demonstrate specific competencies. In that case, make sure you brush up on not just your experiences, but the skills you've acquired and how they apply to the training contract.

For anyone still struggling this cycle, don’t give up! I love your mindset - 'what is for you will never go past you' - and it’s so true. This opportunity won’t pass you by either, you’ve got this!

 

[Amma Usman]

SPB rejection post AC. This was my last law firm application of this cycle so this one really hurt. Feeling very depleted right now. I got through to 3 ACs but failed them all. It’s only my first application cycle but the fact I failed every AC is really upsetting.

I totally sympathize with you - it’s tough, especially when you've invested so much time and effort into your applications. But remember, you didn’t fail, you’ve just learned something new with each interview. Even if you can’t see it immediately, every experience adds something to your growth. It’s completely natural to feel this way.

There’s a psychological theory called the "growth mindset" by psychologist Carol Dweck. It suggests that qualities can be developed over time through effort, learning, and persistence. We often expect immediate results, but growth is not linear. It can feel invisible at times, but it builds up gradually and shows up when you least expect it. In the context of your experience, although it might not seem like it now, every interview and assessment centre has helped you improve, even if it’s not obvious yet.

So, instead of viewing this as a failure, see it as part of your development. You’ve gained experience that will help you in the future, and it’s all part of the process. Keep pushing forward; success often comes when you least expect it, and you are absolutely on the right path!

 

[Amma Usman]

Pfo from WBD too and my amberjack score was pretty decent, with average numerical and excelled in verbal 😕 I have lots of paralegal experience and a first in my RG law degree (I know lots of people are in the same situation with a good degree classification and experience, so this doesn’t necessarily stand out) but just a bit surprised at not having progressed past second stage with any apps in my first London cycle 🥲 I genuinely had way better luck in applications as an undergrad with hardly any experience !

I hear you, and it’s sometimes frustrating when it feels like you're doing everything right but still not getting the outcomes you want. First off, I want to acknowledge how impressive your achievements are - having a first in your law degree and paralegal experience is something to be really proud of. It's easy to feel disheartened, especially when things don’t go as expected, but this cycle doesn’t define you or your future.

As you’ve already experienced success with applications in the past, this is just a temporary setback. Your previous achievements show that you have what it takes to succeed. The fact that you're reflecting and staying motivated shows a level of self-awareness that will serve you well. Keep pushing forward, because the right opportunity is out there, and sometimes it takes a few more attempts to land the perfect fit. You’ve got this, and your persistence will pay off!

 

[Amma Usman]

SPB VAC SCHEME offer!!

Woohooo!

 

[Amma Usman]

Hey! I know DAC Beachcroft is good for insurance, but do not know much about the firm's competitors. If anyone has insights into this that would be really helpful!

Hey! DAC Beachcroft is indeed well-regarded for insurance, but some of its key competitors in this space include Kennedys, HFW (Holman Fenwick Willan). These firms also have strong insurance practices and are known for their expertise in handling insurance-related matters. Clyde & Co is another major player in this area, especially with its global reach and focus on insurance, reinsurance, and litigation.

It’s worth looking into these firms to see how their insurance practices compare in terms of the sectors they focus on, their clients, and the work culture.

I’ve also created a guide on this question here - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/guide-to-identifying-a-law-firm’s-competitors.9422/

Hope that helps!

 

[User5678]

@Amma Usman thank you so much for all of your replies! Yes, the rejections sting (especially at 1am😂😂) but we move on and do better!!

Sorry to disturb you at 3am😭

I have gone ahead and submitted the application, thank you for the advice! Noted your point on mentioning work experience in answers

You’re so lovely and helpful!!

I’m sorry to hear that! Rejections always sting, but they don’t define your worth or potential. Keep pushing forward; the right opportunity will come at the right time. You’ve already achieved so much, and this is just a small bump in the road.

Onwards and upwards!

If that’s the case, you could find a way to weave in your work experiences and the skills you’ve gained as a result within your answers. For example, if a question asks you to explain a time when you demonstrated teamwork, you could reference something you did as part of a group, whether in a work setting, university or extracurriculars, using the STAR method to structure your response. This way you can still highlight your experience and qualifications even if they don’t explicitly ask for them.

Honestly, you could give the application a shot and submit it, you never know. I know of people who have submitted late and still gotten offers. Especially since this firm hasn’t explicitly stated their stance on late applications, I think that reinforces the idea that you could give it a try.

As for how soon they will get back to you, I can’t say for sure. Sometimes firms reach out and your assessment centre is in three weeks, while other times it could be in just two days. I would say refine your interview skills as well as prepare for specific components like consistently improving your commercial awareness. These are like muscles that need constant flexing.

Best of luck, you’ll do great.

 

[TCpleasex]

Congrats, well deserved! It’s amazing to see your hard work paying off.

As for preparing, if you could share more details about the components of the assessment centre, I can give more specific advice. If the firm hasn't mentioned, I would presume a competency interview will be part of it or a variation where you'll need to demonstrate specific competencies. In that case, make sure you brush up on not just your experiences, but the skills you've acquired and how they apply to the training contract.

For anyone still struggling this cycle, don’t give up! I love your mindset - 'what is for you will never go past you' - and it’s so true. This opportunity won’t pass you by either, you’ve got this!

Thank you so much!

The email said that details of the AC will be provided nearer the time. My AC isn’t until until May so I was going to do general firm/AC/commercial prep until specifics have been given.

I’ve never done a virtual AC before, do you have any advice on how to approach this compared to in person?

 

[legallady123]

I hear you, and it’s sometimes frustrating when it feels like you're doing everything right but still not getting the outcomes you want. First off, I want to acknowledge how impressive your achievements are - having a first in your law degree and paralegal experience is something to be really proud of. It's easy to feel disheartened, especially when things don’t go as expected, but this cycle doesn’t define you or your future.

As you’ve already experienced success with applications in the past, this is just a temporary setback. Your previous achievements show that you have what it takes to succeed. The fact that you're reflecting and staying motivated shows a level of self-awareness that will serve you well. Keep pushing forward, because the right opportunity is out there, and sometimes it takes a few more attempts to land the perfect fit. You’ve got this, and your persistence will pay off!

Thank you very much for your kind words 😊

 

[Overthinker123!]

Hi all, I have an AC next week and one of the tasks is a situational interview. From my understanding, the partner will give me a situation they’re working on or a legal trend/hot topic to understand my thought process on finding a solution and advice for a client. Would appreciate any tips on how to best approach this. Thanks

@Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman

 

[Arenaria]

Has anyone heard from RWK yet? Getting close to the vacation scheme and I've not even heard about a VI - should I expect the worst?

 

[asplawyer100]

Has anyone heard from RWK yet? Getting close to the vacation scheme and I've not even heard about a VI - should I expect the worst?

I’ve also not even received a VI invite from them but I’ve seen others on this forum have already gone past the VI stage and even had interview invites.

 

[fxy]

has anyone heard back from CRS for 10k black interns

 

[jfb]

When a firm has not given any indication of timetlines for hearing back is it ever appropriate to email and ask. I don't want to seem impatient but I have a summer job offer as a paralegal and need to commit to them within the next week or so, if I got accepted on to the vac schemes I'm waiting to hear from I wouldn't have enough holiday to take off for the full 2 weeks. I would chose the vac schemes over the summer job.

 

[lawstudent272003]

It depends on the word count and how much you’re comfortable sharing. A good balance is usually a mix of professional experience, educational background, and a fun or unique hobby/interest.

For work experience, focus on roles that demonstrate transferable skills like teamwork, leadership, or problem-solving, even if they aren’t strictly legal. For interests and activities, highlight things that showcase your personality and soft skills, such as sports, creative pursuits, or volunteering. Including something distinctive can also make you more memorable.

Thank you for responding. Do you have any idea of how much I should write as there is no word limit. Should it be as detailed as my work experience section in my applications? Or bullet point format just detailing what the experience is since it will be only be used for passing onto the teams I will be working with?

 

[User5678]

I’ve also not even received a VI invite from them but I’ve seen others on this forum have already gone past the VI stage and even had interview invites.

Hi, I think I’m going to email them today as VS date is coming too close. I have had a VI but nothing after

I’ll let you know what they say! Also, do they have a summer scheme as well? Maybe they’re considering us for that as spring has filled and I anyways applied super super late?

 

[Detachedhades]

Has anyone heard from RWK yet? Getting close to the vacation scheme and I've not even heard about a VI - should I expect the worst?

Hey, I was successful with the RWK Goodman vacation scheme for London. I had a phone call on Wednesday confirming it after my interview on Monday. I hope this helps! Fingers crossed for you!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

When a firm has not given any indication of timetlines for hearing back is it ever appropriate to email and ask. I don't want to seem impatient but I have a summer job offer as a paralegal and need to commit to them within the next week or so, if I got accepted on to the vac schemes I'm waiting to hear from I wouldn't have enough holiday to take off for the full 2 weeks. I would chose the vac schemes over the summer job.

As you have another offer to decide on, it is fine to ask the firm for an update on the timelines or a decision so you know how to manage the other offer accordingly.

 

[TC129129]

@Jessica Booker I have a question pls... I have 3 VS coming up in the summer but am in the final round for a direct TC. If i was offered the TC, do/can I still do the Vac Schemes? Or would I have to make the decision if I am accepting before the Vac Schemes? Equally, Can I accept the offer and then withdraw if I was to be offered a TC from a Vac Scheme at a firm I prefer?!

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

Random question to people on this forum - how long does the average application take you? I've been trying to get my time down, but apps seem to consistently take me 15-20 hours to write, which seems like a ridiculous amount of time to spend on them.

 

[Chris Brown]

Random question to people on this forum - how long does the average application take you? I've been trying to get my time down, but apps seem to consistently take me 15-20 hours to write, which seems like a ridiculous amount of time to spend on them.

It varied for each application. For example, it took me a lot longer to complete applications that required a cover letter + long answer questions (White & Case, Travers Smith, etc) or that had several long answer questions (BCLP, SH, HL and Covington). Each of these applications took me at least 30 hours in total. 🥲

On average, it took me around 20 hours for each application (spread over several weeks). I would start multiple applications at the same time that had similar deadlines and work on each of them simultaneously. I think the fastest application I wrote was Macfarlanes (10 hours), as they only had 2 application questions. 😅​