Being personable is a big part of the job, hope this helps
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
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Being personable is a big part of the job, hope this helps
Is anybody else having issues with the Reed Smith Direct TC application form, specifically the University Grades section? I get this error message, "Request failed with status code 400". Does anybody have a way for me to get in touch with RARE? I spoke to grad rec and they said talk to them, but I can't find any active support email. I've troubleshooted as much as I can.
I didn't think the university grades section had anything to do with RARE?
Hello! I have been allocated to a seat for a VS in an area that I am not particularly familiar with. I've read the firm pages on it, but otherwise have no idea how to prepare! There are lots of resources online and not sure where to start. Any help would be much appreciated 
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What is the department/area of law?Hello! I have been allocated to a seat for a VS in an area that I am not particularly familiar with. I've read the firm pages on it, but otherwise have no idea how to prepare! There are lots of resources online and not sure where to start. Any help would be much appreciated
Hey congrats that’s amazing! Was that an email or a phone call? I’m certain I’ve been rejected as I got a very average amberjack score) and screwed up the interview bit too haha
Same question please! Any help would be great, including the nature of the interview. Thanks.
This threads and posts might be a useful read:
Converting your vacation scheme into a training contract - top tips in 2021
Hey all, A few people have asked about this so I thought we'd create a central thread for 2021. Anyone feel free to share your own top tips on converting a vacation scheme into a training contract. I'd recommend reading the following threads to kick us off...www.thecorporatelawacademy.com
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24
how many firms is everyone waiting on? im waiting on 3 and then that concludes my cycle! I'm waiting on two (planning on writing one more) and got one VS (with the great help of this forum!)www.thecorporatelawacademy.com
Generally, your conversion interview will focus more on your reflections on your vacation scheme (what you enjoyed, what was challegning, what was surprusing, how your interest in the firm has been reaffirmed or changed etc), and also how you may have generally developed as a candidate in the months since your vacation scheme interview. Be prepared to answer questions about where else you are applying and how those firms may differ to your VS firm both in terms of job opportunity and from a commercial awareness perspective.
It is less likely to be competency based as the feedback from your department is much more likely to cover the competencies they want to assess. It tends to be much more focus on career motivational questions and commercial awareness, but really tying both of those things to what you have learnt both from your scheme and also the other things you have done in recent months (e.g. how your studies are going, other vacation schemes you have done/have lined up, other recruitment processes you are involved in, new extracurriculars you are involved in).
To add to this: I’ll give you a whistle stop tour of some tips that were helpful for me during my scheme. I recently converted a VSThis threads and posts might be a useful read:
Converting your vacation scheme into a training contract - top tips in 2021
Hey all, A few people have asked about this so I thought we'd create a central thread for 2021. Anyone feel free to share your own top tips on converting a vacation scheme into a training contract. I'd recommend reading the following threads to kick us off...www.thecorporatelawacademy.com
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24
how many firms is everyone waiting on? im waiting on 3 and then that concludes my cycle! I'm waiting on two (planning on writing one more) and got one VS (with the great help of this forum!)www.thecorporatelawacademy.com
Generally, your conversion interview will focus more on your reflections on your vacation scheme (what you enjoyed, what was challegning, what was surprusing, how your interest in the firm has been reaffirmed or changed etc), and also how you may have generally developed as a candidate in the months since your vacation scheme interview. Be prepared to answer questions about where else you are applying and how those firms may differ to your VS firm both in terms of job opportunity and from a commercial awareness perspective.
It is less likely to be competency based as the feedback from your department is much more likely to cover the competencies they want to assess. It tends to be much more focus on career motivational questions and commercial awareness, but really tying both of those things to what you have learnt both from your scheme and also the other things you have done in recent months (e.g. how your studies are going, other vacation schemes you have done/have lined up, other recruitment processes you are involved in, new extracurriculars you are involved in).
First, carry around a notepad and pen around you can have conversations with people or anyone can say something potentially useful during the scheme so just write down their name and 1-3 useful pieces of advice that you gleaned from the conversation and then you’ll be able to augment it later to see if it can be utilised. Make a point of connecting with people outside of your supervisor and trainee buddy because everyone can give feedback on you. Don’t go overboard trying to meet everyone be strategic. For instance, on my scheme I figured out who were on the hiring committee and focused on them because I knew they would be in the wash up meeting at the end! Listen more than you speak. Can’t overstate that enough! Don’t be over enthusiastic! Be yourself, be interested. When your supervisor gives you work, remember they are your client, ask when they want the work by, how they want the work, the style, format etc., anything and ofc be inquisitive about how the work fits into the larger deal etc. Basics like grammar and spelling should be absolutely pinned down. If you run late with work because you’ll be doing other activities on the scheme, just let the person know give updates so they know how ur getting on with the work.
I am a firm believer in there is no such thing as a stupid question but there is such a thing as a lazy question. Whenever you need to ask a question to ur supervisor or trainee buddy or someone who has given you work, do some preliminary research beforehand. Then if you have a question go to the person and say I have this question and having done some research this is what I’ve arrived at but I just wanted to check that my understanding is right. This shows initiative, research skills and that you’re interested and keen.
Every firm is different in terms of final assessment/big interview. At my firm we had a 5 min presentation, followed by ques on the presentation, then that was followed by motivational/competency questions. Keep on top of commercial awareness, all the topical issues that are unfolding globally. Know your application and what you wrote in it. It is possible that one or both people conducting the interview will try to push you; don’t fold if you can substantiate your position they are testing to see if you are actually confident in the things you are saying.
In interview the question on why the firm, they’ll be wanting to see whether your position has changed mentally from what I term as: ‘I’m interested in a commercial law career and I’d like to explore this at the firm. Then you do your VS and they are wanting to see your position drastically change to I’m certain I want to be a commercial lawyer and I want to start my career at the firm’. The difference between those two positions is that you’ll have all your existing reasons but then you have acquired new interactions at the firm, work you’ve done that can better substantiate those reasons as well as having new experiences that add to the existing reasons so they want to see what you’ve gained from the VS so you have to go beyond what you said in your VS.
One question I got that initially threw me was: Some law firms are listing on the stock exchange can you discuss a few issues with that. This was something I had never encountered before as it’s not really impacting big firms, but I was able to tackle it well based on my knowledge about listing on the stock exchange and then extrapolate that into my knowledge of how firms operate, the duties lawyers owe to clients and professional regulatory bodies etc.
Good luck!
How would people suggest connecting with trainee buddies/supervisors pre-VS? Is it just connecting on LinkedIn and saying hi ahead of meeting at the VS or should I formulate some questions to ask already?
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Anyone else doing Debevoise Summer (July) scheme and had no updates since March? Guessing that's normal but just checking
Please DM me if you're doing the Hogan Lovells or Eversheds VS this summer or have done so in previous cycles. Also if anyone is doing a TLT or Travers Smith VS this year, im happy to share my previous experience!
I'm not sure I can tell you exactly what the commercial exercise entails without breaching the rules. But I would say that it's not a memory test, but rather a test of your competency and ability to accurately digest information in a short period of time.
- Sep 7, 2024
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You can absolutely connect with your trainee buddy or supervisor on LinkedIn if you'd like to introduce yourself ahead of the scheme - a quick message saying you're looking forward to meeting them can be a nice touch. That said, I personally think it’s often more meaningful to build rapport in person once the scheme starts. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to ask thoughtful questions and engage naturally throughout the placement, which tends to make interactions feel more genuine. So while early contact isn’t a bad thing, I wouldn't overthink it - the real relationship-building happens on the scheme itself.
- Sep 7, 2024
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Congrats on securing both schemes, that’s such a great achievement! While I haven’t done either myself, I’d recommend connecting with future trainees on LinkedIn and arranging a quick call if you have specific questions. I say future trainees because trainees, associates, and partners often have busier schedules, and you’ll likely get a chance to meet and speak with them during the scheme anyway. Reaching out in advance can be helpful, but don’t worry if you don’t manage to as there’ll be plenty of time to build rapport and ask thoughtful questions once the scheme begins. Alternatively, you could also check people’s profile‘s on LinkedIn and see if anyone has done a VS there over the years, and ask any questions you may have. That way, you can get insights from a greater pool. Again, it’s fine if this is not possible as the scheme itself will provide loads of opportunities for you to schedule coffee chats with lawyers, engage in informal convos, etc.
Best of luck. You’re gonna do amazing!
- Sep 7, 2024
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I believe that’s quite normal at this stage, especially as we’ve only just entered June. The firm will likely be in touch soon with pre-scheme materials or further details. If you haven’t heard anything closer to the start date, that would be a good time to follow up. But for now, I wouldn’t be too concerned.
- Sep 7, 2024
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- Sep 7, 2024
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Hi there @tosin4774 ,
Just to add to @Andrei Radu ’s amazing response on this, I’ve linked a thread below which you may also find useful:
Why This Firm? 🤔💭 : Crafting Applications
Hi TCLA Community! 😁 I created this thread because we all know that October is the season of drafting more and more applications for law firms. Knowing that you want to work at a particular firm is one thing; effectively demonstrating why that specific firm interests you is another. There are...
www.thecorporatelawacademy.com
In summary of the link above, I like to approach such questions almost like an equation:
(What I know) + (What I don’t yet know) = A Knowledge Gap
A Knowledge Gap × The Right Environment (i.e. X firm) = Accelerated Growth
So rather than just listing what you admire about the firm, frame it as the essential multiplier that bridges the gap between where you are and where you want to be. For example, if you already understand the basics of private equity but haven’t yet seen how it plays out in cross-border deals, and the firm is known for exactly that, then…that’s your equation in action.
This makes your answer both personal and forward-looking…you're not just choosing the firm because of its rankings or status, but because it’s the right environment to turn your current potential into future impact.
Best wishes with the application. Let us know if you’ve got any more questions. We’d be more than happy to help xx.
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