TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Hey! I can be of some help here as well.

As @billyonthespeeddial mentioned, you'll only be be able to do a vac scheme outside of term time. I'm doing an LLM this year, and honestly, was not able to apply to any vac schemes as the LLM in most cases will still go on during the summer, which is when most vac schemes take place. I was only able to apply to direct TCs this year which massively reduced my chances imo.

But the good news, is that you'll also be able to apply for a graduate visa upon completing the LLM. Here, you'll be able to complete all types of schemes with no restrictions.

Hope this helps!!

noted, thanks a ton!

 

[x_law2004]

Anyone hear back from Perkins coie post interview? I know offers are out but really thought I would’ve at least received a rejection

 

[BobThebIlly]

As someone who has done a winter and a summer scheme this year: No difference in terms of competition or chances of converting as a general rule. Grad rec is very experienced in balancing these. Sometimes it happens that there's fewer or more people converting one or the other. But that's more about the individuals in the schemes.

Thanks for your reply — definitely reassuring. If you don’t mind my asking, how many winter vs summer VS did you apply to?

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Thanks for your reply — definitely reassuring. If you don’t mind my asking, how many winter vs summer VS did you apply to?

I applied to around 10 Winter and 10 Summer, and 5 or so direct TC

 

[helloj]

Is there a list for winter vac schemes opening in August - I am struggling to find it?!

 

[Chris Brown]

Is there a list for winter vac schemes opening in August - I am struggling to find it?!

The majority of Winter VS applications open in mid Sept. I think A&O Shearman, Ashurst, NRF, Freshfields, Jones Day and Sidley Austin open in August or early September. Best of luck with all your applications in the upcoming cycle! 🙂​

 

[Uch21]

Hey guys, two questions here. Has anyone heard back from the DAC Beachcroft Vac Scheme? They said they'd get back to successful candidates by early August, but their applications were rolling so just curious if anyone has heard back yet.
Secondly, and I know this has probably been asked to death but slightly worried about my first year grades (bit of a unique situation): I did far better than I thought I did in first year, coming near the top of my cohort and getting four Firsts out of six. However, I did get a 58 in Tort. My average is still obviously high 2:1. No mitigating circumstances, just a bad day at the office. Was wondering what the approach is now? I have really good grades that aside (all the way back to GCSEs and A-Levels) and obviously very high grades in uni other than Tort so was wondering if the move is to bother applying for the Slaughters, Jones Days of the industry? And also generally, how screwed am I for next year lol

I haven't heard back but I think it was labelled rolling because it seemed like they initially didn't have a deadline. Also for your second question, you should be fine. Most firms are looking for a 2:1 overall and some don't even have a minimum requirement.

 

[llblawstudent]

I haven't heard back but I think it was labelled rolling because it seemed like they initially didn't have a deadline. Also for your second question, you should be fine. Most firms are looking for a 2:1 overall and some don't even have a minimum requirement.

Thanks for the response: I think they do have a deadline, I saw July 21 on their LinkedIn and IG pages. About the grades, most of my worries are because firms sometimes say CONSISTENTLY exceptional too- a high 2:1 with one anomalous 2:2 surely undermines the consistent part of it no? Would you personally go for the likes of Slaughters and Jones Day? The fact they care about grades could help me, as besides that grade my profile is very strong but that one grade undermines it

 

[User5678]

Thanks for the response: I think they do have a deadline, I saw July 21 on their LinkedIn and IG pages. About the grades, most of my worries are because firms sometimes say CONSISTENTLY exceptional too- a high 2:1 with one anomalous 2:2 surely undermines the consistent part of it no? Would you personally go for the likes of Slaughters and Jones Day? The fact they care about grades could help me, as besides that grade my profile is very strong but that one grade undermines it

Top US and some magic circle firms can be strict but not this strict that one module 2:2 will affect your chances. I believe many of the candidates who have a high 2:1 or 1 in their degree may also have a 2:2 module but still progress. On that note, I know someone who had a few 2:2’s and an overall mid 2:1 but progressed with a magic circle firm to an AC. Don’t worry too much and apply anyways

 

[AS24]

Has anyone heard back from WFW after the VI?

 

[Jaysen]

Is there a list for winter vac schemes opening in August - I am struggling to find it?!

We will be posting this week

 

[Alturistic whale]

Hiya @Alturistic whale! Absolutely

Thank you! I sent a follow up