TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[laby201]

PFO from Baker McKenzie post test.

I’d rather do the WGT 5 times in a row than do another SJT. Done about 5 this cycle and not passed a single one — how can something so simple seemingly be such a big hurdle? 😭

 

[kcr]

Baker's PFO, at least they are efficient! Quite a shame that so much weighting is placed onto the new test...

 

[Dakuai]

If anyone has any tips for Willkie's interview, particularly the commercial case study, it would be much appreciated!

 

[HopefulTraineeHannah]

Long time lurker on here but I’ve made an account just to share this as I honestly cannot believe it.

Me and my boyfriend both applied to the same firm at a similar time (we’re both at uni studying law). We reviewed each other’s applications, got through, prepped for the VIs and I thought mine went really badly. He heard yesterday that he got through to the AC and I was really happy for him.

However, I heard today that I also got it and the only available date was THE EXACT SAME DATE AS MY BOYFRIEND’S AC.

I’m not sure what to make of this. In a way, it’ll be nice to have that support network there and is a funny story, but hoping it doesn’t put me off/or I’m not overly jealous if he gets it and I don’t. If we both get it and land a VS together, I probably would pretend I don’t know him so the firm doesn’t judge (if they would).

What a wild turn of events 😭😰

 

[Farhan65756]

Interview for Travers Smith Just heard by phone and applied close to the deadline. Grad rec said they're in the early stages of interviewing to reassure anyone waiting for news.

Any previous experiences gratefully received!

I'm glad to hear they're still in the early stage of interviewing coz I've not heard back yet. Hopefully I and others get interview offers. Good luck with your interview btw.

 

[The-PFO-Collector]

Happy Friday everyone!!
If anyone needs a sign of motivation here it is…

1. This is my first cycle applying
2. Yes I have applied to way too Many firms
3. Yes I have a rejections sheet which is just as impressive 😭
4. I probably won’t get any offers due to the sheer amount I have applied to but I’ve found joy in applying.
5. how did I find the time? I had a week or so off of work as I was sick and used that time to apply x Christmas break.

I had a mind block after my Fieldfisher PFO post TI and wanted to give up all together. But I’d say rejection pushed me to apply to more places. There are some firms I’ve put more effort into than others, and others I applied to just to improve my understanding of tests.
View attachment 5556

Hey, been missing your updates, how is it going?

 

[The-PFO-Collector]

Holding myself accountable (again). TLDR: 28 apps, five PFO's

Willkie Farr & Gallagher ✅📼📝
Covington & Burling ✅❌
Shearman & Sterling ✅
White & Case ✅📼🎙️
Milbank ✅
Ropes & Gray ✅
Arnold & Porter ✅
Sullivan & Cromwell ✅❌
Latham & Watkins ✅
Kirkland & Ellis ✅
Skadden Arps ✅
Vinson & Elkins ✅
Weil Gotshal & Manges ✅
Akin ✅📝
Gibson Dunn ✅❌
Goodwin ✅
Cleary Gottlieb ✅
Paul Hastings ✅
Ashurst ✅ 📝❌
Macfarlanes ✅📝
Mayer Brown ✅📝
King & Spalding?
Winston & Strawn ✅
Morgan Lewis ✅
Fried Frank (1st January)
Orrick ✅
Dechert ✅
Cooley ✅
Morrison Foerster ✅
Slaughter and May ✅❌


✅ = applied; ❌ = PFO; 📼 = VI; 🎙️ = AC; 📝 = test.

You too... been missing your updates, how is it going?

 

[Deleted member 32324]

Out of curiosity, how did you do in your tests?

PFO from Baker McKenzie post test.

I’d rather do the WGT 5 times in a row than do another SJT. Done about 5 this cycle and not passed a single one — how can something so simple seemingly be such a big hurdle? 😭

Baker's PFO, at least they are efficient! Quite a shame that so much weighting is placed onto the new test...

 

[laby201]

Out of curiosity, how did you do in your tests?

From what I recall, I got 7/9 on one column, 6/9 on another, then two 3/9s.

It’s weird as remember one of my 3s was in grit and the Reed Smith one gave me 7/9 for grit. I don’t get it 😭

 

[kcr]

Out of curiosity, how did you do in your tests?

4/9 on each column, 'excelled' in applied verbal intellect. As with others, these results were completely different to almost identical tests I have taken 😆

 

[Lawyer500]

I'm not sure this is correct. I submitted my VI in February yet there are people who did theirs in December and haven't received the holding email. That said, I think it could simply mean they've now reviewed the VI and made their decision either way.

Oh I hadn’t seen that about some December submissions not getting theirs! I submitted mine early feb and got it a couple of days ago

 

[Givemeatcplease]

Coming on here as needed to vent.

I had an AC yesterday and one of the interviews was a case study interview where the Partner would assume the role of a client when you gave a 15 minute presentation, followed by 20 minutes of questions.

When I get into my interview, the Partner immediately says that he’s not going to do the role play of being the client as he finds it pointless/stupid. It threw me off a bit, but I guess you get Partners like that and who have preferences.

However, when I was trying to give my presentation, he interrupted me about every minute with a remark and questioning me, which got me incredibly flustered. I thought the questions were supposed to come afterwards. I barely got to do a “presentation” as it was just me speaking for a minute and then him probing.

I know it’s not going to change the outcome but am I right to feel annoyed about this? Feel it’s incredibly unfair if a Partner isn’t going to follow the brief they’re given. Made all my preparation feel worthless.

 

[LehmanBrothersRiskManagementIntern]

Coming on here as needed to vent.

I had an AC yesterday and one of the interviews was a case study interview where the Partner would assume the role of a client when you gave a 15 minute presentation, followed by 20 minutes of questions.

When I get into my interview, the Partner immediately says that he’s not going to do the role play of being the client as he finds it pointless/stupid. It threw me off a bit, but I guess you get Partners like that and who have preferences.

However, when I was trying to give my presentation, he interrupted me about every minute with a remark and questioning me, which got me incredibly flustered. I thought the questions were supposed to come afterwards. I barely got to do a “presentation” as it was just me speaking for a minute and then him probing.

I know it’s not going to change the outcome but am I right to feel annoyed about this? Feel it’s incredibly unfair if a Partner isn’t going to follow the brief they’re given. Made all my preparation feel worthless.

Is this BCLP?😂

If that’s BCLP, I’m not surprised.

Yes, you have every right to feel annoyed. The partner should have followed the instructions (especially if it was outlined that the partner should let you present first and then ask questions). Don’t worry, you did your best. Just stay positive!

 

[zainab.nadeem02]

Clyde & Co AC😍

Congrats!! Which office?

 

[The-PFO-Collector]

Coming on here as needed to vent.

I had an AC yesterday and one of the interviews was a case study interview where the Partner would assume the role of a client when you gave a 15 minute presentation, followed by 20 minutes of questions.

When I get into my interview, the Partner immediately says that he’s not going to do the role play of being the client as he finds it pointless/stupid. It threw me off a bit, but I guess you get Partners like that and who have preferences.

However, when I was trying to give my presentation, he interrupted me about every minute with a remark and questioning me, which got me incredibly flustered. I thought the questions were supposed to come afterwards. I barely got to do a “presentation” as it was just me speaking for a minute and then him probing.

I know it’s not going to change the outcome but am I right to feel annoyed about this? Feel it’s incredibly unfair if a Partner isn’t going to follow the brief they’re given. Made all my preparation feel worthless.

I would have been sooo happy.... I would have agreed with him, and asked if he wants to just have a formal/ informal interview... (emphasis on the INFORMAL'... Then I would have veered off into what he does and asked him questions lol...

I see that as a blessing... Please tell me the firm so I can apply and ask that I 'present' to this partner lol

 

[bangarangbass39]

I would have been sooo happy.... I would have agreed with him, and asked if he wants to just have a formal/ informal interview... (emphasis on the INFORMAL'... Then I would have veered off into what he does and asked him questions lol...

I see that as a blessing... Pllease tell me the firm so I can apply and ask that I 'present' to this partner lol

ACA-DEMIC WEAPON

 

[Hana ♥]

Has anyone here heard of any ACs being handed out for Dechert Summer VS yet? (Not Spring)

 

[EliteWhovian]

how many firms is everyone waiting on? im waiting on 3 and then that concludes my cycle!

Around like 5?

My motto is, "if it falls below four, apply to more"

But I am going to start focusing on the direct applications opening up in the next few months

 

[mfuturetrainee]

Coming on here as needed to vent.

I had an AC yesterday and one of the interviews was a case study interview where the Partner would assume the role of a client when you gave a 15 minute presentation, followed by 20 minutes of questions.

When I get into my interview, the Partner immediately says that he’s not going to do the role play of being the client as he finds it pointless/stupid. It threw me off a bit, but I guess you get Partners like that and who have preferences.

However, when I was trying to give my presentation, he interrupted me about every minute with a remark and questioning me, which got me incredibly flustered. I thought the questions were supposed to come afterwards. I barely got to do a “presentation” as it was just me speaking for a minute and then him probing.

I know it’s not going to change the outcome but am I right to feel annoyed about this? Feel it’s incredibly unfair if a Partner isn’t going to follow the brief they’re given. Made all my preparation feel worthless.

ngl it is frustrating but sometimes they do that to jus test your grit! it doesn't mean your preparation went to waste, they jus wanna see how you can react to changes (which are bound to happen in a real life sitch esp if ure actually presenting to a pesky client)

 

[EzeLaylor]

Does anyone know if the Paul Hastings summer work placement ends with a TC interview? I've checked online but can't seem to find out - currently trying to decide if I should just apply to the direct TC or the summer scheme