TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Toenails]

does sully crom place great emphasis on grades?

 

[AlegalA]

Hey guys! I need advice for DAC Beachcroft application. I'm really confused about the layout.

On the first page, they have three boxes fill in.
The first on is called "personal summary" and is described as "your personal summary is your opportunity to summarise your key skills and achievements and include positive words that describe you as a person. Highlight the roles you have held and your key achievements to date. Avoid anything that narrows down your options too much unless you are only applying to very specific roles".
The second is "interest and hobbies", described as "We understand people have a range of hobbies outside their working lives - let us know what you do in your spare time".
And the third is to do with personal and professional referees.

None of these have a word count.

On the second page, we are requested to upload our CV.

The "instructions" on their website only say:

• The application window closes on 31st January 2025 – to apply you will need to upload a current CV

I'm confused mostly about the first question to be honest. I can obviously take out my interest and hobbies from my CV and expand on them in the text box, given they're not a huge part of it, but isn't the first question asking about what I've written in my CV?
Also, given there's no word count what would you recommend I aim for?

Any advice would be amazing @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam , or if anyone's gone through their app process and has any insight, that would be super helpful!

Thanks guys

 

[Tcvspfo]

When I'm talking about current trainees in an interview setting would it be ok to just mention their first name?

I say trainee Alex Malcolm or sometimes say trainee David. I think if you attended an event you can just say listening to or speaking to Rahul at event X as firms know which trainees volunteered for which of their events.

 

[Jessica Booker]

When I'm talking about current trainees in an interview setting would it be ok to just mention their first name?

I’d generally try to use full names unless the name is quite unique.

 

[AS24]

Yes - your agency could be a good alternative. If you are through your own limited company and have an accountant, your accountant may also be a good referee (this is what I have had to do in my line of work before).

Thank you @Jessica Booker

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hiya! I was wondering if anyone could help clarify what counts as an 'extracurricular activities'? e.g. when a firm asks 'Please give details of any interests and extra-curricular activities, including any positions of responsibility or achievements. Tell us what skills and competencies you have developed in the activities you have undertaken and how you developed these' would positions on may ball/law ball committees, student unions, law society committee etc count as extracurricular or should I only include that as work experience? Could mooting also fall under extracurriculars? As most of my hobbies aren't group-based (e.g. knitting, reading) I have not been involved in any sport/hobby societies at uni. I know firms like people to be well-rounded and have interests outside of work/study but at the same time my hobbies/interests aren't those which you can use to demonstrate achievements or positions of responsibility so I'm not sure how to approach this question

The examples are all extracurriculars and in my view should not be in work experience sections.

The general rule is that extracurriculars / positions of responsibility should be the things you choose to do, while work experience should be the things you are contractually committed to.

The exceptions to work experience are volunteer roles where you are delivering a service, and things like open days, virtual work experience programmes.

 

[Rus]

Ashurst's test is unironically the worst

 

[helloj]

Anyone have any insights into the Mayer Brown job sim? Are the video interviews competency, behavioural or motivation based? Unsure on how to prepare

 

[The-PFO-Collector]

Anyone have any insights into the Mayer Brown job sim? Are the video interviews competency, behavioural or motivation based? Unsure on how to prepare

Don't remember anything about it, except it was the longest test I've ever done...

 

[suhana]

is there any point applying to Weil now or am I better spending my time on something else

"Applications for our Spring and Summer Vacation Schemes close this Sunday, 15th December 2024. We do not screen applications on a rolling basis, therefore your application is guaranteed to be reviewed if you have not yet submitted it"

Got this email from grad rec after I attended the open day last week. I just submitted my application too.

 

[suhana]

@Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman

I just realized I made an error in my HSF application regarding my A-level equivalent grades. Instead of writing 96, I mistakenly wrote 98. I'm not sure how this happened, as all my other applications on Candid are accurate. I've already emailed the graduate recruitment team to correct the mistake.

I'm a bit concerned that this could be viewed as a lack of attention to detail or submitting inaccurate grades in my application, and I'm worried they might withdraw my application because of it. Does anyone have insights into whether this is likely to affect my application?

By the way, I passed the assessment benchmark, and my application is currently under review.

 

[Tintin06]

Ashurst's test is unironically the worst

This is why I didn't apply.

 

[Ricky]

Anyone have any insights into the Mayer Brown job sim? Are the video interviews competency, behavioural or motivation based? Unsure on how to prepare

During a GR webinar, they said it included a motivation-based video interview question (2 mins to prepare and 2 mins to answer) and from All About Law:

Successful candidates will then be asked to complete a 45-minute “Life at Mayer Brown” trainee job simulation exercise. This involves answering multiple choice, written and video interview questions based on various scenarios and tasks our trainees will be expected to encounter during their Training Contract.

Will be completing it myself later this week

 

[Amma Usman]

HL Lift Off PFO. feels extremely disheartening, but i keep going.

could anyone advice, in their opinion, whether it is worth applying for the VS route? i remain passionate about the firm.

Hey there @studenttolawyer ,

Yep, I totally agree with @Andrei Radu. A rejection on one programme doesn‘t automatically cancel out your chances of succeeding in VS or TC applications at the same firm. I had been rejected for open days at firms but gotten offers for their ACs/VS. I know of many people who will say the same too. Keep going!!!

 

[Amma Usman]

Just received a Bird & Bird AC invite

Any tips (from last recruitment cycles?) would be highly appreciated can offer A&O AC insights

Hey,

I remember speaking to someone who did the AC last year and the questions mainly centred on the basic why law, why 2birds, and the skills and competencies you can bring to the role. He had also mentioned a heavy weight being placed on why tech/IP.

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jessica! Can TCLA's application review service review the work experience part?

Yes - we can review up to 1500 words of work experience

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman

I just realized I made an error in my HSF application regarding my A-level equivalent grades. Instead of writing 96, I mistakenly wrote 98. I'm not sure how this happened, as all my other applications on Candid are accurate. I've already emailed the graduate recruitment team to correct the mistake.

I'm a bit concerned that this could be viewed as a lack of attention to detail or submitting inaccurate grades in my application, and I'm worried they might withdraw my application because of it. Does anyone have insights into whether this is likely to affect my application?

By the way, I passed the assessment benchmark, and my application is currently under review.

I don’t think this error alone would influence an application

 

[Amma Usman]

When I'm talking about current trainees in an interview setting would it be ok to just mention their first name?

Hi,

This is fine but I would go ahead with mentioning their full name, largely because with hundreds of lawyers in the same firm, there is still the possibility of there being more than one person with the same name. I would also be safe on this and ask for permission to name drop them in your interview if you haven’t already.

 

[Law queries]

Hello, can anybody please tell me how long Mayer Brown takes to send the assessment test link?

 

[Amma Usman]

Any tips on AC group exercise would be greatly appreciated please!!

Hi there,

Absolutely! For group exercises, the key is to stay calm and focus on working well with others. Make sure you’re actively listening to what everyone is saying and contributing in a way that shows you’re engaged. It’s not about taking over or leading everything; it’s about being collaborative and ensuring the group stays on track. Paying attention to time is also important. If you notice things are running over, gently steer the group back without sounding bossy.

Speak clearly and confidently when you share your thoughts, but don’t feel like you have to talk constantly. Quality over quantity always makes a better impression. If the discussion starts to feel chaotic, just stay composed and focus on how you can add value to the task. Showing positive body language is another great way to make an impact. Simple things like maintaining eye contact, nodding when someone speaks, and sitting upright show that you’re engaged and approachable.

Remember, the assessors aren’t looking for perfection but for someone who works well in a team, stays focused, and brings a positive, solutions-oriented mindset to the table. You’ll do great!