TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Kakaboo]

Fieldfisher phone interview invite - any advice and tips will be highly appreciated! Thank you

What did you have to do on the online assessment?

 

[Shandy101]

Thank you for your encouraging words, it's really something I need in this brutal cycle. May I also ask how did you change your answers the second time you applied to the same firm? Did you have to significantly amend your original answers?

No worries. Sometimes, we need brutal honesty, and sometimes, we need that support.

I used verbatim, 2 answers (which I thought was great) and amended 2 others because this year, they changed things up with Skadden for instance. Significantly, under the section: 'Did you apply before?', I said yes but noted the progress I had made since my last application based on the feedback I had received, which included, inter alia, taking part in the commercial awareness competition, becoming certified as a civil and commercial mediator, etc. I think they key thing was that I had made progress since the last app maybe? I also did a vacation scheme at another firm.

 

[Shandy101]

For interview questions that are 'what would you do' in a certain situation - do we need to give an example from our experience that relates to the question?

Probably no rule that says yes, but I think it is advisable to not just say what you would do but bolster it with an example, if you have one, of when you actually did it. That's my view.

 

[Shandy101]

Could anyone share if Reed Smith VI includes motivational, competency or commercial awareness questions? I would be immensely grateful!

I haven't taken mine, but they include a short video when you press the 'start test' button, and they say what to expect, including "have a calculator", which is always scary! 😂😂 Also says that you are recorded while taking the test. You can then close the screen without going to the next step.

 

[kokoprep]

Is Kirkland rolling and do they sponsor visas for TC?

 

[ReedSmithBecca]

Could anyone share if Reed Smith VI includes motivational, competency or commercial awareness questions? I would be immensely grateful!

Hi! Congratulations on reaching this stage in the process The video interview is a mix of the above. To prepare, I would recommend re-reading your application and reminding yourself of your motivations for law/the firm, and also considering your strengths and examples of times you have shown these (non-legal examples are just as valid!). You will have unlimited prep time between each question.

 

[AS24]

Hi! Congratulations on reaching this stage in the process The video interview is a mix of the above. To prepare, I would recommend re-reading your application and reminding yourself of your motivations for law/the firm, and also considering your strengths and examples of times you have shown these (non-legal examples are just as valid!). You will have unlimited prep time between each question.

Morning Rebecca,

Thank you very much for your reply. I will strictly follow your instructions!

 

[tcla888]

No - there is no need to align everything to the largest or most profitable area. As long as the area you are focusing on regularly takes trainees, then it is not an issue for you to focus on it. It would only be very niche areas that you may not even sit in as a trainee that are areas to avoid.

Thank you sm

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Hi all, I have now completed a WVS at HL (it was my first ever VS). I'm not a career changer or anything, just a recent grad, so before this scheme I had limited legal work experience. I had therefore limited myself to applying to vacation schemes. Now that I have this, is it fair to think that I can also apply for direct TC opportunities? I'm thinking, for example, Stephenson Harwood. Or would firms like this still prefer a candidate like me to apply for the VS?

 

[Tintin06]

Hi all, I have now completed a WVS at HL (it was my first ever VS). I'm not a career changer or anything, just a recent grad, so before this scheme I had limited legal work experience. I had therefore limited myself to applying to vacation schemes. Now that I have this, is it fair to think that I can also apply for direct TC opportunities? I'm thinking, for example, Stephenson Harwood. Or would firms like this still prefer a candidate like me to apply for the VS?

I'd check the pages on here. It talks about VCs vs VS. SH direct TC would make sense. Still, some firms hire mainly VSers.

 

[Farhan65756]

Does anyone know if there’s a benchmark for Addleshaw Goddard’s Critical Thinking test?

 

[navigatinglegal]

Does anyone have an update on the Mishcon vi deadline? I emailed but haven’t gotten a response yet😭

 

[LawAspirer]

Anyone got any update from Latham on spring vacation scheme? I know some people got PFOs. I applied end november

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

I'd check the pages on here. It talks about VCs vs VS. SH direct TC would make sense. Still, some firms hire mainly VSers.

Thanks, I think one worry I have is if this is still "too little" experience for direct TC, especially where I'm also eligible for a firm's vacation scheme

 

[cjwx]

Are you allowed to use a calculator for the Trowers & Hamlins test. I have not received it yet, but I hate maths so if you can't I will cry.

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

Thanks, I think one worry I have is if this is still "too little" experience for direct TC, especially where I'm also eligible for a firm's vacation scheme

It depends on the firm, but SH are keen on people to apply for direct TCs if you’re a grad (even if you don’t have law experience).
As you have a vac scheme under your belt, you’ll be absolutely fine.
I’ve been to a direct TC AC with them and 80% of people were grads with no history of vac schemes / directly working in law

 

[Tintin06]

Thanks, I think one worry I have is if this is still "too little" experience for direct TC, especially where I'm also eligible for a firm's vacation scheme

I don't think that's true, honestly. Just put your best foot forward. Focus on HG app and WG. Those are the first steps.

 

[fcac98]

Work Experience Section of Application
How does everyone structure their answers in the work experience section of applications? I have been bullet pointing my responsibilities and then writing a few words on what I got out of the role.

Do any of you tie these answers into the firm you're applying to? Or do any of you answer this section any differently? Grateful to get responses from people who have successfully received VS's and TC's.

 

[Gday33]

Has anyone done the MB job sim yet and fancy offering any insight? 🤞🏻

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

What did you have to do on the online assessment?

hey, there were behavioural questions