TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Ram Sabaratnam]

can you elaborate on why you avoid ESG topics in interviews?

Hiya @Defnefresko

This isn't a hard-and-fast rule, but I generally avoid ESG topics in interviews because they tend to be widely discussed by applicants. I also try my best to find commercial stories or trends that are as closely/directly tied to a firm’s key practice areas, doing enough research to hopefully allow such answers to stand out. Additionally, I try to choose topics where I feel most confident in engaging in a nuanced discussion. Given how broad ESG is - spanning regulatory, transactional, and litigation aspects - I’ve found it more challenging to discuss it in a confident way. That being said, ESG considerations are increasingly relevant across many practice areas. If a particular development closely aligns with a firm’s work, I think it's good to ensure that you can engage with the topic at the right level of depth.

 

[4275purplerainbow]

I completed the Dechert WE way back in Dec but haven't heard anything. Does this mean that I've been rejected??!?!? I'm so confused

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

I completed the Dechert WE way back in Dec but haven't heard anything. Does this mean that I've been rejected??!?!? I'm so confused

Hiya @4275purplerainbow

It might be a good idea to send a quick email to graduate recruitment to check on your application status. It’s possible they’re still working through interviews with candidates who completed the written exercise before you, so I wouldn’t take the silence as a rejection just yet. Several cycles ago, when I did a written exercise in early November, I didn’t hear back until late January. Given the volume of applications a firm might be reviewing, the process of moving an applicant to AC can take some time. Again, I think it would be completely alright to reach out for an update. Hoping you hear some good news soon!

 

[Zaraa.x]

Hiya @Zaraa.x

I highly recommend the LittleLaw piece as a high-level overview of the recent executive orders on DEI. While I generally avoid DEI and ESG topics in interviews, I've had mentees who've mentioned that this issue has indeed come up during their assessment centre interviews, especially for those interviewing at US firms. During one vacation scheme, I was actually asked about similar issues by a partner, so it’s worth brushing up on the topic just in case.

If the topic comes up, you might also be asked about strategies for clients navigating these changes. This is something that the LittleLaw article touches on. However, it doesn’t explicitly set out some of the measures that law firms are now recommending that clients consider. Having read a few law firm publications on this, you may want to mention the following:

• Conducting audits of their DEI programs to identify and remove practices that might violate the executive orders.
• Strengthening compliance documentation to prepare for potential investigations (The executive orders explicitly directs the DOJ to identify major companies, nonprofits, and universities for enforcement action).
• Monitoring for whistleblower risks, especially as agencies like the GSA are encouraging reports of "disguised" DEI programs.
• Preparing for the possibility of shareholder lawsuits where companies remove DEI policies, as well as shareholder actions against companies who keep certain DEI programmes in place (and violate the executive orders).

Again, this is just to provide some ideas on what you might discuss after you've (1) briefly outlined the executive orders and (2) discussed their potential impact on both clients and law firms.

This is amazing thank you ✨

 

[adrian_nlh]

Is anyone else still waiting to hear back from AG (vac scheme)? Did my VI a while ago and was aware some people heard back pretty quickly about AC invites so not sure what to think at this point but I'd rather they just get it over with and send me my PFO!

I remember AG sending me a PFO three months after I applied last cycle. The AC invites had already been distributed about a month after, so I knew, but three months was a bit insane to get a PFO on a random afternoon after I had forgotten about my application.

 

[BillSikes]

I remember AG sending me a PFO three months after I applied last cycle. The AC invites had already been distributed about a month after, so I knew, but three months was a bit insane to get a PFO on a random afternoon after I had forgotten about my application.

Stephenson Harwood was 6 months

 

[lala_17]

i'm worried that doing an ac later will hurt my chances but am very busy next week. ik lots of vac spots for this firm have already gone - what would you reccommend? does when you do your ac make a difference to your chance of an offer?

 

[Chris Brown]

i'm worried that doing an ac later will hurt my chances but am very busy next week. ik lots of vac spots for this firm have already gone - what would you reccommend? does when you do your ac make a difference to your chance of an offer?

I don’t think the firm would have offered you an AC if they didn’t have any VS slots available. It won’t make a difference when you do your AC. The only thing that could happen is that if you applied for a Spring VS, they might offer you a Summer VS instead. Don’t worry too much about the date of your AC. I’m sure everything will be fine. Best of luck! 🙂​

 

[jojo23]

I never realised how easily a video interview can make you hate the sound of your voice

Crs and reed smith, you've broken me🤣

 

[lawyer195]

Anyone know if PW started giving out offers?

 

[sapphireoreos]

Withers pfo

Sorry to hear that. Is for the spring or summer VS?

 

[simplyfaith]

Stephenson Harwood was 6 months

We're in the era of artificial intelligence, and firms still can't send out automated emails?! Next, you'll be telling me they still run windows XP

 

[nourriahi]

Hi! I did my AC in January for Spring VS and was successful — feel free to message me

Hey congrats !! How long did it take them to get back to you after the AC ? I am still waiting it has been a week

 

[nourriahi]

Is there anybody who has done a BCLP AC that would be able to offer some advice? Not asking for specific details but just feeling INCREDIBLY anxious and stressed to the point it's making me super sad 😔

hey i dont know yet if i was successful but message me i can give you insights

 

[xxx]

I have never encountered this before…. It’s for a business development role but?!?

 

[Amakaa]

I submitted my Gibson Dunn App in October and have heard nothing! Are they still giving interview invites? Do i email their GR?

 

[Kakaboo]

does anyone have advice for cappfinify tests!

A structured protocol and foolproof method that is guaranteed to pass.

If situational judgement style tests, take no risks and look at the firms values to try and strike those. Also if choosing to demonstrate two behaviours choose the one you haven’t covered yet.

 

[Kakaboo]

Hi @Andrei Radu, @Ram Sabaratnam and @Amma Usman

I have been invited to complete a video interview and want to make sure to be 'fully prepared'.

When answering a question about qualities or skills, do I need to link it back to my own experiences? I feel like time is of the essence, and if I need to mention multiple aspects, I feel that there is no time to discuss a time when I demonstrated x and y.

Moreover, do you think I can mention examples outside of my professional life?

@Jessica Booker, from a recruiter's point of view, what do you expect to see when assessing a video interview?

Omg massively!! Deffo need to answer that I follow STAR. And yes you can definitely mention examples outside your professional life

 

[Kakaboo]

Is anyone else still waiting to hear back from AG (vac scheme)? Did my VI a while ago and was aware some people heard back pretty quickly about AC invites so not sure what to think at this point but I'd rather they just get it over with and send me my PFO!

Yes I’ve been waiting a month so assumed PFO but not seen anyone from my office get an AC. What office was this?

 

[g.cl.2020344]

I submitted my Gibson Dunn App in October and have heard nothing! Are they still giving interview invites? Do i email their GR?

Honestly I’m the same, I applied in Sept! I emailed them a few weeks ago and they said they are still reviewing apps…