TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[theruleofno]

Hi, does anyone who has done the Mayer Brown SJT know whether there is a video interview element?

If this is the 'Life at Mayer Brown' simulation there are 4 VI questions from memory

 

[AlegalA]

Awesome scores! Best of luck.

I thought my maths was just really bad so spent forever on the questions and ended up guessing some of them because I couldn’t make any sense out of it!!

Thank you!! Best of luck to you too!

Honestly some of them took me soooo long to understand what they were asking, but there was one in particular where the correct answer to pick was definitely formulated in an incorrect way which it made it so confusing

 

[trainee4u]

Goodwin post-VI rejection at 09:45, 41 days later 😔 This one was important to me, so I shall indulge in a small morsel of a rant.

I could've sworn I nailed it, but now, it feels like I wasn't worth speaking with a real person. I don't even get told why. I went to a world-class business school and understand high-innovation clients like the back of my hand. I have four years of legal experience and a plethora of activities demonstrating commitment to the field. I go out of my way to speak with those at all levels, from lawyers and their clients to literal presidents. I get it's competitive, but if I could just talk with those hiring over a coffee instead of having to play these games - I'd make light work of a real conversation. I even had some practice with a former recruiter. Ah, well. I'll get over it soon enough.

Does anyone have advice for those struggling to get past the VI/TI stage? Especially when you think you'd perform well in a proper back-and-forth interview. What is that trying to tell me? Man, it's so hard to decrypt everything. Maybe I also need to just keep playing the numbers game as this was only my third VI, plus one TI. Is this stage even worth giving myself any credit? I did improve upon last year's post-app rejection, though... unless that was just because they fabricated a new stage this year 😭

I applied to their Open Day and got knocked back in favour of the virtual one instead.

I got and failed the VI also.

My impression is that by having large numbers of (not really) Open Day attendees and VI invitees they maximise engagement with their firm even though they're not necessarily interested in working with many of these individuals.

 

[CallumJR]

Cooley AC! 🙂

reading this makes me so happy! Best of luck ❤️

 

[fxy]

anyone here back from bclp ac

 

[Amma Usman]

Goodwin post-VI rejection at 09:45, 41 days later 😔 This one was important to me, so I shall indulge in a small morsel of a rant.

I could've sworn I nailed it, but now, it feels like I wasn't worth speaking with a real person. I don't even get told why. I went to a world-class business school and understand high-innovation clients like the back of my hand. I have four years of legal experience and a plethora of activities demonstrating commitment to the field. I go out of my way to speak with those at all levels, from lawyers and their clients to literal presidents. I get it's competitive, but if I could just talk with those hiring over a coffee instead of having to play these games - I'd make light work of a real conversation. I even had some practice with a former recruiter. Ah, well. I'll get over it soon enough.

Does anyone have advice for those struggling to get past the VI/TI stage? Especially when you think you'd perform well in a proper back-and-forth interview. What is that trying to tell me? Man, it's so hard to decrypt everything. Maybe I also need to just keep playing the numbers game as this was only my third VI, plus one TI. Is this stage even worth giving myself any credit? I did improve upon last year's post-app rejection, though... unless that was just because they fabricated a new stage this year 😭

I’m really sorry about the PFO. It’s completely understandable to feel frustrated, VIs can often feel that way, and the lack of feedback makes it even tougher to gauge what went wrong. It’s also important to acknowledge the progress you’ve made, from post-app rejections last year to reaching this stage now. That’s movement in the right direction.

For VIs, my personal advice is to treat them like you’re recording a TikTok video of yourself dancing, no one else is in the room. It sounds odd, but confidence and energy translate through the screen in ways we don’t always realise. The smallest things contribute: making sure your intonation is clear enough to express enthusiasm, checking for smudges on your camera, and even thinking about how formal you're treating it. I know opinions differ, but I personally show up in a full suit as if it’s a real interview.

More than anything, confidence in your own words is key. If you are sure of what you're saying, others will be too. This comes down to knowing your motivations, your CV, and your commercial awareness inside and out. With firm research, it's less about memorisation and more about being natural yet professional, showing that you’ve thought critically about “why us” and how industry developments impact them.

And I get it, VIs were a struggle for me too. I kept getting rejected until I took this approach, and things started turning around. You're clearly capable, so don’t let this one setback shake your confidence. Keep going. You've already improved from last year, and with each attempt, you're sharpening your skills.

Best of luck!

 

[addy2004]

Hiya @addy2004

This can be a really common question in law firm interviews, and it's good you're thinking about it I think the key here is to demonstrate that you have a practical and realistic understanding of career progression for commercial lawyers, while showing ambition and engagement with the profession. I've generally seen successful applicants mention a number of different themes here, usually 2-3 of those mentioned below.

One strong area to focus on is where you see yourself in terms of practice area/department. It could be worth mentioning a particular team or practice area that interests you as a potential qualification destination, explaining why that practice is compelling. At the same time, I'd also briefly mention/show openness to exploring different seats and recognising that your interests may evolve during training contract. I think this approach balances enthusiasm for particular areas of work and also adaptability.

Another point you might consider is your involvement in the firm beyond client work. Many candidates mention an interest in helping mentor and support more junior lawyers, including future trainees. Mentioning these sort of things can signal your commitment to a long-term investment in the firm’s culture, a sense of teamwork, and professional development. It also allows you to highlight that you're aware that you'll have some experience by that point which can be valuable to those who are less further along their careers.

These are just some suggestions, but again the key point is to ensure that any points you mention should be realistic and demonstrate an understanding of firms and the typical career path for junior lawyers. Hope this helps and good luck with any interviews/applications you have on at the moment!

Thank you so much!

 

[lawgal1908]

How long did it take to hear back from DLA post-AC?

 

[NJS]

Sidley post app? I'm assuming PFO at this point, applied on the deadline

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

Sidley post app? I'm assuming PFO at this point, applied on the deadline

Me too, it seems as though people have heard back for interviews already.

 

[TC129129]

Any point emailing AG about application status if I did VI in late december, or do I just firm the likely PFO?

They just responded to my email with the exact same copied and pasted response as i got in jan saying recruitment process is still ongoing and we will hear back in due course. I dont get why they cant be a bit more human and transparent if we explicitly know people have already received offers

 

[applebunny]

Can anyone provide insight for K&L Gates interview? It's virtual but no clue what to expect!

 

[TC129129]

Can anyone provide insight for K&L Gates interview? It's virtual but no clue what to expect!

Is this for direct TC?

 

[applebunny]

Is this for direct TC?

vs!

 

[YS391]

Is K&L Gates WG test automatic or the next stage? I'm still waiting to hear back post-app for their vac scheme.

 

[tryingmybestlol]

Is K&L Gates WG test automatic or the next stage? I'm still waiting to hear back post-app for their vac scheme.

The test was next stage, I think they're giving out interviews now...

 

[User5678]

I also just completed WBD test- I got high for numerical and verbal and 6 for grit, applied intellect and digital mindset and 7 for creative force so 25/36.

There was definitely a mistake in the numerical questions though right?? Like I spent so long double checking my calculations because the phrasing of the answer was really misleading.

Anyway, hopefully it's enough!! 🤞🤞

Omg, I thought I was the only one who thought that in relation to numerical ques. I had a similar score too 27/36, hopefully we meet the benchmark!!

 

[User5678]

They just responded to my email with the exact same copied and pasted response as i got in jan saying recruitment process is still ongoing and we will hear back in due course. I dont get why they cant be a bit more human and transparent if we explicitly know people have already received offers

They haven’t even responded to me post Watson Glaser😭 I have given up atp

 

[User5678]

@Chris Brown just wanted to say that we are all so happy for you and you’re such an amazing and helpful person wish you the best and hope you smash that ac and get an offer!!

 

[sb04]

Hi, has anyone done the Forsters AC? I'd be more than happy to trade insights for the Mills & Reeve, Weil, Milbank, and White & Case AC!