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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
15,178
21,175
I think cutting at the prior stages is more likely than them inviting many to AC. Interviewing hundreds of candidates just seems inefficient for so few slots. Guess we'll find out soon!
I think this is more likely. To interview hundreds of candidates you need hundreds of interviewers and that’s going to be far less likely with a firm with only 150 lawyers across London and Brussels.
 

BillSikes

Legendary Member
Premium Member
Feb 16, 2024
241
273
For Reed Smith VI, make sure you have a solid bank of examples that demonstrate your motivation to pursue a legal career. There are sub-questions to each question so you'll need to cover substantial substance in your answers in a relatively short time. Have some prompts ready so you know what to touch on as you record but do not read from it. Try and link everything you say back to how that benefits RS. The VI can be exhausting and nauseatingly nerve-wracking so take mini breaks between each question to calm down. Also, I am a Christian so holding onto the Bible really helps!
This really helps thanks. Can you remember if there was any questions about 'Why RS' or a question about a news story?
 

Shandy101

Distinguished Member
Oct 22, 2024
73
282
In my experience, being honest adds authenticity. The key point is addressing the steps you've taken to improve and work on that weakness and maybe giving a recent example.
Anyone got any advice on how to answer 'What are your weaknesses?' or any tips on what not to say?
I would second that but qualify it by saying don't be too honest and open- balance transparency with tact. Choose something that isn’t critical to the role- that is if your weakness is something like a lack of attention to detail, don't use it. Strategic weaknesses are good e.g. saying that you tend to take on too many responsibilities because you want to help where you can. This sometimes leads to feeling stretched. To address this, you’ve worked on setting clearer boundaries and using task management tools to prioritise effectively. You’ve found that this allows you to make more impactful contributions. In essence, you've realised the importance of ensuring you're doing a great job with ur core responsibilities before u take on extra work. Maybe add at the end: "I'm getting better at it every day, and I think it’s helping me do a solid job all around"
 

Chris Brown

Legendary Member
Jul 4, 2024
630
1,752
Almost as if that's what they care for...
even though they don't have a minimum grades requirement, now I am debating whether to apply as i have a mid 2:1
This is why it confuses me when a firm claims it has no minimum grade requirements but then still looks at your grades… 🤨

Almost every single future trainee I have come across at these US firms all have AAA at A-level and a 1st. This is despite having ‘no minimum grade requirements’… 🙃

At least firms like Cleary Gottlieb are honest about their expectations: ‘AAA at A-level and a high 2:1 (68%) from a leading university’ which is pretty much just Oxbridge and RG.

It’s much better for firms to be transparent imo. At least then people know if they stand a realistic chance. 🫡
 
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AlegalA

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Dec 4, 2023
226
455
What do people say to answer the question "what is your biggest mistake"? I can think of times when I've done mistakes, but I don't have like a BIG mistake and I don't want it to look like I'm copping out of the question...
 

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