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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

jacksollaf

Legendary Member
Dec 17, 2024
269
539
ok, I may or may not be the stupidest person on this forum at this point I think 😂😂😂 Basically, I applied to Shoosmiths for a direct TC, and in the beginning you have to justify why you picked the particular location; so I explained why London.... As I started reading, I realized I started with: "I have chosen to apply to Farrer & Co’s London office because [...]" (because Farrer & Co had the same question, basically it's why London over other cities in the UK, so in my answer I didn't mention the firm specifically, but just what London means to me, but still stupid for not changing the name of the firm in my answer)... Such a stupid mistake that results in auto-pfo I guess😂😂 Thing is it's in the beginning beginning so not with the other main application questions, so I hope they overlooked it or something but I am actually so stupid😂😂😂
 

trainee4u

Legendary Member
Sep 7, 2023
241
514
I find the ‘why this office’ questions so annoying. I get why law firms ask. But also, my legitimate answer and 99% of my rationale is: “I live in London” lol

it depends where you're applying to; if you're applying to Sheffield and you live in London they probably think you'll qualify there and then move to London.
 

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
15,304
21,385
I find the ‘why this office’ questions so annoying. I get why law firms ask. But also, my legitimate answer and 99% of my rationale is: “I live in London” lol
Then it is fine to say that - your key motivation for a location does not always need to be work related.
 

andrecsaa

Valued Member
  • Dec 19, 2022
    107
    83
    I don't know if this is completely relevant but has anyone else struggled maintaining motivation with their degree (law degree for me) alongside these applications. It's my first cycle and all the time I spent to not get a vac scheme and then be behind on uni work for nothing has been so demoralising.
    Sorry for the ramble I'm just struggling a lot to get back into uni work, even though I am behind and I need to catch up before exam season gets underway in the next few weeks, and was wondering if anyone has this too or any tips or smth to get the motivation back after all the rejections?
    Sorry to hear that. Focus on your uni work, good grades can open doors now and in the future. No one will know about the rejections in VS / TC apps.
     

    Cool pigeon

    Distinguished Member
    Nov 18, 2023
    65
    96
    For those who have completed the Ropes & Gray psychometric test, what scores did you guys receive? I don't think mine went well and now extremely nervous for the AC. Any advice on how to go about the AC?
    The test is not used to help influence post AC decisions. It is merely to produce questions that will be asked in the interview
     

    tc252627

    Well-Known Member
    Feb 21, 2024
    21
    26
    Hi @Jaysen and @Jessica Booker i hope you’re well! I have two paralegal offers and unsure which to go with. One is with motor injury at an international law firm of higher ranking, the other is with property recoveries at a more mid size/ international firm.

    I am an aspiring commercial lawyer and recognise that property recoveries may lend more to the role, however the other firm is my preferred firm for a TC despite the practice area not being of great interest to me.

    Any advice would be so helpful!
     

    fcac98

    Distinguished Member
    Premium Member
    Dec 16, 2024
    58
    35
    Im preparing for interview questions in my Assessment Centre next week. What are your go to questions to prep for? I have:

    1. Why do you want to be a lawyer
    2. What are your strengths and weaknesses
    3. Which of our sectors interest you the most
    4. How would you pitch our firm to a client (struggling with this if anyone has any advice for structure)
    5. What other firms have you applied to and why
    6. How do your interests align with our work

    I just want to focus on key questions as I have only got a few days to prepare. Any insight will be appreciated!
     

    Jessica Booker

    Legendary Member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Graduate Recruitment
    Premium Member
    Forum Team
    Aug 1, 2019
    15,304
    21,385
    Hi @Jaysen and @Jessica Booker i hope you’re well! I have two paralegal offers and unsure which to go with. One is with motor injury at an international law firm of higher ranking, the other is with property recoveries at a more mid size/ international firm.

    I am an aspiring commercial lawyer and recognise that property recoveries may lend more to the role, however the other firm is my preferred firm for a TC despite the practice area not being of great interest to me.

    Any advice would be so helpful!
    I’d go the opportunity with your preferred firm. There may be opportunities to move internally after sometimes whether that is to another paralegal role or a TC. If it wasn’t your preferred firm for a TC, then I would say to go for the other opportunity.
     

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