TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[rapunzel]

For a 2 min VI question of what skills a lawyer needs, what is the best structure to go with? Should it be name 2-3 attributes/skills, link to the role of a lawyer and then link to my own experience? Should the final part be STAR structure?? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

From what I've learnt from VIs I would suggest just focusing on 2 as two minutes is not that long and linking it back to your own experience. For example talking about teamwork and saying when you worked in a team and then talking about commercial awareness and your own experience. I've personally steered away from STAR in VIs and instead used it in the final interviews where you get given more time to speak in-depth about your experiences. In VIs you want to give answers that just go straight to the point of the question.

 

[unknownnn7372]

what is the best way to prepare for my spring vacation scheme? are there any specific tips that anyone has to offer

 

[legallyells]

From what I've learnt from VIs I would suggest just focusing on 2 as two minutes is not that long and linking it back to your own experience. For example talking about teamwork and saying when you worked in a team and then talking about commercial awareness and your own experience. I've personally steered away from STAR in VIs and instead used it in the final interviews where you get given more time to speak in-depth about your experiences. In VIs you want to give answers that just go straight to the point of the question.

thank you so much, really helpful!!!

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

Does anyone know if Stevens & Bolton interview candidates in batches or if invites go out all at once? I've seen a couple of interview invites on here and just wanted to know if I ought to put them in my 'impending PFO' list?

 

[student101!]

Does anyone have tips for the Penningtons Manches AC? I got an invite yesterday and it's my first one ever! Would appreciate anything

Many congrats on getting an AC invite I hope it went great! Can I ask if you applied for the spring scheme or the summer one?

 

[sapphireoreos]

Mishcon post-app PFO. Actually quite frustrated here as I got to VI last year and my application was way more tailored this year. Onwards and upwards

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Mishcon post-app PFO. Actually quite frustrated here as I got to VI last year and my application was way more tailored this year. Onwards and upwards

I swear although they say you can reapply that many firms just filter you straight out if you do.

 

[Amakaa]

Has ANYONE who applied for Sidley's SUMMER SCHEME heard back. even if it is a test. I'm checking something

 

[BBsharkk]

I swear although they say you can reapply that many firms just filter you straight out if you do.

Yes, and it's completely bonkers. It punishes those who are resilient and progressed to later stages .

 

[trainee4u]

Does anyone know if Stevens & Bolton interview candidates in batches or if invites go out all at once? I've seen a couple of interview invites on here and just wanted to know if I ought to put them in my 'impending PFO' list?

this is the email I received:

Thank you for your application for a vacation scheme and training contract with us here at Stevens & Bolton LLP. We are pleased to invite you to attend a first interview with a partner, which will take place on Zoom and should last no longer than 30 minutes.
You will need to select your interview slot yourself, so it is best to do this sooner rather than later to ensure you have a slot that works for you, as they will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

We would also like you to complete an online Watson Glaser critical thinking assessment - information on completing this can be found here in your AllHires portal. It will need to be completed by 14/3/2025.

Interview dates: Monday 3 March - Wednesday 12 March 2025

 

[mariistm]

Does anyone know if Ashfords is rolling?

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

this is the email I received:

Thank you and congratulations on the interview invite. Sounds like the first of a two-stage process. In which case, it seems unlikely they'd progress other candidates, given their schemes start in a month.

 

[jta227]

I swear although they say you can reapply that many firms just filter you straight out if you do.

To be fair Mishcon isn't one of these firms I don't think - personally spoke to 2 trainees there, one got in on their 2nd try and one on their 3rd try. Though I don't think they had received VIs in their earlier cycles so maybe the firm having seen more if you in that sense affects things

 

[sapphireoreos]

I swear although they say you can reapply that many firms just filter you straight out if you do.

I actually heard from a trainee that Mishcon loves rejecting people at least once before they decide to take you on, but oh well

 

[SonghaivAngel]

Really sorry to hear this! Congrats making it to these stages tho- massive achievement.

Just wondering when you did your Willkie interview and how you heard? Telephone or email?

Hi, thank you! Did my interview on Tuesday 25 February and heard back by email at 9am this morning

 

[lawyersum]

"we have people in each cohort who got in after applying for a second time. Stick with it and don’t give up!” - Taken from Mishcon's Chambers Student Profile. Not sure if they mean simply reapplying after app stage or further stages, but sounds somewhat promising!

 

[Legal Wizard]

anyone done V&E partner interview pm me plz.

 

[trainee4u]

Thank you and congratulations on the interview invite. Sounds like the first of a two-stage process. In which case, it seems unlikely they'd progress other candidates, given their schemes start in a month.

I don't think there are any more stages: just interview + WG, then you either make it to VS or not. After the VS there would be an interview for TC.

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

Just to clarify, for everyone that has done the CRS vi for their placement (vac) scheme, is the next stage the scheme itself? I thought we would have to do an AC but from their website it looks like that’s only for direct TC applicants. Instead, vac schemers do it during the vs.

 

[lelezb1]

Hey all.
I am trying to prepare an answer for a question asking 'a location for a new overseas office'. I was thinking of Dubai and wanted to know if the legal landscape in Dubai is saturated or not?
Any help would be appreciated!