TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[lawstudent2]

I haven’t done premium but I’ve done the commercial awareness course and would recommend it. It’s kept me consistent and also given me an indication of the level of detail I should know for topics. CA is one of those things you could just research forever but this course makes me feel like I know I’m on the right tracks.

okay perfect I might do that instead as that's more what I am looking for, thanks

 

[NJS]

Does anyone know for written exercises in an AC if there could be an instance in which they don't provide any materials? And just ask a question, kinda like an essay? @Jessica Booker have you ever seen something like this?

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Does anyone know if an elevator pitch is usually around something you are passionate about? Or would it be more likely to be something around the firm? Should I prepare for both circumstances?

I would be grateful for any advice please! @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman

Hiya @acb0410

Great question! From my experience at assessment centres, elevator pitches can vary quite broadly. I've met candidates who've spoken about personal interests, covering topics from fashion trends to ESG policies to sports investments, as well as others who focused specifically on aspects relating to the firm or industry developments. I've personally found it helpful to focus on more commercial subjects or areas where I had strong knowledge and genuine interest (usually issues of regulation and politics/economics). There isn't usually a fixed expectation around the topic, so it’s good to be flexible here. I think the most important thing to remember is that you're not just giving a very short pitch/presentation on a topic, but also that you need to (1) clearly present a viewpoint or proposal in relation to the topic and (2) that your views should be presented in a structured way so that the audience can follow what you're saying in such a short timeframe.

Another thing I'd encourage you to remember is that you may have to field some follow-up questions. During an assessment centre at a US firm, I was pressed to elaborate further, and needed to come up with a concise, structured responses of around 40-60 seconds.

Overall, I'd encourage you to discuss a topic that you're really interested in and, if you can discuss a commercially relevant topic, that's great too. Just make sure you take a view, are structured in your short pitch, and are prepared to answer any follow up questions concisely. Hope that helps and best of luck with the pitch!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Does anyone know for written exercises in an AC if there could be an instance in which they don't provide any materials? And just ask a question, kinda like an essay? @Jessica Booker have you ever seen something like this?

Yes - this is possibly. For instance I have seen written exercises where you are given a topic and you have to write either a “for” or “against” response.

 

[tomsmitg]

Hi, is it appropriate to email a firm after an AC after a week of not hearing to ask when a decision might be made if I have an upcoming deadline to sign for another VS which clashes with that firm? Thanks!

 

[Chris Brown]

Hi, is it appropriate to email a firm after an AC after a week of not hearing to ask when a decision might be made if I have an upcoming deadline to sign for another VS which clashes with that firm? Thanks!

I think it depends on which firm is your top choice. If you prefer the firm which has already offered you a VS, I think it would be better to sign their VS offer sooner rather than later. If your top choice is the firm you haven’t heard back from yet post AC, I think it’s best to sign the VS offer you already have. Once you get the VS offer from the other firm, you can always renege on the first VS offer. However, all of this depends on whether it’s a Spring or Summer VS. If it’s for Spring VS, I think it’s better to act quickly as the schemes start soon. If it is for Spring, it might be a good idea to send an email asking for a rough timeline for decisions post AC. I think @Jessica Booker can give a better answer than this though. 🙂​

 

[Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha]

Any updates from Reed Smith?

 

[lucylul123]

Hi, does anyone know how I can review an application I submitted via the CVMailUK platform? I find it quite easy to do on AllHires, but I can't seem to find a way to do it on CVMail.

 

[Chris Brown]

Hi, does anyone know how I can review an application I submitted via the CVMailUK platform? I find it quite easy to do on AllHires, but I can't seem to find a way to do it on CVMail.

I think you normally have to download the application before you submit it because I don’t think CVMailUK gives the option to review applications once they have been submitted. I had to do this for my Paul Hastings application. 🥲​

 

[A worried graduate]

Just completed the hill Dickinson vi and test, cameras were on throughout test

I think I bombed it 6,6,4,7
Mid for both numerical and verbal

Vi was a bit hard for me as well because it was asking to cover too many sub parts for one broad question in two mins

6,6,4,3 for me so don’t worry too much

Not sure how they graded it

 

[A worried graduate]

Hi, does anyone know how I can review an application I submitted via the CVMailUK platform? I find it quite easy to do on AllHires, but I can't seem to find a way to do it on CVMail.

You can’t

It’s that bad

 

[lucylul123]

I think you normally have to download the application before you submit it because I don’t think CVMailUK gives the option to review applications once they have been submitted. I had to do this for my Paul Hastings application.​

Thanks for letting me know. I just checked my downloads, and luckily, I did download it!!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi, is it appropriate to email a firm after an AC after a week of not hearing to ask when a decision might be made if I have an upcoming deadline to sign for another VS which clashes with that firm? Thanks!

If you have another offer that you need to decide upon, then yes, it’s okay to contact the firm and explain this is why you would appreciate if they could provide an update on your candidacy by X date.

 

[acb0410]

Hiya @acb0410

Great question! From my experience at assessment centres, elevator pitches can vary quite broadly. I've met candidates who've spoken about personal interests, covering topics from fashion trends to ESG policies to sports investments, as well as others who focused specifically on aspects relating to the firm or industry developments. I've personally found it helpful to focus on more commercial subjects or areas where I had strong knowledge and genuine interest (usually issues of regulation and politics/economics). There isn't usually a fixed expectation around the topic, so it’s good to be flexible here. I think the most important thing to remember is that you're not just giving a very short pitch/presentation on a topic, but also that you need to (1) clearly present a viewpoint or proposal in relation to the topic and (2) that your views should be presented in a structured way so that the audience can follow what you're saying in such a short timeframe.

Another thing I'd encourage you to remember is that you may have to field some follow-up questions. During an assessment centre at a US firm, I was pressed to elaborate further, and needed to come up with a concise, structured responses of around 40-60 seconds.

Overall, I'd encourage you to discuss a topic that you're really interested in and, if you can discuss a commercially relevant topic, that's great too. Just make sure you take a view, are structured in your short pitch, and are prepared to answer any follow up questions concisely. Hope that helps and best of luck with the pitch!

Thank you so so much!!

 

[BillSikes]

6,6,4,3 for me so don’t worry too much

Not sure how they graded it

the VI is gonna hold much more weight lets be real.

 

[Tintin06]

Hi, @Jessica Booker and anyone else that can help give some insight!



A close friend is looking for some insight and advice. He’s been offered a place on the following vac schemes:

White & Case ME: 7-18th April or 23 June - 4 July

HSF: he has already accepted this one, 7-17th April

CC ME: 16-27th June.



Problem is, CC don’t have any dates other than this scheme. HSF has a summer one in July. So he’s not sure if it’s ok to email HSF and ask them to move him to the summer scheme.

He’s also wondering if it’s risky or okay to ask W&C if he can switch the scheme to a U.K. scheme/TC interview if he’s unable to reschedule other schemes.



Any advice would be appreciated.

I’d look at Law Careers Net. Consider VS places vs TC spots. That might help your friend out.

 

[A worried graduate]

the VI is gonna hold much more weight lets be real.

I didn't do too well either (I stuttered and talked a little informally at times) so I will have to bank on my form which I think is decent

 

[Miss Chocolate]

Mishcon folks that did the VI for SVS, when do you think we will hear back re ACs?

 

[Legallygrey]

Ropes AC invite! Probably the most intense AC process I've seen ngl 😂

Congrats - I'm attending the one this Thursday. They've got a very packed schedule for us haven't they

 

[hanz123]

I didn't do too well either (I stuttered and talked a little informally at times) so I will have to bank on my form which I think is decent

same here I think I messed up a little on one question, just going to hope for the best