TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Andrei Radu]

Amazing, thank you so much Andrei, this is very helpful and I will keep it in mind

On the competitors ques, how to answer that in the best way for Browne Jacobson? Is it correct to take the sector based approach and then the similar size based approach in order to determine competitors?

For a general 'who are our competitors' question think this will be fine, but I would also try to take a look at their practice area expertise and, if possible, to compare geographical spread. The concept of a competitor is a multifaceted one and there are other elements besides size and sector that are relevant for determining how much of a rival another firm is. In terms of resources, I advise you look at at both Chambers UK and Legal 500 tier rankings.

If you think you have the time, perhaps you can to divide your answer between (i) who are the firm's competitors in a broad sense (who are the most similar firms, ie what 'type' of firm are they) - which is what the aforementioned answer targets; and (ii) who are the firm's competitors at a sector/practice area-specific level. When I did this in a VS interview back in the day, the partner really liked this approach and praised me for it.

 

[Will123]

Is it foolish to use the same answer from the application to the same competency question during the interview?

 

[Andrei Radu]

Is it foolish to use the same answer from the application to the same competency question during the interview?

I do not think there is any issue with having an interview answer that mirrors an application form answer. I actually have no idea why this has become such an almost universally accepted myth - I personally never saw an issue with using the same reasoning as in your application. In many cases partners will not even review your application in any level of depth before the interview, and if they do, they will not as a result form an expectation for you to come up with a different reasoning as to your motivations, or skill set, or to use different (and less directly applicable) examples if asked the same question merely for purposes of variation.

They will simply expect you to answer the question in the most accurate and convincing way you can. This might necessitate some changes to the application form answer, both because the communication format is different, and because you might want to have a more nuanced/detailed analysis in view of potential follow ups. However, the main themes and ideas should likely stay the same. If anything, it would likely look somewhat suspicious if your fundamental motivations, skills and most relevant experiences were to all of a sudden be very different from the ones mentioned in the application form.

 

[ohnoselim]

anyone else who did the mishcon VI still waiting on a response?

 

[missTCLA]

hi @Jessica Booker ; wanted to ask what documents do a firm need for vs? is it just transcript / right to work ? Also, i was told by a firm id hear 'next week' regarding the offer in writing but its been a week and a half, shall i email them or give it more time? thanks in advance.

 

[Jessica Booker]

hi @Jessica Booker ; wanted to ask what documents do a firm need for vs? is it just transcript / right to work ? Also, i was told by a firm id hear 'next week' regarding the offer in writing but its been a week and a half, shall i email them or give it more time? thanks in advance.

When does the scheme start?

It’s really hard to say specifically what they will need as this can vary from firm to firm but generally transcripts, right to work, and proof of address (bank statement/utility bill) are the common documents needed.

 

[Miss Chocolate]

anyone else who did the mishcon VI still waiting on a response?

yep! I don't know if we should assume a PFO. looks likely. i don't think they send out anything in batches -- even with VI invites they were sent together, no?

 

[RaniaH062002]

Anyone had Brabners SJT sent out yet? And anyone who's previously done it? Any tips?

 

[vr36]

Anyone who did their AC's post the w/c 17th Feb still waiting on White & Case? Has been more than a month now...

 

[TC129129]

Anyone who did their AC's post the w/c 17th Feb still waiting on White & Case? Has been more than a month now...

Just from previous experience as someone who’s done a W&C vac scheme, they usually get back to successful candidates fairly-very quickly after an AC. This was the case for a lot of my cohort. It doesn’t mean you have been unsuccessful but just wanted to lyk. Wishing you all the luck

 

[0livia.pope]

Does anyone have any advice on how best to prepare for a case study exercise? I have no idea where to begin

 

[Toomanypfo]

Anyone had Brabners SJT sent out yet? And anyone who's previously done it? Any tips?

Yes they have sent the test to me on 11 march and I applied to their Manchester office

 

[RaniaH062002]

Yes they have sent the test to me on 11 march and I applied to their Manchester office

I've not had one sent out to me- I can only imagine then i've got a PFO heading my way 😢

 

[vr36]

Anyone who did their AC's post the w/c 17th Feb still waiting on White & Case? Has been more than a month now...

Has anyone had an offer/rejection?

 

[sibs23]

AG PFO post-app at long last!!

 

[lawstudent002]

Anyone had Brabners SJT sent out yet? And anyone who's previously done it? Any tips?

I received the test last Monday for SVS

 

[RaniaH062002]

I received the test last Monday for SVS

I emailed them last week about not receiving an SJT invite but not received any response - I can only assume the test isn't automatic then? Is there anyone who hasn't received an invite for Brabners SJT?

 

[Zara.Th]

Anyone know how long HL takes to respond for successful candidates post-ac? is it usually next day?

 

[solicithor]

I emailed them last week about not receiving an SJT invite but not received any response - I can only assume the test isn't automatic then? Is there anyone who hasn't received an invite for Brabners SJT?

i also haven’t… i think because there’s no interview just the written app and SJT you have to be shortlisted to get the SJT 😕

 

[TCseeker101]

Any news for CRS London Summer VS?