TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

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djqb

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Sep 6, 2020
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I do not know, but I sent them an email requesting my WG results because I need to know what I am doing wrong.
I am going to send my request 3 times, if they do not answer then I am going to send a freedom of information request. How am I supposed to improve if I do not know my mistakes?
This is the issue with a test like the Watson Glaser - it's impossible to know with 100% certainty which exact questions you're getting right and wrong - to protect the integrity of the test.

I've found that my score only improved after having subscribed for paid WG resources which tell you exactly where you're going wrong with a detailed answer key. Nevertheless, there are a few free tests online that actually give you an answer key explanation for where you're going wrong!
 

S87

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Sep 4, 2018
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This is the issue with a test like the Watson Glaser - it's impossible to know with 100% certainty which exact questions you're getting right and wrong - to protect the integrity of the test.

I've found that my score only improved after having subscribed for paid WG resources which tell you exactly where you're going wrong with a detailed answer key. Nevertheless, there are a few free tests online that actually give you an answer key explanation for where you're going wrong!
Hi Daniel,

I get your point and I am more or less aware of what sections need more work. My results are not bad but I get nervous when I have to perform the actual live test. However, I find discouraging to not know what I am doing wrong in that particular circumstance.
 
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djqb

Legendary Member
Sep 6, 2020
288
592
Hi Daniel,

I get your point and I am more or less aware of what sections need more work. My results are not bad but I get nervous when I have to perform the actual live test. However, I find discouraging to not know what I am doing wrong in that particular circumstance.
Completely agree and empathise - have been in the same position!
 
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raz

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Nov 29, 2021
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Hi! I'm new to this forum and very glad it exists :)

Background: Biology graduate based in London looking to become a patent/IP attorney (need anymore info, let me know!)

I wanted to get some guidance from those who can provide some.

I recently applied for the Bristows STEM IP Workshop and received an email today to let me know that I have not been successful to attend. I thought it went okay. I was a bit nervous and just am generally, but prepared my answers for each question and thought I did well at answering each one, although for two of the questions I was quite brief.

Has anyone applied for a Bristows workshop this year and able to offer some tips on what they did to get through and what they may not have done well to get them through?

Also, does this mean I am automatically disqualified from applying for their TC as I would be noted on their system as having failed getting through to the workshop?

Also, anyone know of any other IP law firms based in London?

Any help and guidance would be really helpful!

Thanks!
 

OB

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  • Feb 10, 2020
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    Hi! I'm new to this forum and very glad it exists :)

    Background: Biology graduate based in London looking to become a patent/IP attorney (need anymore info, let me know!)

    I wanted to get some guidance from those who can provide some.

    I recently applied for the Bristows STEM IP Workshop and received an email today to let me know that I have not been successful to attend. I thought it went okay. I was a bit nervous and just am generally, but prepared my answers for each question and thought I did well at answering each one, although for two of the questions I was quite brief.

    Has anyone applied for a Bristows workshop this year and able to offer some tips on what they did to get through and what they may not have done well to get them through?

    Also, does this mean I am automatically disqualified from applying for their TC as I would be noted on their system as having failed getting through to the workshop?

    Also, anyone know of any other IP law firms based in London?

    Any help and guidance would be really helpful!

    Thanks!
    You could look at firms such as Kilburn & Strode who do patent/trade mark attorney specific grad schemes!
     
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    Jessica Booker

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    Aug 1, 2019
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    I do not know, but I sent them an email requesting my WG results because I need to know what I am doing wrong.
    I am going to send my request 3 times, if they do not answer then I am going to send a freedom of information request. How am I supposed to improve if I do not know my mistakes?
    They won’t be able to provide you this detail even via a subject access request unfortunately. The firm will only have access to your test scores, not which questions you got right/wrong.

    You can try the test provider, but I think they would only send you your test report.
     

    GOI983

    Esteemed Member
    Sep 15, 2021
    99
    247
    Hi guys,

    Does anyone who has passed the Simmons verbal and logical tests, as well as the written exercise and video interview which includes: motivational, situational, and competency questions have any key tips/advice for me when taking it within the next 7 days?

    Also, you do not have to do both the VI and written exercise with the ability tests (i.e. verbal/logical reasoning) in one go right?

    Responses would be helpful!
     
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    Rob93

    Legendary Member
    Dec 29, 2020
    627
    1,677
    Hi! I'm new to this forum and very glad it exists :)

    Background: Biology graduate based in London looking to become a patent/IP attorney (need anymore info, let me know!)

    I wanted to get some guidance from those who can provide some.

    I recently applied for the Bristows STEM IP Workshop and received an email today to let me know that I have not been successful to attend. I thought it went okay. I was a bit nervous and just am generally, but prepared my answers for each question and thought I did well at answering each one, although for two of the questions I was quite brief.

    Has anyone applied for a Bristows workshop this year and able to offer some tips on what they did to get through and what they may not have done well to get them through?

    Also, does this mean I am automatically disqualified from applying for their TC as I would be noted on their system as having failed getting through to the workshop?

    Also, anyone know of any other IP law firms based in London?

    Any help and guidance would be really helpful!

    Thanks!
    Can't speak to Bristows specifically but in general failure to secure a place on open days or workshops has no bearing on TC eligibility - it certainly isn't read as some sort of stain on your record.
     

    GOI983

    Esteemed Member
    Sep 15, 2021
    99
    247
    So I did the Simmons logical and verbal reasoning tests and I think the logical one went well as far as I am aware. However, I think I may have got 3 questions wrong on the verbal reasoning test, one of which was by mistake as I thought it asked me to select two, however, I needed to select one, so by the time the timer went down I selected another and that removed my other answer, which was the only one needed :(.

    How do you think that will affect my chances? Will they screen the results alongside the VI/written exercise or is there a certain benchmark you have to reach on the tests first? Also, do you receive a report for the Simmons verbal and logical reasoning tests?
     

    Jessica Booker

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    Aug 1, 2019
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    Guys, sorry for asking this again. Clyde & Co's WVS is supposed to start next week, and I have not received any update after the initial screening VI - can I safely assume it is a PFO or deferral? (grad rec has not replied yet)
    I would assume so unfortunately. It would be practically no time to onboard you (which usually requires at least two weeks).

    It’s not an impossibility that you could still be in consideration, I just think it’s very unlikely at this late stage.
     

    Jessica Booker

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    Aug 1, 2019
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    I've committed the sin of spelling a partner's name in the final paragraph of my cover letter for the Slaughter and May application wrong. This is the only spelling mistake in my application - will it be wholly detrimental to my application?
    It’s highly unlikely to make a decision on its own, especially if it is a subtle spelling error (eg Thomson vs Thompson).
     
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