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

[M777]

Spring

When did you take the WG?

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Thank you!

I applied on 8th December

Congratulations and good luck with the video interview they are a really good firm.

 

[Asil Ahmad]

No this one was for Summer. I am not a final year student/graduate so not eligible for Spring, only Summer. They recruit on a rolling basis so it is likely that many will hear before or after others.

And yes no worries. I submitted my app in mid October, and was sent the WG in early December. The apps are reviewed before a WG is sent out. I hope that helps!

That is weird because they were not rolling for spring.

 

[James Carrabino]

I'm pretty new to all of this but I wondered if anyone had any advice/insight to give? I'm an undergraduate medical student but I've been considering a career in the commercial law for some time. It's the first year I've decided to submit any vac scheme applications but 'm really struggling to get past the initial application screening stage. I've received rejections from all the firms I've applied to so far all at the application/SJT stage. I haven't completed any legal work placements or insight days but lots of voluntary/medical related work experience. I'm wondering if being a medical student is putting off graduate recruiters because I haven't shown very longstanding commitment/interest in commercial law. I've been trying to develop my commercial awareness but I just wondered how recruiters look at students making such radical career changes or if there was anything people would recommend to really demonstrate a commitment or interest in this very competitive sector!

Hey, I'm a fellow medical student and applying for the first time too!
In terms of the application form, being a medic shouldn't hinder you at all. Draw on your experiences to showcase your skills and focus on the reasons why you are attracted to a career in commercial law.
The only thing I would highlight is with the SJT, don't respond with your medical SJT hat. Bring up a list of each firm's values or traits they look for and respond with those in mind. In med, the answer will always be the one that promotes patient safety, even if your action might be inefficient or shows lack of initiative or lack of confidence. With the law SJTs, these other characteristics may be more important.

@freya___ how many firms have you applied to? The fact you are a medical student should not work against you, but most candidates will be primarily facing rejections regardless of their degree - so my first piece of advice is to apply to as many firms as possible.

Within the firms you do apply to, however, I would recommend targeting firms with strong life sciences practices. I don't know if this is something you are interested in? Even if it is not, I still think that you could use this as your way in by talking about how your medical degree has inspired your interest in pharma regulation etc.

Chambers and Partners has the following firms in Band 1 for UK Life Sciences: Arnold & Porter, Bristows, Covington & Burling, Hogan Lovells, Allen & Overy and Bird & Bird. I think these could be a good starting point - I am not saying that you will definitely get interviews at these firms, because so many factors come into play and they may not currently need new life sciences lawyers. Nevertheless, I do think that trying to work out which firms might suit you is in general a good idea!

 

[James Carrabino]

For the white & case application form there is a question about detailing events you have attended. Does anyone know if they prefer you to list all the events or just choose a few to discuss?

I would put all the events unless there are way too many and some are much less important than others

 

[em311]

I'm sorry to hear that. Best of luck for future applications.

Can I ask when you applied?

Thank you!

Completed the WG about 2 weeks ago

 

[koshka]

Hello! May I ask when you applied?

hi! I applied 10th dec

 

[jellybelly123]

Bird & Bird VI 🥳 Does anyone know what it's like?

 

[Lian Lian]

A&O PFO as well!

Hi, this might be a dumb question but what does PFO mean?

 

[djqb]

Hi, this might be a dumb question but what does PFO mean?

 

[summer207]

That is weird because they were not rolling for spring.

They are rolling for both spring and summer, but they will consider all applications as long as you send it before the deadline 😊

 

[Jooooopp7]

Hogan lovells PFO, thought it was my strongest application as well. Will be gutted if I failed WG

they don't give specific feedback but if you don't know already you can email to ask for your WG score and also ask whether it was the WG or your application that let you down the most! they were able to let me know last year that it was my application that needed work )

 

[Asil Ahmad]

They are rolling for both spring and summer, but they will consider all applications as long as you send it before the deadline 😊

Thank you for this.

 

[yusra.abo]

Thank you! It's for summer

Congrats!! when did you do your WG ?

 

[Veep9]

45 seconds to prep, 90 to answer

How long after the WG did you hear from Bakers?

 

[APPLE619]

For Hogan Lovells is the WG just pass/fail for progression or do they take the percentile into account?

I did their First-year scheme and they said there is a certain percentile you need to meet (changes every year and I can't remember what it exactly was sorry!)

 

[corinium]

To anyone who has spoken to Irwin Mitchell grad rec about their video interview - when is the deadline by which it must be completed? I still haven't had any correspondence from them. Thanks

 

[nae_omi]

I applied to Willkie a day before the deadline and received an email on the 20th (Monday) saying I will get a response from the 4th of January, did anyone else get this? and is it a good sign or a bad one?

 

[S87]

I applied to Willkie a day before the deadline and received an email on the 20th (Monday) saying I will get a response from the 4th of January, did anyone else get this? and is it a good sign or a bad one?

I did not apply to Wilkie but I think that most of the GR teams are on the Christmas break, so we will hear back in the new year!

 

[ajt24]

To anyone who has spoken to Irwin Mitchell grad rec about their video interview - when is the deadline by which it must be completed? I still haven't had any correspondence from them. Thanks

In my email it states 7 calendar days after receiving the invite!