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

[GXA123]

View attachment 3756
Idk what I'm doing wrong! this for Freshfields appreciate any help! I made sure everything is filled out as well.

Can anyone help me with this please, if they encountered the same issue?

 

[SamsanTech]

I have an VI deadline on the 5th January 2022 (GMT+00:00) - does that mean I have until midnight on the 5th??

 

[SS1]

Can anyone help me with this please, if they encountered the same issue?

Are you trying to enter your degree? I had a similar issue until I entered "bachelor's degree".

 

[GXA123]

Are you trying to enter your degree? I had a similar issue until I entered "bachelor's degree".

Oh I’ll try thank you!

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker

Hi guys - I just have a couple of queries about the wording of questions on the Macfarlanes and Sidley Austin VS apps:

1. I presume being asked to talk about one's "extra-curricular interests" is aimed towards hobbies like enjoying computer programming in my spare time, being a member of a band, playing sport, etc - rather than extra-curricular activities which could not be easily described as interests (like being a member of a university pro bono committee)?

2. The Sidley Austin app gives candidates 250 words to talk about "what qualities make a successful lawyer" - do you reckon that candidates should link these qualities back to themselves, or back to the work that a lawyer would typically do (or would either suffice?)

1) I’d expect it to include activities or responsibilities - basically anything you spend your extra time on

2) there is no need to connect it to your experiences. It is just asking you to show you understand the realities of the job

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi! I am freaking out a bit as I have just realised that in one of my applications I used "practises" to refer to practices/practice areas. I am not a native English speaker, so I tend to be quite anxious about making any spelling or grammar mistakes and always double-check. I don't know how this happened... Is this a mistake that natives notice straightaway, or do I have any chance of having my application progressed to the next round?

A native speaker in a law firm will notice the mistake - but it isn’t necessarily an absolute reason why an application would be unsuccessful.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Has anyone re-applied to Jones Day after interviewing there and being unsuccessful? Their website says:

1. Please note: 1. It is not our policy to reassess candidates who have previously interviewed or attended a placement scheme with us and been unsuccessful in their application. 2. Whilst we do not preclude candidates from re-applying if they have not previously interviewed with us, since our criteria for selecting candidates to attend our schemes remain the same year on year, if you have been unsuccessful one year, it would be unlikely that you would be successful a following year. However, if your profile has improved considerably since your last application and you would like to reapply, you should highlight why your profile has changed in any new application and covering letter.

I interviewed in 2019 and have improved since my interview, just wondering if this would be acceptable gap or whether you're essentially black listed from every applying again?

If you think your profile has substantially changed, then I’d reapply. It is just to stop people reapplying with practically the same profile, and therefore helps to keep applications down.

 

[Jessica Booker]

I have an VI deadline on the 5th January 2022 (GMT+00:00) - does that mean I have until midnight on the 5th??

If it’s on Launchpad, it most likely means 23.59 on the 5th.

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

Has anyone heard back after completing the WG Test for DLA Piper?

Cross mark for rejection post WG Test;
Green tick for AC invite post WG Test; or
Like for no news post WG Test.

I am just very curious because my portal has updated, and I know that this is the case for several others who have also yet to hear back.

 

[IT7]

Mine took a month, some took them a week or a day. so there is no rule tbh

Thanks! Considering they accept applications on a rolling basis, I'm guessing it's better to finish the WG as soon as possible though? Especially since the WG is automatic. So after how long would you recommend I email them?

 

[EVjuji]

Has anyone heard back after completing the WG Test for DLA Piper?

Cross mark for rejection post WG Test;
Green tick for AC invite post WG Test; or
Like for no news post WG Test.

I am just very curious because my portal has updated, and I know that this is the case for several others who have also yet to hear back.

I like your post - such a good idea!

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

I like your post - such a good idea!

Thanks, @EVjuji!

 

[GXA123]

Thanks! Considering they accept applications on a rolling basis, I'm guessing it's better to finish the WG as soon as possible though? Especially since the WG is automatic. So after how long would you recommend I email them?

Honestly I kept emailing every week, because I was very stressed out. But they kept saying soon/ next month.. etc so I don’t think emailing changes much. And they only give three days to complete the WG so you don’t have much anyways.

 

[Slawrelated]

Honestly I kept emailing every week, because I was very stressed out. But they kept saying soon/ next month.. etc so I don’t think emailing changes much. And they only give three days to complete the WG so you don’t have much anyways.

If you don't mind me asking, have they eventually sent you the WG? and how long after you submitted your app?

 

[thirdtimelucky]

How does the best-friend system work in terms of lawyers getting exposure to international work?

 

[A92167!8]

has anyone found that the macfarlanes app has gone?

 

[A92167!8]

Is vantage down?

 

[N.A]

Is vantage down?

Seems like it ://

 

[Fysone]

has anyone found that the macfarlanes app has gone?

Yes, it's currently down for me, or at least taking much longer than usual to load.

 

[A92167!8]

Nothing loading at all! Not sure what to do!