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

[APPLE619]

Hello everyone - just a quick question.

I applied to HSF Summer VS -gave my online assessments by 4th Jan. Been waiting for a response from them. The portal says that my application is under review. A lot of people are getting the ACs for Summer VS. Should I send an e-mail to GR for an update? Don't want to see a PFO...

Also, does anyone know what was the benchmark for the online tests?

I emailed them a while back and they said that the latest I'd hear back by is mid-March so you still have some time. Email away if you want though (when they told me I'll hear back by Mid-March after my email I received an AC invite in 2 days haha).

 

[Jessica Booker]

It just occurred to me that I've never seen a male graduate recruiter

There are a few out there and I know of at least two non-binary Grad Recruiters in law too.

HR careers tend to be more female dominated though. Men tend to be more on the supplier side of Early Careers (e.g. people like Jaysen!).

 

[summer207]

I recently received an AC invite from HSF but it falls on the same day as something else. Both things are stressing me out but although they fall on the same day, they are occurring at different times and the timings won't overlap (they are 2 hours apart). I've told grad rec and they said I could reschedule. However, the next possible date is on 16 March, which is quite far from now.

1. My question, will completing my AC at a later date affect my ability to secure a vac scheme? I am asking as I heard that HSF responds on the day itself. I am worried that choosing a later AC will mean that I am competing for a lesser number of slots.
2. Additionally, would it be rude to email grad rec and ask if choosing a later date will impact my chance of securing a vac scheme with them?
3. How much time is actually enough to prepare for an AC? I currently have 10 days till my AC. Is that enough time to be ready?

I would appreciate any advice. Thank you very much <33

If it will stress you out to the extent that it may impact your performance on the day, I wouldn’t. But in terms of prep, I think 10 days is more than enough. Assuming you researched the firm prior to applying, things like going over your application to see what you mentioned, thinking of examples for different competencies, any developments in news stories you’ve been following, brushing up on basic commercial awareness (business risks, factors a business needs to consider when expanding, in what ways law firm practice areas are involved in transactions) wouldn’t take you up to 10 days imo. Feel free to pm me and I can send documents that helped me in AC prep. I didn’t apply to HSF though, so I don’t have any specific advice.

It just occurred to me that I've never seen a male graduate recruiter

I thought everyone knew Paul from Shearman 😅

 

[S87]

Most of the GR women look the same too. In fact, when you see how stereotypically GR they look, it’s quite amusing.

ouch

 

[GXA123]

If it will stress you out to the extent that it may impact your performance on the day, I wouldn’t. But in terms of prep, I think 10 days is more than enough. Assuming you researched the firm prior to applying, things like going over your application to see what you mentioned, thinking of examples for different competencies, any developments in news stories you’ve been following, brushing up on basic commercial awareness (business risks, factors a business needs to consider when expanding, in what ways law firm practice areas are involved in transactions) wouldn’t take you up to 10 days imo. Feel free to pm me and I can send documents that helped me in AC prep. I didn’t apply to HSF though, so I don’t have any specific advice.

I thought everyone knew Paul from Shearman 😅

Omg yes Paul hahaha

 

[mome101]

Has anyone heard from Cooley? Also happy valentines to all who are in a committed relationship with their law firm applications! Hopefully, we will get out of this unrequited scenario XD

 

[S87]

Omg yes Paul hahaha

Although I am not Shearman biggest fan..Paul does a great work for aspiring solicitors more than those who claim to help aspiring solicitors

 

[GXA123]

Although I am not Shearman biggest fan..Paul does a great work for aspiring solicitors more than those who claim to help aspiring solicitors

I agree and I think we need more recruiters on the forum as well

 

[lawpersongirl123]

Has anyone heard from Cooley? Also happy valentines to all who are in a committed relationship with their law firm applications! Hopefully, we will get out of this unrequited scenario XD

No nothing

 

[JD]

I agree and I think we need more recruiters on the forum as well

True, but I think their issue is trying to balance it through not giving too much away whilst also being helpful to us

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Although I am not Shearman biggest fan..Paul does a great work for aspiring solicitors more than those who claim to help aspiring solicitors

I agree with this like the Whiteboard Wednesdays are so helpful.

 

[BM99]

I’m doing DLA’s vac scheme this summer and having worked with them in the past (through their insight programme, for example) I would say they invest quite a lot in training and supporting interns. I’ve heard great things about their vac scheme and I’m really looking forward to itWhich

Which office are you gonna join?

 

[BeGrateful.101]

I LOVE THE HEARTS

 

[Jessica Booker]

I agree and I think we need more recruiters on the forum as well

Do you mean more people like Paul or Gemma, or people like me who are no longer tied to firms?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Can I PM you?

Of course, please do. Given this is something outside of the norm, happy to correspond via PM on this occasion.

 

[Jessica Booker]

ouch

Very curious to know what a stereotypical GR look is....

 

[S87]

Very curious to know what a stereotypical GR look is....

White women? There is nothing wrong in that..but I have not seen many black GR

 

[AW_08]

Just had my partner interview with MB! It's the first I've gotten before, and I just wanted to know...HOW DO YOU COPE WITH ALL OF THE FEELINGS AFTER?! It's only been a couple of hours, but I need to know how I did now lol. Waiting for 1-2 weeks is going to be a killer 🤣

Also, the interview went okay! It's always hard to tell, but this is THE firm for me so fingers crossed! Good luck to anyone else who has interviews or ACs today or this week!

 

[GXA123]

Do you mean more people like Paul or Gemma, or people like me who are no longer tied to firms?

people like Paul, you are more than enough Jess you are doing a great job

 

[Jessica Booker]

White women? There is nothing wrong in that..but I have not seen many black GR

Had plenty of non-white colleagues/contacts in my time and know of enough at the moment that would suggest a fairly healthy representation. Plus I think a bit like gender, people possibly wrongly assume people's race on some occasions.