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

[K2048]

Has anyone else not heard from Hogan Lovells for summer vac scheme?

 

[Rob93]

For the BCLP application question about who would, you would seek to build relationships with as a trainee.

I was going to discuss building relationships with both associates and your supervisor but my concern is that is your supervisor will be an associate or will that not always be the case.

I mean can you discuss building a relationship with both of them or will that repetitive.

I guess the question here is will a trainee's supervisor always be an associate or not it depends on the firm such as it can be a partner also.

Imo also mention relationships with support staff. As a paralegal at a US firm I get most of my work from associates, but trainees take on a lot of work that can be passed down - trainees can be uncomfortable with delegating, but I like to make the point that the chargeout is higher for trainees than paralegals so it's better for clients the more work is passed to the paralegal desks. It's likewise very sensible to delegate to assistants/secretaries, and any doc support staff. I imagine displaying a client-interest mentality is always a good shout.

 

[Rob93]

For the BCLP application question about who would, you would seek to build relationships with as a trainee.

I was going to discuss building relationships with both associates and your supervisor but my concern is that is your supervisor will be an associate or will that not always be the case.

I mean can you discuss building a relationship with both of them or will that repetitive.

I guess the question here is will a trainee's supervisor always be an associate or not it depends on the firm such as it can be a partner also.

Ofc also good, if you can, to foster client relationships, and worth mentioning but it's good to recognise that depending on the firm that may be limited at trainee stage

 

[Jessica Booker]

So my personal view with the BCLP question is to be more selective. Think about who the most important relationships are to build especially in your first three months and that will be important in the long term.

I think many people miss the “in your first three months” part of the question.

 

[PirateShip]

Re: the BCLP question, I believe the word limit is a bit tight so if you start listing everyone and their pet hamster you’re going to be left wanting for motive.

Why you would seek to build relations is just as (if not more) important.

 

[thirdtimelucky]

So my personal view with the BCLP question is to be more selective. Think about who the most important relationships are to build especially in your first three months and that will be important in the long term.

I think many people miss the “in your first three months” part of the question.

I chose two and spoke about the method of building that relationship through different means and that was successful so I second what Jessica says!

 

[orrells21]

OC VC reserve list - did anyone else get this email?

 

[Homer]

case study invite for Mishcon! does anyone know what this entails or how to prepare?? never done a case study before.

 

[thirdtimelucky]

case study invite for Mishcon! does anyone know what this entails or how to prepare?? never done a case study before.

I did it two years ago, so my advice may be a little off but it was 30mins to prepare with around 5 documents (think balance sheet, background, and a few other things ) and a 30 min interview with a senior associate where you do a 10 min presentation of all the facts/issues facing your client and come to a conclusion on the best solution for their problem. Mid way through they throw in a piece of information (in my case an email) that could change your recommendations! I didn’t really know anything but the absolute basics of business and got through so I’d recommend just understanding M&A and common sense around business issues and that’s enough to get you to the next round! Best of luck!

 

[ssolicitorz]

Has anyone who completed the SPB AC last week, heard back yet?

 

[LawfulRust00]

I did it two years ago, so my advice may be a little off but it was 30mins to prepare with around 5 documents (think balance sheet, background, and a few other things ) and a 30 min interview with a senior associate where you do a 10 min presentation of all the facts/issues facing your client and come to a conclusion on the best solution for their problem. Mid way through they throw in a piece of information (in my case an email) that could change your recommendations! I didn’t really know anything but the absolute basics of business and got through so I’d recommend just understanding M&A and common sense around business issues and that’s enough to get you to the next round! Best of luck!

Was your assessor HR or an associate?

 

[OB]

Hey, I was wondering if a job as an administration assistant/floor support worker at a law firm would count as work experience in helping to apply for vacation schemes or training contracts. I am a recent graduate who is preparing to for another round of applications and am struggling to get a paralegal job

I currently have an administrator role in a Magic Circle firm and its such a good way to get in as the roles are typically less competitive and I really leveraged the experience gained in my applications. You also get access to firm resources and training etc so you can really get the most out of it and build towards perhaps a paralegal job moving forward!

 

[thirdtimelucky]

Was your assessor HR or an associate?

They were a senior associate (from my memory!). I don't think its common to have a case study with GR but I may be wrong!

 

[Shia]

@Crystal86 and @Shia, I just wanted to say that I am keeping my fingers crossed for you both.

I really hope that you do hear some good news very soon. I am inspired by your outlook and positivity though. These things are stressful and anxiety-inducing, so credit to you 💪

Please do let me know when you find out!

Thank you so much for that @George Maxwell !! Just waiting patiently with optimism at this point! No matter what happens, I believe we've given our best

 

[Shia]

OC VC reserve list - did anyone else get this email?

Is this for the Bristol or the London office?

 

[moonn]

Just got a VS offer for Sidley! (it has been 3 weeks since I had my interview!) so grateful🥺

 

[GeoB123]

Hi all - does anyone know how many interviews there are for the Stephenson Harwood VS process? I have done the critical reasoning test and have been invited to a 'first interview' - does anyone know what this entails or whether there is another interview that follows this one? Any insight/help would be great!

 

[tt_xo]

Hi all - does anyone know how many interviews there are for the Stephenson Harwood VS process? I have done the critical reasoning test and have been invited to a 'first interview' - does anyone know what this entails or whether there is another interview that follows this one? Any insight/help would be great!

There is only one interview. Its a case study after the interview

 

[User1726]

Anyone heard from Farrers since doing the AC?

 

[tc.la.vs]

re HSF post-AC questions: sounds like they're busy atm but even without that added layer, I know of a couple of people who got their offer a good few days later so try not to read into the silence too much and congrats on the ACs!