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

[NaimK]

I am currently waiting for an AC outcome which will most probably come next week but till then I have had really bad post AC anxiety. I have one more day before the VS/TC application deadline (31/1/2022) which I want to utilise to apply to at least one more firm to further my chances but I can't seem to focus on writing it. I went on a really long walk because that's all I could really do but I can't help analysing and replaying every wrong thing I did at the interview, and my heart seems to be in this constant nervousness just waiting for the outcome. Any advice would be v much appreciated

There is nothing you can do about the AC now. You won't be doing yourself or your applications justice if you keep fixating on it and worrying about it. It's a natural human response to review your errors and such but you just need to put it behind you and stay positive. There are plenty of times I have interviewed, done an exam etc. and felt it was going to be terrible, but I just blank it out of my mind. I have been pleasantly surprised with great results on many of those occasions.

Focus on what is in front of you right now so you can apply to one more firm. Take advantage of this window of opportunity! Don't worry about the past, and if God forbid the post AC comes back negatively, don't let it put you down. Take all the positives and learning experiences you can from it, and move on.

Keep your head up and understand you'll be fine no matter what!
💪

 

[RoughWood]

Has anyone heard back from TLT or Osborne Clarke (Bristol office for both)?

I had an email from OC Friday evening so they are starting to get back to people

 

[vacschemesforeveryone]

If anyone did the HSF AC recently and would you be able to share some advice please, I would be very grateful, thank you

 

[S87]

Hey guys,

Have you ever used Gradvantage for your tc apps?

 

[NCLaw]

Is there a word count for Fieldfisher's questions?

Do you mean on their TC application? On the direct TC app for 2023, it's 2,000 characters with spaces per question, which is around 320 words

 

[thirdtimelucky]

Hi @thirdtimelucky I think you are on to something very interesting! Obviously it may be an unusual choice to pick a location where the firm recently closed their office, but if you explain it well then your answer could intrigue your interviewers!

The main thing I would ask you is whether you feel that you properly understand why the firm closed their Colombian office? Furthermore, do these large infrastructure projects actually require having an office in the country or could a lot of the work be done through the Brazil and Mexico offices? The interesting thing about closing in 2019 is that this was pre-Covid and there is talk of increasing aversion to international travel going forward, which may be a reason why the firm would want to consider re-opening!

Thank you James. These are really interesting points to consider as I go about thinking about this question! And your point about COVID is really interesting and one I had not considered before

 

[A.Diane01]

Hi everyone, happy Monday!

Has anyone done Addleshaws AC?

I would really appreciate if someone would have the time to talk to me about it/share some advice as the nerves are starting to set in (haven't a clue what to expect!)🥰

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Hey guys,

Have you ever used Gradvantage for your tc apps?

His advice is really great and it is really expensive but it depends on how badly you wat the TC.

 

[BM99]

For people who had done ACs at CC, just to confirm, we will receive phone calls regardless of the outcome, right?

 

[Miki3999]

For people who had done ACs at CC, just to confirm, we will receive phone calls regardless of the outcome, right?

I think it's like that:

phone call: offer

email: PFO

 

[ar2r]

I think it's like that:

phone call: offer

email: PFO

i could be wrong but think its phone call either way for feedback? Not sure tho!

 

[JM1998]

His advice is really great and it is really expensive but it depends on how badly you wat the TC.

Just to offer a bit of a different perspective to this, I know a lot of people with TC’s and I don’t think any of them have paid for these services, myself included. This is including the elite US firms and a range of international City firms.

So please do think carefully before paying for expensive courses because you want a TC badly. They might be helpful, but do consider if they’re worth the money. They’re definitely not a silver bullet to a TC.

 

[manchester12]

Hi everyone, happy Monday!

Has anyone done Addleshaws AC?

I would really appreciate if someone would have the time to talk to me about it/share some advice as the nerves are starting to set in (haven't a clue what to expect!)🥰

Hey that’s so amazing! When is your Ac if you don’t mind me asking? X

 

[Asil Ahmad]

I agree with you I meant I

Just to offer a bit of a different perspective to this, I know a lot of people with TC’s and I don’t think any of them have paid for these services, myself included. This is including the elite US firms and a range of international City firms.

So please do think carefully before paying for expensive courses because you want a TC badly. They might be helpful, but do consider if they’re worth the money. They’re definitely not a silver bullet to a TC.

I agree with you as I would never pay for his services but I have had his free one to one session and his advice is so great so can see why he charges so much.

 

[BM99]

i could be wrong but think its phone call either way for feedback? Not sure tho!

I think it's like that:

phone call: offer

email: PFO

Thanks guys, I checked my recording for the assessment centre preparation and I think we will get the phone call regardless of the outcome because they want to give us extensive feedback. Thanks!

 

[zidoeslaw]

Has anyone heard from DLA Piper post WG? I've not had anything back and wondering whether to follow up. And same with Taylor Wessing Arctic Shores?

My friend was invited to the AC a week ago and they told her it was the last one.. I also remember they had some trouble sending rejection emails. Last cycle I got rejected but never received an email (not in spam either) :/

 

[manchester12]

I agree with you I meant I

I agree with you as I would never pay for his services but I have had his free one to one session and his advice is so great so can see why he charges so much.

How much is it?

 

[JM1998]

I agree with you I meant I

I agree with you as I would never pay for his services but I have had his free one to one session and his advice is so great so can see why he charges so much.

That makes sense.

I’d also say to people to consider using careers advisors at university. They’re great for reviewing applications and for holding mock interviews and ACs and they usually have experience in dealing with the firms too. Aspiring Solicitors have similar programmes too!

 

[Life&Law]

Hi everyone, happy Monday!

Has anyone done Addleshaws AC?

I would really appreciate if someone would have the time to talk to me about it/share some advice as the nerves are starting to set in (haven't a clue what to expect!)🥰

Congrats, that's awesome! Is this for Manchester? When is the AC if you don't mind me asking?

 

[awd1998]

That makes sense.

I’d also say to people to consider using careers advisors at university. They’re great for reviewing applications and for holding mock interviews and ACs and they usually have experience in dealing with the firms too. Aspiring Solicitors have similar programmes too!

Yeah definitely would make use of careers advisors at university as your paying for the service already as part of your tuition fees and from my experience there incredibly knowledgeable about what each law firm wants as they speak to recruitment managers on a regular basis when organising talks at the university from law firms. This year I have probably had 50% of my applications reviewed by my the law specific careers advisor at my university and so far out of those I have taken the time to have checked I have only had one application rejected at the initial stage and currently hold two VS placements and still waiting on the outcome of two AC's I took more recently. Where's of the ones I didn't get checked I have had a less positive response and this reflects what happened last year when I had pretty much no success in the application cycle as I just didn't bother or think having a second pair of eyes reading over my application was worthwhile.