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

[djqb]

Proud to have been on Reed Smith's PFO waitlist for 2 weeks now.
Graduate Recruitment knows how to fuel false hope and crush you down just when you thought there was a chance. First time feeling actually mad after a rejection and they can't even give us feedback.
I think firms should be obliged to give some form of feedback, at least when they have a million stages till getting a place. They certainly must be following some form of formal guidlines and tick certain boxes or else how would they be objectively assesing a 'record number' of applications? It makes me wonder if things like video interviews are really assessed on some 'magic' or an 'x-factor' which can't possibly be justified or explained on paper. Sadly, I've seen people receive this vague, 'you weren't as energetic' type of feedback (and I got a couple myself). Now after my 2nd application cycle, i am starting to get suspicious of many firms' recruitment practices. I feel like I'd rather play EuroMillions, where at least I know the odds are certain and my chances fair, instead of working hours on end to get empty PFOs.


TLDR: I rant about a Reed Smith PFO and other rejections with no feedback

I honestly feel that Reed Smith should've invited fewer people to VI and chosen to give feedback to those that didn't make it past VI, instead of what they've done here, given their "record number of applications". Probably gives them more time to review each VI, and at least helps candidates who've come this far but don't get past the VI stage.

I also think that not having any open-ended questions in the application form (which is a staple for almost all other firms except a handful) makes it such that they are forced to invite more and more candidates to VI, to get a first hand insight into what the applicant is really like. Honestly, some of the VI questions could've just been a part of the application form (tell me about a time when, why Reed Smith . . . etc.).

Frankly speaking, this trend of "a record number of applications" is going to continue with every cycle - so hopefully they change their process for next year.

I only say this because last year, I was able to get feedback (although slightly vague) following my PFO post-research questions (which was the last stage before an AC).

 

[TCApp2021]

Hey, I emailed BCLP today and their automatic reply said TC applicants get the test link between February and July so definitely think they go through VS apps first

Ahh thanks. I done the test in December but assume interviews etc are also held off until the period above.

 

[Lumree]

OC PFO post tests and Reed Smith PFO post VI. Happy Tuesday!!

 

[Abii]

Did you get a response from grad recruitment about what the assessment center will entail?

You’ll get an email from GR with a bit more information - I got one today although for direct TC and my AC slot is next week. Check your junk as mine ended up there!

 

[S87]

I honestly feel that Reed Smith should've invited fewer people to VI and chosen to give feedback to those that didn't make it past VI, instead of what they've done here, given their "record number of applications". Probably gives them more time to review each VI, and at least helps candidates who've come this far but don't get past the VI stage.

I also think that not having any open-ended questions in the application form (which is a staple for almost all other firms except a handful) makes it such that they are forced to invite more and more candidates to VI, to get a first hand insight into what the applicant is really like. Honestly, some of the VI questions could've just been a part of the application form (tell me about a time when, why Reed Smith . . . etc.).

Frankly speaking, this trend of "a record number of applications" is going to continue with every cycle - so hopefully they change their process for next year.

I only say this because last year, I was able to get feedback (although slightly vague) following my PFO post-research questions (which was the last stage before an AC).

Well I have to say that you were lucky, I did not even get my feedback after my research question. I feel like that this trend of “record number” especially now that they are using Capp assessments.

 

[lawafc2021]

Anyone else heard back from Covington?

 

[Timolee]

TAYLOR WESSING AC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!🥰🥰🥰

thanks to all the manifesting, I just received an AC invite from Taylor Wessing (phone call not email)

Taylor Wessing AC invite!!

Hi all, can I ask what are the Taylor wessing AC dates, just wondering because i have not heard back and don't know if I should assume PFO

 

[Abii]

Hi all, can I ask what are the Taylor wessing AC dates, just wondering because i have not heard back and don't know if I should assume PFO

I was only offered one date. But it’s a while away yet so I don’t think you need to assume a PFO at this point - it’s not a PFO until you receive one. I’ve assumed so before and then been invited to next stage on more than one occasion.

 

[eellla1]

OC PFO post tests and Reed Smith PFO post VI. Happy Tuesday!!

Sorry to hear that. May I ask when you did the tests for OC?

 

[S87]

Anyone else heard back from Covington?

No

 

[sxw517]

Anyone heard from Latham, I applied back in Jan and did the tests, heard nothing since...

 

[SOAS22]

Hi, has anyone got any insight into this question - 'if you couldn't work in law, what would you do and why?'. Do you think it's better to go with something similar to law or completely different?

Hi. I had this question on an application this cycle. I was honest about what I would have done (teaching/academia) so not very related to law, but I was able to describe what I enjoyed about academia and link similarities back to law. I see this as not really a right or wrong question - it is just about how you link it back to law

 

[Legalmel_99]

Anyone heard from clyde and co? I still haven’t received my feedback

 

[Nemo11]

You’ll get an email from GR with a bit more information - I got one today although for direct TC and my AC slot is next week. Check your junk as mine ended up there!

Thank you, mine ended up in junk too!

 

[jobhuntwarrior]

hiya, wondering if anyone has heard back from A&O post SJT for summer VS? I did my online test on Christmas Eve and haven't heard back since then and I am getting anxious...

 

[M991]

hiya, wondering if anyone has heard back from A&O post SJT for summer VS? I did my online test on Christmas Eve and haven't heard back since then and I am getting anxious...

I am not entirely sure, but were not we supposed to complete SJT before deadline? (December 15)

 

[LS07]

AG VI (Manchester)! Does anyone have any tips on how to prepare or if the questions were mainly competency-based?

I did mine last week. For me it was mainly competency-based and your motivations for the firm. It was for the London office. Just really be clear on why you want to apply to AG and think about your experience and how this links to the firm! you'll do great, all the best

 

[JM1998]

Hi! A much delayed congratulations to you! Would you be able to share a bit of your AC experience? Was it an enjoyable one with firm- curious about the case study bit!

Hi!

I really enjoyed the AC, and the firm are brilliant (in my slightly biased view)! Everyone is so friendly and wants you to succeed and is happy to offer help. I’ve found this from trainees all the way up to the senior equity partners post AC.

I can’t go into too much detail, and it was quite a while ago. I think we had to read a case study and then answered questions on the basis of this from two associates in an interview.

I hope this has been useful, and let me know either on here or PM if you have any more questions!

 

[Becca]

Has anyone actually heard from W&C for the spring scheme post app?

 

[jobhuntwarrior]

I am not entirely sure, but were not we supposed to complete SJT before deadline? (December 15)

they only sent me a link after the deadline,

fyi dw I logged into my portal and found out that I've been rejected in mid January but never received an email about it.