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

[smfc]

TLT Bristol Vacation Scheme offer!! They called me earlier today 😁

 

[Beluga]

Hi everyone, I've just finished my cycle of applications and excited (and in disbelief) to say that I've been offered two Training Contracts and a vacation scheme this cycle. It's going to be a difficult decision, but one that I never thought I'd have to make.

This was my third cycle, and I was rejected from every firm I applied to last year at the application stage, but I can really say that TCLA was pivotal to my progress this year and I would like to thank every one of you, especially @Jaysen and @Jessica Booker for this platform and for all your help. I could truly never have done it without the materials and support. I'm usually a bit of a lurker in the forum, but I went through it a LOT (perhaps obsessively) and it would often help me calm down before an interview.

To those of you still in the heat of the cycle, I wish you all the best of luck! It's such a stressful process, but you're all such strong people and I believe in you.

P.S. What is the process for uploading interview / application experiences?

 

[Noodles52]

Rejection from a direct TC from SMB. Kind of losing motivation for anything law-related right now.

 

[tt_xo]

Glad to hear back from them!!! Did you receive it today? When did you apply?

I cant find my application email which is quite odd but I believe i applied at the end of October!

 

[CC]

Hello! Does anyone have any advice or tips on how to prep for the Simmons & Simmons AC? This is my first virtual AC so I was also wondering whether you see / interact with any of the other applicants?

Yes you will get to see other candidates when grad rec is giving out instructions. But there will be no substantial interaction/ group exercise, etc. Prepare examples for the competencies listed on the grad rec website and the typical why simmons, why law. Time is quite tight for both inbox exercise and case study - make sure finish the required tasks on time. Good luck!

 

[YUKI1201]

been 2 weeks since BM VI still haven't heard back :/

 

[Nicole15]

Hi everyone, I've just finished my cycle of applications and excited (and in disbelief) to say that I've been offered two Training Contracts and a vacation scheme this cycle. It's going to be a difficult decision, but one that I never thought I'd have to make.

This was my third cycle, and I was rejected from every firm I applied to last year at the application stage, but I can really say that TCLA was pivotal to my progress this year and I would like to thank every one of you, especially @Jaysen and @Jessica Booker for this platform and for all your help. I could truly never have done it without the materials and support. I'm usually a bit of a lurker in the forum, but I went through it a LOT (perhaps obsessively) and it would often help me calm down before an interview.

To those of you still in the heat of the cycle, I wish you all the best of luck! It's such a stressful process, but you're all such strong people and I believe in you.

P.S. What is the process for uploading interview / application experiences?

Congratulations! Such an incredible start to your week!!

This message is also super encouraging so thank you!

 

[Asil Ahmad]

been 2 weeks since BM VI still haven't heard back :/

I say 2 weeks is not long as I know for other firms people waited 2 months post video interview.

 

[Rob93]

Thanks @Rob93!

Also, are they basically one of those firms that you shouldn’t apply to again if they’ve rejected you previously?

Nah, I'll give Slaughters another crack - I think the key thing with them is to have a very clear and very strong reason to apply there, and to get in early in the cycle.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi everyone, I've just finished my cycle of applications and excited (and in disbelief) to say that I've been offered two Training Contracts and a vacation scheme this cycle. It's going to be a difficult decision, but one that I never thought I'd have to make.

This was my third cycle, and I was rejected from every firm I applied to last year at the application stage, but I can really say that TCLA was pivotal to my progress this year and I would like to thank every one of you, especially @Jaysen and @Jessica Booker for this platform and for all your help. I could truly never have done it without the materials and support. I'm usually a bit of a lurker in the forum, but I went through it a LOT (perhaps obsessively) and it would often help me calm down before an interview.

To those of you still in the heat of the cycle, I wish you all the best of luck! It's such a stressful process, but you're all such strong people and I believe in you.

P.S. What is the process for uploading interview / application experiences?

Amazing news! Posts like this really make my day so thank you for taking the time to post and say such lovely words.

But most importantly, congratulations - delighted to hear you have had so much success!

 

[AvniD]

I think it’s purposefully broad and vague. I read it as a property development or construction/planning project that is or has happened recently. The Battersea Power Station development springs to mind.

I’d go about it like this: first, have a think about what interests you. This could be anything from your hobbies to particular law firm practice areas you’re interested in. Starting here is important as they want to know why it interests you - this is what helps you stand out from the crowd. ➡️ With an idea of what interests you, see what’s happening in London in connection to that. For example, maybe you’re interested in renewable energy, and there’s a construction project in London designed to install X amount of EV charging points by the end of 2022. ➡️ With an idea in mind, you can now explain why it interests you. Maybe you did a course on renewable energy and liked how it combined new technology and problem solving ➡️ then tie your question into how the firm can assist. I remember WBD has a strong energy sector focus, so there’s lots of knowledge they can support with on a project around clean energy. For example, construction, development, planning advice.

Hope this helps!

@Lumree love the use of arrows- they're my favourite way to break down and remember the structure of an answer!! 😊

 

[YJ]

Has anyone still not heard back from Latham or Addleshaw Goddard London post-application?

 

[Lumree]

@Lumree love the use of arrows- they're my favourite way to break down and remember the structure of an answer!! 😊

Inspired by you! I take no credit 😁

 

[Lilz]

Yes this used to happen to me all the time - everyone's different but what I started doing was learning facts about firms in isolation (e.g. X firm represents 80% of the world's largest asset managers) and testing myself on them (before I would learn it as part of a prepared answer i.e. why x firm, which meant whenever the question would vary it slightly I wouldn't be able to mentally locate that piece of info / would start to panic)

10000% agree with this, I thought it was just me!
It’s so frustrating isn’t it when the Q varies a little and then your revised answer doesn’t align with it well. It makes it a lot more confusing and makes you go off script! I completely agree, from now on, I am going to learn everything in isolation!

 

[M777]

Anyone had MoFo VS offers yet?

 

[AvniD]

Rejection from a direct TC from SMB. Kind of losing motivation for anything law-related right now.

I get this- I was in the same boat during my applications and just gave up on application-related things for a couple of months. Took that break to reflect on whether I was motivated to go back to making applications and came back only when I felt sure to take on the emotional rollercoaster of making applications. Maybe that'll help?

 

[Lumree]

Rejection from a direct TC from SMB. Kind of losing motivation for anything law-related right now.

I’m sorry to hear that!

Is that Simons Muirhead Burton? So many abbreviations these days…

I haven’t heard back from them yet 😬

 

[Rob93]

Hey everyone, bit of a unique question today - I have a CV based interview coming up and I wrote down that I run a small business. Could the law firm ask me questions like "what is your annual turnover, profit margins, how much you pay your employees/in tax" like really dragon den style questions to test my commercial awareness or are questions like these construed as inappropriate?

They could do, and you should know those figures - I doubt they'll be fussed about your tax costs, might want annual turnover and a little about outlay and revenue sources.

Most firms though will be more interested in how you built this, how you've maintained and grown the business.

 

[AvniD]

Inspired by you! I take no credit 😁

Please keep it up- you've used them brilliantly to create your fantastic structure!! 👏 👏 👏 👏

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Has anyone still not heard back from Latham or Addleshaw Goddard London post-application?

Laham am still waiting post-application.