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

[Jaysen]

TLDR: Thank you to the TCLA community.

After not getting past the application stage in the previous 2 recruitment cycles, I’m delighted to say that I have secured a vacation scheme at my dream firm. I’m still processing!

One of the main ways I changed my approach this application season was to actively use TCLA to draw from the experience of the incredible community, as well as get advice or boost my motivation when it was low and all seemed impossible (which was a lot…).

Thank you to all for the collective sense of support, for responding to any of my DMs, the wealth of information, and all the good-hearted laughs in between.

Really proud to read this, well done

 

[AM17]

Hey, does anyone have any tips for the Eversheds AC? TIA

 

[GXA123]

Hey, does anyone have any tips for the Eversheds AC? TIA

they are still running ACs?

 

[YJ]

has anyone heard back from pwc about their ac's?

 

[Z_H02]

Anyone applied for Fieldfisher direct TC 2024 and not been sent the test? I applied on the deadline (4th Feb) but haven't heard anything since or been asked to do any tests! Last year I applied in June and I got sent the tests a couple of days after?

I'm in the same situation

 

[U]

for anyone who did interviews at Birketts, how did you deliver your presentation? I'm a bit nervous at the thought of faffing around trying to connect my laptop to a projector, but maybe visuals are good? Also was wondering if there was a written task or if it was just purely an interview

 

[GXA123]

what law firms allow you to apply twice in the same recruitment cycle? if anybody knows!

 

[Jessica Booker]

what law firms allow you to apply twice in the same recruitment cycle? if anybody knows!

Is this for the same vacancy or different programmes (eg apply for a VS and then a TC)?

 

[James Carrabino]

How long does W&C take to get back post - VI? 🧐

I've heard of candidates receiving both positive and negative responses anywhere between a few hours and a few months!

 

[Adrian_S]

what law firms allow you to apply twice in the same recruitment cycle? if anybody knows!

going to look further into this and get back to you, but Macfarlanes let’s you apply for a TC if you didn’t get a VS. so does Farrer.

 

[S87]

Do you guys want to create a spreadsheet with law firms open for direct tc and allow you to apply twice in the same cycle?

 

[Lucy124]

Has anyone done an interview for Boodle Hatfield?

 

[Adrian_S]

Hogan Lovells doesn’t let you apply for a direct tc in the same year:

“If your vacation scheme application is unsuccessful, you will need to wait until the following year (from September 2022) to complete a training contract or another vacation scheme application.”

 

[GXA123]

Is this for the same vacancy or different programmes (eg apply for a VS and then a TC)?

different, VS then TC

 

[GXA123]

Do you guys want to create a spreadsheet with law firms open for direct tc and allow you to apply twice in the same cycle?

yes I would love to add to it as well

 

[James Carrabino]

Has anyone got tips for nerves for an Ac? I literally feel so unconfident and sound so bad when I practice interview questions! I am literally so anxious I mess up and lose such a great opportunity!

I think there are three points at which you can work to prevent nerves negatively impacting your AC:

1. In the days/weeks leading up to your AC
The first key to avoiding the wrong type of nerves is to be really well prepared. Now, this sounds obvious right? Well, the fact is that you will have nerves regardless and nerves can be a good thing, giving you that extra edge and ability to focus! The wrong kind of nerves are when you feel slightly under prepared and are actually fearful of certain questions being asked or don't feel that you have a broad enough knowledge base about the firm. To this end, I would check out the post I wrote here about how to prepare for an AC so that you feel ready!

2. On the morning of the AC
The right kind of nerves are not bad unless you have them to an overwhelming extent and the best way to avoid this is to tell yourself that you will do an excellent job (it sounds cheesy but it works) and take deep breaths before the AC to help you think clearly! Do not tell yourself that you 'feel so unconfident and sound so bad', mainly because it almost certainly is not true (we are all our own worst critics when it comes to these things) and also because it puts you in the wrong mindset going in. Before your AC, literally say out loud to yourself, 'I am going to ace this AC!'

Also, I am not sure whether there is any scientific basis for this lol but musicians talk about calming nerves by eating bananas before a performance (supposedly something to do with the potassium in them - I don't know whether that's true) 🤣 Anyway perhaps it's down to the placebo effect but it worked at calming me down before an AC as well!

3. During the AC
Be prepared for that moment where you have just been asked a question you don't know the answer to. Every candidate will face moments like this, and even if you end up giving a below average answer it is unlikely to have any bearing on the outcome of your AC at all. What could impact whether or not you are successful is how you approach such a situation - if you seize up and remain on edge for the rest of your AC then this could have a negative effect, but if you take a deep breath and ask to think before trying your hand at an answer, then you will show the people assessing you that you are able to deal with pressure and not let it phase you. Ultimately, if you don't know the answer to one question it really won't be a problem - just remember to keep telling yourself throughout how you will ace it and keep taking deep breaths!

I know that nerves are a drag and dealing with them can be a matter of practice, but I hope this is at least somewhat helpful

 

[James Carrabino]

Purely out of curiosity, what are people thoughts on posting about a Vacation Scheme offer on LinkedIn? Is it a good thing to do, are there any negatives or is it ultimately personal choice?

I’m seeing a lot of posts pop up on my feed, hence the question.

I think a polite update is fine and some firms even want their vac schemers to do this for marketing purposes! A long emotional post thanking every friend and family member is personally not my favourite thing to come across on LinkedIn though 🤣

Also I find the 'Offer Holder' updates weird and I've even seen people list under work experience 'Assessment Centre work experience day'...

 

[Adrian_S]

different, VS then TC

here’s what I have so far. going to keep looking, send a bunch of emails out, and update the list accordingly:


Yes
Boodle Hatfield
Farrer & Co
Linklaters
Macfarlanes
Norton Rose Fulbright
Slaughter & May
Travers Smith

No
Addleshaw Goddard
Allen & Overy
Baker McKenzie
Bird & Bird
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
Clyde & Co
CMS
Davis Polk & Wardell
Dechert
DLA Piper
Gateley
Gowling WLG
Herbert Smith Freehills
Hogan Lovells
Irwin Mitchell
Mills & Reeve
Mishcon de Reya
Reed Smith
Ropes & Gray
Shearman & Sterling
Sidley Austin
Stephenson Harwood

Unclear
Dentons
Vinson & Elkins
Weil, Gotshal, & Manges

 

[Asil Ahmad]

what law firms allow you to apply twice in the same recruitment cycle? if anybody knows!

Travers Smith are known for this.

 

[S87]

here’s what I have so far. going to keep looking, send a bunch of emails out, and update the list accordingly:


Yes
Macfarlanes
Farrer & Co
Linklaters
NRF
Slaughter & May

No
Addleshaw Goddard
Allen & Overy
Baker McKenzie
Clyde & Co
Dechert
Hogan Lovells
Shearman & Sterling

Unclear
Dentons
Ropes & Gray
V&E
Weil

Dentons is unlikely but who knows. Weil depends on how many places are available after VS.