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

[Tony Stark]

Hi @Jessica Booker , how would you advise turning down an AC invite?

 

[Jessica Booker]

This is quite an odd question to ask, but I have my wisdom tooth coming out, and I have an interview coming up soon. Should I mention this at the start of the interview?

My speech is just really slowed that's all otherwise I keep biting the inside of my mouth 😂😢😭

I'd probably reference it in a light-hearted way. They can't really do anything about it, but it might make you feel a bit more comfortable during the interview that you don't have to be so self-aware of its impact on your speech.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker , how would you advise turning down an AC invite?

You withdrawing from the recruitment process entirely or just can't attend the date given?

 

[djqb]

I'd probably reference it in a light-hearted way. They can't really do anything about it, but it might make you feel a bit more comfortable during the interview that you don't have to be so self-aware of its impact on your speech.

Thank you Jessica!

 

[John Travoni]

Has anyone heard back from Gateley for an AC for the London office ?

 

[letmeintolaw]

I am sure people can answer this better than I can, but:

1. IMO, a week ahead is more than enough time, especially if you have previously prepared for TIs/VIs/HR interviews.

2. By this stage, you should have your competency and motivational Qs pretty much nailed on. If not, do not panic, just keep revising them over and over, speaking out loud and practicing with friends + family.

3. From my experience, I spent the 3-days before my final interviews memorising a few deals, key relevant commercial themes, growth areas of the firm and its recent news [office openings, lateral hires, new practice areas (ESG)]. During the interviews, this was hardly covered, although this will of course vary.

At the end of the day, if you do all of this, it will be stored in your 'subconscious filing cabinet' and you can then pull out what you need, as and when.

Just be yourself, be confident, smile and you will be fine! From my experience, try not to guess 'what they want' or 'what a usual applicant would do', because interviewers can read you like a book.

Hope that helps.

That is super helpful! Thanks so much

 

[Beluga]

In my application, I often mention the current development of my start-up.
However, everything is still at seed level and I am really struggling on how to bring my idea to the next level.
Does anybody know how to get some mentorship or any kind help for struggling entrepreneurs?

Are you at university? Often universities have organisations or partnerships with organisations where alumni and partner businesses can offer info and where you can network with other entrepreneurs / potential hires etc!!

 

[xtinew]

Ringed three of Pinsents' GR members and got into voicemail for all of them throughout this morning and this afternoon. Looks like I'm going to have to attend my AC tomorrow and Friday

 

[S87]

Are you at university? Often universities have organisations or partnerships with organisations where alumni and partner businesses can offer info and where you can network with other entrepreneurs / potential hires etc!!

Thank you for your comment.

No, I work full-time and not able to access my uni services.

 

[wjlm25]

V&E PFO 🥳

 

[21wajsz]

V&E PFO!! Finally!

 

[GXA123]

Ringed three of Pinsents' GR members and got into voicemail for all of them throughout this morning and this afternoon. Looks like I'm going to have to attend my AC tomorrow and Friday

I also emailed to check and ask for an update but nothing, Good luck with your ACs <3

 

[therealellewoods]

Do Latham recruit meaningfully from Direct TCs?

 

[Beluga]

Those who have been successful at final stage interviews - roughly how much time did you spend prepping per day? And is one week ahead enough time to prepare fully? not that I have any other option lol

I personally never spent more than one whole week ahead of an AC to spend prepping for that particular firm!! (others might have taken a different approach which works for them better, this was just me and also I am in the middle of term for a notoriously busy degree so couldn’t afford to take more time than that).

I spent a varied amount of hours per day actually preparing since each AC was so different in my case but I did try to do these things every day:
- FT (I put topics of interest on the app so just looked at those then skimmed main page) (10 mins)
- Podcast in the morning while walking to my first lecture (10-15 mins)
- Watch a Youtube video on a potential discussion topic (5-30 mins depending) usually while eating a snack or something

Some of the videos I really loved:

(courtesy of someone on this forum!)

I liked these because they allowed for casual watching to take a break from uni work etc. I sometimes watched some videos before going to bed to wind down for the day. Different things work for everyone, this worked well for me and some of the things in the videos I did utilise in my ACs!

 

[LoveAspireLAW]

Anyone here still waiting for Weil post AC?

 

[Beluga]

Would anyone know if the firms that have already completed their ACs have finalised their spring/summer vac scheme attendees list by now? I got placed on the reserve list for one firm and I'm wondering if there's no chance of getting a vac scheme spot now if they've already filled up their vac schemes

I had to turn down a spring vac scheme offer and they responded on 22 February with acknowledgment — so I would assume at least some firms will still be finalising attendee lists and contacting reserve lists !

 

[rightletsdothis]

I was almost as excited to receive my V&E PFO finally today after being ghosted for a month as I was being accepted by Clyde & Co. Just waiting for the rest of the US firm PFOs now eagerly

 

[Ray00313]

​

APPLICATION DATES AND TIMELINE
Firm: PwC
Opportunity: Legal Summer Internship (London) 2022

23 Dec 2021 — applied and received automatic invite to Career Unlocked (Behavioural Based Assessment) by Arctic Shores
27 Dec 2021 — completed Arctic Shores Assessment (before deadline stipulated)
28 Dec 2021 — received Arctic Shores Assessment/Career Unlocked feedback report

04 Feb 2022 — received this video interview invite:

"Congratulations for passing the Behavioural Based Assessment and the screening stage: you are now one step closer to potentially receiving an offer! You are now going to be invited to the next stage of assessment which is called Career Conversation, otherwise known as the recorded video interview".​

12 Feb 2022 — completed HireVue VI (before deadline stipulated)
23 Feb 2022 — PFO

"I hope this email finds you well. This is an update on your application for the Legal Summer Internship with us. Though you have passed the Video Interview, you have unfortunately not met the benchmarks in order to progress to the next stage of assessment. It is therefore with regret that we confirm you will not be progress to the Career Focus Day and that your application is being declined".​

MY QUESTIONS — ANY THOUGHTS WOULD BE APPRECIATED :'(
I'm VERY confused by the PFO email and what they mean by the "benchmarks" that I have failed to meet — does this mean I failed certain aspects of the Arctic Shores assessment and therefore will not be progressed even though I did fine in the VI? If this is the case why did they tell me that I passed the behavioural based assessment when I was invited to VI? Or are they talking about some other "benchmarks" that we don't know about?

If I'm being rejected because I failed all/part of the Arctic Shores assessment, why did they even progress me to VI in the first place - is it because they want to give those who perhaps didn't do well in the initial assessment to prove themselves in the VI, and then review the application holistically (taking into account both VI and Arctic Shores performance) before deciding who gets to progress? If this is the case, why am I told that I "passed the video interview", but will not be progressed anyway? Could it be because I "passed the VI" but when reviewed together with my poor Arctic Shores performance, is still not good enough to progress compared to other candidates?

I'm just disheartened that I'm being told that I "passed the VI" but still will not be progressed, and not being told why. Would hate to think that I performed okay in the VI but am being rejected because I didn't do so well in Arctic Shores Also, I'm just generally really disappointed that I keep getting rejected from law firms because of psychometric tests when I have done relatively okay in other assessments e.g. application writing and VI. Is it worth emailing to ask what exactly is the "benchmark" they're referring to? I doubt they'll reply though, as they would just see this as another candidate asking for individual feedback, which they are unable to provide?

Arctic Shores now serve as a reason for some to refrain from applying to that firm.
Capp test arguably serves better the propose.

 

[carlos2000x]

New to the forum but would be grateful for some advice.

I recently accepted a TC with a city firm but, after going through my written app, I am getting a little bit worried over a couple things. In one instance I left out one of my GDL grades (it was actually one of my higher grades) off my application form. I did submit my transcript prior to the interview with the grade on there but I am not sure whether I should flag this or not.

Also, due to mitigating circumstances, I had to re-set a LPC exam (at the 2nd attempt). I briefly explained this to the firm during a call but am feeling anxious because my contract says I need to pass everything at the first attempt- will this be an issue during the background check? I would be extremely grateful for any advice/help here!

 

[Beluga]

Yet another YouTube video that I really enjoyed and came into use when answering questions about “what option might a company have when it is struggling / when it wants to defend against a hostile takeover” !!