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

[Abii]

Has anyone heard from Taylor Wessing post-AC recently? I know they said last AC is 30th March but I'm impatient 🤠

Heard back just over a week after the AC. It really varies though I know last year some people heard back a couple days later some after all ACs for offers.

 

[PastaPointOfNoReturn]

Thank you so much for this, it is greatly appreciated. If I could just ask one more question, were the questions competency, motivational, firm-specific or a mixture?

Definitely a mixture, it was quite challenging to get everything I wanted to say into such a short response but I reckon everyone has the same struggle there, such are video interviews 😂

 

[21wajsz]

SH Summer Vac Scheme - First Interview Invite!!

 

[show_me_the_tc]

Clifford Chance SPARK offer!!!🥳

 

[applyingfortc]

Clifford Chance SPARK offer!!!🥳

Congrats! When was your AC and when did they call you?

 

[BM99]

Just received an update from Mayer Brown that they cannot give me an offer at this time, but they said they are looking at increasing the numbers on the vacation scheme so may be in touch in due course regarding an offer...

Has anyone encountered this situation before lol, or has anyone received the same email?

 

[21wajsz]

Omg are they still giving things out? Perhaps there is a small slither of hope as I had written them off!

Yeah! I did the test and got invited to the first interview 2 hours after! I submitted my application late December for reference!

 

[show_me_the_tc]

Congrats! When was your AC and when did they call you?

Thank you! My AC was last Tuesday (8th) and they phoned me at 1pm today

 

[Jessica Booker]

Just received an update from Mayer Brown that they cannot give me an offer at this time, but they said they are looking at increasing the numbers on the vacation scheme so may be in touch in due course regarding an offer...

Has anyone encountered this situation before lol, or has anyone received the same email?

It is quite common, but even more so at the moment when they have issues with finding appropriate supervisors due to the increase in working from home.

 

[jcm144]

Omg congratulations !!!! Keep me updated everyone ! Mine was also on the 8th I am so scared 😱

 

[show_me_the_tc]

Omg congratulations !!!! Keep me updated everyone ! Mine was also on the 8th I am so scared 😱

you've got this 💪

 

[AvniD]

Hi! 😊

Just wondering whether anyone has any advice on what to do between now and Summer Vacation Schemes? I am already a graduate and currently looking for a job. However, I have been lucky enough to secure two Summer VS (a two week one in June and a three week one in July) and don't know what jobs to apply to for between now and June. Was planning on trying to get a paralegal job, but I can't imagine any firm will let me have 5 weeks off in the summer for 2 vac schemes (with only one week between them), nor any firm wanting to hire someone for less than three months!

Would I be better off trying to find a temp admin job / something similar which is unrelated to law for between now and June?

@Jessica Booker wondering whether you might please have any insight on this?

Thanks all in advance!

You could work for Flex Legal or other such platforms that help you find freelance/temp legal work. If money is not an issue and you're simply looking to get some experience and put your skills to use, you could volunteer at a legal advice centre.

 

[BM99]

It is quite common, but even more so at the moment when they have issues with finding appropriate supervisors due to the increase in working from home.

Sorry I was a bit confused haha. Can you explain more why firms will do that especially now? @Jessica Booker

 

[jcm144]

you've got this 💪

Thank you !!! Do u think they’re doing it in alphabetical order? Also did ur portal update? I am so nervous haha!!!

 

[Hele25]

Casual mid-afternoon check of an application portal and the switch from “you have applied” to “you application has been reviewed and is currently being processed” is about the most panic inducing, impending doom set of words ever created. Lol

 

[Crystal86]

Sorry to bother again! For those who did the HSF AC did you hear back the same day?

 

[jcm144]

Anyone else heard back from Clifford Chance yet?

 

[AvniD]

@George Maxwell How would you answer an interview question regarding how a firm remains competitive / HSF's competitive strategy? Thank you!

Looking forward to reading @George Maxwell 's thoughts but would like to add mine too as I have answered this question in the past.

Try to think of a few things that you think are the firm's strongest selling points for clients. Certain business development initiatives, strength of their core practice areas, their approach to delivering their legal services- pick anything that stands out to you the most and genuinely interests you from a client view point (it is important for me to emphasise this because it may differ from what you like about the firm as an aspiring solicitor).

Then look for other firms who could boast of similar selling points and identify what the firm you're applying to does differently/better re that particular point to demonstrate how they maintain competitive. This may take a lot of effort on your part because this information is not always readily available, but once you do this, you can rest assured that your answer will stand out.

In the end, put it all together in a neat structure. You could state the thing that you think makes the firm competitive ➡️ justify this with evidence and reasons (you can bring in figures, initiatives, awards etc. here)➡️ repeat for 2-4 points depending on how much time and capacity you have.

 

[AvniD]

Okay so I’ve applied to a rather small firm for a summer vac scheme (held in May🤷‍♀️), and I received confirmation that they’re received my application on the 13th of Feb, but nothing further.
When is it appropriate to send an email asking for an approximate timeline? I need to start planning time off work etc! Thanks!

You could email them now simply stating when you applied and when you can expect an outcome for your application without needing to mention that you're doing so to plan time off as that may come off as being slightly presumptive.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Sorry I was a bit confused haha. Can you explain more why firms will do that especially now? @Jessica Booker

They need people in the office to supervise you and also make sure you are ok/learning etc.

That is much trickier to do when people are working from home more. So finding supervisors who can supervise you is much trickier than it ever was before.