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

[Lumree]

CMS VI invite! Was starting to lose hope

 

[tt_xo]

CMS VI too have not heard back from any firm so feels good to finally hear something

 

[JM1998]

CMS VI!!

 

[GXA123]

Does anyone know how to answer this question "Please explain the reason for your preference" this is asked immediately after the office preference for a VS and is only 100 words.

 

[GK8997]

For Weil vacation scheme application on the question why Weil is it okay to talk about pro bono work as they do count pro bono work as billable work. I know it is good not to talk about pro bono work in the why this firm question as it is not billable work for most firms.

I agree with all said above- Weil does take a lot of pride in its pro bono work so I think it is a good one to mention as a supplementary point but not a main one. I also think talking about in a way that links to specifically why it interests you will probably be more impactful than just talking about the fact that it is fee earning work!

 

[kat_]

Has anyone else who applied for EY been moved on to the shortlisting stage? My app is on stage 4 but it says this is just while they’re shortlisting candidates and they’ll update soon. But with the experience day happening next week it’s going to be a really fast turnaround.

Mines the same 🙃

 

[vsapplicant123]

Hi - I was just wondering if anyone knew how many days you get to do the situational strengths test once you submit your Reed Smith vacation scheme application?

 

[vsapplicant123]

Me too! Really needed that one today. Now to prepare for a strengths based VI.

Well done and good luck!! Just wanted to ask how long you had to prepare for each stage for Reed Smith? - e.g. Simmons gave 5 full calendar days to complete the SJT once you had submitted your app. Thank you so much in advance!

 

[Mxkry]

Are we meant to put our number on a CV or not?

 

[Miki3999]

Has anyone else who applied for EY been moved on to the shortlisting stage? My app is on stage 4 but it says this is just while they’re shortlisting candidates and they’ll update soon. But with the experience day happening next week it’s going to be a really fast turnaround.

Same here! I have trip abroad booked for next week so hopefully the AC will not actually be on Thursday haha

 

[ZaraB]

CMS VI as well! Good luck everyone ☺️

 

[Miki3999]

Does anyone know how to answer this question "Please explain the reason for your preference" this is asked immediately after the office preference for a VS and is only 100 words.

You can say, for example and depending on the city, that the firm's practice in X and Y in which you are interested is particularly strong in that city etc. If it's London, you can also say thay you chose London because it's one of the biggest financial centres in the world and the main hub for business in the UK which provides for a fast-paced working environment.

 

[Payal]

Just checked the portal - EY experience day invite! I can see an option for 25th and 29th, but not sure if I should only register for the 25th since that's what previous emails have said. Any idea?

 

[JM1998]

EY experience day invite!

 

[Miki3999]

Just checked the portal - EY experience day invite! I can see an option for 25th and 29th, but not sure if I should only register for the 25th since that's what previous emails have said. Any idea?

Same, I'm tempted to book the 29th

 

[Payal]

Same, I'm tempted to book the 29th

I was too but then I saw that the 25/11 mentions 'Law' specifically - so I might go for that instead

 

[Miki3999]

I was too but then I saw that the 25/11 mentions 'Law' specifically - so I might go for that instead

Yup, just saw that as well. Is it online though?

 

[JM1998]

I booked the 25th because one of the messages from them before said that it’ll be on the 25th so to keep that date free

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker,

I'm currently applying to a firm with the question:

'Please give details of any interests and extra-curricular activities, including any positions of responsibility or achievements.'

This is second to a covering letter which needs to be written. Am I right in thinking that we generally shouldn't repeat anything on a covering letter which we have already described in our application? I'm struggling with how to start this question. I'd quite like to add my personal experience growing up as my biggest achievement is helping my brother push himself into Law school. However, I feel this more suits 'what is your greatest nonacademic achievement' which unfortunately isn't a question for this firm.

Thanks!

You could mention the aspect with your brother in the cover letter - although I’d keep it super concise so it can focus on why the firm, why the opportunity, why you (you could put your achievement in the “why you”).

The extra curriculars can then be factually focusing on the things you have done outside of your studies and work experience both at college/school and university. Focus on what you did and the impact you had.

 

[Nicole15]

Hi - I was just wondering if anyone knew how many days you get to do the situational strengths test once you submit your Reed Smith vacation scheme application?

Hello it’s within 5 days - good luck!