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

[Lastseasonwonder]

Does everyone get sent the WG test for DLA Piper or is it just those who pass the application stage?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi all! Dont mean to bring negativity to this forum but just seeking peoples thoughts... Im currently interning and am a 2021 graduate and have been applying for vac schemes but no luck so far.. quite a few of the firms i have my eye on still have their deadlines coming up end of december/beginning of jan. I seem to find myself only able to submit applications so close to the deadline. if the firms are rolling (like alot of the ones upcoming in dec/jan), how much of an issue does this pose? what is the general rule of thumb when it comes to submitting an app for a rolling firm? Just feel quite overwhelmed and feel like this app season is slipping away

My very generous rule of thumb is apply in the first two-thirds of an application window if you can. Therefore if the applications are open from 1 November to 31 January means you could apply anytime up until the beginning of January and still have no issues.

However, this generous rule means I would also stress if you find yourself wanting to apply to a firm but it is only a week or two before the deadline, then apply anyway. The only way to win it, is to be in it - not applying is the only certain way of not getting a job. Most firms will get the majority of the applications within the last 72 hours and I have lost count how many trainees I have recruited who applied hours before the deadline.

 

[Anoned]

Does everyone get sent the WG test for DLA Piper or is it just those who pass the application stage?

The WG is automatic, everyone gets it during the first stage.

 

[Rob93]

One of Sidley's questions is 'In your view which personal qualities make a successful lawyer?'

I've written up my own list, but revisiting their website just now they have a quite neat little 'what we look for' list of personal attributes.

While I'm pleased to find that there's significant conceptual overlap between their list and mine, I'm now wondering if I should shift gears/rewrite to focus more on what they obviously think are key qualities.

Are firms generally looking for their own material to be reflected back at them on these sorts of questions, or do they prefer something a little different? And if using their listed qualities, is it better to use the specific language they use or does it not matter? (ex. they list 'perserverance,' I had already written on 'resilience')

 

[EVjuji]

One of Sidley's questions is 'In your view which personal qualities make a successful lawyer?'

I've written up my own list, but revisiting their website just now they have a quite neat little 'what we look for' list of personal attributes.

While I'm pleased to find that there's significant conceptual overlap between their list and mine, I'm now wondering if I should shift gears/rewrite to focus more on what they obviously think are key qualities.

Are firms generally looking for their own material to be reflected back at them on these sorts of questions, or do they prefer something a little different? And if using their listed qualities, is it better to use the specific language they use or does it not matter? (ex. they list 'perserverance,' I had already written on 'resilience')

I would go with the skills you came up yourself to make your app stand out. So many candidates will use the skills on Sidleys website...

 

[S87]

Guys I have two links for the Mayer brown tests? I literally have two identical tests

 

[anon123456789]

Anyone else feel a bit deflated after Clyde & Co VI? I literally don't know how to feel, I can't tell whether I did good or bad which probably isn't a good thing😅

 

[John Travoni]

Anyone heard back from PMC VS post application?

 

[WN20]

Guys I have two links for the Mayer brown tests? I literally have two identical tests

May I ask if the tests were automatic for you? If not, do you mind me asking when you applied?

 

[elizabeth_98]

Guys I have two links for the Mayer brown tests? I literally have two identical tests

I also received two links but I only did one test. I have received my report so I am assuming it is all ok

 

[S87]

I also received two links but I only did one test. I have received my report so I am assuming it is all ok

May I ask you how long after did you receive your report?

 

[S87]

May I ask if the tests were automatic for you? If not, do you mind me asking when you applied?

I don’t know if the test is automatic but I applied a couple of weeks ago

 

[Jessica Booker]

One of Sidley's questions is 'In your view which personal qualities make a successful lawyer?'

I've written up my own list, but revisiting their website just now they have a quite neat little 'what we look for' list of personal attributes.

While I'm pleased to find that there's significant conceptual overlap between their list and mine, I'm now wondering if I should shift gears/rewrite to focus more on what they obviously think are key qualities.

Are firms generally looking for their own material to be reflected back at them on these sorts of questions, or do they prefer something a little different? And if using their listed qualities, is it better to use the specific language they use or does it not matter? (ex. they list 'perserverance,' I had already written on 'resilience')

Perseverance and resilience although similar and often connected to me are different qualities. Resilience is often about being unfazed by challenging matters, while perseverance is more of a dogged determination that ensure success. One is more about how you feel and the other is more about what you do.

I would personally use your own strengths and your own language but try to find alignments or similarities where you can. The firm knows it’s own marketing/values/attributes and there is just a risk that anyone can repeat that, and therefore you haven’t got the opportunity to stand out from the crowd nor show you as a unique applicant.

 

[KBLAW]

Anyone got a Kirkland AC yet? Thankss

 

[elizabeth_98]

May I ask you how long after did you receive your report?

I did my test on the 23rd November and received my report on the 25th

 

[Mxkry]

Is there a rolling/non-rolling list thread this year?

 

[zidoeslaw]

Does everyone get sent the WG test for DLA Piper or is it just those who pass the application stage?

everyone gets it, but they send it every friday!

 

[Niabari]

Links PFO as well!

Thought I nailed WG and completed the Capp assessment logically and honestly...but onwards and upwards!

What is PFO please?

 

[AvniD]

One of Sidley's questions is 'In your view which personal qualities make a successful lawyer?'

I've written up my own list, but revisiting their website just now they have a quite neat little 'what we look for' list of personal attributes.

While I'm pleased to find that there's significant conceptual overlap between their list and mine, I'm now wondering if I should shift gears/rewrite to focus more on what they obviously think are key qualities.

Are firms generally looking for their own material to be reflected back at them on these sorts of questions, or do they prefer something a little different? And if using their listed qualities, is it better to use the specific language they use or does it not matter? (ex. they list 'perserverance,' I had already written on 'resilience')

I'd suggest finding links between your own strengths as you would word them and the firm's values/ethos/vision. That way, it doesn't seem like you're simply telling them things you think they'd like to hear and it also demonstrates that you've thought deeply about why you're a good fit for the firm and vice versa.

 

[IJ6238]

Anyone got a Kirkland AC yet? Thankss

I am fairly certain that they are partially non-rolling. Unless anyone knows otherwise I think they give out VI & AC invites after the deadline but review on a rolling basis.