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

[Anoned]

How do you get better at passing SJTs? I always pass WG but SJTs are a nightmare

Have a look at the qualities/ skills that firms look for in their trainees. I would recommend doing the HSF practice SJT as well, it gives you the right answer and, most importantly, why each answer is right (I know it's one firm but they look for similar stuff tbh).

Link- https://careers.herbertsmithfreehills.com/uk/grads/what-we-look-for

 

[refy]

What percentile do u have to be for Links to get to AC generally?

 

[Rob93]

What percentile do u have to be for Links to get to AC generally?

I think I've heard of people around ~30th getting through. WG is a very minor component for Links, CAPP is the main driver of their decisions

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

What percentile do u have to be for Links to get to AC generally?

Its been reported that people in the 20-30th percentile range have got through to AC.

 

[DisciplineTC2526]

Still haven't heard from Weil re WG test - really hope that does not mean a PFO.

Do they send WG in batches or all at once?

 

[SCN]

How do you get better at passing SJTs? I always pass WG but SJTs are a nightmare

I would look at what trainees are allowed to do/not allowed to do. For example, the question might ask how you would react to a client asking you to amend and send back documents, and your first reaction might be to complete it as asked and send. But as a trainee, your work is checked by an associate so the more appropriate answer would be to draft the changes and get someone to check it before sending. So, what might seem like the "right" answer (like it makes you seem proactive, engaged and intelligent) might actually be ineffective!

 

[thirdtimelucky]

I would look at what trainees are allowed to do/not allowed to do. For example, the question might ask how you would react to a client asking you to amend and send back documents, and your first reaction might be to complete it as asked and send. But as a trainee, your work is checked by an associate so the more appropriate answer would be to draft the changes and get someone to check it before sending. So, what might seem like the "right" answer (like it makes you seem proactive, engaged and intelligent) might actually be ineffective!

This reminded me of an SJT I just did! definitely agree with that rationale as often the “right” answers feel counterintuitive.

 

[M777]

Still haven't heard from Weil re WG test - really hope that does not mean a PFO.

Do they send WG in batches or all at once?

I applied very early so I highly doubt you're a PFO just yet.

 

[M777]

Still haven't heard from Weil re WG test - really hope that does not mean a PFO.

Do they send WG in batches or all at once?

Someone on here got WG 2 weeks ago and a VI today; I only got my WG this afternoon. It's not being sent all at once, nor in batches I'm pretty sure.

 

[21wajsz]

Hi! Does A&O sent out AC invites in batches? If not, how long does it usually take to be informed if you’ve progressed/rejected after passing the benchmark for the test! Received the email i passed the test on 23rd Nov.

 

[CorporateLaw101]

Its been reported that people in the 20-30th percentile range have got through to AC.

I'm confused, does 20th percentile mean that only 20% of applicants do better or are equal to you, or does it mean that you are in the bottom 20% of applicants.

I see people use the two interchangeably and it has always confused me!

 

[Rob93]

I'm confused, does 20th percentile mean that only 20% of applicants do better or are equal to you, or does it mean that you are in the bottom 20% of applicants.

I see people use the two interchangeably and it has always confused me!

Percentile means you outperformed X percent of the peer group

 

[bibss]

Hi! Does A&O sent out AC invites in batches? If not, how long does it usually take to be informed if you’ve progressed/rejected after passing the benchmark for the test! Received the email i passed the test on 23rd Nov.

Been waiting since 21st November as well and no news just yet From what I’ve read online, they are quite slow and really take their time

 

[Lumree]

How do you get better at passing SJTs? I always pass WG but SJTs are a nightmare

Honestly, the easiest thing to do is pretend you’re a trainee on the job.

What’s helped me is to stop seeing the 1-5 as a black and white scale. For example, I used to think putting the most ‘collaborative’ answer was the ‘right’ answer because that’s what the firm wanted. So I would put (1) as that and then base the other 4 off what appears to be most collaborative > slightly less collaborative > not collaborative > independence etc. In reality though, it may make more sense to put an ‘independent’ looking option somewhere in the middle if that’s statement is actually what you’d do because it makes sense to (pretending you’re a trainee).

TLDR: Answer honestly and not what you think looks like the ‘right’ answer!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I'm confused, does 20th percentile mean that only 20% of applicants do better or are equal to you, or does it mean that you are in the bottom 20% of applicants.

I see people use the two interchangeably and it has always confused me!

20th percentile would mean 80% of people you are being benchmarked against have done better than you. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you are being benchmarked against other candidates though - sometimes firms use other groups to assess you against.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

SJT advice:

- You have to think what is the most efficient way of dealing with something (not just you working harder/longer)

- You have to think about mitigating risks

- You have to think about who is best placed to do the work to the highest of standards

- You have to think about what is the best outcome for the client.

They are the only common themes in law firms’ SJTs. Everything else can be quite bespoke and based on the firms values/strategy etc.

 

[kmax301]

I’m not sure but on the job board there are separate vacancies for the 2023 and 2024 TC.

I wouldn’t read into why you haven’t heard back yet - they’re a small grad rec with so many schemes/initiatives on the go. They simply may have not even started looking at 2024 TCs yet!

Hi, just received the test. Thanks for not letting my hope die

 

[CC03]

Baker McKenzie rejection received pre-WG (received at 14:51) for their spring VS

Sorry to hear this mate! May I ask when you applied?

I am sure you will hear good news soon!

 

[F99]

Does A&O send a confirmation email after you complete the SJT? I completed mine this afternoon and not received anything from them yet

 

[CC03]

Does A&O send a confirmation email after you complete the SJT? I completed mine this afternoon and not received anything from them yet

No they do not provide confirmation emails. At the end of the test you will get something saying “thank you for completing the test....” that acts as the confirmation

Also you should receive an update (pass or fail) literally 24 hours after you completed the test!