TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hey @Jessica Booker, I wonder if you could share your thoughts on this when answering 'Why commercial law' questions.

I have a decade of experience within the policing sphere, which gives me loads of great examples to talk about in questions. However, with the commercial law question, I feel like firms may be thinking why doesn't this person want to work at the bar? When I started the journey of a career change, this was the initial route I wanted but then my research led me to commercial law because the career appeals to me more for so many reasons.

Would explaining this journey and my reasons for deciding commercial law instead of the bar make my application seem authentic? Or should I steer clear from mentioning the bar at all? Interested to know your thoughts!

It sounds like it will be authentic (I am assuming because it is!). I think if you need to explain originally considering the bar, then a very brief reference to it is fine (I just wouldn’t labour it) and then I would focus on why commercial law appeals, rather than why the bar doesn’t.

 

[bhbuygu]

Hi, for the Hogan Lovells VS application there is an optional section where you can include 250 words on ‘Anything else you would like us to know.’ This is included in the competency section of the application. Should I discuss anything in specific here? I’ve basically included everything I want to mention on my Work Experience section, so I’m not sure what else to include. Should I leave it blank if its optional? If others could give me any ideas I’d really appreciate it!

 

[tofu]

Has anyone heard back from CMS post video interview - I know some people have received AC invites but... why are they taking so long?? I wanna hear back already?

may i know how long after the WG did you receive notification for the video interview? i've completed the the WG and am waiting for the VI :/ thank you!

 

[LJ]

It sounds like it will be authentic (I am assuming because it is!). I think if you need to explain originally considering the bar, then a very brief reference to it is fine (I just wouldn’t labour it) and then I would focus on why commercial law appeals, rather than why the bar doesn’t.

Thank you very much, Jessica. I really appreciate your help.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi, for the Hogan Lovells VS application there is an optional section where you can include 250 words on ‘Anything else you would like us to know.’ This is included in the competency section of the application. Should I discuss anything in specific here? I’ve basically included everything I want to mention on my Work Experience section, so I’m not sure what else to include. Should I leave it blank if its optional? If others could give me any ideas I’d really appreciate it!

Hi, for the Hogan Lovells VS application there is an optional section where you can include 250 words on ‘Anything else you would like us to know.’ This is included in the competency section of the application. Should I discuss anything in specific here? I’ve basically included everything I want to mention on my Work Experience section, so I’m not sure what else to include. Should I leave it blank if it’s optional? If others could give me any ideas I’d really appreciate it!

Just some of the things that get covered in this question:

- why the firm/why commercial law (as this isn’t covered elsewhere)
- mitigating circumstances
- extra curriculars
- achievements that don’t fit into the competency questions

 

[bhbuygu]

Just some of the things that get covered in this question:

- why the firm/why commercial law (as this isn’t covered elsewhere)
- mitigating circumstances
- extra curriculars
- achievements that don’t fit into the competency questions

Thank you, I really appreciate it!!

 

[bibss]

It is tricky (and why these questions sometimes don't work as a simple yes/no answer).

Ultimately the question can be interpreted in multiple ways, including whether you have the right to work now. Given that, I would actually put yes, especially given there is a strong chance you will have settled status anyway.

Thanks Jessica for your sharing your perspective!

 

[Future Six Figure Fee Earner]

Do law firms check and verify extra curriculars such as programmes completed and positions of responsibility?

 

[mariistm]

Skadden TI! Any tips would be highly appreciated

 

[CorpLawyer00]

Skadden TI! Any tips would be highly appreciated

congrats! may I ask when you applied?

 

[mariistm]

congrats! may I ask when you applied?

thanks! 5th of December

 

[bibss]

Expecting a Skadden PFO soon

 

[lllaaawww098]

How long does it take for Latham & Watkins to send a feedback report after completing the SJT test?

 

[bibss]

How long does it take for Latham & Watkins to send a feedback report after completing the SJT test?

24 hours!

 

[Deleted member 3712]

Hi, does anyone know if we automatically get our Cognify and Emotify results (Ashurst’s tests)? I’ve gotten my workplace alignment feedback, but not anything regarding the first two.

Keen to know too!

 

[Narince]

does anyone know how long it takes w&c to get back to you after the application has been submitted for the summer vac scheme? is it after the app deadline?

 

[CorpLawyer00]

24 hours!

Do they tell you if you passed or is it just feedback like Capp?

 

[lawlover]

has anyone done Irwin Mitchell VI and have any tips?

 

[S87]

Has anyone a WFW VI and have any tips?

 

[bibss]

Do they tell you if you passed or is it just feedback like Capp?

Just feedback highlighting your areas of strength and main weakness.