TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[TheBestSolicitorInTheWorld]

Also, is anyone applying for Kirkland and Ellis? I think the firm seems amazing but I feel like my soul will genuinely be crushed if I do their 1600 word application and get rejected. 1600 is a lot for just one firm

 

[CorpLawyer00]

Also, is anyone applying for Kirkland and Ellis? I think the firm seems amazing but I feel like my soul will genuinely be crushed if I do their 1600 word application and get rejected. 1600 is a lot for just one firm

It’s a grind but my hope is it puts other people off hahahahaha

 

[Uvaia]

Also, is anyone applying for Kirkland and Ellis? I think the firm seems amazing but I feel like my soul will genuinely be crushed if I do their 1600 word application and get rejected. 1600 is a lot for just one firm

Farrer & Co's is 1850 words 😅

 

[HopefulFutureTrainee123]

Also, is anyone applying for Kirkland and Ellis? I think the firm seems amazing but I feel like my soul will genuinely be crushed if I do their 1600 word application and get rejected. 1600 is a lot for just one firm

Not personally applying, but my thought is that you should apply; if you genuinely really like the firm, that will shine through in your application. Also, 1600 is not crazy - I’ve written longer word counts, been rejected last year, and then got through this year for the same firm (with different questions equating to nearly 2000). I think that researching the firms takes the most time, so if you’ve done that, bash out some answers, then refine them each day/each week (depending on when the deadline is), then send it! The only reason I’d say maybe don’t apply is if the deadline is super soon, and you have more applications to complete that might be significantly easier (eg. more thoroughly researched, or already mostly written). Best of luck

 

[pb15]

I made such a mess of a VI I did for a Spring VC. I don't know why, I know that I prepared to the best of my ability, but when it started I just froze. It was like I just couldn't speak clearly. I didn't answer the questions correctly and I know I am getting rejected. I just don't know what to do now. Like I know how to prepare and I can do telephone interviews and other assessments, I have had plenty practice with VIs I just can't hack them I just feel stuck and am not sure what to do now

Ive definitely been in the same boat before, but what really has helped me is speaking to my photo booth on my laptop, or even just recording myself on my phone/ipad. you can watch them back and see how slow/fast you talk, if youre saying 'um' too much, etc. hopefully thats helpful!

 

[F99]

For Baker McKenzie, did you guys get immediate WGs? My email said that it's a rolling basis and I will only have to do an online test if im successful

They screen applications before sending out the WG invites so not everyone gets them. I applied on 1 December and got invited on 21 December.

 

[HopefulFutureTrainee123]

For the work experience section, an app asks "Please list your most recent employment history". How far back should I go when it says "most recent"? I have voluntary work experience back to 2013, and I usually go this far back. TIA. @Jessica Booker

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hello everyone,
I d like to seek clarification when answering the question “why this law firm?”. After attending a few events with some law firms, most say that we should show that we have researched the firm well enough.
When I approach the question “why this Law firm”, i tend to focus on a practice area i enjoy and state why i enjoy it. I also mention i am drawn to the law firm because of its training and i state why. But i feel when i mention the practice area or training aspect, it does not show that i have researched the firm well enough since these are points that can be found perhaps on their website or legal 500 or legal cheek even. Is there any advice on how i can show i have researched the firm well enough when approaching the “why this Law firm” question? Thanks a lot i appreciate it. if @Jessica Booker can add on some insights, i d also appreciate this very much. Thanks in advance!

That is sufficient research - you don’t have to come up with something unique or obscure. I would expect most research to be accessible to everyone. The individuality and impact comes from when you explain why that research is relevant to you.

 

[Jessica Booker]

For the work experience section, an app asks "Please list your most recent employment history". How far back should I go when it says "most recent"? I have voluntary work experience back to 2013, and I usually go this far back. TIA. @Jessica Booker

If there is an unlimited amount of entries you can go this far back if you would like to.

 

[j.s.cox]

Does anyone have any tips for an in-tray exercise assessment, or are there any TCLA resources available on the premium subscription?

The TCLA premium subscription should give you access to the course on assessment centres which I found very useful!

 

[Parsorandini]

Does anyone know if the Bird & Bird WG is given to everyone who applies or if there is an application review first with the chance to get rejected?

 

[lawyering]

Does anyone know if the Bird & Bird WG is given to everyone who applies or if there is an application review first with the chance to get rejected?

Can't be sure about VS but when I applied to direct TC last cycle they screened before sending the WG

 

[HopefulFutureTrainee123]

If there is an unlimited amount of entries you can go this far back if you would like to.

Thank you

 

[daisy_yawn]

Also, is anyone applying for Kirkland and Ellis? I think the firm seems amazing but I feel like my soul will genuinely be crushed if I do their 1600 word application and get rejected. 1600 is a lot for just one firm

Cooley's is 1500 too :') if you like the firm, apply! Unless it's eating into time that you could be spending on a different application / studies / something more important, I'd say go for it!

 

[HopefulFutureTrainee123]

Does anyone know if the Bird & Bird WG is given to everyone who applies or if there is an application review first with the chance to get rejected?

Yes, they screen applications first. Unsure what percentage get through to WG, but I've assumed about 50% from comments that they've made.

 

[Aga123+]

The TCLA premium subscription should give you access to the course on assessment centres which I found very useful!

Thanks

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Should be on the 31st. at 23:59.

Thank you very much for this.

 

[Uvaia]

They screen applications before sending out the WG invites so not everyone gets them. I applied on 1 December and got invited on 21 December.

Good to know when you applied and received the WG. I applied on 22nd Nov. and still not heard back which probably means a PFO.🫣

 

[F99]

Good to know when you applied and received the WG. I applied on 22nd Nov. and still not heard back which probably means a PFO.🫣

May I ask what programme you applied for? I applied for Spring VS. Hope you hear from them soon with a positive outcome

 

[Uvaia]

May I ask what programme you applied for? I applied for Spring VS. Hope you hear from them soon with a positive outcome

Oh I applied for the Summer VS thanks, wishing you some good news as well.