TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

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bhbuygu

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  • Dec 23, 2022
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    How long do people usually spend on applications?

    I usually spend around 1/2 days but I’ve been told that’s not enough time. Not quite sure as I’ve heard some people take a week perfecting an application.
     

    CorpLawyer00

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    Aug 8, 2022
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    How long do people usually spend on applications?

    I usually spend around 1/2 days but I’ve been told that’s not enough time. Not quite sure as I’ve heard some people take a week perfecting an application.
    Others might disagree with me but i would say 4-5 hours max. Obviously for apps like Kirkland its closer to 8-12 hours because there was quite a lot of unique questions.

    When I first started apps I spent 2-3 days and I actually think you risk jeopardising the quality of your app by trying to be "too perfect". I have been much much much more successful only spending 4-5 hours.

    However I would caveat that by saying over probably 15+ apps I have built up a bank of well written sentences and generic answers that can always be used for "why commercial law", "when were you resilient" "what is an achievement" of yours etc. The 4-5 hours mostly goes into research the firms practice areas and USPS for why this firm and a story that will impact the firm. But even then its good to have previous answers e.g if you are applying to 2 firms with huge PE practices I have found the answers are pretty interchangeable despite what people say about tailoring applications. This is just my experience but I hope it helps!
     

    Jessica Booker

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    Forum Team
    Aug 1, 2019
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    How long do people usually spend on applications?

    I usually spend around 1/2 days but I’ve been told that’s not enough time. Not quite sure as I’ve heard some people take a week perfecting an application.
    There really isn't any set amount of time.

    Some people can send a successful application off with little preparation. Others will spend many days pouring over an application.

    I would do what is right for you and for that application to that specific firm.
     
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    Fae2022

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    Dec 2, 2022
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    Hi, I have received an email from Clyde & Co being invited to the video assessment. Has anybody completed this before and do you have any advice? I am super nervous and any information would be appreciate, thank you ☺️
     

    bhbuygu

    Valued Member
  • Dec 23, 2022
    101
    185
    Others might disagree with me but i would say 4-5 hours max. Obviously for apps like Kirkland its closer to 8-12 hours because there was quite a lot of unique questions.

    When I first started apps I spent 2-3 days and I actually think you risk jeopardising the quality of your app by trying to be "too perfect". I have been much much much more successful only spending 4-5 hours.

    However I would caveat that by saying over probably 15+ apps I have built up a bank of well written sentences and generic answers that can always be used for "why commercial law", "when were you resilient" "what is an achievement" of yours etc. The 4-5 hours mostly goes into research the firms practice areas and USPS for why this firm and a story that will impact the firm. But even then its good to have previous answers e.g if you are applying to 2 firms with huge PE practices I have found the answers are pretty interchangeable despite what people say about tailoring applications. This is just my experience but I hope it helps!

    This is so useful, thank you! I was worried that I wasn’t putting in enough time into my applications.

    I agree with you completely. I spent hours on my first application but with practice I’ve reduced that time massively. Thanks again :)
     
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    futuretrainee202X

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    Jan 28, 2022
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    Others might disagree with me but i would say 4-5 hours max. Obviously for apps like Kirkland its closer to 8-12 hours because there was quite a lot of unique questions.

    When I first started apps I spent 2-3 days and I actually think you risk jeopardising the quality of your app by trying to be "too perfect". I have been much much much more successful only spending 4-5 hours.

    However I would caveat that by saying over probably 15+ apps I have built up a bank of well written sentences and generic answers that can always be used for "why commercial law", "when were you resilient" "what is an achievement" of yours etc. The 4-5 hours mostly goes into research the firms practice areas and USPS for why this firm and a story that will impact the firm. But even then its good to have previous answers e.g if you are applying to 2 firms with huge PE practices I have found the answers are pretty interchangeable despite what people say about tailoring applications. This is just my experience but I hope it helps!

    I would second that and add give yourself time to review and edit. I need at least two drafts before I'm comfortable with any app.
     

    CorpLawyer00

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    Aug 8, 2022
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    I would second that and add give yourself time to review and edit. I need at least two drafts before I'm comfortable with any app.
    yeah I actually think this is an important addition and something I missed. If the deadline allows I always make sure to go to the gym or sleep before I do a final read thru and submit. Helps me find way more errors.
     
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