TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[CorpLawyer00]

Exactly, I feel like my WG went well so idk what's taking so long. I guess the only good thing is that since it's a summer placement we don't have to worry to much just yet. I'll get concerned if it reaches March and I still haven't heard anything though.

yeah but they are giving out places. I think primarily to ppl on their first year scheme though

 

[kokothemagicdragon]

yeah but they are giving out places. I think primarily to ppl on their first year scheme though

I was on the first year scheme and I can confirm this 100%

 

[rosec]

Chambers rankings for Mishcon and their recent merger, + failed IPO

thank you sm!!

 

[gw9]

does anyone have a list of common interview/video interview questions? Would be v grateful if someone wouldn't mind sharing, as struggling to find questions to practice with!

https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/175-training-contract-interview-questions-2/

 

[iratencies]

I had my VI last wednesday and haven't heard since

Hi, was this for spring or summer?

 

[iratencies]

Hi guys, I have my first AC this week with CMS. I'm a little worried for the case study section... I know I might have to discuss what teams of the firm would be working on specific parts of the case study.. how do I learn more/research different teams [i.e intellectual property or the employment team etc] and what they do.. many thanks!

 

[kokothemagicdragon]

Hi, was this for spring or summer?

Spring.

 

[FutureLawyer99]

Hi guys, I’ve come across this question and I would love if anyone could add some input into this. The question is ‘what issues are currently facing the legal sector?’ Does anyone have any thoughts on this? The only ones I can think of are the issues that are affecting the business world generally at the moment (such as cost of living, energy crisis etc.)

 

[Flavius Aurelius]

I have an AC coming up with CMS. As this is my first AC (after billions of apps) I am a bit nervous as I have no idea what to expect! Any tips on what to expect and how to prepare? Thank you!

 

[CorpLawyer00]

Hi guys, I’ve come across this question and I would love if anyone could add some input into this. The question is ‘what issues are currently facing the legal sector?’ Does anyone have any thoughts on this? The only ones I can think of are the issues that are affecting the business world generally at the moment (such as cost of living, energy crisis etc.)

depends on firm tbh but some things could be: lawyer burnout, 0 deal flow in ECM, rubbish and fluctuating exchange rates (specifically compared to USD) which allows US firms to pay more competitve salary and harder for UK firms to set up or do business in US

 

[Samir_O]

any tips on how to answer ropes & gray's app question? finding it so difficult to start D:

 

[kokothemagicdragon]

Hi guys, I’ve come across this question and I would love if anyone could add some input into this. The question is ‘what issues are currently facing the legal sector?’ Does anyone have any thoughts on this? The only ones I can think of are the issues that are affecting the business world generally at the moment (such as cost of living, energy crisis etc.)

- Retention
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Transaction dip might be incoming (already has tbf)
- WLB changes due to priorities changing (both good and bad effects)
- WFH
- Megafirms disrupting the profession (hint K&E)
- Law firm structures changing

 

[Jessica Booker]

I am, really annoying how they are taking so long. idc if its a pfo but just let us know? people who applied after me have now heard back so I am unsure? The fact that some firms seem to be able to reply within a week and receive thousands of apps but some take months confuses me tbh.

A lot of firms claim to have psychometric testing to narrow down applicants because they get so many apps but then still take months to reply. idk how DP can offer me an interview in 5 days after receiving my app and RPC can go through the whole process within a week.

Some firms use the current applicant pool to benchmark, while other use existing norm groups to assess psychometric. Something as simple as this could create a difference in one firm getting back to you fairly immediately while another could take months.

Some also use “hold” pools of talent to minimise the risk of under/over hiring while others don’t, meaning some people are left in limbo while others hear back quickly.

 

[CorpLawyer00]

Some firms use the current applicant pool to benchmark, while other use existing norm groups to assess psychometric. Something as simple as this could create a difference in one firm getting back to you fairly immediately while another could take months.

Some also use “hold” pools of talent to minimise the risk of under/over hiring while others don’t, meaning some people are left in limbo while others hear back quickly.

yeah I guess you are right and I get the reasons it takes longer with some. I guess why I am confused is because psychometric testing is used (OSTENSIBLY) to streamline and have a quicker/more efficient process and a way of narrowing down an initially huge applicant pool. It is not that clear to me why some firms as u suggested wait until they can use the current applicant pools benchmark.

I guess every firm has their own procedures and some firms (because of their popularity with applicants) will get away with sending AC invites out with 3 days notice.

Personally, the firms that make me wait the longest put me off.

 

[Jessica Booker]

yeah I guess you are right and I get the reasons it takes longer with some. I guess why I am confused is because psychometric testing is used (OSTENSIBLY) to streamline and have a quicker/more efficient process and a way of narrowing down an initially huge applicant pool. It is not that clear to me why some firms as u suggested wait until they can use the current applicant pools benchmark.

I guess every firm has their own procedures and some firms (because of their popularity with applicants) will get away with sending AC invites out with 3 days notice.

Personally, the firms that make me wait the longest put me off.

There is a difference between the period of time and the volume of time though. Testing can be automated and therefore takes seconds. Other processes, such as reviewing applications takes minutes - typically 3-8 depending on the length.

If you had 1,000 applicants and it takes 10 seconds to “test” a candidate, that’s 10,000 seconds or less than 3 hours. If you have to review each application it’s about 100 hours.

 

[tofu]

I have an AC coming up with CMS. As this is my first AC (after billions of apps) I am a bit nervous as I have no idea what to expect! Any tips on what to expect and how to prepare? Thank you!

congrats on the AC! do u mind sharing when u completed the VI and received the AC? i'm still waiting on a reply post-VI

 

[sdsou]

Can someone pls explain the Withers Education section - they have a section for 'Postgraduate (non-legal) qualification' and then another section for Legal Qualification where the qualification types are 'BPTC, BVC, LPC, PCLL, LPC, New York Bar, Other'. Where should an academic LLM be added (i.e., not an LLM LPC, but a regular university LLM)? Should it be included as 'Other'?

 

[futureprospectivepotentialtrainee]

Anyone hear from Davis Polk post interview?

got a call yesterday with an offer

 

[CorpLawyer00]

got a call yesterday with an offer

wow congrats! you heard that early??? thats an insane turnaround, when did you have your interview?

 

[futureprospectivepotentialtrainee]

wow congrats! you heard that early??? thats an insane turnaround, when did you have your interview?

thanks! i had mine thursday