TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker I attended a remote AC recently. I was supposed to join a 15-minute Zoom call right after my associate/HR interview. However my internet crashed right after the interview - I panicked for a bit and by the time I got it back up the 15 minutes was up. I emailed grad rec after apologising for this and told them that I am happy to reschedule a 15-minute call with the trainee at another time - they haven't gotten back to me since.

I can't help but feel super guilty for wasting their time and that a trainee was probably waiting on a call for 15 minutes but I didn't show up. Would this have any effect on how my performance at AC is reviewed?

Also, out of curiosity, at ACs firms usually let us have interaction with trainees either through a Q&A (or if in person, usually an office tour). What exactly is the point of this — is it just to help candidates feel a bit more settled and is genuinely un-assessed, or does this get fed into the assessment process in any way (e.g. will they ask trainees for feedback re whether the candidate said or did smth that would come across as rude/uninterested/unenthusiastic)? Or is this completely firm-dependent?

Tech issues happen - I really wouldn't worry about this.

Interactions with trainees is really a chance for the candidate to work out if the firm is right for them/fill in some time. They aren't formally assessed, but I have had enough trainees go out of their way to email me and say someone was particularly engaged/impressive or the complete opposite and a PITA. It doesn't really influence the decision and typically just verifies what's been picked up from other assessments anyway.

 

[BM99]

Akin Gump Watson Glaser!

Does anyone know how long it takes for them to get back to you after completing the test?

hi is this for vacation scheme or training contract?

 

[sdsou]

Could someone please post the application questions for Charles Russell Speechlys vacation scheme app?

 

[lik0401]

hi is this for vacation scheme or training contract?

vacation scheme

 

[Sc924]

Does anyone know if Stephenson Harwood sends their WG tests automatically or after reviewing the app?

From what I remember for direct TC, I think it is only sent after app review

 

[BM99]

Does anyone know whether Akin Gump have a direct TC route?

 

[Adrian_S]

Does anyone know whether Akin Gump have a direct TC route?

They do have a direct TC route. But in the last application cycle, they appeared to only offer TCs to those who took part in the vacation scheme. Having spoken to grad recruitment, it's likely they'll do the same this year as well (though you can't always know for sure). Hope this helps

 

[HopefulFutureTrainee123]

Does anyone else feel like their better apps don’t get through, and their worse apps do get through?

 

[AL123456]

Is there any point in applying to Sidley or CMS. Their deadlines are soon but I see that people have already heard back from these firms?

 

[BonanzaBih_]

Can anyone recommend any good Watson glaser practise tests?

 

[Sachin Chandra]

Is there any point in applying to Sidley or CMS. Their deadlines are soon but I see that people have already heard back from these firms?

Still worth a short IMO for both. I only just submitted my Sidley application

 

[lawyering]

Is there any point in applying to Sidley or CMS. Their deadlines are soon but I see that people have already heard back from these firms?

Think CMS Academy deadline was 24 Dec 2022 unless you were looking at a different opportunity?

 

[Lord Sumption]

Does anyone else feel like their better apps don’t get through, and their worse apps do get through?

100%, I noticed this the other day and three applications I submitted which I honestly knew were not strong, I got through to the next stage 😅

 

[lawapplicant]

Does anyone know what year you get considered to start a TC from the Fieldfresher Vs? Their diversity access scheme says 2026 TC, and if you want earlier you must apply for direct TC.

 

[Donuttime]

what firms are still accepting applications please?

 

[BM99]

Hi @Jessica Booker , May I ask if I start my SQE next year without a TC, and subsequently secure a TC along the way, will firms be willing to pay the tuition fees?

 

[jomar]

Goodwin AC! Someone above asked if this is the final round - asking again, is it?

Other updates:
(1) Summer Scheme at US firm
(2) In the 3rd of 4th stage at a second US firm, and;
(3) PFO at AC round of a third US firm.

Good luck to everyone!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker , May I ask if I start my SQE next year without a TC, and subsequently secure a TC along the way, will firms be willing to pay the tuition fees?

It will depend on the individual firm's policy on this. Some will reimburse both any prep courses and assessment fees, others will just reimburse the assessment fees, others might not reimburse anything (some firm's didn't reimburse the LPC). If that is going to be a major factor for you in deciding which firms to apply to (and for many candidates it does), there is no harm in checking the firm's individual policy on this by speaking to the GR team.

 

[plmokn]

Goodwin AC! Someone above asked if this is the final round - asking again, is it?

Other updates:
(1) Summer Scheme at US firm
(2) In the 3rd of 4th stage at a second US firm, and;
(3) PFO at AC round of a third US firm.

Good luck to everyone!

Congrats! Which firm at you doing your scheme in?

 

[bibss]

I never thought this time would come for me, but Shearman & Sterling VS offer!! 🥰 Also quite shocked since I did not attend Oxbridge! So keep applying and keep your hopes up!