TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[sxw517]

Has anybody done the Simmons & Simmons blended assessment, if so, how many VI questions are there? Also, are they commercially or competency focused?

Thanks in advance!

 

[sxw517]

Hi! Is this for the Winter Vac Scheme?? Applied for summer and haven’t heard back yet

When did you apply for Summer, for reference, I applied in mid-October, was asked for a reference shortly after and then invited to interview in mid-Nov.

 

[cherry777]

For the Travers Smith application how many words did people do for the leisure activities & positions of responsibility? and did you bullet point these or answer in full?

100 for leisure activities and 300 for positions of responsibilities, and for each work experience section I just did 100.

 

[iratencies]

I'm in my second year. I got a 64 average first year [crim 47, const 64, roman law 61] -- not sure if I should bother applying to S&M because I'm hearing from a lot of people that they will basically only take you if you have a 68%+ and I'm scared applying to them will be a waste. Any advice?

 

[sxw517]

What current issues do you think have an impact on the legal profession? How will they impact and why?

Is this question on questions that directly impact on the legal profession i.e. cybersecurity, fee-earner burnout, digital demands of clients etc?

Or could it be perceived to be current issues that are impacting upon the work that law firms complete i.e. inflation, ESG concerns etc?

 

[Jessica Booker]

What current issues do you think have an impact on the legal profession? How will they impact and why?

Is this question on questions that directly impact on the legal profession i.e. cybersecurity, fee-earner burnout, digital demands of clients etc?

Or could it be perceived to be current issues that are impacting upon the work that law firms complete i.e. inflation, ESG concerns etc?

I think it can be either of those categories.

 

[sxw517]

I think it can be either of those categories.

Could you comment on both macro and micro-related issues, or is it better to focus on one theme?

 

[ms167bs]

Looks like another week with nothing from Covington or Travers Smith! Anyone heard anything?

I did a dinner with Travers last week and they said they would be back to people within 2 weeks

 

[AvniD]

Can I write about my passion for journalling as an answer to the question "Other than law, what is something you are passionate about?"
I am passionate about it because: writing allows me to express my creativity; if I have a problem and write about it, it gives me clarity on the situation; and i love looking back at who I was years ago, and seeing how much I have improved.

There is another question asking about extra-curricular activities and interests so not sure whether it would be better for that. But I have already written about writing for the student newspaper and playing violin for that one. Just don't know where the line is drawn between an interest and passion.

You can totally write about this! My only concern here is of 'journalling' being misunderstood by the reader as a daily activity, which may make it seem less like a passion. You could consider using 'writing' more generally or 'creative writing' instead?

As for distinguishing between a passion and interest, what do you think the difference for you is? And how can you convey this to the reader?

 

[AvniD]

What current issues do you think have an impact on the legal profession? How will they impact and why?

Is this question on questions that directly impact on the legal profession i.e. cybersecurity, fee-earner burnout, digital demands of clients etc?

Or could it be perceived to be current issues that are impacting upon the work that law firms complete i.e. inflation, ESG concerns etc?

Could be either, as Jessica said! The goal should be to draw the link between the issue and its impact on law firms and include more than just a surface level analysis of the same. While it is important, the example itself matters less than drawing out and evaluating this link.

 

[laubedusixjuin]

Has anyone heard back from Covington? surely they should be sending out AC invites soon given their scheme is in November?

Still nothing here - feel like it has to be this week though!

 

[Aga123+]

Does anyone know how the deadline for Latham's work stimulation test? Is it up to the general application deadline?

 

[BM99]

For people who are going to Linklaters open day, are ACs for spring/summer VS basically guaranteed, as long as you attend?

 

[FutureLawyer99]

Is Gowling's Vacation Scheme applications rolling basis?

 

[ALYH]

Could be either, as Jessica said! The goal should be to draw the link between the issue and its impact on law firms and include more than just a surface level analysis of the same. While it is important, the example itself matters less than drawing out and evaluating this link.

Hi Avni,

I have a few follow up questions:
1. In relation to 'current issues', I am struggling to pick on. Any tips on the type of current issues I can pick? One of the current issues I have thought about is the growing inflation rate and interest rates. Do you have any tips on researching current issues?
2. When we talk about how current issues impact the law firm, must it always be positive?
3. Would it be good to link what the law firm did to overcome the issue?

Thank you!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi Avni,

I have a few follow up questions:
1. In relation to 'current issues', I am struggling to pick on. Any tips on the type of current issues I can pick? One of the current issues I have thought about is the growing inflation rate and interest rates. Do you have any tips on researching current issues?
2. When we talk about how current issues impact the law firm, must it always be positive?
3. Would it be good to link what the law firm did to overcome the issue?

Thank you!

Hi @ALYH - you don't have to focus on just the positives. I would consider it more in a SWOT analysis process to try and identify the good and bad. I wouldn't recommend focusing on how the law firm has overcome the issue - that suggests to me that the issue is not current (e.g. it is not impacting them right now). They may have taken some steps to try to deal with the issue, but you should ensure your answer reflects the current trend/situation.

For current trends, here are some articles that might help give you some starting points to consider:

Trends affecting the legal profession - Chambers Student Guide
Three trends that will shape law firms in 2022 | The Law Society
The Biggest Challenges Facing UK Law Firms In 2022 - The Legists

 

[cherry777]

What firms do not have an assessment centre as part of their VS application process?

 

[tkwillbealawyer]

Shearman interview! If anyone has experience please DM me <3

 

[cherry777]

Shearman interview! If anyone has experience please DM me <3

Congrats! When did you apply and is this for the Spring VS?

 

[tkwillbealawyer]

Hey thanks so much! This is for Winter and I applied on the day of the deadline hahah (30th)

Congrats! When did you apply and is this for the Spring VS?