TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[lolamcd1]

Hey, does anyone know when they said we’d hear back from Forsters post AC. I know they told us at the end but can’t remember the exact time that was said 😅

 

[jo123]

Anyone that has an AC with Squire Patton Boggs next week - have you received any information on the activities? It said they’d send us information a week before

check your spam inbox

 

[SAA]

If anyone here has done an interview with Withers for either a spring or summer vacation scheme this year, please react to this post with a thumbs-up or reply to it!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi Guys, I applied for a smaller firm and was rejected after an interview. The firm do not offer feedback, unfortunately. Would it be too cheeky to message/text the interviewer for feedback (I have their number as they contacted me on it)? I just want some feedback on how I can improve- but, at the same time, I want to respect their privacy/not be a pain.

I wouldn’t do this. You are basically trying to get around a decision already made, and that is rarely a good look.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker - grateful for your thoughts on this. Thank you!

I would only tick this box if you know the work accounts for QWE and whether you will get it signed off.

Firms will definitely take it into account as it could impact how soon you qualify - you may not need the full two years of the TC before you qualify as a lawyer.

 

[Lily721]

I would only tick this box if you know the work accounts for QWE and whether you will get it signed off.

Firms will definitely take it into account as it could impact how soon you qualify - you may not need the full two years of the TC before you qualify as a lawyer.

Thanks @Jessica Booker - that is very helpful. Though, do you think having a certain amount of qualifying work experience could negatively impact my application? Would firms prefer candidates who do not have (a lot of) qualifying work experience? Should I worry that firms might think there is no point offering me a TC when I can obtain the necessary work experience to self-qualify?

 

[SuccessfulSolicitor]

if you don’t finish a written exercise in the allotted time, could you still be offered a VS? Like if everything else went well?

 

[futureTS2025hopeful]

Hi @Jessica Booker i have an AC with a magic circle firm next week but also have a vacation scheme with a US firm in the summer.

Will I get into issues justifying why I took a US firm vacation scheme when interviewing at the magic circle firm? If so, do you have any advice?

 

[BeGrateful.101]

Hi guys,
For a 'tell me about yourself' question - do you guys think it's good to start answering from current experience and look back to the past or to talk through how I got here from where I started..

 

[Klawdabbe]

if you don’t finish a written exercise in the allotted time, could you still be offered a VS? Like if everything else went well?

Definitely still possible. I thought I flopped the written exercise and didn't finish it but I still got a VS at that same firm. Haven't got feedback yet but my Interview and other exercises must have been good

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Does Stephenson Harwood give you the feedback report for the test.

 

[SuccessfulSolicitor]

Definitely still possible. I thought I flopped the written exercise and didn't finish it but I still got a VS at that same firm. Haven't got feedback yet but my Interview and other exercises must have been good

Thank God!

 

[Law Student]

Any tips for AC interviews?

 

[Bubbles]

During a virtual AC written exercise, are our cameras supposed to stay on?

 

[rayemuse]

Anyone who has done the Dentons AC willing to share some tips and advice? 😅

 

[Phoebe123451]

should I assume Mayer Brown and Travers pfo?

 

[sdsou]

genuine question: is it appropriate to wear classic doc martens to an interview?? they have a regular sole, plus my trousers would cover the laces so it's only the yellow stitching that would be visible,, i know it's not ideal but i've heard it might snow on the day and really don't want to end up with frost bitten feet 😭

 

[Jessica Booker]

Thanks @Jessica Booker - that is very helpful. Though, do you think having a certain amount of qualifying work experience could negatively impact my application? Would firms prefer candidates who do not have (a lot of) qualifying work experience? Should I worry that firms might think there is no point offering me a TC when I can obtain the necessary work experience to self-qualify?

I think there is a risk if you are going to get more than 6 months signed off. The reality is you could qualify early in those instances and the firm could lose you to competitors who are willing to count your previous QWE. It’s a bit of an unknown though - the legal sector hasn’t really had to experience this before. But if you look at the Big 4 accounting firms and graduate programmes with CFA qualifications, they are often a little concerned about taking people on for this exact same reason.

 

[Jessica Booker]

if you don’t finish a written exercise in the allotted time, could you still be offered a VS? Like if everything else went well?

Yes - plenty of people won’t finish the exercise (they are usually designed in this way). It doesn’t mean you are unsuccessful though.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi guys,
For a 'tell me about yourself' question - do you guys think it's good to start answering from current experience and look back to the past or to talk through how I got here from where I started..

I don’t think there is a set answer to this. You have to use a structure that works for you. Really focus on your USPs - don’t tell them everything - tell them the 3-4 points that are most interesting/relevant to your candidacy for the role/unique to you.

You want to say what ever you do say in w way that is impactful and memorable.