TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[lmurph]

Hi,

I was wondering if there was a reason as to why firms asked if you have previously applied to a position and what is the reason for asking ? (also would I need to tick a box if I applied for something say 2 years ago ?

Thanks!

 

[AvniD]

Sorry if this is a stupid doubt, but what exactly is the difference between skills and attributes? Apart from the literal meaning, how can one reflect the two differently in an answer? 🙈

Skills relate directly to your work- communication, organisation, teamwork etc.
Attributes directly relate to your nature/character/personality- creative, resilient, intuitive, sensitive etc.

 

[pfoapplicant]

On the Travers Smith application form, as well as being asked to write a cover letter, candidates are asked the following questions:

1. Please give details of your main extra-curricular activities and leisure interests
2. Please give details of any positions of responsibility and achievements or awards at school, university or elsewhere

No word count is given. How much do you think would be a sensible amount to write for each question (for instance, would 250 words be okay)?

@Jessica Booker

Hi guys - apologies in advance for asking, but does anyone have any ideas re this? I'd be immensely grateful to hear from anyone!

 

[AvniD]

@Jessica Booker

Hi guys - apologies in advance for asking, but does anyone have any ideas re this? I'd be immensely grateful to hear from anyone!

I think between 250-500 words should be fine!

 

[pfoapplicant]

I think between 250-500 words should be fine!

Thank you!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi,

I was wondering if there was a reason as to why firms asked if you have previously applied to a position and what is the reason for asking ? (also would I need to tick a box if I applied for something say 2 years ago ?

Thanks!

Because it’s the easiest way to check in an age of GDPR where they don’t hold your data forever (like they used to).

You should declare it even if it was two years ago. Any previous applications (no matter how long ago they were) should be declared.

 

[CorpLawyer00]

Hi, Just to let people know who I know is accepting/rejecting so far.

I applied for A&O on the 29th, august, passed the SJT on the 30th and was rejected on the 11th of September.
I applied for Willkie on the 6th September and got VI invite today.

Kind of sad that A&O do not give feedback tho ):

 

[John Travoni]

Hi, Just to let people know who I know is accepting/rejecting so far.

I applied for A&O on the 29th, august, passed the SJT on the 30th and was rejected on the 11th of September.
I applied for Willkie on the 6th September and got VI invite today.

Kind of sad that A&O do not give feedback tho ):

Did you get a rejection email from A&O?

 

[CorpLawyer00]

Did you get a rejection email from A&O?

yes acc it is worth noting that I was rejected via email on the 11th but on the portal it said my rejection was on the 8th

 

[RemyT]

Hey, I’m interested in applying to both Gowling and Irwin Mitchell. Does anyone know how many questions are in each app or what the application form is like?

 

[BeGrateful.101]

Has Gowling wlg opened their application? The link doesn't seem to be working on their website. UK careers | Training contracts | Applying | Gowling WLG

 

[BeGrateful.101]

Hi, Just to let people know who I know is accepting/rejecting so far.

I applied for A&O on the 29th, august, passed the SJT on the 30th and was rejected on the 11th of September.
I applied for Willkie on the 6th September and got VI invite today.

Kind of sad that A&O do not give feedback tho ):

Congratulations on your VI for Willkie. Would you mind sharing the application questions? Thanks

 

[Melvin Ng]

On the Travers Smith application form, as well as being asked to write a cover letter, candidates are asked the following questions:

1. Please give details of your main extra-curricular activities and leisure interests
2. Please give details of any positions of responsibility and achievements or awards at school, university or elsewhere

No word count is given. How much do you think would be a sensible amount to write for each question (for instance, would 250 words be okay)?

Hello, i am applying to travers smith but am not sure what is the difference between those 2 sections? Would really appreciate any help here, thanks!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hello, i am applying to travers smith but am not sure what is the difference between those 2 sections? Would really appreciate any help here, thanks!

The first is more the activities you do for your own interests, while the second is more the specific achievements and positions of responsibility you have held. There might be some cross over - for instance you could love playing netball and reference that in the first question, while you could have held a captaincy of a netball team and that would be in the second answer.

 

[Future Six Figure Fee Earner]

For deadlines that are rolling basis, when should I aim to apply by?
Is it too late to apply to A&O winter VC?

 

[Jessica Booker]

For deadlines that are rolling basis, when should I aim to apply by?
Is it too late to apply to A&O winter VC?

Definitely not too late to apply for A&O winter’s scheme - most people won’t have applied yet - most will apply once they are back at university and the firm is doing campus events etc.

My general rule of thumb is to try and apply in the first two thirds of an application window. I am not sure when A&O opened (I think it was a few weeks ago) but given you have a month to the deadline, that general rule would give you another 10 days or so to apply (although you could still apply on the last day of deadlines - I don’t think it’s ever too late to apply, this two-thirds rule is just something to aim for).

 

[CF12345]

@Jessica Booker

Hi guys - apologies in advance for asking, but does anyone have any ideas re this? I'd be immensely grateful to hear from anyone!

Can this be bullet pointed?

 

[CF12345]

Thank you!

can this be bullet points??

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi Jessica.

I would really appreciate a response regarding this. I applied for A&O on the 26th and passed the SJT the next day. To my knowledge, some people have already been rejected whilst also passing the SJT despite applying after me. Is that a good sign or a bad sign for me? I'm really not sure and would appreciate your view.

I don't think it means anything, unfortunately. There are a whole host of reasons why someone may hear back quicker than you - I would just sit it out for a couple of more weeks, and follow up in early October if you haven't heard back by then.

 

[CF12345]

does this question apply if you have done the GDL? If you studied / are studying law, do you have a minimum of 2.1 in your contract and tort modules? If you only have a 2.1 or higher in one. please answer no. *​