TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[HopefulFutureTrainee123]

It was pretty basic imo, no info you couldn't find online. Here are some notes:
- The application website asks for a CV but it's not actually reviewed, it's not part of the process
- A Level grades are not considered but must be entered regardless
- Personal statement structure should be Why Freshfields, Why commercial law? Why you? 850 words - highlight 2-3 things in your experiences and talk about why Freshfields can help you be the best lawyer you can be & what you can bring to the table at Freshfields
- Firm tries to review applications within 3 weeks of the application deadline (non-rolling)
- You have to meet the cut-off for the Watson Glaser to proceed to the next stage, there is a Free Watson Glaser on the website

Hi, thank you so much for writing this out! Did they happen to mention anything about the work experience section? I am slightly confused, as they say to mention work experience in the cover letter, but they also give a section for work experience on the form - I am unsure if this is required (which does feel likely), or if like the CV section, they just can’t remove it? I don’t want to write out a whole work experience section if they won’t actually read it! Thanks!

 

[sxw517]

I have a Spring Vacation scheme over two weeks organised with a firm, I have since found a paralegal opportunity at the same firm, which I have applied for. If hypothetically I was to secure the paralegal role at the same firm, would they let me do the vacation scheme as part of my work? Not paying me the paralegal salary, but the vacation scheme salary in light of this?

Or, would I be required to take annual leave, even though it's within the same firm?

Sorry for how awkwardly worded this is, it made sense in my head!

@Jessica Booker

 

[Rina]

Hi, thank you so much for writing this out! Did they happen to mention anything about the work experience section? I am slightly confused, as they say to mention work experience in the cover letter, but they also give a section for work experience on the form - I am unsure if this is required (which does feel likely), or if like the CV section, they just can’t remove it? I don’t want to write out a whole work experience section if they won’t actually read it! Thanks!

Yes, you do need to fill out the work experience section! They said to include anything that demonstrates the skills you have, like voluntary experience and part time jobs etc. For the personal statement, it's less about repeating all of the work experience you have but rather tying that in with your motivations and how your experience makes you suited for a role at Freshfields if that makes sense

 

[HopefulFutureTrainee123]

Yes, you do need to fill out the work experience section! They said to include anything that demonstrates the skills you have, like voluntary experience and part time jobs etc. For the personal statement, it's less about repeating all of the work experience you have but rather tying that in with your motivations and how your experience makes you suited for a role at Freshfields if that makes sense

Thank you!

 

[Jessica Booker]

I have a Spring Vacation scheme over two weeks organised with a firm, I have since found a paralegal opportunity at the same firm, which I have applied for. If hypothetically I was to secure the paralegal role at the same firm, would they let me do the vacation scheme as part of my work? Not paying me the paralegal salary, but the vacation scheme salary in light of this?

Or, would I be required to take annual leave, even though it's within the same firm?

Sorry for how awkwardly worded this is, it made sense in my head!

@Jessica Booker

There is a possibility this might not be feasible, not necessarily because of things like annual leave but just whether the firm could afford for you to take that two weeks out from your paralegal team to attend the scheme.

I would apply for the paralegal role anyway, but if/when you get to any recruitment processes you may want to ask how this would work.

 

[starbright]

Hi everyone, I have a written exercise to complete for White & Case. Does anybody please have any tips/advice since I have never completed a written exercise before?

Thanks so much!

 

[mariistm]

What kinds of questions are on the new Simmons & Simmons VI?

 

[Reeces_777]

Hey I have an interview for Travers WVS this Friday too! Do you have any pointers on how yours went (if you have done it) or how you are preparing?

 

[ssolicitorz]

any news from dechert?

 

[kcr]

NRF PFO

 

[selfcarequeenzzz1]

Jones Day PFO

 

[sxw517]

There is a possibility this might not be feasible, not necessarily because of things like annual leave but just whether the firm could afford for you to take that two weeks out from your paralegal team to attend the scheme.

I would apply for the paralegal role anyway, but if/when you get to any recruitment processes you may want to ask how this would work.

Thank you!

 

[mckelly]

Any Cleary news? Rejections or?

 

[ssolicitorz]

Any Cleary news? Rejections or?

I got a PFO on monday

 

[Highnumberofapplicants]

I’m assuming the email from Jones Day asking for academic reference is automatically generated or is this after an initial app review?

 

[Donuttime]

Hi everyone, I have a written exercise to complete for White & Case. Does anybody please have any tips/advice since I have never completed a written exercise before?

Thanks so much!

hey when did you complete VI?

 

[sxw517]

I’m assuming the email from Jones Day asking for academic reference is automatically generated or is this after an initial app review?

From my understanding, it indicates that they have reviewed your app and should your reference be up to standard, you'll be invited to interview!

 

[starbright]

hey when did you complete VI?

Hi, I completed my VI on 30th October and got a Interview invite on Friday 4th November.

 

[jomar]

Jones days said they are reaching out to my academic reference. Is this a good sign? or is it automatic… Can someone help me out? Thank you 🥺

It's good news!

 

[bibss]

I’m a law student and just got offered a place today! I think it depends on how you lead the conversation and the partner tbh. Mine was very relaxed. Try and stay away from technical terms if you can lol.

Congratulations on the offer 😁😁😁Just had my interview and it was not as bad as I thought it would be given the reputation of US firms. You were right in saying it was quite relaxed. I don’t think the partner liked me that much as I felt we didn’t manage to find a connection. In any case, it was a good experience.

How long did you have to wait after your interview to find out the outcome?