TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[futuretrainee202X]

I completed the tests on December 15th and got a report on December 17th with my top three strengths and telling me how I performed in the verbal reasoning test. Haven't heard anything since though!

Is there a way to practice or prepare for Mayer Brown's test? Specifically, I was curious about which platform they use (i.e., SHL, Sova etc.,)

 

[BonanzaBih_]

Anyone who's done a Weil AC over the past week, have you heard back yet?

When did you get your AC invite following your VI?

 

[lawstudent22]

Is there a way to practice or prepare for Mayer Brown's test? Specifically, I was curious about which platform they use (i.e., SHL, Sova etc.,)

I had done the EY tests previously and Mayer Brown definitely used the same test platform (but with what I thought were some harder questions thrown in). When they send you the link to take the tests they also link to where you can practice!

 

[emnlawyer]

Congratulations on your AC invite!!.
May i ask is it for the London or Cambridge office

The London office!

 

[HopefulFutureTrainee123]

I can drop my two cents for W&C- I got a mid 2:2 in my first year, a low 2:1 in my second year and a high 2:1 in my final year and I managed to secure a vac scheme w W&C. I definitely think they're one of the firms that don't care (as much) about grades- they were a lot more interested in my side hobbies and hustles and didn't seem to blink at my grades!

Additionally, I actually do feel like my masters in which I received a 1st helped too, if not just to demonstrate my understanding (now) of law in areas important/ significant to the firms! Then you can drop your masters grades into interviews etc (where relevant). I think so much about it is just selling all of those points that differentiate you!

Potentially it could be the application? I took inspiration from a cover letter that had secured a vac scheme previously and that made all the difference in getting me further in the process, it appears that their application can be quite formulaic and sometimes you just need pointers on what kind of formula firms want .

*speaking just of my own experience* !

Thank you so much for this insight

 

[Shi]

Just received an email from Clyde Co saying they are screening apps and if I am successful I will get invited so an AC in early Feb and I should ensure I am available for those dates.

is this a good sign or does everyone got the email?

 

[Ali A]

I just completed the VI for Bristows (only my second VI to date). I feel like I definitely overprepared for it as there are only two questions (1minute each). They were questions that are very generic and can be used by every firm, so I really hope I did well.

Got a bit nervous about one of the questions so instead of the three points I wanted to make, I only managed to talk about one but in some detail.

 

[HopefulFutureTrainee123]

I just completed the VI for Bristows (only my second VI to date). I feel like I definitely overprepared for it as there are only two questions (1minute each). They were questions that are very generic and can be used by every firm, so I really hope I did well.

Got a bit nervous about one of the questions so instead of the three points I wanted to make, I only managed to talk about one but in some detail.

I really struggled with mine as 60s is not long at all! Re talking about fewer points in more detail, I did this for all of my Willkie VI questions, and got through. I almost think that fewer points in more detail is better Sounds like you've done well!

 

[jessicamcnamara]

Does Mayer Brown ever release test results? How do we know how we’ve done in the first round? That situational strengths part was quite challenging! Anybody know how long they take to get back after tests too?

Completed my tests 28th or 29th November, got the strengths report on 30th November, not heard back yet… I don’t think anyone has heard back!

 

[jessicamcnamara]

Is there a way to practice or prepare for Mayer Brown's test? Specifically, I was curious about which platform they use (i.e., SHL, Sova etc.,)

They give you links to practice tests when you get the invite

 

[AvniD]

I just completed the VI for Bristows (only my second VI to date). I feel like I definitely overprepared for it as there are only two questions (1minute each). They were questions that are very generic and can be used by every firm, so I really hope I did well.

Got a bit nervous about one of the questions so instead of the three points I wanted to make, I only managed to talk about one but in some detail.

Everyone gets a bit nervous in VIs- it's super normal and firms are used to it! At least you managed to get a good point across in your answer to that one question!

 

[CorpLawyer00]

Was just invited for an interview at S&C (applied in November) - if anyone has any tips or advice pls pm me. My heart is literally racing 🙈

legendary

 

[law23]

Just received an email from Clyde Co saying they are screening apps and if I am successful I will get invited so an AC in early Feb and I should ensure I am available for those dates.

is this a good sign or does everyone got the email?

oooh interesting I've not had that email!

 

[AvniD]

Just received an email from Clyde Co saying they are screening apps and if I am successful I will get invited so an AC in early Feb and I should ensure I am available for those dates.

is this a good sign or does everyone got the email?

It sounds like a general email to me, tbh. I hope it's good news whenever you hear from the firm🤞

 

[dalia66]

Was just invited for an interview at S&C (applied in November) - if anyone has any tips or advice pls pm me. My heart is literally racing 🙈

Congrats and best of luck!! Can I ask when in Nov you applied?

 

[Ambs123]

I completely relate @Ambs123, what you're going through is one of the hardest parts of this process and tests your conviction to be a solicitor like nothing else. I really do hope that you do get an AC and eventual TC in this application cycle, but if that does not happen, in order to both not take this personally and also to keep going, I highly recommend taking a break from making applications for however long you need.

For me, this was for about a couple months when I just needed to get away from this process and evaluate if I was committed to 1) putting myself through it again 2) taking a good look at what I may be doing wrong (was I targeting the right firms/routes, was I focusing on each aspect of the prep with sincerity, was my commercial awareness up to the mark etc).

Whatever ends up happening, you WILL get through it and this process does not define who you are and what you're capable of achieving, even if it may feel like that at times. I am rooting for you 🤝

Thanks for the advice, you’re definitely right that I need to take some time off from applications once this cycle ends. It’s been really rough this year!

 

[AvniD]

Thanks for the advice, you’re definitely right that I need to take some time off from applications once this cycle ends. It’s been really rough this year!

I hope that the break is restorative for you and helps you understand your motivations better. Wishing you the best 🤝

 

[HopefulFutureTrainee123]

Taylor Wessing AC 😭😭 any advice would be massively appreciated! (Either DM or posted on the thread).

 

[pax]

Any advice for a Macfarlanes AC? Any advice at all would be appreciated! ✅

 

[starman]

Just received an email from Clyde Co saying they are screening apps and if I am successful I will get invited so an AC in early Feb and I should ensure I am available for those dates.

is this a good sign or does everyone got the email?

I believe everyone has received the same email. By the way, it is an interesting strategy of sending us emails every other week to ensure we remember that we have applied to Clyde Co 😂

I hope that we will at least receive some good news soon!