TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[aspiringlawyer47]

So pretend you're Patrick Bateman, got it

Exactly!😁

 

[Izzy1026]

I applied to them last year and some tips I got from future trainees was:

• Use the why law, why the firm, why me structure for the cover letter and try to be succinct (aka one page for the cover letter). This will ensure that graduate recruitment already knows that you have some of the skills that will help you to thrive as a lawyer, i.e. attention to detail (as the cover letter as to be well-written, and conciseness).
• Try to genuinely emphasise why the firm appeals to you: is it the general practice? is it the small trainee intake (which is around 5/6 each year), is it the work they do? their clients? Pick the factors that resonate with you and make sure to link them back to you. For instance, if you like the small trainee intake, I would make sure to stress how you potentially like to work in small environments as you find that these allow for a better learning opportunity and for building a good rapport with the leadership within the firm. It is important for you to find a link between the reason that you are mentioning and your interests/needs.
• Academic excellence: the firm really values academic excellence and so this is a must. This means having exceptional grades and being at the top of your classes is something that it is highly regarded. If I were you, in the why me section of the cover letter, I would highlight all your scholarship/academic awards and prizes you have won and obtained to impress them.

I hope these helps and good luck with the application!

Very helpful as always, thanks so much Axel!

 

[LegallyBrown]

also those who have been successful w travers smith, how long should a cover letter be because they dont have a word limit do they

I just aimed to get mine on one page of A4 - at size 11 font. Once the whole page was full - I copied it over to the application form.

I don’t think they’re so strict on cover letter length - so long as it doesn’t waffle and gets to the point (of course balance this with trying not to overdo it) so aim for 750-1000 words I think.

My only rationale being - they read each application without any form of filtering - so you need to keep them engaged as they read on, whilst making good use of their time.

Again, I can’t confirm any of this - it was just the approach I adopted. I applied to them two years ago and wasn’t successful - and when I looked back I realised that I waffled too much about things which could easily be summarised E.g. “I was asked to join the team on an anti-competition investigation…” —> “my work on an anti competition investigation…”

 

[Pennine Valley]

Can anyone please tell me what the prep time is for Mischon VI and how long we have to answer? deadline is tonight and help would be very much appreciated.

 

[lovelaw223]

Does anyone have any tips for the group task section of an assessment centre? What topics are they usually on?

 

[plmokn]

went for an in person AC and caught a virus there I'm sure since the partner kept coughing. I'm gonna be quite unhappy if i don't get the offer

 

[hannah04]

How do firms actually weigh the WG? Is it the case that if you dont meet the "benchmark" you are just automatically disqualified, or is your score looked at in conjunction with your written application?

 

[mfuturetrainee]

I just aimed to get mine on one page of A4 - at size 11 font. Once the whole page was full - I copied it over to the application form.

I don’t think they’re so strict on cover letter length - so long as it doesn’t waffle and gets to the point (of course balance this with trying not to overdo it) so aim for 750-1000 words I think.

My only rationale being - they read each application without any form of filtering - so you need to keep them engaged as they read on, whilst making good use of their time.

Again, I can’t confirm any of this - it was just the approach I adopted. I applied to them two years ago and wasn’t successful - and when I looked back I realised that I waffled too much about things which could easily be summarised E.g. “I was asked to join the team on an anti-competition investigation…” —> “my work on an anti competition investigation…”

thats really helpful thank u

 

[lllaaawww098]

what is supposed to happen after mayer brown's SJT assuming one has passed it? how long does it take for them to progress you to the next stage - which I'm not even sure what it is?

 

[hopefultrainee888]

what is supposed to happen after mayer brown's SJT assuming one has passed it? how long does it take for them to progress you to the next stage - which I'm not even sure what it is?

hi! how long did it take for you to receive the tests after applying?

 

[hanz123]

If anyone’s previously been successful with Addleshaw Goddard can you either like this or message me

 

[lllaaawww098]

hi! how long did it take for you to receive the tests after applying?

hey, it was around 10 days to 2 weeks, can't remember exactly

 

[alexchristos]

when do BCLP lyk whether you've flopped their test or not

It's usually 3-5 days I think - good luck

 

[Tintin06]

White & Case AC over. Onto the Legal Cheek law fair at 2 pm!

 

[oliviapope1]

Does anyone know if Linklaters tells you if you passed their Watson Glaser?

 

[LehmanBrothersRiskManagementIntern]

Taylor Wessing invite to online tests

Applied 11th of September

 

[futuretrainee2025]

Does anyone know if Linklaters tells you if you passed their Watson Glaser?

Usually, no

 

[Deleted member 27336]

Taylor Wessing online test. Applied 13th Nov.

Anyone has done it before, please DM me, I have no idea what to expect!

 

[sm99]

Also pfo post dla vi but was expecting it 😭 motivational/strength based VIs have an even faker feeling to them lol

 

[HarmonyN]

Taylor Wessing online test. Applied 13th Nov.

Anyone has done it before, please DM me, I have no idea what to expect!

Congratulations. Which office is it for?