TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Amehta1]

how long should a cover letter be? is 500 words too short and should I add more detail?

 

[GWJlaw]

When did you get it and is this for summer VS

Yes Summer VS, received email earlier today, applied early December.

 

[Manuchelsout]

Yes Summer VS, received email earlier today, applied early December.

Thanks

 

[tanamontana]

Does anyone have any insight on Eversheds' virtual written exercise + AC?

 

[Erspencer]

This might have already been posted/asked, but what’s the timeframe/deadline to do the Macfarlanes psychometric test?

I got mine today, and it says I have 7 days to complete it from the time I got the email

 

[flower]

Out of interest, how many app cycles have people done?

This is my first cycle

 

[Miss Chocolate]

This might have already been posted/asked, but what’s the timeframe/deadline to do the Macfarlanes psychometric test?

Do you know if they invite all candidates to take the test or do they review applications and select which applicants make it to that stage?

Responding to your question with my own doesn't help, sorry 😭😂

 

[user9809]

Do you know if they invite all candidates to take the test or do they review applications and select which applicants make it to that stage?

Responding to your question with my own doesn't help, sorry 😭😂

They invite all candidates to take the test. Its automatic

 

[lllaaawww098]

I applied to Mayer Brown on November 8th and did the tests but have not heard back since with the job simulation although the results for my tests were pretty fine (higher than average in most) - is it a bad sign?

 

[hanz123]

Out of interest, how many app cycles have people done?

second cycle

 

[sxw517]

Out of interest, how many app cycles have people done?

The second cycle of vac schemes and TC applications (2022 and 2023). Although, in 2021 I was technically applying, as I was applying for Open Days!

 

[Untilwinter]

i am trying to answer this question, but would it be weird if I talked about a deal another law firm is working on? the company was once their client for some matters but the work is being handled by another city firm.
Choose one of our clients and explain a challenge they are currently facing. What could the organisation do to overcome this challenge and how could we assist?

 

[77777law]

I personally would recommend something the firm did rather than a specific client. You need to take it from the point of the firm rather than the in-house team.

Sorry @Jessica Booker one last question on this! The question says 'What has Osborne Clarke done recently' - can something from 2021 be considered recent or do you think it has to be from 2022/2023?

Thanks!

 

[Jessica Booker]

i am trying to answer this question, but would it be weird if I talked about a deal another law firm is working on? the company was once their client for some matters but the work is being handled by another city firm.
Choose one of our clients and explain a challenge they are currently facing. What could the organisation do to overcome this challenge and how could we assist?

Be mindful and focus on a challenge a client is facing rather than general client work they have been instructing law firms on. Try to be more forward looking rather than relying on what has happened in the past with the client.

 

[crt1s]

I received an invitation to complete the Ashurst test this morning and I have just logged in to complete it, but it says I have already completed it and the link is not available. Has anyone else experienced this?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Sorry @Jessica Booker one last question on this! The question says 'What has Osborne Clarke done recently' - can something from 2021 be considered recent or do you think it has to be from 2022/2023?

Thanks!

If it’s late 2021, I think it’s fine as it will be just over two years. If it’s early 2021, I would try to find something more recent, just where it’s closer to 3.

 

[Ghassen]

I received an invitation to complete the Ashurst test this morning and I have just logged in to complete it, but it says I have already completed it and the link is not available. Has anyone else experienced this?

Yes. I got the exact same thing. I emailed recruitment team and they responded that I cannot take the test because I cannot take it twice in less than 12 months (I applied last cycle for direct TC). So now I am worried if this means an automatic rejection even that I improved my application, because I got a PFO last time and I am not sure if the test was the reason.
Hope that helps.

 

[Untilwinter]

Be mindful and focus on a challenge a client is facing rather than general client work they have been instructing law firms on. Try to be more forward looking rather than relying on what has happened in the past with the client.

Thank you for the advice Jessica. I have never read an application answer or question like this so I am struggling to wrap my head around it.
So if the work hasn't been finalised (eg. like a company trying an IPO or M&A), would that be ok? like would you be able to say that finishing that goal would be a challenge?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Thank you for the advice Jessica. I have never read an application answer or question like this so I am struggling to wrap my head around it.
So if the work hasn't been finalised (eg. like a company trying an IPO or M&A), would that be ok? like would you be able to say that finishing that goal would be a challenge?

The difficulty here is how will the firm you are applying to be able to support the client on an IPO if they have already instructed another firm to advise on this? Also, there would need to be a challenge with the IPO itself.

 

[flower1]

For anyone who's done W&C VI, what was your experience like? Do you think it needs a lot of preparation?