TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[legally.brown]

Is there any way to save the work experience section on Candid or other platforms? I'm tired of filling that out every timeee

My advice is have google doc with all your work experiences. I have three sections: 100 words, 150 words, and 250 words. This helped me a lot. I wouldn’t trust saving your info and using it across all your apps. I did this for Clifford Chance and there was a glitch which made me look stupid

 

[plteo22]

Hi all, on the Freshfields TC app it says that CV upload is optional, and there is also a separate tab for filling in work experience. Does this mean you don't need to upload a CV?

 

[eleven14og]

for oc's verbal reasoning test, is it the same format (18min 30qs) as the shl practice test? is the real test easier or harder? would really appreciate some insights)

 

[ljms]

Looking ahead to the next cycle, when do apps for WVS usually open?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

hey guys, would you name a firm when talking about your interest in an area of law? like "i became interested in X because of my work experience at Y". I've done that for a good majority of my applications and now I'm starting to worry if that's a taboo, or would put me at a disadvantage :/

This is really not an issue - you are referencing the firm elsewhere in your application (in your work experience section) and they will expect your interests to be driven from the things you have experienced.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi all! Osborne Clarke ask the following question on its application: 'How have you gone about researching the legal market? What sources of information have you used? How has this led to you making an application to Osborne Clarke?' Does anyone know what is meant specifically by 'legal market'? Is this question essentially asking how you researched law firms and how your research led you to apply to OC? I think some others have posted about this question but unfortunately there haven't been many responses, so grateful for any guidance

I think market is throwing people - it could easily be sector or industry. They just means what have you done to learn about the topic/career/industry more generally.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi all, on the Freshfields TC app it says that CV upload is optional, and there is also a separate tab for filling in work experience. Does this mean you don't need to upload a CV?

No need to upload a CV - it’s just where they use the same applicant tracking system for their other vacancies that require a CV (eg lateral hires) and the functionality can’t be turned off.

 

[Sunshinepink]

Has anyone heard from Hogan Lovells post watson glaser assessment?

 

[Sunshinepink]

How long did it take for those who took the Akin assessment to hear back?

 

[ghostyb]

Since W&C is rolling for VS, is it still worth applying or just applying for TC instead (even though they take most people through VS)?

 

[legally.brown]

Has anyone heard from Hogan Lovells post watson glaser assessment?

LOL I applied on 2nd of Jan and I haven’t even received my WG link yet.

 

[Sunshinepink]

Any tips for Reed Smith VI? Do you guys know whether prep time for the questions is timed (and if so how much time we have to prepare)?

Congratulations! When did you apply and get the VI invite?

 

[Sunshinepink]

LOL I applied on 2nd of Jan and I haven’t even received my WG link yet.

I sometimes wonder how it can be possible for some to get the WG link and not others but perhaps there's a technical issue. Don't worry, I'm sure that you will get the link soon. I applied in December and got mine in December

 

[Hilaw]

Do law firms contact during weekends or nah

 

[Sunshinepink]

Has anyone heard back from Hill Dickinson & Dentons post application?

 

[trainingcontract]

Has anyone who applied near deadline heard from Mishcon de Reya, Squire Patton Boggs or Fieldfisher? Thanks!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Do law firms contact during weekends or nah

Incredibly unlikely. I encourage people to use weekends to switch off from expecting updates!

 

[S87]

This is certainly an interesting merger that we will have to wait and see how it plays out but for the most part I agree with you, Shearman and its clients will definitely benefit from accessing a broader range of practice areas and not necessarily only focused on financial services which was Shearman's focus. I do believe that considerations around benefitting from A&O prestige especially in UK and Europe will benefit Shearman and access a more diverse global network. I am sure there are many more benefits but I think it will take some time to see if they come to fruition when the merger is up and running.

Thank you very much @axelbeugre

 

[PlscanIhaveaTC]

Has anyone heard back from Hill Dickinson & Dentons post application?

Hill Dickinson grad rec said we will hear from them after the first or second week of Feb

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker I've just submitted the Freshfields written assessment, and realised immediately after submission that I'd missed something obvious, and made a couple of errors. Do you recall how forgiving FFs are for the assessment (i.e. do successful applicants typically have stellar written assessments, or generally are they a tad imperfect but not terrible)?

I know what's done is done etc, just trying to put my mind at ease/evaluate my chances

The assessment is not going to be determined purely by a couple of errors, as there will be multiple aspects that are assessed. I would just wait to hear back rather than trying to work out the “what ifs” because they are impossible to know