TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

Status
Not open for further replies.

ADKM

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Nov 2, 2022
154
351
Is anyone else feeling a bit annoyed with the VIs? I am sure they are useful tools for the firms to use and choose between the applicants but it's so bizzare that you go through all that application writing process, write paragraphs on why x firm and then the x firm turns around and says, no summarise that in one minute and stare into a tiny white dot on your screen so we can decide if we want to give you a chance. I think I am getting moody because I have had too much to prepare lately 😭 and please no-one tell me why this is a good way for the firm to test how we can think under pressure or be succinct. I am aware. I just wish this isn't how they tested those skills. Also, finding a quiet spot when you live with others and finding a room to record yourself in on campus is a chore and a half.

I don't mean to be negative, but some of these questions are looooong and not something you can properly answer in 60 seconds. So what exactly are they testing? Anyway rant over, I will stop being negative now.
Hit the nail on the head with this post. This whole tc process is only inexplicable.
 

bangarangbass39

Legendary Member
Sep 13, 2023
207
305
For those who have done an AC for Fieldfisher, I suggest checking your application on recruitment portal. Mine said I was "Declined/withdrawn". I did not withdraw my application so I can only assume the former. I have emailed recruitment for more details but I think its a sign of what their decision is. Not for certain but likely.

For more details, I took the AC on the 26th for the diversity scheme in Birmingham. Haven't heard anything since. Pretty sure its cause I fucked up the written assessment (it was too simplistic and I regurgitated the info from the memo) and I waffled on some answers in the interview. Hope this helps.
 
Last edited:
  • Sad
  • ℹ️
Reactions: aspiringlawyer47 and SaLM

trainingcontract

Distinguished Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Oct 17, 2023
74
253
staring at my post-VI reflection in the dimmed laptop screen slackjawed and hollow-eyed after yapping for 10 minutes about my passion and resilience. writing 250 words on how detail oriented i am, and then referring to them as "mayor brown" three different times. repeated watson glaser questions across different firms, answering something different every time. when will this end !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
loop rock GIF by Doze Studio
 

SaLM

Star Member
Premium Member
  • Jan 27, 2024
    29
    69
    For those who have done an AC for Fieldfisher, I suggest checking your application on recruitment portal. Mine said I was "Declined/withdrawn". I did not withdraw my application so I can only assume the former. I have emailed recruitment for more details but I think its a sign of what their decision is. Not for certain but likely.

    For more details, I took the AC on the 26th for the diversity scheme in Birmingham. Haven't heard anything since. Pretty sure its cause I fucked up the written assessment (it was too simplistic and I regurgitated the info from the memo) and I waffled on some answers in the interview. Hope this helps.
    Hey thank you for saying this!!! I just checked and mine has been updated to Offer Made (with no formal offer yet!)

    To give you some hope this is sometimes a grad rec issue - I had it for my knight frank (non-law) internship application but msg'd grad rec and then progressed to an AC...praying for you 🙏
     

    bangarangbass39

    Legendary Member
    Sep 13, 2023
    207
    305
    Hey thank you for saying this!!! I just checked and mine has been updated to Offer Made (with no formal offer yet!)

    To give you some hope this is sometimes a grad rec issue - I had it for my knight frank (non-law) internship application but msg'd grad rec and then progressed to an AC...praying for you 🙏
    I appreciate the optimism. I think it's probably a negative sign. Not the end of the world. I don't think I was a "culture fit", considering the terminology and what firms are looking for these days. I just have to bank on doing well enough for other firms. They're just taking forever!!!
     
    • Like
    Reactions: SaLM

    badmintonflyinginsect

    Distinguished Member
    Premium Member
    Jan 26, 2023
    56
    10
    For Linklaters' Pathfinder programme for first years, there's a section for "professional qualifications" in the application form and I'm unsure whether this means I need to put in my educational qualifications like GSCEs etc? Because there's no space or section for educational qualifications otherwise. And if I move on from this section, I will not be able to return and edit it. Would love it if someone could provide insight into this x
     
    • Like
    Reactions: Kodak123

    Jessica Booker

    Legendary Member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Graduate Recruitment
    Premium Member
    Forum Team
    Aug 1, 2019
    14,655
    20,349
    Is it okay in a VI for a 'why this firm' question to mention only 2 points but detail them ? Considering that the response time would be 90 seconds
    Yes - that would be fine. You can always do a quick concluding sentence like “I am also impressed by the firm’s X and X, but the two key reasons for my application are those I have mentioned”.
     
    • Like
    Reactions: tanamontana
    Status
    Not open for further replies.

    About Us

    The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

    Newsletter

    Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.