TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

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yxngd2x

Distinguished Member
Jan 8, 2024
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This isn't strictly relevant, but if anyone here has done an interview (VI) when they weren't prepared or in the right headspace and still made it through, I would love to hear about some positive stories. I literally got rejected from my dream summer volunteering role yesterday and have been so anxious about diss deadlines that I rushed my Mishcon VI this morning and I could feel my mind going blank a few times. It was an easy interview in terms of questions tho so I can't help but be annoyed. :(
I did my Willkie VI and didn’t finish 2 out of 3 questions and in one of them blanked out in the middle of my answer after stumbling over my words for about 15/20seconds and they pushed me through to next stage — and that was doing it on the deadline while dealing with 9500 words of coursework and having to prepare for back to back ACs with Freshfields and Latham the week after so my prep for that VI was v v meady and just did it because it was literally on the deadline
 

LKG

Star Member
Feb 16, 2023
45
151
This isn't strictly relevant, but if anyone here has done an interview (VI) when they weren't prepared or in the right headspace and still made it through, I would love to hear about some positive stories. I literally got rejected from my dream summer volunteering role yesterday and have been so anxious about diss deadlines that I rushed my Mishcon VI this morning and I could feel my mind going blank a few times. It was an easy interview in terms of questions tho so I can't help but be annoyed. :(

I feel this so much but it’s important to remember that they don’t expect us to be perfect! I had a VI in December and was rushing the first question so much I got completely confused with what I was saying. I stumbled over my words so much I actually just laughed for a second because I wasn’t saying the most basic words correctly🤣 but somehow I still made it through!!
 

Miss Chocolate

Legendary Member
Nov 27, 2023
293
364
I did my Willkie VI and didn’t finish 2 out of 3 questions and in one of them blanked out in the middle of my answer after stumbling over my words for about 15/20seconds and they pushed me through to next stage — and that was doing it on the deadline while dealing with 9500 words of coursework and having to prepare for back to back ACs with Freshfields and Latham the week after so my prep for that VI was v v meady and just did it because it was literally on the deadline
I feel this so much but it’s important to remember that they don’t expect us to be perfect! I had a VI in December and was rushing the first question so much I got completely confused with what I was saying. I stumbled over my words so much I actually just laughed for a second because I wasn’t saying the most basic words correctly🤣 but somehow I still made it through!!
Thank you both so so much. I will forget about it now and focus on my diss work. This was really reassuring and comforting 💖🥹
 
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Cawareness101

Active Member
Feb 5, 2024
11
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This isn't strictly relevant, but if anyone here has done an interview (VI) when they weren't prepared or in the right headspace and still made it through, I would love to hear about some positive stories. I literally got rejected from my dream summer volunteering role yesterday and have been so anxious about diss deadlines that I rushed my Mishcon VI this morning and I could feel my mind going blank a few times. It was an easy interview in terms of questions tho so I can't help but be annoyed. :(
Hi for RS it was the day I got rejected from my dream firm that I had been doing countless of their first year schemes, insight programmes since sixth form. I did the R/S VI like 30mins before the deadline just to do and I managed to get an AC somehow so honestly don’t waste time stressing
 
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Ash2323

Distinguished Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Nov 2, 2023
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Hey @axelbeugre @Jessica Booker do you have any advise for a fellow non-law first cycle applicant for the AC? I have been so far answering the standard questions (why law, why this firm etc), as well as going through some SJ questions. My concern is more the case study. I have learnt the basic M&A terms and researched how lawyers get involved with it in various departments e.g. finance, IP, litigation etc. Would there be any other commercial legal basics i should know? I have been summarising 1 FT article out loud for 10 mins a day to feel more comfortable summarising / using commercial vocab. But just wanted to know if you had any other advise for general things to prep for a first time AC?
 
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Petallove1

Legendary Member
Feb 8, 2023
139
341
Has anyone ever experienced any problems with Shortlister for VI? Mine crashed about 5/6 times during a VI today and I had to re do two of the questions three times. I actually think it went quite well overall!! also emailed the firm to let them know what happened - is there any chance the technical issues could negatively impact my performance? I’m worried that the video might have been frozen for a few questions haha
 

ccfuturetraineesolicitor

Distinguished Member
Feb 16, 2022
65
87
How do I answer why I have not yet secured a TC yet? @axelbeugre Thank you!
Ik this question is not directed towards me but I also had the same concern when I was asked a similar question during an interview I did. I was completely thrown off guard by this question as it was not something I had ever been asked before.

With regards to this question I think you should preface your response by acknowledging that this is a competitive process (in doing so, I feel like you show maturity and the ability to be self-reflective). Then say that, because you know is competitive, you have been finding ways to maintain the necessary skills and knowledge to be a solicitor/ trainee solicitor - e.g attending open day! Virtual events/ internships, etc.

Hope this helps!
 
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