TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[hanz123]

Has anyone got any advice on approaching a case study interview, quite confused

 

[ADKM]

W&C PFO post app. Absolute joke of a process!!! Are law firms actually serious about what they preach day in day out in all these networking events??? I diligently follow every and any advice that I’ve received so far and to still think it’s not enough is seriously just too frustrating. Feels like the 3 degrees I’ve earned over the past 6 years is a waste of my time and efforts. Unbelievable

 

[Untilwinter]

any words from Gibson Dunn???

 

[The-PFO-Collector]

Is there anyone else who is a graduate who has applied several cycles and has rarely made it post-app, who would want to make a group chat where we support each other and share advice we have? If so, please like this and I can get a group chat made because I’m slowly losing faith 🥲

I'd love to join. I learn with every application I make and at each stage I get to... But it would be great to just be a one-and-done applicant. I know several people who got a TC within just 5 applications. I get through post-app for most firms, can get through case studies, can get through WGT's, SJTs and games-based-tests. But give me a VI or an in-person interview and it just gets messy lol... I have now started to get through VI's after realising recruiters do not like people who read off scripts (which I did for my earlier applications)... Now to work out how to conquer those structured competency based interviews 😭 I just need a partner who wants to just have an informal chat🤣

First year: ~5 applications made. Could not pass the WGT. Rejected from them all
Second year: ~5 applications. Could not pass the WGT for the 4 that had them. The one that had no testing I got through to interview. The interview has previously been documented lol.
Final year: made ~ 12 applications for direct TC's after my final year exams. Had a few ITWS (already discussed elsewhere). I look back and realise how rubbish the majority of my applications were. I had a conversation with a friend who is a trainee at a US firm and implemented his strategy (he made only 1 application and got the TC)
This year: now a graduate and working full time, is my first real cycle that I'm putting in the work. I can now pass the WGT (after speaking with a different friend who is great at them and implementing her trail of thought), but now firms have moved onto VI's and SJT's. I just need a break 😝

 

[attempting law]

If I can't make a summer VS at a firm I really like, am I able to ask to be considered for a TC instead? I was offered the VS on weds

 

[generalbewilderness]

anything from Russell Cooke?

yep i heard back on feb 27 that i have an interview (spring)

 

[Hopefultrainee22]

If I can't make a summer VS at a firm I really like, am I able to ask to be considered for a TC instead? I was offered the VS on weds

Which firm is it if you don’t mind me asking?

I think it would depend on how many are successful the direct route. If they recruit only or solely through the VS process it may be difficult, but if there’s a TC, perhaps they could fast track you?

 

[Muad'Dib]

How does everyone deal with rejection post AC? Especially when you thought you did relatively well on the day. Finding it so hard to be motivated that eventually I will get to where I want to be 😔

Don’t see it as a rejection. See it rather as a opportunity for redirection

 

[Muad'Dib]

Yet to hear anything from Addleshaw Goddard (Manchester) post VI - anyone else in a similar boat?

 

[AS89]

any words from Gibson Dunn???

They sent me this email about a week ago:

"I hope you’re well and thank you for your email.



We are currently working on screening applications, and will get back to you with an outcome of your application as soon as we can.



If you have not heard back from us with a rejection email, your application is still under review.



Thanks for your continued patience."

 

[futuretrainee2025]

Hey, i only waited 2 weeks for goodwin i know some others waited 3-4 weeks for goodwin. but i have waited 3 weeks for simmons still waiting! and waited a week for Pinsent.

thank you for the responseeee. hoping I hear back today or tomorrow lol

 

[bangarangbass39]

I'd love to join. I learn with every application I make and at each stage I get to... But it would be great to just be a one-and-done applicant. I know several people who got a TC within just 5 applications. I get through post-app for most firms, can get through case studies, can get through WGT's, SJTs and games-based-tests. But give me a VI or an in-person interview and it just gets messy lol... I have now started to get through VI's after realising recruiters do not like people who read off scripts (which I did for my earlier applications)... Now to work out how to conquer those structured competency based interviews 😭 I just need a partner who wants to just have an informal chat🤣

First year: ~5 applications made. Could not pass the WGT. Rejected from them all
Second year: ~5 applications. Could not pass the WGT for the 4 that had them. The one that had no testing I got through to interview. The interview has previously been documented lol.
Final year: made ~ 12 applications for direct TC's after my final year exams. Had a few ITWS (already discussed elsewhere). I look back and realise how rubbish the majority of my applications were. I had a conversation with a friend who is a trainee at a US firm and implemented his strategy (he made only 1 application and got the TC)
This year: now a graduate and working full time, is my first real cycle that I'm putting in the work. I can now pass the WGT (after speaking with a different friend who is great at them and implementing her trail of thought), but now firms have moved onto VI's and SJT's. I just need a break 😝

What's the strategy he used?

 

[LawyeryMcLawyerface]

Is this for a vac scheme or TS?

yep i heard back on feb 27 that i have an interview (spring)

 

[S87]

They sent me this email about a week ago:

"I hope you’re well and thank you for your email.



We are currently working on screening applications, and will get back to you with an outcome of your application as soon as we can.



If you have not heard back from us with a rejection email, your application is still under review.



Thanks for your continued patience."

I received the same email and sent my application 6 months ago tomorrow.

 

[Kenomy]

Hey, I did.. did you hear back?

yeah I received the invite too. Havent yet done it

 

[Kenomy]

Has anyone heard back from Shoosmiths?

 

[The-PFO-Collector]

What's the strategy he used?

Just being more specific, linking it to the work of the firm and why you are interested in it and how your skills meet it
So before I would regurgitate what I found on the website etc...
Example: You are an international firm with 35 office's around the globe which really interests me
BECOMES: I have spent significant periods of time in 5 countries and speak 4 languages OR
I work for a retail store that has outlets on 5 continents. I have been seconded to the buying department who talked me through the need to understand the acquired taste of the different markets they serve OR
I work for a a flagship retail store in the capital. This gives me the opportunity to meet people from all over the world...

And then state how it links to the firm and any recent transactions and challenges the industry is facing... etc

I'm sure many people do this already. But I was not. I was simply re-writing their own material.

 

[futuretrainee202X]

has anyone done the Fox Williams online assessment before?

 

[tcplease2345]

Just being more specific, linking it to the work of the firm and why you are interested in it and how your skills meet it
So before I would regurgitate what I found on the website etc...
Example: You are an international firm with 35 office's around the globe which really interests me
BECOMES: I have spent significant periods of time in 5 countries and speak 4 languages OR
I work for a retail store that has outlets on 5 continents. I have been seconded to the buying department who talked me through the need to understand the acquired taste of the different markets they serve OR
I work for a a flagship retail store in the capital. This gives me the opportunity to meet people from all over the world...

And then state how it links to the firm and any recent transactions and challenges the industry is facing... etc

I'm sure many people do this already. But I was not. I was simply re-writing their own material.

I personally think it is possible to make around 4-5 applications and get a TC. If you know what firms are willing to accept your grades, write good applications and learn to do well on the tests and interviews. It is possible.

 

[sibs23]

has anyone done the Fox Williams online assessment before?

Just got this assessment invite too! I've not done it before either so would be great to hear if anyone had any tips on how to prepare