TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[nliro85]

Is it common practice to email grad rec after an interview to say thank you for the interview opportunity.

 

[hanz123]

On the topic of AC prep, how do you stay (or act) confident for ACs? I get nervous just thinking about it

something I’m wanting to know too

 

[kmo20]

Is it common practice to email grad rec after an interview to say thank you for the interview opportunity.

I do, but I think it is completely subjective!

 

[EllaClayton]

I know this is very much a “how long is a piece of string” sort of question, but for those who have been successful at an AC, how much preparation would you say you do?

Would you start say a week in advance with a few hours each day or typically more? It’s hard when trying to balance preparation with other commitments.

I’ve had about 5 days notice for mine (and it was my first ever AC). It didn’t include a 1-1 interview so I would do something different if yours does.

I did about an hour to 90 minutes a day. Focusing on my approach to the different tasks, and I use the Financial Times to pick an article, summarise it, then expand on key points and link to a commercial issue and how it could link to a law firm and a certain practice area.

I found that helped with group exercise tasks where you have to digest a lot of information quickly for discussion, as well as for written exercises. Also it develops your skills for something like proofreading or a commercial interview because you’re paying attention the details.

I think a little bit often is a good rule of thumb especially with balancing other commitments!

 

[futuretrainee2025]

Personally, I haven’t had that bad of an experience with BPP. I will say they they are unorganised and the admin is not great, but I do think the teaching makes up for it.

Thank you for your answer!!

 

[futuretrainee2025]

I wouldn't 😭. I self-funded my LPC at BPP, completing it in June 2023, and overall, it was a positive experience - the teaching was amazing.

There was just an instance when they neglected to inform us that a professor was absent, and we ended up on campus waiting for the lecture, only to receive a last-minute email explaining that the tutor was ill and wouldn't be attending. Additionally, there were a couple of re-scheduling issues with some classes. But beyond those incidents, I truly had a wonderful time there. I'm not sure if things are different this year, but from my perspective, it wasn't too bad at all.

Amazing, thank you so much!! I can't afford to self-fund right now, so I feel more relieved now lol

 

[tcplease2345]

I didnt make it past the WG stage for RPC. Will it make sense if I apply for their direct tc?

 

[Jessica Booker]

If I get a TC and the firm has a specific provider, can I ask to switch? Hearing all the horror stories about BPP is making me consider whether it might even be worth self-funding to avoid it lol.

Unlikely as the firm will have a preferential rate with the supplier and may have a more bespoke course too.

 

[axelbeugre]

Is it common practice to email grad rec after an interview to say thank you for the interview opportunity.

I always did it so I personally think it does not hurt to do it!

You will come off as a nice person regardless. I do not think that this will make or break your chances of getting the offer, but it is always nice to appreciate people's time and effort in my opinion.

 

[elektrajenkov]

On the topic of AC prep, how do you stay (or act) confident for ACs? I get nervous just thinking about it

I try to think about how the day is about them getting to know you and nobody is a better expert in you, than you! This maybe can't apply to a commercial specific tasks as much, but for everything else, they are trying to get to know you - your soft skills, experience, interests, etc. Trust that you know yourself and remember if you're at an AC, they already like what they've seen so far and it's a chance to show them even more! Also, if you have the opportunity, talk about the things you've done that you loved - that will naturally bring out confidence because of the enthusiasm!

 

[axelbeugre]

If I get a TC and the firm has a specific provider, can I ask to switch? Hearing all the horror stories about BPP is making me consider whether it might even be worth self-funding to avoid it lol.

You can try to ask, my cohort tried but unfortunately law firms have relationships with the providers that cannot be ended so abruptly and only because the candidates do not want to be at that school. Realistically speaking each provider has a bad reputation if you ask people who go to Ulaw you will hear the same thing so there is no point personally speaking.

 

[nliro85]

I always did it so I personally think it does not hurt to do it!

You will come off as a nice person regardless. I do not think that this will make or break your chances of getting the offer, but it is always nice to appreciate people's time and effort in my opinion.

Thank you and was thinking that also as they are busy people so just thank them for their time.

 

[NW Law]

I always did it so I personally think it does not hurt to do it!

You will come off as a nice person regardless. I do not think that this will make or break your chances of getting the offer, but it is always nice to appreciate people's time and effort in my opinion.

Ditto this. I also think it helps those that feel they unsure about their interview performances to email your interviewers direct. At least in my experience (and I am sure this is not every firm nor every interviewer), the ones I have emailed post-interview have feedback their enjoyment talking with me or even proactively encouraging reach out when successful. It helps - especially if you are offered the scheme - as you have already developed your rapport with potential supervisors. It means you're going in day one with already relationships ready. I similarly do not think it makes or breaks your chances of getting an offer, but I have - again in my experience - been able to roughly gauge how I performed by some feedback. Ultimately, it lets you build your network, gain a bit of insight, and makes you look very proactive on your part. It also gives you the opportunity to ask any burning questions you had post-interview about the firm (as most will reply asking if you had any follow up questions you were unable to ask).

 

[Kodak123]

Anyone heard back from northridge post WG?

 

[Chelsea101]

Feeling all jittery today waiting to hear back from Shoosmiths.

My last hope this cycle! 😂

 

[sharnie1]

Feeling all jittery today waiting to hear back from Shoosmiths.

My last hope this cycle! 😂

Same!! Fingers crossed 🤞🏻🤞🏻

 

[lawstudent15]

Does anyone know how W&C get back to you post-AC? Is it a phone call either way or only if successful and then an email if not?

I am curious about this as well!

 

[applyingfortc]

-

 

[Amehta1]

@axelbeugre @Jessica Booker is it okay to email the senior associate and the member of grad rec that interviewed me to thank them for their time? Or would you prefer only grad rec?

 

[Legalstalker]

I know this is very much a “how long is a piece of string” sort of question, but for those who have been successful at an AC, how much preparation would you say you do?

Would you start say a week in advance with a few hours each day or typically more? It’s hard when trying to balance preparation with other commitments.

Pinsent (6 hour AC in person) prepped for a good 3 weeks and I was on holiday, I took my iPad and read Ziplaw everday. On my 7 hour flight back to the UK I purchased WiFi and worked solely on AC prep, my interview and case study were my top strengths in my AC, I got a PFO as I didn’t complete the in tray 😭 felt like a slap in the face.

Simmons (5 hour AC) I did prep the day of the AC as I was burnt out and thought I had secured Pinsent TC the day before 🤣🤣

Goodwin (45 min interview) I had prepped for 2 weeks or so but I also attended a mentoring class on a Saturday at 5am (time zone difference) to get a better insight to the firm. I think if I didn’t go to that I wouldn’t have got an offer.

Farrer (2 hour AC) I did no prep as there was no interview just written exercise and group assessment, having done these things in the other AC’s I felt like I didn’t need to prep.

I think it is dependant on how the firms AC is laid out, I found every single one different but the more I did them the better I got? I work full time and I sacrificed a decent amount of sleep for a few weeks to prep.

Hope this helps