TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Jessica Booker]

Those who have gone through background checks, did you have to share if you have had any late payments or defaults?

No - it would only be CCJs or something of this nature you may need to disclose, and even then it would only be for SRA purposes rather than the firm’s onboarding.

 

[Legalstalker]

Does anyone know how much weighing a Grad rec manager has on TC decisions post VS?

@axelbeugre @Jessica Booker

 

[Jessica Booker]

Would giving a bad answer to one question in an interview lead to outright rejection?😫

Unlikely, although it could happen if the question was particularly pertinent.

What I would stress is most candidates think their answers are much worse than what the interviewers think they were though.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Does anyone know how much weighing a Grad rec manager has on TC decisions post VS?

@axelbeugre @Jessica Booker

No set answer on this as it will be firm dependent.

But ultimately Graduate Recruitment look at the evidence from assessments and general feedback - they don’t just make the decision off their own opinion. Their feedback may contribute to the decision but it won’t be the only feedback considered.

 

[laby201]

If I have an AC coming up with a firm I also had an AC with last year, do they keep records/remember you? Or would it be as if it was a fresh candidate?

Don’t know whether I’d be asked “why do you think you were unsuccessful last year” or something similar?

Any thoughts @Jessica Booker?

 

[lookingforaTC]

anything from Brabners?

 

[lawyergirl2903]

Hi guys, first message here! I have my w+c written exercise and interview next week and would appreciate any tips or recommendations for how to attempt these (esp the written interview because I'm really not sure what is expected for this). Thank you so much!

 

[Miss Chocolate]

Anyone who's completed the Mishcon AC? Please message 🥰

 

[Jessica Booker]

Thank you so much, this is really reassuring. I don’t have any CCJs but I have some defaults that happened during an extended period of illness. @Jessica Booker are you able to advise of the impact of this? I have since settled these defaults but am extremely anxious about their impact.

Highly unlikely to be an issue. You can have a low credit score and qualify. It would only be if you had legal action against you or you went for something like bankruptcy that it would be an issue.

Most people working in law firms have defaulted on some kind of payment at some point.

 

[Untilwinter]

Its only on major things like credit cards, student overdrafts etc. If you go over the limit or don't pay it on time then it could go on your credit report. Depnding on how serious it is and how long for. Defaults are when you don't pay back on a credit arrangement for more than 3months or have not set up an arrangement to pay back. They write off your debt to a collecting agency where then you'll have to set up an arrangement to pay back. It's isn't ideal but it happens in adverse situations for some people.

Firms access this through credit rating agencies like Equifax, Experian, Clear Score, who access your credit report from files made by various parties like your bank, etc. To see this they'll do a soft credit report to see what comes up. You can make a soft credit check too. It doesn't dock you points/affect your credit.

However, this (a soft credit check) does depend on the role. For solicitors, bankers, police officers, etc. they will do a soft credit check. For other roles I don't think so. Especially for internships I don't think they do. Essentially, the more serious and financial the role, the more likely a soft check on your credit report will take place.

If its missing spotify payments, netflix, etc then that isn't an issue, it won't show up lol.

Oh wow thank you for the detailed explanation. Makes much more sense. I was beginning to wonder if we have any privacy🤣

 

[Untilwinter]

Is this for summer vs?

I applied for sring. But then dechert does roll over people from previous schemes based on what ppl posted on this thread.
The email said they have now filled all vacation schemes for the 2024 recruitment cycle.
I would say its worth asking them directly

 

[yorkshirepud]

Hill Dickinson assessment invite! Was waiting forever for that one. Does anyone have any advice for an Amberjack assessment? It is my first time doing one and from what I have read on this forum, I should be wary of it

Hey, I did this on Sunday! How did you find it?

 

[yorkshirepud]

Hill Dickinson assessment invite!

I thought I was done with Amberjack🥲

Hello! I did this on Sunday - had never done an Amberjack. How did you find it?

 

[Legalstalker]

Hello! I did this on Sunday - had never done an Amberjack. How did you find it?

standard test questions but my feedback was questionable lol. VI I did pretty bad in.

Hope you found it better than me! Good luck

 

[LawBrah]

If anyone has any experience in obtaining annual leave from a full-time job who is strict about when they allow you to take it, please DM . I can't tell them it's for a VS but I also sort of need to give a reason to ask for the AL (or not?).

 

[bangarangbass39]

Highly unlikely to be an issue. You can have a low credit score and qualify. It would only be if you had legal action against you or you went for something like bankruptcy that it would be an issue.

Most people working in law firms have defaulted on some kind of payment at some point.

Just to be clear is an arrangement to pay the same? Especially if it’s paid off?

 

[Hopefultrainee22]

If anyone has any experience in obtaining annual leave from a full-time job who is strict about when they allow you to take it, please DM . I can't tell them it's for a VS but I also sort of need to give a reason to ask for the AL (or not?).

I had this exact problem and was something I was really stressed about, but it ended up being zero problem.

However, the important part is, you likely have to tell them it's for a vacation scheme. Check the terms of your contract, but it likely says (it had in mine) that you can't take any paid employment elsewhere while still employed at that company. Technically, a VS puts you in breach of that and you could get in trouble.

What I did (and I would advise doing) is emailing your line manager as early as you can to request the time off, making it clear it's for a VS. You don't have to go into too much detail but if you just say it's an opportunity you'd really appreciate etc, I'm sure it will be fine. If will depend from employer to employer but if you're in a legal environment, they will know obtaining a VS/TC is going to be the ultimate aim.

Just be transparent about it and that's the best option

 

[Jessica Booker]

Just to be clear is an arrangement to pay the same? Especially if it’s paid off?

If it’s a private arrangement with the company you owe money too, this is still okay too. You ar managing your debt through organising the arrangement.

 

[Jessica Booker]

I had this exact problem and was something I was really stressed about, but it ended up being zero problem.

However, the important part is, you likely have to tell them it's for a vacation scheme. Check the terms of your contract, but it likely says (it had in mine) that you can't take any paid employment elsewhere while still employed at that company. Technically, a VS puts you in breach of that and you could get in trouble.

What I did (and I would advise doing) is emailing your line manager as early as you can to request the time off, making it clear it's for a VS. You don't have to go into too much detail but if you just say it's an opportunity you'd really appreciate etc, I'm sure it will be fine. If will depend from employer to employer but if you're in a legal environment, they will know obtaining a VS/TC is going to be the ultimate aim.

Just be transparent about it and that's the best option

If they are in a legal environment or one with strong cross over into the industry (eg working in other regulated industries an accountancy firm or investment bank) it would also need to be declared for conflict of interest purposes.

 

[mp2000]

standard test questions but my feedback was questionable lol. VI I did pretty bad in.

Hope you found it better than me! Good luck

What were your scores if you don't mind me asking? I didn't do great either...