TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[legallybrunette8]

this has probably been asked a thousand times, but how do you actually compare a firm to their competitors? what kind of factors are they looking for us to mention during interviews, and how do we research them?

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Exactly my thoughts which is why I’ve suddenly become slightly hopeful. However, the pessimist in me is also thinking that they have probably filled up their TC places from the ACs but legally cannot send out rejections unless they have reviewed the application. Which is why they are just needing the extra week for someone to skim over them before they reply

They weren't rolling though so idk why they would have not reviewed some apps but definitely be rejecting them? Don't get me wrong haha I think it's probably still a PFO but I've gone from thinking it's 100% a PFO to thinking it's 98% a PFO

 

[Jessica Booker]

Exactly my thoughts which is why I’ve suddenly become slightly hopeful. However, the pessimist in me is also thinking that they have probably filled up their TC places from the ACs but legally cannot send out rejections unless they have reviewed the application. Which is why they are just needing the extra week for someone to skim over them before they reply

There is no legal requirement to review forms, so I don’t think that particular assumption will be true.

 

[Jessica Booker]

this has probably been asked a thousand times, but how do you actually compare a firm to their competitors? what kind of factors are they looking for us to mention during interviews, and how do we research them?

There is no definition on this - in fact what they are really looking for is for you to analyse and explain how you have defined the competitors and explained the importance of why you have chosen that criteria.

There are lots of different criteria you can apply, and in an answer you are not going to be able to use them all. Some of the aspects to consider are:

Locations
Client base
Sector expertise
Practice areas
Who they lose or gain talent to/from (eg have any partners jumped ship either to or from this firm)
Revenue.

Some of those categories can also be defined themselves - for instance, one competitor in one practice area might be different to another.

 

[Miss Chocolate]

Does anyone here have any tips for making a TC application to Withers? xx would appreciate any insight

 

[SirLancelot7777]

@SirLancelot7777 did you accept the SH VS?

No.

 

[chanse2108]

@Jessica Booker Hi, does anyone have any advice on how to answer competency interview questions for a TC interview at the end of the vac scheme. For e.g, if I am being asked to tell a time I was resilient, can I use an example from my university experience (which I also mentioned in the vac scheme interview) or am I supposed to use an example from this vac scheme experience? Thanks.

 

[bangarangbass39]

i got 15/15 and rejected 🤣

I know this is down to the rest of the application and the firm's strategy, but is there a reason why this happens? You can do quite well for a telephone interview, you can get top marks as this commenter did but still get rejected. I don't get it. Surely you should progress to the next stage if you perform quite well at one of the most crucial stages? @Jessica Booker

 

[Jessica Booker]

Would appreciate anyone's opinion on this: Last year I did a vac scheme and got along really well with the Grad Rec Partner who encouraged me to stay in touch. I didn't connect on LinkedIn at the time but have recently accepted a paralegal job and used a lot of the interview tips they gave me. Is it too late/awkward to reach out, connect and say thanks?

No - not an issue to connect with them now. A brief message thanking them for their advice as you think it helped you in your recent interview when you send the connection will be good to explain why you are connecting now.

 

[Jessica Booker]

I know this is down to the rest of the application and the firm's strategy, but is there a reason why this happens? You can do quite well for a telephone interview, you can get top marks as this commenter did but still get rejected. I don't get it. Surely you should progress to the next stage if you perform quite well at one of the most crucial stages? @Jessica Booker

It’s tricky for me to know the exact reasons for this. But I do find it strange that someone with top scores is not getting through to the next stage.

To me there could be two reasons:

1) so many people are getting the top scores they are having to consider another piece of evidence

Or

2) they are weighing up different evidence alongside that assessment when making a decision. It maybe that there is a minimum benchmark in something else that is being assessed or the scores are being combined and/or possibly averaged out in some form.

 

[jplaw1010]

No - not an issue to connect with them now. A brief message thanking them for their advice as you think it helped you in your recent interview when you send the connection will be good to explain why you are connecting now.

Thank you

 

[gazdgazd11]

Any tips how to prepare for a vac scheme?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Any tips how to prepare for a vac scheme?

There is some great advice in these threads and posts:

Thread 'Converting your vacation scheme into a training contract - top tips in 2021'
https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....to-a-training-contract-top-tips-in-2021.3454/

Convert your vacation scheme into a training contract | The Corporate Law Academy​

We spoke to Rosie Watterson, founder of the blog Apply.Shine.Win, to learn how students can convert their vacation scheme into a training contract offer.

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

Post in thread 'TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24'
https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....ns-discussion-thread-2023-24.8037/post-169320

 

[Chloe Korn]

Has anyone that applied to Forsters done the test yet?
It seemed so odd that we werent informed about it on their website but it popped up in the AllHires application portal.

Im just wondering what sort of test it is...it says CRT which could mean 'critical thinking test' or 'cognitive reflection test'.

I just thought the same thing! Do you know which one it is?

 

[LegalLordLox]

Has anyone else just received their Browne Jacobson feedback

Just received the telephone interview invite.

 

[erderlylars]

I just thought the same thing! Do you know which one it is?

Apparently it's just a Watson glazer if it's the same as the vacation scheme applications

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Finally a SH pfo after test and interview in November. Can now make plans for my summer!

 

[Marissa]

SH pfo. I honestly don’t think the firm reads all apps.

 

[legal18]

No SH pfo for me yet… is there hope or are they just sending it in batches

 

[legal18]

SH pfo. I honestly don’t think the firm reads all apps.

Did you do the test and interview?