TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[holz567]

I had an interview today with a US firm and I was asked for my thoughts on the Magic Circle? I was completely stumped by this question, and after a bit of hesitation, I said something along the lines of "I thought they were great established firms in the City, and I considered them, but I personally feel the increased independence of US firms suits me better. Also, we've struggled to see MC break into the US legal market, and as it is the biggest legal market in the world, in my view, there will be more of an opportunity to engage with US companies and deals at a US firm, which I find appealing".

I feel it was quite a wishy washy answer, but I wasn't really sure what they were looking for. As a bit of retrospective advice, any tips with this question @Jessica Booker?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Honestly, I don’t think you are wrong on this one. I have a feeling they (Aspiring Solicitors) haven’t sent me an email to confirm my place and the GLP isn’t aware of this.

I’m worried that they haven’t sent the formal contracts, etc to confirm my place on the scheme.

Call both organisations today to try and get to the bottom of this - don’t rely on email purely because of the lack of time.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I had an interview today with a US firm and I was asked for my thoughts on the Magic Circle? I was completely stumped by this question, and after a bit of hesitation, I said something along the lines of "I thought they were great established firms in the City, and I considered them, but I personally feel the increased independence of US firms suits me better. Also, we've struggled to see MC break into the US legal market, and as it is the biggest legal market in the world, in my view, there will be more of an opportunity to engage with US companies and deals at a US firm, which I find appealing".

I feel it was quite a wishy washy answer, but I wasn't really sure what they were looking for. As a bit of retrospective advice, any tips with this question @Jessica Booker?

Was this asked around motivational questions or commercial awareness questions?

 

[holz567]

Was this asked around motivational questions or commercial awareness questions?

The interview was a combination of both but I think it was more of a motivation question? Just been overthinking how I was meant to approach it?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

The interview was a combination of both but I think it was more of a motivation question? Just been overthinking how I was meant to approach it?

Then I think this is fine - no need to over worry.

 

[bangarangbass39]

Call both organisations today to try and get to the bottom of this - don’t rely on email purely because of the lack of time.

I've emailed the GLP and they have responded confirming that I am a part of the scheme. I think AS messed up. Thank you very much for the support Jessica.

 

[A worried paralegal]

If its two weeks before it starts, I would expect it to be a no - onboarding processes would easily take more than two weeks.

I am sorry you have experience this lack of communication - I know how frustrating it can be.

I only got onto it yesterday

 

[TC seeker]

US firms tend to enforce the academic rules more strictly than others but as an ABB is still quite good you could probably get by if you do well in University and write out your mitigating factors correctly.

65% is fine but some US firms like to see those 70s.

Good luck!

So usually US firms are expecting a first class?

 

[TC seeker]

My Application Summary Credits: @Legalstalker
FYI: a mixture of winter, spring and summer vacation schemes + Direct TC applications

• Total applications this cycle ~ 60
• total rejections this cycle: 42
  • Rejections post app: ~ 13
  • Rejections post 1st or 2nd stage: ~29
• Awaiting to hear from: ~15 (remains pretty constant, as I tend to submit a new application, per rejection I receive)
• SJT/VI’s still to do: 0
• AC's this cycle: 4. 1 rejection. Awaiting to hear from 2 (inc VS below). 1 coming up
• VS offers: 1 (Spring) Completed. Awaiting to hear if I have converted it to a TC.
• Latest rejection: NRF
• Hardest rejection: NRF (got through to the TI stage last year + its one of my top 10 )
• Easiest rejection: Weightmans (I didn’t want to move up North anyway)
• Ghosted me: Hogan Lovells
• Direct TC applications still aiming to write: 17

Would you mind me PM you some questions about passing NRF's online assessment ?

 

[A worried paralegal]

High 2:1 usually

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

So usually US firms are expecting a first class?

I wouldn’t say they are expecting a first. Seen plenty of people without firsts get TCs with US firms.

 

[Miss Chocolate]

For SH, if you are unsuccessful for their VS post test, can you reapply for the TC in the same application cycle? If anyone knows, that would be amazing. I will email the graduate recruitment but knowing them I am unsure I will ever hear back

 

[jasonbourne]

Hey guys, does anyone know about the application process for Accutrainee? I'm trying to apply for their paralegal route but I'm not sure as to want they want for a cover letter for this

 

[The-PFO-Collector]

Would you mind me PM you some questions about passing NRF's online assessment ?

I sent you a pm

 

[abdskurts1]

Anyone still waiting to hear back from SH post VI?

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

@Jessica Booker hi jessica! im writing a personal statement (600 words) for a campus ambassador programme, do you reckon i should format it as a letter to the GR?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker hi jessica! im writing a personal statement (600 words) for a campus ambassador programme, do you reckon i should format it as a letter to the GR?

No - if its been explicitly described as a personal statement, it does not need any cover letter formalities. I would just go straight in with your opening sentence/paragraph.

 

[Phoebe Turner]

Hey guys, does anyone know about the application process for Accutrainee? I'm trying to apply for their paralegal route but I'm not sure as to want they want for a cover letter for this

Yes you need to include a cover letter then someone will get back to you with an interview invite if you're successful (paralegal route)

 

[zainab.nadeem02]

Did anyone receive a VS offer for SH Dubai office ? (Or a rejection post VI)

I received an offer. Did you? I have yet to receive another email from grad rec after my acceptance email and it is stressing me out.

 

[Ghassen]

I received an offer. Did you? I have yet to receive another email from grad rec after my acceptance email and it is stressing me out.

Oh congrats
When did you get the offer ? Did they call you or sent an email ?