TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[johnnn821]

Is anyone still waiting to hear for Simmons & Simmons WVS post online assessment?

 

[Marios Z]

Anyone still waiting for NRF post telephone interview?

 

[EM23]

Anyone got a clue how to approach this question from Addleshaw Goddard, their questions seem the hardest out of the apps I've done so far:

"If you were in government what one thing would you change to make it easier for UK businesses to succeed and why?"

I am not lowering corporation tax rates back down 😂

 

[kmo20]

Are linklaters going through the open day applications in batches?

 

[aspiringlawyer47]

Has anyone heard from the following firms:
1. Travers Smith (Winter Vac Scheme)
2. BCLP - Spring/Summer Vac Scheme (post test)
3. PwC - Legal Vacation Scheme (post VI)

 

[hanz123]

Anyone got a clue how to approach this question from Addleshaw Goddard, their questions seem the hardest out of the apps I've done so far:

"If you were in government what one thing would you change to make it easier for UK businesses to succeed and why?"

I am not lowering corporation tax rates back down 😂

Something I'm struggling on too

 

[tillywizz98]

Has anyone heard from the following firms:
1. Travers Smith (Winter Vac Scheme)
2. BCLP - Spring/Summer Vac Scheme (post test)
3. PwC - Legal Vacation Scheme (post VI)

I spoke to TS grad rec a few weeks ago and they said they wouldn't get back to people til mid Nov. I think we won't hear from PwC until mid December

 

[axelbeugre]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jessica！For the work experience part， do we need to use bullet point or write as paragraph？

Paragraphs are what law firms expect here, unless stated otherwise! However, if you are in doubt, emailing grad recruitment to ask them this question might be the best course of action. Alternatively, talking to people who recently got a training contract at the firm might be a good place to start too!

 

[axelbeugre]

Hi,

take a screenshot and send it to the grad rec

That's good advice, thanks @S87

 

[aspiringlawyer47]

I spoke to TS grad rec a few weeks ago and they said they wouldn't get back to people til mid Nov. I think we won't hear from PwC until mid December

Thank you!!

 

[Kodak123]

Latham & Watkins Black Lawyers Open Day PFO

 

[Deleted member 27336]

Linklaters open day PFO - no email but checked portal

 

[aspiringlawyer47]

Nope, have you?

Nope not yet.

 

[axelbeugre]

With all the applications and building yourself up for tests, VIs, and interviews, how do you all deal with the mental toll of the application cycle? And doing each stage, how do you all best deal with jitters/nerves/anxiety to ensure it doesn't interfere with your performance?

It is definitely difficult for everyone and I totally relate to this feeling. Last year, when I was applying, it really took a toll on me, let's not even dive into the rejections which are to be expected.

I would say that one of the most important things for me was taking time out and focus on doing things that were not law related. I forced myself to stop checking my exams every two seconds and I tried to go on long walks after each assessment I was taking to clear my head. This helped me a lot with distressing and clear my head.

I also used to practice for every assessment with friends and this made the process of preparing for assessment centres way easier, calmer and funner for me, so if you can I would highly recommend to practice with friends and family. This also helped massively with dealing with anxiety because during the interviews or assessments, I just remembered how fun it was to practice and I carried that through my interviews transforming it into enthusiasm and it worked really well!

As much as this process is quite strenuous, I am sure you will do great, just remember to take more care of yourself!

 

[axelbeugre]

Honestly, I have found there is no simple solution to combat the mental toll of the application cycle. However I would say, allow yourself to detach once in a while.

Do not be afraid to take a little bit of a break here and there, but not too long to the point you lose your mojo. For example, and this is probably not the best advice, but I missed out on sending my Covington & Burling/Allen & Overy WVS applications even-though they were on my list. However, looking back I do not regret it. I needed those breaks to recharge and relax, and I have found its helped me a lot with my other applications, and tests/VI's. I would say balance this out, I could afford to lost out on these two because they have spring/summer/direct. Try to see if there are any applications you can pass over to another month, just to give you that extra time to rest.

Equally, try not to think about an application once it has been sent. In the past, I would sit here waiting on any update, and each time I would see somebody get invited I would assume an automatic rejection. It's crippling and can lead to demotivation for the rest of the cycle, thus impacting further applications. The best thing you can do for yourself is ignore the application once it has been sent or once any automated tests have been complete. Honestly, doing this I found my disappointment in a rejection post-app to be very short-lived, and it does not impact me as much as it did in the past.

Lastly, as for the anxiety or nerves, what works for me is to prepare as well as I can, and breathe. TCLA has a wealth of insight over individual applications, whether thats through another member's experience, or past applications and successful answers. There is so much there to allow you to feel a little less alone, and a lot more supported.

You've got this! x

P.S. The DLA VI (if that's what is bugging you atm) is not so bad. It is just a strengths-based interview which requires little to no knowledge of DLA. I actually messed up the last question and only answered the first half (which in my opinion should have been more than enough for a rejection) but I passed the benchmark and have proceeded to review.

For VI's, I would recommend doing a practice test with shortlist.me. They are not the same platform, but they are the only platform out there (which I have seen) that give you an insight as to how textbook VI questions should be approached.

Thanks so much @LegallyBrown for sharing your experience, this will give hope and inspiration to many!

 

[LKG]

Linklaters open day PFO

 

[axelbeugre]

Burges AC!

Congratulations! Huge Achievement!

 

[LKG]

Sorry to hear that, did you receive an email?

Yeah just got one 10 mins ago

 

[axelbeugre]

Hi everyone!
I'm in a pit of a sticky situation with Bird & Bird. I got accepted to their open day - but never got an email about it (assuming it went to my junk mail), I've only just seen the communication notification on the portal as I am applying to their VS. Due to being in the hospital that week for surgery, I would've been unable to attend regardless - but unfortunately never got the opportunity to let them know, and fear I may be 'blacklisted' for being a no-communication no-show. Is there any point in continuing the application process? Should I reach out to them now?
They're one of my top firms!

I would say to reach out to them and explain the situation. I am pretty sure you are not blacklisted or anything but a simple explanation will go a long way, so I would do that in your shoes. However, congratulations for getting the open day, it is already a good achievement in itself!

 

[Issy_l]

Links open day PFO as well 🥲 received the email 20 mins ago