TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[sxw517]

Also received a Willkie written exercise invite, any tips would be greatly appreciated!

 

[191919191]

Got 88 percentile in Linklaters WG and 34/40 is this good enough to get Linklaters AC and it is the first time I passed WG

hi, sorry this is not relevant, but do you remember how many work experiences you can add in linklaters application form? I applied direct TC yet i only can add 2 work experience. this is weird.

 

[191919191]

Hi, anyone applied Linklaters Training Contract? how many work experiences you can add in linklaters application form? I applied direct TC yet i only can add 2 work experience. this is weird. Thank you for your reply!!!

 

[191919191]

Can you only include two work experiences for Linklaters TC application?

yes!! me toooo!!!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Firms have to pay to be on Legal Cheek I believe.

And it isn’t cheap either (although to be fair, none of them are).

 

[Abbas J]

Is there any point applying to Bird and Bird and W&C for their vacation schemes this late into the cycle when their deadlines are rolling?

Not sure about W&C but I would deffo still apply Bird and Bird. I done the VI recently and I think it will be a while until I hear back. They also seem to give Watson Glasers quite quick, so always worth a shot.

 

[AlexJ]

Firms have to pay to be on Legal Cheek I believe.

See also any legal ranking / award

 

[Petallove1]

Not sure about W&C but I would deffo still apply Bird and Bird. I done the VI recently and I think it will be a while until I hear back. They also seem to give Watson Glasers quite quick, so always worth a shot.

Hey!! Just curious how you found the VI?

 

[Abbas J]

Hey!! Just curious how you found the VI?

Hi!

VI was alright. I was expecting a curveball question question on technology but they asked straightforward questions. Just a quick tip - the platform they use doesn't allow for breaks in-between questions so be prepared beforehand and maybe have a cheat sheet on hand alongside a glass of water!

 

[Abbas J]

Can't remember exact dates but I applied fairly early in the window and got the invite for the Watson Glaser within 7/10 days of my app if I can remember quickly.

I wouldn't be put off by this though, I think they wait until the majority of applicants have completed their video interviews before offering places for the AC.

 

[Tintin06]

Firms have to pay to be on Legal Cheek I believe.

I wonder how much?

 

[happyhippo0402]

Does anyone have any advice for the final stage Gibson Dunn interview? Any help would be greatly appreciated 😊

 

[EliteWhovian]

For anyone doing the Allen & Overy assessment centre:

I have just found out from the recruiters that they have enough offers for everyone who gets a WVS to have a TC and for the past 5 years, there has been a 100% retention from WVS and there are no more assessments/ interviews after the AC to get the scheme, therefore now that I have "an almost" TC, here is the advice I would give for anyone who has an upcoming A&O AC. Bear in mind the AC is 5 hours long online with only 3 breaks so that is why we don't have further assessments because it is very intense. Anyways, hope this helps!

1) Make sure to look out for key info in the case study and do not waste time reading the whole extract. There were only 3 questions for the case study and the questions specifically say "go to section e or read section f". It's really tempting to read everything but you must focus solely on the questions and answers.

2) Have a notebook nearby to write down your answer because you'll have to present your answers to the three questions for the case study and that presentation should be 15 minutes long ideally. Having a notebook to jot down things will be important because after the presentation, the interviewer will test your comprehension of the rest of the extract.

3) Research common legal solutions for clients. Basically, make sure for the case study exercise that you know what warranties and indemnities are and make sure you suggest them as solutions. (Just do it, the trainees on LinkedIN told me to do so and here I am so it works lol). Go on Investiopedia for research warranties and indemnities so you understand them. Also, learn about balance sheets because one of the sources for the case study is a balance sheet and you want to ensure that you can read a balance sheet.

4) Have a calculator. The second case study question is a mathematical question which can only be done via a calculator. You must ensure that you explain your working out when presenting. Don't worry about getting the answer wrong. I got it wrong lol. But you must explain your working out and the interviewer will go through it with you, just make sure to demonstrate that you understand where you went wrong.

5) Have a cup of water to sip in case you get nervous so you can take a moment to compose yourself.

6) For the written exercise, there is no technique. Just write clearly and concisely with a good structure e.g. firstly, secondly, lastly.

7) For the scenario based interview, make sure to fully explain yourself and at the end when you ask questions, don't ask boring generic questions only like "why law?", if the interviewer seems kind and accepting, feel free to ask deeper questions like "if you were a trainee again, what advice would you have wanted to hear before starting a training contract at Allen & Overy?"

8) It's a very long process, mine was 4 hours and 45 minutes in total. Make sure your wifi and mic work and remain calm, you got this!

9) Reach out to trainees on LinkedIN for tips, they're really forthcoming!

I was nodding along until I read 'WiFi and mic'

Doing this all online? 😭 That's so difficult. Major congrats!

 

[jenniferrrrrrr]

Also received a Willkie written exercise invite, any tips would be greatly appreciated!

when did you do your VI?

 

[Thudson]

Does anyone have any advice for the final stage Gibson Dunn interview? Any help would be greatly appreciated 😊

Are you also doing the second stage interviews this Thursday? I am preparing for competency questions like 'tell me a time when you managed conflict in a team/overcame a challenge' and the usual 'why Gibson/why commercial law?'

 

[Thudson]

Has anyone heard back from Jones Day?

 

[Ash2323]

I got invited to the next stage for Taylor Wessing 😍 proud moment for me as it is my first application season and first non-pfo

Anyone have any advise for the TW online tests @Jessica Booker @axelbeugre ?

Thank you

 

[addy2004]

Anyone heard from A&O for their summer VS yet?

 

[Tintin06]

Anyone heard from W&C post-AC for WVS?

 

[allwillbewell]

Hi @Jessica Booker

I completed the SJT for Latham's open day and essentially failed the test. My feedback report says my greatest strengths were critical thinking and effective communication, but my weakness was personal responsibility. I'm not entirely sure why I've failed the test though, considering critical thinking and effective communication are two of Latham's desired competencies, unless ofc there is a hierarchy of competency skills and personal responsibility is seen as more desirable.

In my next SJT test, should I just prioritise showing personal responsibility over critical thinking/communication skills as the former seems to have been what let me down?

Would really appreciate your thoughts on this (and also anyone else who has some insight into SJTs)!

The Video interview matters too! I got the same results but I passed the test