TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Seven]

What's the general approach towards shortening firm's names in applications? For instance, would it be fine to put "one reason I would choose to train at Latham & Watkins (Latham)" and then refer to the firm as "Latham" throughout? Or is it preferable to stick with the full name of the firm, as outlined in the original question?

Your initial thought is right.

 

[laby201]

Your initial thought is right.

Thank you Definitely helps with the word count too!

 

[Jessica Booker]

What's the general approach towards shortening firm's names in applications? For instance, would it be fine to put "one reason I would choose to train at Latham & Watkins (Latham)" and then refer to the firm as "Latham" throughout? Or is it preferable to stick with the full name of the firm, as outlined in the original question?

Look at how the firm writes it on their marketing materials and generally go with this format. For instance, L&W use Latham on their own website, and therefore it is ok to use:

 

[sxw517]

Through conversation with the firm, or from previous experience, does anyone know when we should expect to hear back from Linklaters?

 

[The6FigureSuccessfulSolicitor]

You don’t necessarily change seat every 3 months. There will be some three month seats, but some will be six months.

Oh but on their website it says it's an 8 seat training programme so how else do they break it down? It's a very weird approach tbh

 

[Percypig12]

Oh but on their website it says it's an 8 seat training programme so how else do they break it down? It's a very weird approach tbh

You can double up a seat to make it 6 months or do 3 months in a seat, then return to that seat for another 3 months later on in your TC

 

[EllaClayton]

Considering that the deadline for the Bird & Bird vacation scheme is in a few days, is it still worth it to apply? I know the applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

I can’t speak specifically for Bird & Bird, but in previous cycles I’ve known many people to submit last minute rolling applications at firms and go far through stages and some even being offered the VS. In my opinion it’s always worth it. They wouldn’t set these final deadlines and keep applications open if they weren’t considering candidates applying at this time.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Oh but on their website it says it's an 8 seat training programme so how else do they break it down? It's a very weird approach tbh

They have referred to it as 8-seat for nearly two decades, but trainees very rarely do 8 seats. Somewhere between 4-6 is most common.

There is just the opportunity to rotate every 3 months, but many trainees will want to do six month seats where they can.

 

[Aaj03]

Is it just me or the Latham assessment feedback report only gave one top strength and nothing else was in the feedback report?

 

[LKG]

Does anyone have any tips for the Willkie VI? I’ve only done one VI before and I completely bombed it so any advice would be appreciated!

 

[mfuturetrainee]

hi, would you please kindly share what was the question of your VI in Latham and Watkins? Is there just one VI question? Thanks so much!

there is jus one vi q yes

 

[mfuturetrainee]

Thanks! would you please kindly share the question?

its competency based! best of luck

 

[191919191]

its competency based! best of luck

still thanks so much for this! Have a nice day!

 

[ssssmme]

Thanks! would you please kindly share the question?

For fairness sake isn’t it the rule of TCLA not to share VI questions?

 

[191919191]

For fairness sake isn’t it the rule of TCLA not to share VI questions?

sorry i will delete this question.

 

[EliteWhovian]

A bit of a random question but would it be worth asking for an AC to be rescheduled as I have come down with a fever and my voice is nearly gone?

 

[futuretrainee2025]

Do you have to complete the Pinsent Assesment straightaway or can I complete it later?

 

[Jessica Booker]

No worries people may not know this rule. I’m not sure either

Yes - this is correct. We ask that video interview questions are not shared as we think this provides an unfair advantage to the recruitment process.

Although some firms do declare their video interview questions at events or in their recruitment comms, we can’t track this, and so we just have a blanket policy in not disclosing these questions. People can provide general advice (types of questions asked, how long you have), we just asked the specific question wording is not shared on the forums.

 

[jplaw1010]

Do you have to complete the Pinsent Assesment straightaway or can I complete it later?

You get 10 days to complete it

 

[lawapplicant]

Do Bird & Bird have WG for their application process? I know it says on their website they do but I've only seen the VI mentioned on here