TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

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Aaj03

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  • Jan 8, 2023
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    In my Latham Vac Scheme online test report I only received a top strength, nothing else. Anyone else?
    This was what i got for the Open Day application then (top strength being resilience- later got a pfo), but somehow for the VS, I was able to get top strengths and a weakness.
    I don't know if it signifies anything.
     

    jplaw1010

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    Apr 11, 2023
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    I just did Pinsent Mason's Blended Test. Towards the end, my computer crashed a few times and so I had to close the browser. It didn't affect the VI portion. However, since they said at the beginning of the test that they record the entire process, is it worth contacting grad rec and letting them know about it?
    They don't record you personally, just the time taken to complete the assessment (I think). Someone please correct me if I am wrong hahah
     
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    axelbeugre

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    Sep 14, 2023
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    For a 25 minute competency/motivation-based interview, how long should your responses be? I don't know if they're expecting real deep dives (4 mins per answer etc) or a quick run through two or three points per answer (around 2 mins).
    I would say that a fairly quick response could work (around 2/3 minutes) and then, if they want to know more, they will ask you more questions about what they want to understand from your answers. I think in interviews it is quite straightforward to see if you are talking more than what they want you to so if you see that that is the case, I would cut my sentences short and wait for further questions on the topic concerned to discuss more (in case you wanted to share more things in an answer). This was usually what I did and it made the process much more natural.
     
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    axelbeugre

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    when filling in the work experience section, it it necessary to include ALL work experience we've ever had?
    I would not say so. I think it is important to select the ones you feel are more relevant and that shaped your professional persona if that makes sense. When I was applying I had many internships and experiences I could have discussed but I ended up choosing a certain number firstly because the application does not allow you to put more than 6 or 7 sometimes, secondly because some of them I felt would have not helped like others in explaining my diverse skillset.

    Something I would also consider going off of my last point above is to select experiences that are able to showcase a diverse skillset that you can bring to the role of a trainee solicitor like attention to detail, communication skills, advocacy, written skills etc.. I feel like as long as you include work experiences that demonstrates all these skills and more, your selection will be effective in portraying an holistic picture of you.
     
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    axelbeugre

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    axelbeugre

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    What is your personal motivation for seeking a career in corporate/commercial law?

    Does this question from Goodwin ask you to talk about both or just one of them?
    I think they use the term interchangeably but ultimately they mean why you are interested in becoming a commercial solicitor. That is how I interpreted when I was applying!
     

    crt1s

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    Sep 2, 2023
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    If a question asks "Choose a recent news article or a current social issue that interests you..." should I choose a news article am I supposed to give details of it, e.g. Name, publisher and date?
     
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