TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[SAlegal]

If you don't mind sharing, when were you invited to VI and when did you complete it?

Invited 15th December, completed it 18th December

 

[clo224455]

AG critical thinking test invite! Considering how long I spent on the application I'm super happy!

Congratulations!! When did you send your written app?

 

[amy2602]

LOOOOL HSF pfo. So so upset since they were my favourite firm and I truly felt I sent a strong application. Not feeling the most optimistic now :/

 

[kcr]

Willkie written exercise!

 

[yasmars]

Congratulations!! When did you send your written app?

Thank you! I applied on the deadline

 

[yasmars]

Must say, I really appreciate the preparation hub AG has given us which we have 12 months access to!

 

[axelbeugre]

Can you reuse an application if the question’s are the same but you were unsuccessful after the final stage which was the online assessment (Shoosmiths)

I would always recommend to change the answer a little bit, even if it is only changing the verbs in a sentence or the order of a sentence, it will just help you create a new application without necessarily changing the content of it. However, you want to highlight different parts of yourself since your last application, so I personally feel it is important to write a new answer where you use the same experiences if you do not have new ones, touching upon new nuances or details that you did not discuss before or you only touched on briefly before. This will allow you to create a new response without necessarily having to create a new answer from scratch.

 

[hanz123]

I would always recommend to change the answer a little bit, even if it is only changing the verbs in a sentence or the order of a sentence, it will just help you create a new application without necessarily changing the content of it. However, you want to highlight different parts of yourself since your last application, so I personally feel it is important to write a new answer where you use the same experiences if you do not have new ones, touching upon new nuances or details that you did not discuss before or you only touched on briefly before. This will allow you to create a new response without necessarily having to create a new answer from scratch.

Thank you Axel!

 

[Legalstalker]

Love this! The salary thing is so real, back when I was applying to firms (literally just 5 months ago lol) I always said "If it's not a six figure pay, it's not worth the time of day!"

I also said I want a salary of 100k+ but half way through I said I rather work for a firm I actually like for a few thousand less. I’m currently in a grad job that I DON’T like but the pay is amazing and pays better than a few firms 1st year trainee salaries 😭 but I’d sacrifice it for my mental wellbeing and actually enjoying my job. I sigh every morning going to work rn. Wouldn’t want that forever 🥲

 

[RANDOTRON]

For DWF’s app “What are your motivations for wanting to pursue a career as a Solicitor at DWF? (250 words)” is it necessary to mention why I want to be a solicitor coz I did 50/50 but looking at past applications, I see a lot of people just going straight into why DWF.

Hi there, I see this question as just another iteration of "why this firm". I think if they wanted to ask you why law, they would've just asked you that specifically.

Hope this helps!

 

[user9809]

I also said I want a salary of 100k+ but half way though I said I rather work for a firm I actually like for a few thousand less. I’m currently in a grad job that I DON’T like but the pay is amazing and pays better than a few firms 1st year trainee salaries 😭 but I’d sacrifice it for my mental wellbeing and actually enjoying my job. I sigh every morning going to work rn. Wouldn’t want that forever 🥲

My exact predicament rn with the job thing!

 

[axelbeugre]

For DWF’s app “What are your motivations for wanting to pursue a career as a Solicitor at DWF? (250 words)” is it necessary to mention why I want to be a solicitor coz I did 50/50 but looking at past applications, I see a lot of people just going straight into why DWF.

Since the word count is not a lot I would go straight into it and answer the specific question.

 

[Arf1309]

Normally I'd agree but people in mancs had acceptances weeks ago now!

It might depend on whether you applied to spring or summer? They might be sorting spring first before sending invites out to summer people? At least that's what I'm telling myself! 😂

 

[Legalstalker]

My exact predicament rn with the job thing!

I always said I‘d push through the pain if I hate my job. I’m pushing and pushing rn 🤣🤣 (but if any 6 figure firms are reading this pls take me… I’ll firm it for 2 years or so I’m resilient)😭

 

[futuretrainee2025]

Must say, I really appreciate the preparation hub AG has given us which we have 12 months access to!

Absolutely great initiative. Really levels the playing field for those who can't invest in prep or practice tests.

 

[futuretrainee2025]

AG Critical Thinking tests invite! LETS GO - no video interview! I'll be grinding hard this weekend

Congratulationsssss! Is it strictly Critical Thinking ie is that the only element I should practice on the Hub they provided?

 

[jplaw1010]

Quick question re group exercises in assessment centres - are you ever asked to rank each team member's performance throughout the task?

 

[jplaw1010]

Congratulationsssss! Is it strictly Critical Thinking ie is that the only element I should practice on the Hub they provided?

yes just critical thinking

 

[law2022x]

Absolutely great initiative. Really levels the playing field for those who can't invest in prep or practice tests.

Ah, I am so jealous and wish I had applied now. I resent how firms only care about social mobility to the extent of just getting people to apply but completely ignore what they might need during the application process. I feel it really is just about optics for some of them. They have no appreciation for the difficulty of entering this field if you are working class. From expecting AAA at A-Level (despite how rare it is to get this if you go to a state comp) to expecting a certain polish at interviews. I only realised recently that some people actually pay for interview prep after seeing it offered by TCLA. Good for them but wish the law firms accounted for this disparity in a more real way.

 

[VMS]

Anyone heard from Mishcon post VI?

Yes, I got a PFO. I applied for their Easter Scheme on the 9th Sept, and did the VI in early November.