TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[pb15]

Also received the V&E VI invite, anyone know what kind of questions are asked? Would be super appreciated!

 

[jen lala]

“
Welcome to the Vinson & Elkins video interview. Congratulations on being shortlisted to the next stage of the 2024 spring/summer vacation scheme application process!



In this stage, you will be asked 3 pre-written questions to answer. These questions will be presented in a written format.



On the next screen you will have the choice to watch a hints and tips video which I advise you watch to ensure a smooth process when completing this phase. You will also be given the option to complete a sample question which I highly advise you do so you are clear on the instructions for the real set of questions.



When you click on the get started link, you will see at the bottom of each question has an answer time we have set for the allocated question. This is 2 minutes for the question 1 and 1 minute for question 2 and 3. Please note, we do see the time you take to prepare for each question and we advise on spending around 1 minute to prepare for each question before hitting the record button.



You have been set an option to retake once for each question.



We wish you the best of luck, smile and enjoy the process and we look forward to reviewing your answers. “

Thank you! 👍👍

 

[Jessica Booker]

CC recruiter viewed my profile. WHAT DOES IT MEAN? I am overanalysing every single cue

Nothing in particular - could be a whole host of reasons, including something like them just accidently clicking on your profile because you liked a post they have seen on their feed.

 

[Izzy1026]

Hey, does anyone have insights on Orrick? I am trying to dig for more details on their specialisation and international outreach initiatives but cannot seem to find their profile on TCLA. I am happy to share insights on Cleary, Stephenson Harwood, and Slaughter May in exchange x

 

[Jessica Booker]

Realised i‘ve been referring to a firms name with an and instead of & in my work experience section for my applications, do you think this could be a reason for rejections?

Depends on the firm - some are picky about this (notoriously Slaughters) and others won’t mind as much.

 

[laby201]

Is performance at an assessment centre generally viewed holistically?

I had three interviews and felt two went well and one I struggled and wouldn’t say it was strong at all. Do you need to perform highly across all three interviews to have a chance or could the strength of the other two help my case?

I know it’s out of my hands now but really replaying the bad interview in my mind and want to know if there’s any indication that I’m still in with a shot?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Might be an extremely stupid question, but do you think the firm's can figure out if you have used ChatGPT to cut down on some words even if the content is all my own?

Depends on how heavily you are using it and whether you check it afterwards. I’ve seen some questionable edits/sections which to me have screamed AI had an involvement somewhere, mainly because it didn’t fit the same writing style as the rest of the application.

 

[izzy1036]

If I had an interview for an internship on the 19th of January, and they stated that I’ll hear an outcome, or whether they were still deciding, by the 26th of January (last Friday), is it ok to chase them via email? Or should I just keeping waiting? I don’t want to annoy them since I chased them previously about the interview.

 

[bibss]

V&E VI!

 

[Jessica Booker]

SPB are the funniest firm ever man. They rejected some don last year who got Freshfields AC 💀

This is very common - if your application suggest you want a firm like Freshfields, many firms like SPB will turn you down as they question whether they are really a true fit for you.

 

[ah898]

Hi, I applied for Summer VS with Jones Day 2 weeks ago and have not received anything since then. Do you think it's PFO?

I applied in October and got given an interview in November. But the interview was scheduled for the 7th of Feb (which was the earliest slot), since the interviews are still going/potentially haven't started yet you should be fine.

 

[aspiringfuturetrainee2025]

Depends on how heavily you are using it and whether you check it afterwards. I’ve seen some questionable edits/sections which to me have screamed AI had an involvement somewhere, mainly because it didn’t fit the same writing style as the rest of the application.

Thank You, Jessica, this was extremely helpful.

 

[studentdelaw786]

SPB VI for London! Could anyone kindly provide some advice re the questions that we’ll receive, please?

 

[Petallove1]

Yep I am … curious how many people have received VIs from mishcon for the summer scheme since the deadline passed??

I applied close to the deadline and haven’t heard anything - I think someone mentioned they contacted them and they said due to volume of applicants they will get back to everyone by end of Feb. I know people who applied November/early December who have done VI and since had PFOs, so assuming they’re working their way through in batches. Fingers crossed for us !! 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

 

[Happycloud100]

Does anyone know if V&E send invites in batches?

 

[futuretrainee2025]

Is performance at an assessment centre generally viewed holistically?

I had three interviews and felt two went well and one I struggled and wouldn’t say it was strong at all. Do you need to perform highly across all three interviews to have a chance or could the strength of the other two help my case?

I know it’s out of my hands now but really replaying the bad interview in my mind and want to know if there’s any indication that I’m still in with a shot?

Can I ask what firm this is for? I have a similar experience!

 

[Legalstalker]

to those with premium membership on TCLA do you think it would be worth it me buying it to look previous info for one firm (Pinsent) or not? i don't want to spend money if i wouldn't find it useful for the AC.

any advice or tips plsss

 

[sibs23]

I applied close to the deadline and haven’t heard anything - I think someone mentioned they contacted them and they said due to volume of applicants they will get back to everyone by end of Feb. I know people who applied November/early December who have done VI and since had PFOs, so assuming they’re working their way through in batches. Fingers crossed for us !! 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

End of Feb seems so far away😫 I applied first week of Dec and had my VI invite right before Christmas

 

[Lawyer03]

Hey! Has anyone heard from DWF post app?

 

[legalbaby]

to those with premium membership on TCLA do you think it would be worth it me buying it to look previous info for one firm (Pinsent) or not? i don't want to spend money if i wouldn't find it useful for the AC.

any advice or tips plsss

Can't offer insight on this but also have a pinsent AC coming up so happy to discuss/share resources!