TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

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aspiringsolicitor1234

Well-Known Member
Oct 23, 2023
24
15
Hogan Lovells pfo post-AC :(
Really love the firm and am involved in their Lift Off scheme so was hoping for a better outcome, but it was my first AC so onwards and upwards I guess
really sorry to hear this, massive congrats for having even got an AC though! do you by any chance know whether they are running more ACs or whether they have sent out all the invites?
 

bella98

Legendary Member
  • Mar 9, 2023
    274
    1,001
    Is there a consistent theme to your feedback calls?
    It appears that my weakness has consistently been the case study interviews, though I believe I managed to navigate the one for HL quite well. Conversely, the situational interview was challenging since it was a new experience for me. I aimed for a structured approach, yet found myself rambling slightly despite my best efforts. The big problem is that I consistently reach the assessment centre stage and they reject me after that. It prompts me to wonder if the issue might lie with me...

    Many people who make it to assessment centres often secure at least a vacation scheme. It's not a lot to ask for; it's just two weeks of work experience.
    None of my ACs were perfect, but I thought they were good enough to get a vacation scheme 😫 i don’t know what to dooo
     

    mfuturetrainee

    Legendary Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
  • Sep 21, 2021
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    It appears that my weakness has consistently been the case study interviews, though I believe I managed to navigate the one for HL quite well. Conversely, the situational interview was challenging since it was a new experience for me. I aimed for a structured approach, yet found myself rambling slightly despite my best efforts. The big problem is that I consistently reach the assessment centre stage and they reject me after that. It prompts me to wonder if the issue might lie with me...

    Many people who make it to assessment centres often secure at least a vacation scheme. It's not a lot to ask for; it's just two weeks of work experience.
    None of my ACs were perfect, but I thought they were good enough to get a vacation scheme 😫 i don’t know what to dooo
    are you signed up with any mentoring schemes, like RARE or aspiring solcitiors? often you can connect with future trainees and they can help run an interview with you

    tcla also offer running mock interviews
     
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    s2203

    Star Member
    Mar 28, 2023
    49
    105
    It appears that my weakness has consistently been the case study interviews, though I believe I managed to navigate the one for HL quite well. Conversely, the situational interview was challenging since it was a new experience for me. I aimed for a structured approach, yet found myself rambling slightly despite my best efforts. The big problem is that I consistently reach the assessment centre stage and they reject me after that. It prompts me to wonder if the issue might lie with me...

    Many people who make it to assessment centres often secure at least a vacation scheme. It's not a lot to ask for; it's just two weeks of work experience.
    None of my ACs were perfect, but I thought they were good enough to get a vacation scheme 😫 i don’t know what to dooo
    Honestly, this was something I struggled with a lot. During my Slaughters interview last cycle, I found it difficult to defend my point when the Partner kept questioning my stance on the case study. It made me quite nervous and in the end I ended up agreeing with the Partner (which I shouldn’t have done, as they want you to consider both points and defend your initial opinion).

    I believe, ultimately, case study interviews are down to both your commercial awareness AND your knowledge of the firm. Since the Slaughters interview, I was able to perform well at case study exercises by considering other commercial stories and how it is affecting the one I am discussing. I then link it back to the firm and how It can relate. I also just remain confident in my own opinion and try not to get thrown off by the Partner.

    Just practice with some news stories from the FT or the Economist for an hour a week, it truly helps! You’ve been smashing it this cycle with ACs and I have no doubt you’ll secure a VS offer! Best of luck :) xx
     

    bella98

    Legendary Member
  • Mar 9, 2023
    274
    1,001
    really sorry to hear this, massive congrats for having even got an AC though! do you by any chance know whether they are running more ACs or whether they have sent out all the invites?
    The final date available for scheduling my AC was February 20th, but I'm not sure if they've already reached capacity for that date or if they plan to organise a second set of ACs
     

    laby201

    Legendary Member
    Premium Member
    Jan 28, 2021
    277
    795
    For those who are still waiting for W&C post-app (of which I am one), I honestly would not worry or consider it a PFO.

    I got to the AC last year and didn’t hear about a VI until the end of February and didn’t get an AC offer until the start of April. It then took them over a month to communicate the outcome to me.

    I think they’re just slow at processing compared to other firms (or perhaps they have a lot more applicants, I’m not too sure). All in all though, you’re still in the race! :)
     

    Hskajab

    Active Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Jul 27, 2022
    14
    20
    what’s happening with akin gump😭i did the test mid January - has anyone heard back? i know some people had ACs recently so have all the places gone maybe?
    I haven't heard back either - but they did send me an email on the 24th Jan saying they were reviewing applications still - so they might be doing them in batches
     
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    laby201

    Legendary Member
    Premium Member
    Jan 28, 2021
    277
    795
    What did you hear back from them? is this following a VI?
    Has anyone at all heard back from Dentons for London? I’m still waiting post-app (sent it off end of December) and have had radio silence.

    Really strange as I applied last year and heard back within about 2 weeks. Maybe it’s a PFO or they’re just being incredibly slow.
     

    Miss Chocolate

    Legendary Member
    Nov 27, 2023
    293
    364
    @Jessica Booker Hi Jessica, I am submitting an application to a firm's Dubai office for their placement scheme. On the website it says the firm pays for accommodation for those not resident in Dubai. So I am assuming that they also sponsor the visa (for internship) given they are clearly accepting applications from non-residents? Do you think it's worth still getting in touch and asking. The firm's not been super responsive and the deadline is nearing so I don't know if it's best waiting for a response before starting writing my application. Thank you!
     
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