TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[LehmanBrothersRiskManagementIntern]

Just received feedback from the US law that rejected me post AC. They told me that I excelled in the group exercise and I was good in the partner-technical interview (although I could elaborate more on some points). Apparently, the competency interview was my downfall. They told me that I didn't respect the 2 minute limit per question in 3 questions. That I shouldn't have talked for 3-4 minutes when answering the 3 questions. This is in stark contrast to a previous AC where I was told that I shouldn't be concise and I should speak for more than 2 minutes to elaborate more 😂.They also emphasised twice that it wasn't the content of my answers but the length of the 3 answers that was too much

 

[aspiringsolicitor2000]

Anything from Kennedys?

 

[lawbear123]

anything from gibson dunn post second stage?

 

[AnonKn635]

I would wait to get an actual offer before asking to be moved personally. Law firms are usually very understanding when it comes to situations like this so I would work hard to get the offer and then see what can be done to move you afterwards.

Ideally, if they are not able to move you to the summer scheme you could ask them to consider you for a direct training contract if possible.

Hi axel, I am in a similar position. How does one go about asking to be considered for a direct tc. Would you have to leverage other offers or just ask directly?

 

[diligentbean]

I don't think they're ones you can really practice for much if I'm honest. It's cliche but I would just answer them honestly; I've done the strategy before where you try to think of the "right" answer, but the obvious one often isn't right.

I did both the BM and RS ones, and, like you, I got dissimilar outcomes in each of the pillars, despite answering honestly in both. I don't get how I can be a 7/9 for grit in one test and 3/9 on another!

Thanks, your insight is really helpful! Yeah, my grit was significantly different in both of them. I also don’t understand how I could’ve shown anymore willingness to embrace digital solutions without selecting an answer that seemed like the wrong/ absolute last thing I should do as a trainee to a partner.

It’s a shame to complete the application process and get through to the next stage to have to rely on luck so much.

 

[diligentbean]

How heavily does Baker McKenzie assess A-Levels? It says they look for 'good' A-Level grades, has anyone had any experience applying with not as good grades?

I got ABC but have mitigating circumstances, and got through, if that helps.

 

[vac.scheme.applier]

I got an email from K&L Gates last week with a test.

Hey, do you know if we get told our scores at all e.g. in a feedback report.

 

[bibss]

Finally got Simmons PFO!

 

[Balaton123]

Finally got Simmons PFO!

Sorry to hear that Hopefully they will soon put me out of my misery too

 

[ayiiii05]

Just received feedback from the US law that rejected me post AC. They told me that I excelled in the group exercise and I was good in the partner-technical interview (although I could elaborate more on some points). Apparently, the competency interview was my downfall. They told me that I didn't respect the 2 minute limit per question in 3 questions. That I shouldn't have talked for 3-4 minutes when answering the 3 questions. This is in stark contrast to a previous AC where I was told that I shouldn't be concise and I should speak for more than 2 minutes to elaborate more 😂.They also emphasised twice that it wasn't the content of my answers but the length of the 3 answers that was too much

I'm so sorry to hear that, that must be so annoying. Now I'm worried because for two of my interviews, I went over omg

 

[Sunshinepink]

Basically, assumption made = is the assumption logically justified? In this case, its certainly reasonable to assume that managerial can be defined/quantified/measured etc.

Thank you so much! Your answer and everyone else's has really really helped me!

 

[Sunshinepink]

Are there any Watson Glaser practice test resources?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Does anyone know how far out from the start date paralegal positions recruit from?

Typically not more than 12 weeks unless it is a programme that has a fixed start date (like trainee intakes).

Sometimes it might be less than 4 weeks as sometimes roles have a fairly immediate start date.

 

[Erspencer]

I'm so sorry to hear that, that must be so annoying. Now I'm worried because for two of my interviews, I went over omg

A really good tip an associate gave me for interview prep is if you’ve finished your answer and the interviewer pauses before asking you another Q, they are testing you to see if you remain steadfast or start talking again, its basically them saying it’s okay to stop if you don’t have anything further to say as most of the time they want you to stop so they can ask follow up Q’s etc.

 

[jenniferrrrrrr]

has anyone done the Taylor Wessing AC in person? Please dm me or react to this message thanks

 

[LehmanBrothersRiskManagementIntern]

I'm so sorry to hear that, that must be so annoying. Now I'm worried because for two of my interviews, I went over omg

Nah, I wouldn't worry. I think it depends on the firm. In my case, I think they just didn't want me tbh. Which I understand, they had a lot of applicants for less than 10 spaces. I think penalising a candidate because of a couple of questions is just ridiculous. I interviewed at a MC firm back in time and I went over the 2 min limit a few times and still got the vac scheme. I think you'll be fine. Good luck!

 

[WhaTdocument]

Nah, I wouldn't worry. I think it depends on the firm. In my case, I think they just didn't want me tbh. Which I understand, they had a lot of applicants for less than 10 spaces. I think penalising a candidate because of a couple of questions is just ridiculous. I interviewed at a MC firm back in time and I went over the 2 min limit a few times and still got the vac scheme. I think you'll be fine. Good luck!

that is totally absurd. They just want some excuse to not hire you and the excuse is so lame and not decent. You must be super excellent and would definitely get a proper one.

 

[smileymay1234]

View attachment 5823

Those who have taken Watson Glaser tests and understand the “assumption” part, please can someone explain this to me? I understand the other parts but for some reason when it gets to “assumption” I get confused.

Does “assumption not made” mean that the statement does not necessarily match with the assumption and “assumption made” would mean that the statement matches the assumption so correlates but is just re-worded?

Please could a question and answer be provided but also explained a little?

@axelbeugre @Jessica Booker do you perhaps have any tips on how I can better understand the “assumption” part of the WG? 😊

Really helpful thing I read online somewhere was to read the initial statement and say to yourself "yes but you're assuming that..." and then the proposed assumption. If the proposed assumption would essentially trump the initial statement/win the argument then assumption is made. If it doesn't really make sense then assumption likely isn't made.

Not completely foolproof method but it's helped me a lot!

 

[smileymay1234]

Has anyone who applied for Dechert in October/November still not heard back? 😭

Got offer for AC in November for Winter VS but saying it was full so moving me to Spring/Summer and they haven't contacted me since despite x2 emails to grad rec :/

 

[MG020202]

Has anyone heard from Greenberg?

Yes, I heard from them for 2026 entry interview