TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[EqualityNonNegotiable]

Has anyone still not received the holding email from Mishcon post VI for the SVS?

If so, when did you complete your VI?

 

[bangarangbass39]

I've had 5 ACs across previous cycles so I feel well qualified to answer this question (sarcasm)
I'm not sure about common reasons but here are some DO NOTs that I have done.

1. Don't get into an argument with the Partner on the interview panel during the interview. I don't mean a discussion or heated debate, I mean a full blown argument... {AC 1}
2. Don't get into an argument with a member of graduate recruitment on the interview panel during the interview. (This was a different interview to that above). {AC 2}
3. Don't get into a heated debate with a Senior Associate during the interview. (same panel as number 2). {AC 2}
(If you see them exchange a glance at the end, just know that you are not getting the job. In fact, a sensible person would know this before it got to that point, but I did not).
4. Don't state obvious lies. I said I was an Olympian. I don't even play sport for the country or at county level. I don't even play sport period. {AC 3}
[I was nervous, and my mouth kept moving without engaging with my brain first...].
5. Don't go to the interview wearing or with items from another law firm. e.g. like a pen, pad, umbrella etc. (The partner kindly pointed this out to me, that it would appear I was leaning more to other firms, pointing at the items from other law firms that I had brought in. (Thankfully I did not argue with him) {AC 4}
6. Don't lie. And if you are going to lie, then back it up with something sensible. I stated that I'm a runner and did the marathon in 2 hours. {AC 4}
{Again, I've no idea why I bothered lying. I could have just used something that I actually do}

DO NOTs that I have not done, but have witnessed
(1) do not arrive late, (2) do not smell (3)do not forget to iron your clothes (4) do not go overkill with perfume (5) do not smoke, only to go to the loo and brush your teeth

What I've learned. Just be yourself. Lots of people (like me) just crucify themselves. My nerves just take over and I just become someone else. Just be yourself. You will be fine. This year I was myself and I have got the furthest than any cycles before, manage to bag myself a Spring VS.

(On an aside, RonRod has rubbed a few people up the wrong way today, but at least it was virtual and not in person, at a law firm, to a panel or partner like me...we all deserve another chance)...

What’s the best way to respond to criticism from the interviewers? I’m interested in how you can end up in an argument.

 

[SolicitorHopeful]

When asked 'what make law firm x stand out to you', would I just simply state what makes it stand out or would I need to link it to my own experiences and why this is important to me?

 

[Farhan65756]

Do you know if the work placement gives you a better chance of getting the TC?

I did ask Grad Rec about this and she implied that it doesn’t make much of a difference. I’m still gonna do it anyway tho.

 

[Farhan65756]

Does anyone know who Bevan Brittan’s competitors are?

 

[EqualityNonNegotiable]

Does anyone know who Bevan Brittan’s competitors are?

I would start with checking the firm's top tier practice areas on Legal500, then check what other firms are in the same tier (also on Legal500).

This, obviously isn't a fullproof, complete research strategy but a good starting point imo.

 

[nonlawstudent04]

Wondering the same🤔. Did you hear anything from GR?

Nope, and will likely have to wait till Monday (the 26th!) to hear now...

 

[holz567]

Still trying to get over my mortifying interview experience earlier this week, so wondered if anyone else had their own embarrassing interview stories to share for us all to have a collective laugh/it may be somewhat therapeutic

 

[yasmars]

If I was rejected for a vac scheme at macfarlanes, could I apply for a TC in the same recruitment cycle?

 

[kmo20]

If I was rejected for a vac scheme at macfarlanes, could I apply for a TC in the same recruitment cycle?

When I was rejected post-AC last year they said you usually have to wait to reapply, so this may still be the case for this year.

I think if it was post-app you can still reapply in the same cycle.

 

[bangarangbass39]

When I was rejected post-AC last year they said you usually have to wait to reapply, so this may still be the case for this year.

I think if it was post-app you can still reapply in the same cycle.

is it normal to reapply for a firm if you're rejected post AC? is there a chance you could get seen again or nah?

 

[LehmanBrothersRiskManagementIntern]

Anyone knows if Ropes & Gray has sent out all the AC invites?

 

[EllaClayton]

Anyone knows if Ropes & Gray has sent out all the AC invites?

Not that this forum is the holy gospel of law applications but not sure I’ve seen any AC invites here which would lead me to assume they have not sent out all invitations

 

[MrHubertLouis]

Does anyone have tips/insights on what the “business simulation exercise” is in Pinsent Masons’ AC? What’s the difference between that and the case study?

 

[Broadwater]

Anyone knows if Ropes & Gray has sent out all the AC invites?

Do you know someone who has received an invite?

 

[isTeapp]

Coming on here as needed to vent.

I had an AC yesterday and one of the interviews was a case study interview where the Partner would assume the role of a client when you gave a 15 minute presentation, followed by 20 minutes of questions.

When I get into my interview, the Partner immediately says that he’s not going to do the role play of being the client as he finds it pointless/stupid. It threw me off a bit, but I guess you get Partners like that and who have preferences.

However, when I was trying to give my presentation, he interrupted me about every minute with a remark and questioning me, which got me incredibly flustered. I thought the questions were supposed to come afterwards. I barely got to do a “presentation” as it was just me speaking for a minute and then him probing.

I know it’s not going to change the outcome but am I right to feel annoyed about this? Feel it’s incredibly unfair if a Partner isn’t going to follow the brief they’re given. Made all my preparation feel worthless.

Was it HSF?

 

[Z1iiiiii]

Assuming Ropes & Gray still hasn't sent out AC invites, do you guys think they'll be out by next Tuesday? The first date announced is March 5th, which is a week from next Tuesday. Ngl the AC seems very intense, and there's a psychometric test to do before attending it...

 

[EllaClayton]

Assuming Ropes & Gray still hasn't sent out AC invites, do you guys think they'll be out by next Tuesday? The first date announced is March 5th, which is a week from next Tuesday. Ngl the AC seems very intense, and there's a psychometric test to do before attending it...

I did attend a talk from ropes & gray where grad rec mentioned the psychometric test is used to determine the sorts of questions prioritised in your interview? So if you flag as not being particularly independent/resilient they might probe you more on that than say your communication skills. So I think it could be quite short notice for the AC considering that…

 

[Iwantatcpls]

Hi! Has anyone heard back from Stevens & Bolton? Should I assume a PFO since they mentioned that interviews will be taking place in February?

 

[Givemeatcplease]

Was it HSF?

It was — have you had a similar experience with them?