TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Jessica Booker]

It could be a non-law job as well?

Of course - that would be doing something as it would be developing transferable skills.

 

[tcplease2345]

Of course - that would be doing something as it would be developing transferable skills.

Thank you Jessica!

 

[Jessica Booker]

anyone know common reasons why people aren't able to convert their VS into TCs? I have a VS and I'm scared to death I won't get the TC after

• Lack of motivation (just have seemed less engaged/interested in the work)
• Lack of the right skills - whether its drafting, time management, analytical thinking, commercial awareness
• Seem better suited to other firms
• Have a particular interest in certain areas of work that the firm can't provide a lot of opportunities in

 

[Jessica Booker]

Do application questions change every year? I want to start writing them from now for next year.

Not necessarily, but at the same time you can't guarantee they will be the same next year, so this is somewhat of a risky approach.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Thank you, Jessica! Coincidentally, I did hear back from them (for the first time!) after making my post and got rejected. Perhaps the trick is to post about all the ghosting experiences on TCLA 🤣🤣

Their ears must have been burning!!

 

[hanz123]

what are some key challenges that law firms are facing today apart from AI & tech?

 

[addy2004]

Firstly, sorry for this very soppy post, I was in a bad place xoxo Glad to say I have recovered from the rejection lol.

Anyway, I'm now thinking forwards to the next cycle, and wondered if anyone has any advice on the following: basically, I'm gonna be starting my 3rd year studying Law in September, whilst completing another brutal application cycle. Also, my main role of responsibility that I use in my applications involves a lot of responsibility and work. Whilst balancing these 3 things this year, I saw a decrease in my marks following my January exams, and did not secure a VS or TC. So, clearly I need to change my schedule.

I now need to consider whether I re-run in that role of responsibility for next year - I do many interesting projects in this role which is good for applications. However, I also want to graduate with both a decent job (and if I can, a TC!). In my head, I can either study and continue my role of responsibility, or study and do an applications, but not both to do well. I'm also cautious law firms will notice if I stop my role of responsibility and do not do anything in its place.

What would you do if you were me? I'm open to any suggestions! Thank you

Thank you for all the helpful messages I'm receiving on the grades v extra-curriculars debate.

@axelbeugre @Jessica Booker I'm interested please to hear your thoughts on this too please? Would I be disadvantaged if I talk about my role of responsibility as something I completed in the past?

 

[therealslimshady]

Competency style questions are common in law firm interviews. What is the purpose behind them?

In a real life problem, I tend to tackle a problem based on the facts presented to me rather than think back to a time in the past I have faced a similar situation. I am sure that most lawyers will do the same in practice. In my opinion, it is unlikely that a trainee solicitor will think back to the time they worked well in a team or a time when they solved a complex problem if faced with a similar situation in practice.

 

[jnice]

Group exercises typically form a part of the assessment at a law firm assessment centre. How common is it for lawyers at a law firm to work together as a group under timed conditions all sat together at a table and for someone to time-keep?

All the time - meetings particularly, that being client meetings, team meetings etc. time is literally money and we’ve got schedules to keep to.

 

[Hana ♥]

Anyone heard back from Dechert post-VI and written app for Summer VS? If so, when did you sit them?

 

[futuretrainee2025]

Competency style questions are common in law firm interviews. What is the purpose behind them?

In a real life problem, I tend to tackle a problem based on the facts presented to me rather than think back to a time in the past I have faced a similar situation. I am sure that most lawyers will do the same in practice. In my opinion, it is unlikely that a trainee solicitor will think back to the time they worked well in a team or a time when they solved a complex problem if faced with a similar situation in practice.

its not to test how you'd apply your past experiences to future scenarios but more to see your thought process in the past and decision making abilities when those facts have been presented to you. also to see whether you've practiced those competencies to begin with. if a firm values collaboration but you've never worked with a team outside your university course then it doesn't display variety or demonstrate how you've previously worked with different teams.

 

[futuretrainee2025]

Do application questions change every year? I want to start writing them from now for next year.

I would almost dissuade you from doing this. I did this last year and it really was not effective because I've attended loads more events and gained more experience so my motivations and interests have definitely changed

 

[yeezyee]

how do people wait post AC?? 😭😭 I feel like the AC make u so emotionally invested that the wait is kiLLING me

 

[Erspencer]

I have low A level grades and PH website says they look for majority As in A levels. Will it make sense to apply?

I can’t answer to PH but I applied to Taylor wessing this year with ABB and there minimum grade requirements was AAB and I made it pass application stage. As they encouraged people to apply if they could demonstrate other strengths and had other strong academic results- So I think whilst it is a factor it’s not the only factor. But I also agree to what someone else that the focus should be on why the firm, like are you applying for applying sake or can you demonstrate a really strong application for them to overlook your grades!
At the end of the day if you can clearly show why you’d be the perfect candidate then do not let your A level grades hold you back!!

 

[Dakuai]

I have an AC for Macfarlanes coming soon, any advice would be much appreciated! Particularly, will the case study be a presentation or an oral Q&A case study? Is the partner interview going to be both motivational + competency?

Thank you!

 

[Ghassen]

Has anyone who’s done a vac scheme while in full time employment (through booking off the time as holiday) ever experienced complications? A law firm I have an offer with has requested that I send written approval from my current employer to show I have permission to take on the work experience.

While I have the leave already approved, I don’t really feel comfortable telling my employer it will be for legal work experience, as that would basically indicating I’m thinking of quitting way before I was planning to give notice (if I’m successful in getting a TC).

@Jessica Booker is this standard practice with most law firms? I definitely know of people who’ve done vac schemes while in employment who didn’t have to give explicit approval from their employer

I was in the same position last year, and the Law Firm never asked about this kind of permissions, as I would feel the same as you (I don't feel comfortable to disclose this to my current employer). Also, I have an upcoming VS, and I don't think they will ask me to disclose my scheme to my employer. I suggest that you ask the reason behind this request (probably visa purposes), then try to convince them that you do not feel comfortable sharing this with your employer.

 

[therealslimshady]

its not to test how you'd apply your past experiences to future scenarios but more to see your thought process in the past and decision making abilities when those facts have been presented to you. also to see whether you've practiced those competencies to begin with. if a firm values collaboration but you've never worked with a team outside your university course then it doesn't display variety or demonstrate how you've previously worked with different teams.

I do not understand why law firms would assess to see whether a candidate has 'practiced' competencies. In my opinion, this does not really test anything.

What happens if a candidate cannot come up with an example to a competency question because they have never been in that situation? Would a candidate be marked down for not being able to provide an answer?

 

[therealslimshady]

All the time - meetings particularly, that being client meetings, team meetings etc. time is literally money and we’ve got schedules to keep to.

You mention time is literally money and that lawyers have schedules to keep to.

In my opinion, I would still think that a lot of time is unnecessarily wasted in meetings due to reductions in productivity. At the end of the day, lawyers are human beings and not machines so I highly doubt that a lawyer is productive all of the time.

 

[therealslimshady]

This isn't a vac scheme question so sorry for randomly putting this here, but I applied for a law-related but non-legal graduate role with a company in London and the recruiter has not been in touch? I did the online test beginning January and since then have reached out to her by email but have had nothing back lol shall I just assume they aren't going to take me forward in the application process but haven't bothered to tell me?

I can sympathise with your situation. I've attended final round interviews for law-related roles and have been ghosted in the past. Even a polite follow-up receives no response. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can really do.

 

[laby201]

Has anyone who’s done a vac scheme while in full time employment (through booking off the time as holiday) ever experienced complications? A law firm I have an offer with has requested that I send written approval from my current employer to show I have permission to take on the work experience.

While I have the time off already approved, I don’t really feel comfortable telling my employer it will be for legal work experience, as that would basically be indicating I’m thinking of quitting way before I was planning to give notice (if I’m successful in getting a TC).

@Jessica Booker is this standard practice with most law firms? I definitely know of people who’ve done vac schemes while in employment who didn’t have to give explicit approval from their employer

What does it say in your employment contract? If it mentions you not being able to have employment elsewhere without informing them, you're pretty much obligated to unless you wanted to be in breach of contract, especially if written approval is required.

I completely get the second part, but I think most employers will know that a training contract is the ultimate aim for the majority of those in the legal field (presuming you're a paralegal or similar) and should be understanding. If they're not and don't allow you to do it, I suppose you have the choice of whether to resign or to not do the vacation scheme.

It is an awkward predicament, but I think (dependent on your contract) you're in the position where you have to tell your employer. I would hope there would be zero complications though