TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Jaysen]

Not me thinking my computer screen was broken but it's actually the birthday celebration decorations 🤣

Have removed it - I think it was slowing down the forum too much!

 

[Jaysen]

Yanno, since its 6 years and all...

think we could do an "anniversary discount" on that premium 👀 just like a one-time thing yanno? For the celebrations of course!

Haha sure, what price makes it reasonable?

 

[HelenR]

Is anyone else still waiting for response from w&c for summer vc post app?

 

[Seven]

Haha sure, what price makes it reasonable?

Free

 

[axelbeugre]

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.

I think that the purpose is to understand how someone deals with unprecedented circumstances/tasks/events which are very common in this industry, and it is paramount that you know how to conduct yourself even though you might not be served with the best cards.

I understand your confusion because I used to think the same when I was applying but retrospectively, I think it is a good way for them to test the maturity and self-confidence that a candidate have, as well as their resilience.

 

[axelbeugre]

@axelbeugre , do you know whether Goodwin send out offers in batches or all at once for their vacation schemes?

I think they call everyone all at once but I am not really sure so do not quote me on this but I feel like this is what they did last year.

 

[S87]

Two months of radio silence from AG London after the critical thinking test..I am on the verge of calling them just to force a rejection!

 

[axelbeugre]

Hey guys, when in an interview where you have been given the names of the interviewers is it okay to mention that you have had a similar experience to one of the interviewers (non-law related.) One of the panellists at the organisation volunteered at the same place I did when they were a student (found out by LinkedIn lurking), is it okay to make a passing comment like "I volunteered at the same place you did when you were a student Bob, the skills I have developed doing xyz..."

Would this be a good idea or be seen as too forward 😂

I would not bring it up like this but I would try to talk about that experience and hope that the partner resonate with that.

For example, when I was interviewing with a firm last year, I knew that one of the partners was very interested in ESG and human rights litigation and so I mentioned that I participated in a global debate competition around ESG and human rights considerations relating to a specific topic and she was so excited and we ended up talking about it for ages.

As you can see, I did not say that I found out that she was interested in the same thing I debated on but I was able to bring it up and the conversation went from there.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi Jessica would you say if an applicant worked in a company that was in defence/aerospace where you'd need Security clearance to work would fall under those who'd have to be allocated carefully or may not be able to undertake a VS?

I think from my scheme induction it said we cannot take further paid work would a VS fall under this?

It sounds like your current employer could block it rather than the law firm's conflict checks.

 

[tcplease2345]

With the gold TCLA membership is there only one application review allowed in a month?

Or one free review and the rest we have to purchase?

Sorry but I am kind of new here!

 

[tcplease2345]

Two months of radio silence from AG London after the critical thinking test..I am on the verge of calling them just to force a rejection!

I did not even get the test they just ghosted me.

 

[Jessica Booker]

I definitely agree with your statement. Which now goes back to my question - surely it is better to fabricate a scenario to answer a competency question where you have never been in such a situation so as to avoid being marked down for not being able to come up with a genuine example?

So many people aren't very good at being convincing on this and fall apart when questioned/probed further. I am sure some could do it, but its a risky approach!

 

[Jessica Booker]

With the gold TCLA membership is there only one application review allowed in a month?

Or one free review and the rest we have to purchase?

Sorry but I am kind of new here!

One review per calendar month - any more you'd need to purchase, but you receive a 25% discount on these.

 

[futuretrainee2025]

I definitely agree with your statement. Which now goes back to my question - surely it is better to fabricate a scenario to answer a competency question where you have never been in such a situation so as to avoid being marked down for not being able to come up with a genuine example?

I would advise against it as ive always been probed further on my experiences. if you mention working in a team on a project they might ask more about the roles of each individual, the details about the project itself etc

 

[Arf1309]

TLT post-AC PFO 😭 😭

 

[Zaakir]

I think they call everyone all at once but I am not really sure so do not quote me on this but I feel like this is what they did last year.

I think they call everyone all at once but I am not really sure so do not quote me on this but I feel like this is what they did last year.

And did you apply for either VS or a specific one?

 

[tcplease2345]

One review per calendar month - any more you'd need to purchase, but you receive a 25% discount on these.

Thank you! so that means I can purchase as many reviews as I want in a month?

 

[axelbeugre]

And did you apply for either VS or a specific one?

I applied for either!

 

[anonymouscatboy]

Haha sure, what price makes it reasonable?

how far are you willing to go?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Thank you! so that means I can purchase as many reviews as I want in a month?

Yes - you can purchase as many as you want within your membership and you would receive that discount.