TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

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laby201

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Jan 28, 2021
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I recently got offered ACs for DWF and HSF. However, they're both on the same day with a 45 min gap between them. The offices are like 20 minutes apart. Any idea what to do?
Congrats on getting 2 ACs, that’s a big achievement!

If I’m honest, I would definitely try and ask grad recruitment if it’s possible to change dates for one of them. Not only will the lack of time in between likely stress you out with commuting, but that would be a long day. ACs are rigorous and are typically about 4-5 hours long. The thought of doing them back-to-back just doesn’t sound sustainable in my opinion as it would be difficult to keep the momentum going. If you underperformed in the first one or keep thinking what you could have done differently, that may also play into your performance and affect your mindset.

If it’s not possible to change the date, I would honestly try and advise only doing one. It sounds a silly suggestion but I think focusing all your energy on one AC rather than spreading yourself thin across two is more likely to result in an offer. Good luck :)
 

RonRod13

Valued Member
  • Nov 18, 2023
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    186
    I started a new thread if anyone wants to continue the W&C debate or to just have a general discussion or debate on any matter since I was getting a lot of messages too on this.

    https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/debate-with-me.8595/

    This will be good practice for ACs and partner interview since u will get grilled and probed no matter what stance you take so being able to fight your corner is an extremely important skill and could be what sets you apart from other candidates.
     

    lawgurl90

    Star Member
    Jan 3, 2024
    26
    32
    I'd say break a leg if there was no running involved. Good luck! You've got this!

    Hey congrats! I would honestly ask for one of the firms to postpone the date (possibly ask for either a day earlier or a day later so as to not inconvenience them). What you don’t want happening is the performance of one AC affecting your next. It also requires a lot of social and mental battery to do 2 AC’s in one day, so I would think cautiously about that. Either way best of luck!!

    Congrats on getting 2 ACs, that’s a big achievement!

    If I’m honest, I would definitely try and ask grad recruitment if it’s possible to change dates for one of them. Not only will the lack of time in between likely stress you out with commuting, but that would be a long day. ACs are rigorous and are typically about 4-5 hours long. The thought of doing them back-to-back just doesn’t sound sustainable in my opinion as it would be difficult to keep the momentum going. If you underperformed in the first one or keep thinking what you could have done differently, that may also play into your performance and affect your mindset.

    If it’s not possible to change the date, I would honestly try and advise only doing one. It sounds a silly suggestion but I think focusing all your energy on one AC rather than spreading yourself thin across two is more likely to result in an offer. Good luck :)

    Thanks for all the help and good wishes everyone! I have emailed one of the firms to change the date.
     

    EqualityNonNegotiable

    Distinguished Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Nov 1, 2023
    70
    148
    Im just genuinely trying to provide good application advice and guidance because I noticed there was a demand for it, if you dont want anything to do with it then just ignore the message. Absolutely no need for this facetious response.
    Don't worry Rod! Haters gonna hate.

    I for one am eternally grateful that despite having to make big life decisions such as choosing between two TCs and a banking offer you still find the time and energy to educate us. Thank you!
     

    axelbeugre

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    Junior Lawyer
    Sep 14, 2023
    1,274
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    Hi - I got rejected post VI for W&C Summer Vacation Scheme, 2024, Can I apply for the Direct Training Contract for White and Case. Please let me know?
    You can but it is very difficult to be successful in the same year if nothing in your experience will significantly change, for instance you have some vacation schemes on your CV or significant work experience. I personally would wait for the next application cycle, especially if it is a firm you are keen to apply to.

    Additionally, you could email them and ask them if you can reapply and how will you be assesses if nothing in your application changes, but I am pretty sure they will say the same things. Last year I got rejected from them after the video interview stage too and I did ask this question and they encouraged me to apply next year and that I probably would have not been successful at the direct training contract stage.
     

    Jessica Booker

    Legendary Member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Graduate Recruitment
    Premium Member
    Forum Team
    Aug 1, 2019
    14,553
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    How easy is it to train at solid silver circle firms such as Travers and Macfarlanes/NRF and move ‘up’ to either Magic Circle or US firms?

    And what is the hiring process for moving laterally once qualified. Is it the same style process i.e., motivational, competencies etc?

    Any thoughts? @axelbeugre @Jessica Booker
    Qualified interviews tend to be a lot more skills and knowledge based and going into some of the details of the matters you have worked on, how you have worked with clients etc.

    Your ability to move is going to depend on a variety of factors, so is near impossible to determine at this stage. It will depend on where you qualify into, your experience as a trainee, and how in demand those lawyers are at the time

    I would do a search on LinkedIn, searching one of the firms you have listed and some MC firms names and then filter by people. You can set the filters so you search by the firm they are at now, so by selecting the MC firms you’ll get a sense of how many people have moved between on firm to a small range of others.
     

    J53

    Star Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
  • Jan 12, 2024
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    How easy is it to train at solid silver circle firms such as Travers and Macfarlanes/NRF and move ‘up’ to either Magic Circle or US firms?

    And what is the hiring process for moving laterally once qualified. Is it the same style process i.e., motivational, competencies etc?

    Any thoughts? @axelbeugre @Jessica Booker
    It's entirely possible, I know people who have done it, although as a partner so it was more of a they come to you scenario. As said above, its impossible to tell you how/when it will happen. The advice I was given for this situation is get the TC wherever and then work hard, the number one reason which will affect whether these firms want you or not is whether you are good at your job or not. Are you technically competent, would you work well in the team, are you good at BD and other soft skills, could they see you as a partner? For the moment, focus on doing the best you can on your TC, it doesn't matter if you want to move to those firms, you need to be good enough first and have the evidence to show that.
     
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