TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[axelbeugre]

Hey everyone - I have a question about vacation scheme clashes.
I have a confirmed Cleary Gottlieb vacation scheme in July (which I'm really pleased about!) But I have also been invited to an Assessment Day for Clifford Chance's Spark Programme. Essentially I would not be able to go to their week-long 'classroom-based learning' this year (Year 1) (SPARK insights), but if I was lucky enough to receive the offer, I would be able to go the week in Year 2 (SPARK Shadowing), where you spend a week in one of the firm's practice areas. My question is - should I attend the assessment day in the hopes of receiving an offer and then possibly deferring / asking whether I would be able to the important half of the programme? Or should I email them right away about my predicament? (The thing is, I don't want to miss out on the opportunity and have them say that I should simply reapply next year!)

I would personally attend the assessment day as it can be an opportunity for you to develop your interview skills, experience another firm, other lawyers and just see a different law firm overall.

I would worry about this once you get an actual offer but ideally you could ask them to postpone the experience as you said, or fast-track you for a direct training contract.

 

[izzy1036]

Was looking at past interview questions on Glassdoor for Pinsent Masons and the question "How would you rate yourself academically compared to others on your course?" came up. Does anyone have any tips on answering a question like this?

 

[sxw517]

Adding to what DieHard has said about BPP, sometimes lessons would be cancelled with half an hour's notice or they would substitute the tutor and you'd have a public law tutor teaching contract etc.

90% of the teaching couldn't be faulted though, it's more of the administration side that is a pain in the arse. Which it seemed the tutors were as frustrated with as students, at certain points.

 

[EM23]

Dentons summer vacation scheme - Scotland success!!!

Alhamdulillah could actual cry. Second cycle and things are beginning to click together

 

[Lola333]

I know this is very much a “how long is a piece of string” sort of question, but for those who have been successful at an AC, how much preparation would you say you do?

Would you start say a week in advance with a few hours each day or typically more? It’s hard when trying to balance preparation with other commitments.

I spend one day the day before researching the firm and supplementing the list of potential interview Q/As I already have. This may seem like less time compared with what other people have said but I find a day of intense revision enough and it's fresh in my brain the next day I've had offers from 2/3 ACs this cycle, but I would caveat that by saying it's very individualised to your preferences!

 

[EM23]

I know this is very much a “how long is a piece of string” sort of question, but for those who have been successful at an AC, how much preparation would you say you do?

Would you start say a week in advance with a few hours each day or typically more? It’s hard when trying to balance preparation with other commitments.

For me I think maybe a week in advance so nothing is left last minute. Figure out each stage of the AC, what you need to show in it and then research the main points of the firm, its values, its future objectives, what its biggest areas are and a deal or two all this for the interview or case study stage.

Always relax a day before or on the day just take it slowly and take your time. Being calm and composed goes a long way in my own experience.

 

[Ali A]

I spend one day the day before researching the firm and supplementing the list of potential interview Q/As I already have. This may seem like less time compared with what other people have said but I find a day of intense revision enough and it's fresh in my brain the next day I've had offers from 2/3 ACs this cycle, but I would caveat that by saying it's very individualised to your preferences!

I do the same

 

[futuretrainee2025]

I know this is very much a “how long is a piece of string” sort of question, but for those who have been successful at an AC, how much preparation would you say you do?

Would you start say a week in advance with a few hours each day or typically more? It’s hard when trying to balance preparation with other commitments.

I would say to be honest with yourself and not compare yourself. For some it takes 2 weeks, others a day, so your best approach is to have a routine you can stick to. A few hours a day and the weekend is ample time. You'll smash it!!!

 

[generalbewilderness]

Have interview invites for Russell Cooke spring scheme gone out already?

yep!

 

[futuretrainee2025]

If I get a TC and the firm has a specific provider, can I ask to switch? Hearing all the horror stories about BPP is making me consider whether it might even be worth self-funding to avoid it lol.

 

[babylawyer1942]

Got Orrick WG this morning! Super happy but now I gotta brush up on how to do that evil test, any tips?

 

[babylawyer1942]

Sidenote, I was getting rejections all cycle and now in the last 2 weeks, I've reached the final stage for 3 three firms and the next stage for 2. Just hang in there everybody, your time is coming. Also, be prepared for this to happen because I'm struggling to keep up with all this AC prep lol. Goodluck!

 

[AlexJ]

If I get a TC and the firm has a specific provider, can I ask to switch? Hearing all the horror stories about BPP is making me consider whether it might even be worth self-funding to avoid it lol.

It is easier to get things fixed when grad rec does the complaining for you!

 

[NJS]

Please message if anyone has any tips for the NRF TI. Thank you!

 

[eleven14og]

On the topic of AC prep, how do you stay (or act) confident for ACs? I get nervous just thinking about it

 

[princess sparkle]

I just got this email and I am not sure if this is a rejection or like a disclaimer? I just submitted my application yesterday at 11:45 PM and got this email at 1:30 AM.

"Title: Application Received
Thank you for applying for a position on our Summer Vacation Scheme. The closing deadline for this vacancy is 29 February 2024.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive we are only able to respond to those who have been successful in gaining an interview. If you have not heard from us then unfortunately your application was unsuccessful on this occasion."

Could anyone help me out with this?

 

[bella98]

If I get a TC and the firm has a specific provider, can I ask to switch? Hearing all the horror stories about BPP is making me consider whether it might even be worth self-funding to avoid it lol.

I wouldn't 😭. I self-funded my LPC at BPP, completing it in June 2023, and overall, it was a positive experience - the teaching was amazing.

There was just an instance when they neglected to inform us that a professor was absent, and we ended up on campus waiting for the lecture, only to receive a last-minute email explaining that the tutor was ill and wouldn't be attending. Additionally, there were a couple of re-scheduling issues with some classes. But beyond those incidents, I truly had a wonderful time there. I'm not sure if things are different this year, but from my perspective, it wasn't too bad at all.

 

[nliro85]

That is exactly the mindset you should have and congratulations for obtaining Travers interview!

I am sure you will be successful with Travers!

Thank you and just did the interview.

For anyone who has a Travers interview in the future or coming up you do not know what to expect so even if you prep don't be surprised if the interviewer asks you questions you were not expecting.

 

[kmo20]

If I get a TC and the firm has a specific provider, can I ask to switch? Hearing all the horror stories about BPP is making me consider whether it might even be worth self-funding to avoid it lol.

Personally, I haven’t had that bad of an experience with BPP. I will say they they are unorganised and the admin is not great, but I do think the teaching makes up for it.

 

[lozgalb20]

Anyone heard from Shoosmiths yet?