TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Tcvspfo]

Anyone know if it is worth doing SAR for NRF and how long does the process take. I reached their AC in previous cycles so was just shocked I did not make their VI at least this cycle.

 

[Andrei Radu]

I have got an open day for HSF and Dechert.

What kind of questions do I ask whilst networking.

I understand this will not be assessed but I assume the way you interact with those at the firm will be observed to an extent.

Should I do my research on the firm prior even though they will give us background when there.

Do they see us as strong candidates as we were selected or do they invite anyone.

@Jessica Booker and @Andrei Radu your wise words would be gratefully appreciated.

Hey @IneedaTCASAP and first of all congratulations on the open day invites! You have been selected after a competitive application process and this does mean that the firm sees you as a strong candidate.

I completely agree with @Jessica Booker's response: focus on what actually interests you - this is what more likely than not you will want to mention in a VS application. Also, as has been suggested before, avoid humble bragging and conversations meant to impress, as it is virtually certain that this will not play any part in increasing your VS progression chances. Recruiters do not take notes to remember candidates that asked a "smart" question, and it is more likely you will actually achieve the opposite of the desired effect.

Just to add some of my own pieces of advice as to what you can ask:

• Ask questions around your 'why the firm' motivations and seek to gain an insight that can further differentiate the firm from competitors. For instance, say you mentioned the firm's strong corporate M&A team as a reason. You could ask further questions about that such as: where does the firm see itself in the M&A market when compared to MC and US competitors? who are the firm's biggest corporate clients? are there any types of deals or sectors that the firm has particularly strong expertise in? how much has the corporate team grown in the last decade? what is the strategic direction for the firm's corporate department in the next few years?
• Ask for personal anecdotes, which include questions such as: could you tell me about a time you have felt particularly well supported by the firm or your colleagues? could you tell me of a highlight of your time at the firm so far? what is the most interesting matter you have worked on? etc. Knowing these stories will be particularly helpful especially if you discuss less tangible aspects (such as culture or training) as part of your why the firm answer.
• Know your audience: you want to tailor your question to the person you are speaking with. Training/culture-related questions are great for trainees and junior associates, while strategy-related questions are great for partners. Moreover, try to take into account the practice areas of the different lawyers, as you want to avoid asking a disputes partner about the firm's M&A client base.

 

[BillSikes]

Anyone knows if Pinsent Masons recruit from VS mostly?

They do as most firms do. I have asked for their % split between hiring from VS/direct TC but received no response unfortunately.

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

Did anyone attend this event? Discover Addleshaw Goddard (our four part series) - Mastering the application process

If you did, could you please DM me. I'd greatly appreciate it. Happy to discuss other firms I have knowledge of.

 

[TheInevitableTCholder2024/25🙏]

Sidley Ethinic Minority Open Day🙏🏽!

 

[l789]

Sidley Ethinic Minority Open Day🙏🏽!

Ooooh congrats!

I heard through SEO London that Sidley are big on firm interaction when it comes to applying for their vac scheme.

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Hey @IneedaTCASAP and first of all congratulations on the open day invites! You have been selected after a competitive application process and this does mean that the firm sees you as a strong candidate.

I completely agree with @Jessica Booker's response: focus on what actually interests you - this is what more likely than not you will want to mention in a VS application. Also, as has been suggested before, avoid humble bragging and conversations meant to impress, as it is virtually certain that this will not play any part in increasing your VS progression chances. Recruiters do not take notes to remember candidates that asked a "smart" question, and it is more likely you will actually achieve the opposite of the desired effect.

Just to add some of my own pieces of advice as to what you can ask:

• Ask questions around your 'why the firm' motivations and seek to gain an insight that can further differentiate the firm from competitors. For instance, say you mentioned the firm's strong corporate M&A team as a reason. You could ask further questions about that such as: where does the firm see itself in the M&A market when compared to MC and US competitors? who are the firm's biggest corporate clients? are there any types of deals or sectors that the firm has particularly strong expertise in? how much has the corporate team grown in the last decade? what is the strategic direction for the firm's corporate department in the next few years?
• Ask for personal anecdotes, which include questions such as: could you tell me about a time you have felt particularly well supported by the firm or your colleagues? could you tell me of a highlight of your time at the firm so far? what is the most interesting matter you have worked on? etc. Knowing these stories will be particularly helpful especially if you discuss less tangible aspects (such as culture or training) as part of your why the firm answer.
• Know your audience: you want to tailor your question to the person you are speaking with. Training/culture-related questions are great for trainees and junior associates, while strategy-related questions are great for partners. Moreover, try to take into account the practice areas of the different lawyers, as you want to avoid asking a disputes partner about the firm's M&A client base.

Thank you this is very detailed and highly appreciated.

I spoke to a partner as I liked their work and we spoke for about 15 minutes I was being myself and made jokes. I felt soo comfortable at the firm. A trainee came joined our conversation stating they’re a recruitment partner. I felt like an idiot as I didn’t know this and they interview people for TC’s. I asked many questions before this and held intense eye contact. I enjoyed the way they spoke about the firm. However I can’t get over not being more professional when speaking to them. They were drinking a beer but still I could’ve come across more intellectual rather than friendly.

 

[Simi.O]

I made quite a few applications this cycle. Within the first week, I got a PFO from Jones Day and thought, here we go again... But then I said PFO to Jones Day and kept going. Today, I received W&C and HSF AC invites!!! Don't let the rejections get to you; feel it momentarily, but let it light that fire to do more applications. Wish me luck and good luck to all of you!

Could you please share what your video interview questions were like

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

Anyone been rejected by W&C post-app (WVS)?

Give this a thumbs please if so.

Feels like they are ghosting me, and I don't believe I am the only one.

@NJS - thumbs down for PFO or yet to hear back?

@SamiyaJ - red cross for PFO or yet to hear back?

 

[Andrei Radu]

Thank you this is very detailed and highly appreciated.

I spoke to a partner as I liked their work and we spoke for about 15 minutes I was being myself and made jokes. I felt soo comfortable at the firm. A trainee came joined our conversation stating they’re a recruitment partner. I felt like an idiot as I didn’t know this and they interview people for TC’s. I asked many questions before this and held intense eye contact. I enjoyed the way they spoke about the firm. However I can’t get over not being more professional when speaking to them. They were drinking a beer but still I could’ve come across more intellectual rather than friendly.

I would not worry about this. To the extent that these interactions will matter at all at the interview stage (which is quite unlikely), I think it will actually be very helpful to have shown that you can establish more informal relations with people at the firm.

At many networking events and especially in my vacation schemes, I think students were generally erring by being too focused on having an exaggerated "professional" attitude. In many of these moments lawyers at the firm were looking to just unwind and relax a bit after long periods of work, so there was a mismatch of attitudes and expectations. Almost invariably, the students who were willing to discuss a mix of work and non-work related subjects, and more importantly, who did so in a relaxed manner, were the ones who left a better impression. As such, the always serious students would generally not fit in and most of them did not convert to a TC. This makes sense, because firms want to build cohesive teams, and for that you need people who can connect with each other beyond a merely formal relationship.

All that is to say, you should definitely not be upset at yourself for not coming across as more 'intellectual'. If anything, attempting to do so could have made people at the firm think you are taking yourself too seriously, which is not a very appreciated trait.

 

[SamiyaJ]

@NJS - thumbs down for PFO or yet to hear back?

@SamiyaJ - red cross for PFO or yet to hear back?

Have not heard anything back post app!

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

The assessment is untimed but we have 2 mins for each video interview question.

Thanks. how many VI questions

 

[Deleted member 37508]

I would not worry about this. To the extent that these interactions will matter at all at the interview stage (which is quite unlikely), I think it will actually be very helpful to have shown that you can establish more informal relations with people at the firm.

At many networking events and especially in my vacation schemes, I think students were generally erring by being too focused on having an exaggerated "professional" attitude. In many of these moments lawyers at the firm were looking to just unwind and relax a bit after long periods of work, so there was a mismatch of attitudes and expectations. Almost invariably, the students who were willing to discuss a mix of work and non-work related subjects, and more importantly, who did so in a relaxed manner, were the ones who left a better impression. As such, the always serious students would generally not fit in and most of them did not convert to a TC. This makes sense, because firms want to build cohesive teams, and for that you need people who can connect with each other beyond a merely formal relationship.

All that is to say, you should definitely not be upset at yourself for not coming across as more 'intellectual'. If anything, attempting to do so could have made people at the firm think you are taking yourself too seriously, which is not a very appreciated trait.

Thank you. This has lifted my spirits. I totally agree with you.

 

[BillSikes]

For one of the questions on Simmons automatic SJT - why does it mention 'project delivery' and 'software' on the answers when none of these are stated in the diagram?
This was the case last year also.

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

Can anyone that completed the online blended assessment for Pinsent Masons please PM me?

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Can anyone that completed the online blended assessment for Pinsent Masons please PM me?

I have done it, what do you need to know.
SJT is standard. There is a written element and a VI question. I won’t state the VI question and the written is untimed so you have ample time to complete it.

 

[NJS]

@NJS - thumbs down for PFO or yet to hear back?

@SamiyaJ - red cross for PFO or yet to hear back?

Yet to hear back

 

[NJS]

I will get a TC 😎 (1am positive affirmation, and everyone here will get theirs too 😎)

 

[M_m]

Hey guys! I have a very quick normal 2 AM application doubt that’s struck me. In the TW application, one of the questions is

• What motivates you for a career in law at Taylor Wessing, and what key skills would you bring?

Do I stick to “Why TW” for this answer, or should I delve into “Why a career in commercial law” as well?

 

[Deleted member 37508]

I assume no W&C news means we’re being considered for the other schemes. I put down all three schemes. I guess if you put winter only you may be rejected given they are giving offers.