TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Jessica Booker]

Tell us about a situation where you have demonstrated initiative and the result? - in a question on application like this where there it is limited to 300 words, is it worth briefly putting a sentence in about something I could have done differently and why?

You can, but it is not necessary for this answer and I would be concerned that by deflecting to what could have been done differently, you won't really be selling the success/result of your initial approach to demonstrating your initiative. I think this would work if your initial approach wasn;t a successful one and so you then used your initiative to correct it though.

 

[Apple]

Does anyone know if W&C often offer a place on a scheme other than what your 1st preference was?

 

[gazdgazd11]

@Jessica Booker i don’t mean to spam you but I messaged you privately re gold subscription, I know you get a lot of messages so maybe you missed it

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Have most people been rejected from Ashurst today?

Has anyone not heard back post app regarding a rejection like myself.

 

[RSK]

Has anyone not heard back post app regarding a rejection like myself.

The email mentioned everyone should hear back about the WVS by tomorrow

 

[Deleted member 37508]

The email mentioned everyone should hear back about the WVS by tomorrow

Yes I know I got that email. But i’m here as they’ve given rejection on the 7th. I thought maybe they weren’t so heartless making us wait until the last day. Maybe they are…..

 

[RSK]

Yes I know I got that email. But i’m here as they’ve given rejection on the 7th. I thought maybe they weren’t so heartless making us wait until the last day. Maybe they are…..

Ahh fair enough, apologies for the misunderstanding! I've seen people with AC's + WVS offers already, so I'm 80% certain they're being heartless and dragging the process out

 

[big hot man]

Does anyone know anything about the Mishcon video interview? I submitted my application a couple days before the deadline but haven't received any news from them as to where/when this will happen - I thought it would be another part of the initial process before assessment centres. In fact they sent an email saying they would be reviewing my application so I am confused/slightly worried

 

[g.cl.2020344]

do you think that if we r still waiting too hear back about some WVS that they are considering us for spring/summe

 

[NJS]

Why bother with these SJT tests, picked all the options to say I work with detail and take a detailed approach, only for technical approach to be my worst score, and I dont even think HSF review the app if you dont pass it, so wasted my time there, absolute joke!

 

[Gday33]

Why bother with these SJT tests, picked all the options to say I work with detail and take a detailed approach, only for technical approach to be my worst score, and I dont even think HSF review the app if you dont pass it, so wasted my time there, absolute joke!

I felt HSF’s report was way off, especially compared to other SJT results I’ve had - similar to you I chose answers that contradicted the report so not sure how they rate answers 👎🏻

 

[Andrei Radu]

ok! that makes sense, so pretty much don't give a strong opinion of either or, just focus on the facts and the impact! sorry, just want to double check since i brought it up in a video interview ahaha but i just focused on how the tariffs could impact investor confidence in EMs and how it looks less favourable to invest there when the dollar is strengthening etc and how the firm's practice areas would get involved

From what you are telling me the answer sounds completely fine, I would be really surprised if any firm would have an issue with it simply because it is related to the world of politics.

 

[Andrei Radu]

How would you go about answering the question: "If successful in securing a training contract after the Summer Internship, what do you anticipate will be the key challenges of the International Training Programme for you? How would you approach these challenges, and what resources or support do you believe you would need to overcome them?"

How closely tied to the firm does it have to be and how would one make themselves stand out (since I imagine everyone might end up saying similar things)?

Just to add to @Jessica Booker's great response here, since I ended up being progressed by DLA last year, I thought it might be useful to copy here the answer I wrote. The first paragraph illustrates Jessica's point about connecting the key challenges to your experiences and profile, while the second illustrates the point about using the firm's specific terminology when mentioning resources.

The first challenge I anticipate is delivering high-quality work even when I must simultaneously manage multiple workstreams with tight deadlines. Firstly, to prioritise effectively I would ask the assignor of any work how long it should take me to finish it and how strict the deadline is. Secondly, I would ask for the support of my trainee buddy to learn how to complete routine tasks more efficiently. In my summer internship I finished my Legislative Update email quicker by using (lawyer's name)’s tips, which enabled me to focus on research for a presentation I delivered in front of the entire firm. Consequently, I received positive feedback from my supervisor for the many cases and academic sources I cited.

The second challenge I envisage is starting from the beginning with each rotational cycle, which can be difficult after finally gaining some experience in the previous seat. I would attempt to make the transition easier by anticipating and preparing for the usual trainee work in that practice area, using resources like the Internal Knowledge Hub. I would also invite trainees from that seat for a coffee, where they can share advice and experiences in adapting to the style of the supervisors.

 

[dxbbilly]

Has anyone heard for Hogan Lovells post WG for WVS AC?

 

[Uch21]

I felt HSF’s report was way off, especially compared to other SJT results I’ve had - similar to you I chose answers that contradicted the report so not sure how they rate answers 👎🏻

I was thinking the same thing. Because I got a moderate fit in all the competencies except one. Is that good or bad? I finally passed their benchmark after failing it last year 😭 but I don't know if it's the sjt and personality test are weighted equally.

 

[l789]

I was thinking the same thing. Because I got a moderate fit in all the competencies except one. Is that good or bad? I finally passed their benchmark after failing it last year 😭 but I don't know if it's the sjt and personality test are weighted equally.

Oh my lord!

I think I’d rather HSF just use a WG test after hearing all these comments.

Is there any way to practice?

Grad rec at the open day made the SJT to be a rather trivial impediment and not a huge barrier in the application process.

 

[yasmars]

I was thinking the same thing. Because I got a moderate fit in all the competencies except one. Is that good or bad? I finally passed their benchmark after failing it last year 😭 but I don't know if it's the sjt and personality test are weighted equally.

Have HSF changed their test from last year?

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

I completed the Dechert assessment today and it was quite challenging with the time constraints but I had the thought that maybe some individuals might have used AI to help since there wasn't a camera feature. I didn't but I wonder do firms detect that thoroughly?

Honestly, I think it'd be a mistake. AI gets this kind of stuff wrong all the time. Plus even I can tell when something is ChatGPT written, I bet grad rec can too

 

[l789]

Honestly, I think it'd be a mistake. AI gets this kind of stuff wrong all the time. Plus even I can tell when something is ChatGPT written, I bet grad rec can too

Do people actually use chatgpt to write a whole 250 word answer to why law or why this firm. Or just partially?

I’m personally anti AI because I used it to ask a question regarding an apostrophe placement and it got it wrong and I had to correct it. I was not impressed and couldn’t imagine using it for any sort of online test, considering it could get something so minor as an apostrophe placement wrong.

 

[Tintin06]

King & Spalding open day PFO. I was attending the Goodwin virtual open day but applied for the in-person one since it's nice to actually meet people face to face and also firms often give you free food at open days.

Still nothing from Covington & Burling, Dechert or White & Case - I have a feeling all of these will be a PFO.