TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Uch21]

Have HSF changed their test from last year?

No, it is still the same format. SJT then personality questionnaire.

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

Tie it to you first - you should focus on your challenges, rather than generically what most trainees could say.

Then tie it to the firm. Try to be specific about the firm's resources you could use. Name them using the terminology the firm uses - be specific as possible.

Ensure your answer is forward looking rather than relying on past examples to show your skills. You should picture yourself in the firm with the challenges you identify rather than talking about how your previous experiences have set you up well (if that is the case, it would not be a challenge for you).

thank you!! am I right to say that what they're looking for in the answer would the ability to recognise challenges within yourself and identify how to overcome with them?

 

[Uch21]

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.

This time, I practised with their test provider instead of generic SJTs. Then, I also entered their values into Chat GPT and asked it to give me situational questions where I could demonstrate those values.

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

Hi is this automatic?

i dont think so!

 

[-legal-]

Have HSF changed their test from last year?

Yes, they removed the critical thinking part.

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

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.

This is amazing thank you!!

 

[yasmars]

Yes, they removed the critical thinking part.

Oh that’s good 😂

 

[studentdelaw786]

white and case open

I don’t think it indicates anything beyond that if you secure a place on the open day you will automatically receive an assessment centre spot.

I would wait until you know the outcome of your open day application before applying to the vacation scheme.

Thanks Jess, that is interesting because the firm hasn’t implied that at all, unlike Latham.

The Open Day is on the 20th and the deadline is the 12th, so let’s hope you’re right!

 

[Jessica Booker]

thank you!! am I right to say that what they're looking for in the answer would the ability to recognise challenges within yourself and identify how to overcome with them?

Yes - this and that you understand the realities of how you will work as a trainee on a practical level.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Thanks Jess, that is interesting because the firm hasn’t implied that at all, unlike Latham.

The Open Day is on the 20th and the deadline is the 12th, so let’s hope you’re right!

You’d know before the 20th if you got on the open day though.

And if you did get on the open day, that have said you have got a spot on the assessment centre, so you wouldn’t have to worry about when (or possibly if) you applied.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi, does anyone have any tips for Wilkie's video interview as I failed mine last year ?

Hiya @josiemusgra


I’m sorry to hear that your previous attempt at Wilkie’s video interview didn’t go as you hoped. I’d like to share some tips that helped me prepare and pass the video interview.

When it comes to content, it’s essential to spend some time reflecting on why you want to join Willkie specifically and what sets them apart from other US-headquartered firms in London. Understanding their unique teams and areas of practice, and identifying which ones resonate with you, can make your responses more compelling. I found it helpful to thoroughly research the firm, writing down and familiarising myself with a variety of motivational points. I also had a think about any news stories that might be relevant to them and any skills that I could bring to the table as a trainee. This kind of comprehensive preparation allowed me to draw on my research when faced with questions that I hadn’t prepared for in advance but were related to the firm.

Outside of content, I think it's really important to practise recording yourself either on a voice notes app or on camera. This will help you identify any areas of improvement in terms of your delivery and give you an indication of whether you're efficiently using the time limits imposed by many video interviews. For instance, you can sense check whether you're making adequate eye contact, whether you've added too many or too little depth to the points you're raising, whether your answer has a decent structure, and so forth. Again, when practising, I focused on why I was interested in joining the firm, what I could bring as a trainee, and discussing a news story that related to the firm and its clients. This kind of practice really helped me ensure that I could clearly and succinctly convey my motivations and research within the typical one or two-minute timeframe that most video interviews impose on candidates.

I hope these tips help you feel more confident and prepared for your next interview. Best of luck!

 

[Tcvspfo]

NRF VI for summer.

 

[-legal-]

Oh that’s good 😂

Not really, because at least in the true false you know the right answer now the majority is personality which is more ambiguous.

 

[Rosscarr08]

NRF VI for summer.

Congrats! I applied yesterday and have filled out the Rare form. But I am still waiting for the Arctic shores test to be sent to me? I thought it was instant but clearly not. Did you experience the same?

 

[manifestingthetc]

anyone heard back from gibson dunn? what is the first round interview like? any tips?

Hey, have you heard back?

 

[Tintin06]

A bit of a rough week - King & Spalding and White & Case open day rejections, although I got to attend the Cooley open day.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

A bit of a rough week - King & Spalding and White & Case open day rejections, although I got to attend the Cooley open day.

I'm sorry about the rejections, but amazing job on attending the open day! Encouraging you to make an application for the vacation scheme

 

[Tcvspfo]

Congrats! I applied yesterday and have filled out the Rare form. But I am still waiting for the Arctic shores test to be sent to me? I thought it was instant but clearly not. Did you experience the same?

Thanks. I applied on Monday as just edited a few bits from my winter app and as I passed the test for winter VS so I did not have to do the test for summer VS.

 

[helloj]

Can anyone who has done an interview with Sidley Austin tell me how long it took to get back with an outcome? Thanks!

 

[Tintin06]

How are people getting multiple ACs and VS offers? I've often heard that firms like people who are the sort of people who are going to get a TC anyway, but I've never felt like that person, and for me it relies on luck, personal chemistry with the interviews, and similar. Last year, I only got ACs at 10% of firms I applied to (three ACs, one VS). This year, I'm doing worse and have actually gone backwards (no AC with W&C as of yet compared to last year and rejected from Willkie after the VI).