TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[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).

 

[josiemusgra]

Hi, does anyone have any tips for Wilkie's video interview?

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!

Thank you so much @Ram Sabaratnam !

 

[Apple]

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).

There are going to be exceptional candidates who get exceptional results, same as anything. At the end of the day, they can only accept one training contract so beyond bragging rights, it doesn't matter.

Not getting ACs you got previously isn't going backwards. Maybe a different recruiter reviewed it, maybe they don't like to reinterview candidates, maybe the qualities they looked for slightly changed. You might secure ACs at firms that have rejected you previously. Its still early in the cycle, remain positive.

 

[sammm10101]

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).

In previous application cycles, did you submit so many so rapidly? As while the number you have submitted this year already is incredibly impressive, I wonder if the quantity and the rapidity is impacting on the quality. Ofc it could be something else, but its just an observation. Also, seeing as you've done multiple VC's, I definitely think you would fall into the category of those who will get a TC anyway, even if you don't feel like it

 

[keenaspiringlawyer]

Anyone heard from Dechert post written assessment?

 

[Deleted member 37508]

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).

I agree with @Apple
I also believe you may be rushing many of your applications. You’ve submitted a lot of applications an insane amount to say the least. Are you confident in all of these applications. How are you throughly researching and writing 30 applications within 2 months. I think it’s admirable what you’ve done but also crazy. Why not apply to direct TC’s. You have more than enough vacation scheme experience to solidify your interest in law.

 

[studentdelaw786]

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.

Sorry I meant this in the context that the deadline is a week before the Open Day, so I hope to hear back with positive news.

Thanks for your help with this.

 

[Audric_T]

Paralegal interview with AG 😅 i know its not a ac or tc but it's nice to be put forward. Extremely grateful right now.

 

[Unknowncabbage]

Are we just being silly still keeping hope? The VS starts in less than 4 weeks! Surely the most likely thing is just that anyone offered an AC place is just not on this forum?

Not necessarily, there’s been nothing on LinkedIn either about someone getting a place which usually at least one person posts about

 

[Tintin06]

I agree with @Apple
I also believe you may be rushing many of your applications. You’ve submitted a lot of applications an insane amount to say the least. Are you confident in all of these applications. How are you throughly researching and writing 30 applications within 2 months. I think it’s admirable what you’ve done but also crazy. Why not apply to direct TC’s. You have more than enough vacation scheme experience to solidify your interest in law.

Fair enough. I did the same amount last year at the same pace. My approach to researching them is spend an hour or so reading about the firm on The Lawyer, Chambers & Partners and Legal Cheek and then writing an application in a few hours. All in all, each application will take two to three hours. The TC point is interesting, but I sense most firms don't take many from this route, or at least not as many as they once did. And to be honest, I am crazy, crazy about getting a VS and a TC.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

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).

Hiya @Tintin06

I think it's difficult to answer that question. In part, this is because it can take time to develop the wide range of skills that the application process tests. We all know that it requires decent written and verbal communication, the ability to collaborate effectively, commercial and legal awareness, and traits like confidence and resilience that can take time to build. But without extensive feedback, pinpointing areas for improvement can be challenging, so I completely appreciate how frustrating this can be.

I think you might be doing even more impressively than you give yourself credit for. I encourage you to keep doing what you’re already doing - persisting and applying. If you can, I'd encourage you to take a close look at any feedback you’ve received so far, especially from assessment centres or after vacation schemes. If possible, use that feedback to identify specific areas where you can improve and take steps to address those areas. For instance, I remember being told that (amongst other things) my self-deprecating humour sometimes led others to doubt my abilities and question whether I’d be well suited to working directly with clients as a result of this. This was a difficult habit for me to break, as I thought it helped put others at ease, it ultimately worked against me. Addressing this took months of conscious effort and the support of friends who would remind me whenever I made such comments. There might be other areas you’ll find that could use a bit of polishing (business writing was a big one for me). Take a good look at any feedback you’ve gotten so far, and see if there’s a way to identify where you can level up and take active steps to work on those areas. I really think you have what it takes and it's just a matter of time

 

[NJS]

Is it a common thing to be rejected from an open day because you have significant experience, like would the firm see someone who has a decent amount a legal experience and think that they may not benefit from an open day, and therefore hand an offer to someone else with less experience? @Jessica Booker