TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

Pwc pfo 😔

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi!
I have a W&C AC coming up, would appreciate any insights
Thanks so much

Hiya @Kk288

Amazing job on securing the AC! I'm going to link below to some more general threads on AC and interview preparation. Hope these are helpful to you - they definitely were for me.

• Case studies
• Negotiations
• General interview preparation

Let us know if you have any other questions! Good luck!

 

[Apple]

Hi!
I have a W&C AC coming up, would appreciate any insights
Thanks so much

is this for Spring?

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hill Dickinson application
As a firm, we operate across a number of sectors and specialisms, and offer sector-specific training contracts in each of our business services, health and marine groups. Which of our teams would you be most interested in completing a seat in and why?

I think the word "seat" confuses me here. Are they asking whether I want to pursue the Business Services, Health, or Marine training contract?

I started my answer by saying I’m especially interested in the Business Services TC and explaining why. Then, I talked about a specific seat I’d like to experience within that.
Just want to make sure I'm on the right track.

@Andrei Radu 🙏

Hi @bella98 the question uses slightly ambiguous phrasing but I think you are going for the right approach. Having taken a quick look across Hill Dickinson's website, I think it's clear you have to choose only one of the three broad groups for your TC. However, then you get to choose between a number of different seats offered by each group. The way I see it, the question can be interpreted in two ways depending on what is meant by the term 'teams':

1. Which practice area in which group are you most attracted to?
2. Which of our groups are you most attracted to?

Your approach seems to track the first formulation. Intuitively, I think this first interpretation is likely the right one, since if the second interpretation was right using the word 'seat' would be completely superfluous.

However, I would also look at this from a upside/downside risk perspective. If all the firm wants you to do is explain your motivation for one of the groups, and you also explain your motivations for a practice area within a group, it should not hurt your chances too much. If anything, the more specific interest in a practice area can support a point about your more general interest in the group. If however the firm does want you to discuss a practice area interest as well and you only discuss your interest in one of the groups, you will have missed out on one of the key points of the question.

 

[NJS]

is this for Spring?

I'd hope not, not even heard from winter loool

 

[legalxp2]

Pwc pfo 😔

sorry to hear that, was this after the VI?

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

sorry to hear that, was this after the VI?

Yup

 

[Apple]

I'd hope not, not even heard from winter loool

Neither have I post AC, thats why I was wondering if they are still running winter ACs or not.

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi!
I have a W&C AC coming up, would appreciate any insights
Thanks so much

Hi, just to add some of the more specific W&C AC preparation resources available on TCLA:

• A short thread discussing W&C AC experiences
• An in-depth post written by people who did the AC in previous cycles - this type of post was very useful for me when preparing for other ACs.

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

Does anyone want to compare Deloitte feedback reports for the job sim to get more of an idea of where their phraseology sits on the scale? Please pm me if so

 

[lookingforaTC]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jess, what are your thoughts on submitting the same application for the third cycle in the row? The last two apps to this firm I used the same answers and I succeeded in getting to the next round.

 

[BM99]

Is anyone still waiting on Sidley WVS lol

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Pwc pfo 😔

is this after an AC?

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

is this after an AC?

Post VI

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

Deloitte PFO... I haven't even received any online test. I meet the eligibility criteria and the application stage didn't include any work experience sections or application questions? What could they possibly reject me on T_T

Did you list any SQE/LPC quals on your form? I know they don’t take people who have completed those, and they’re hesitant on people who even start say SQE1 ahead of joining them. I’m trying to get more info on their eligibility of joining if I decide to complete SQE1.

 

[Waystar_Royc0]

Sameeee 🥹 🥹 🥹 🥳🤩🤩 first win of the cycle!!

Congratulations guys! When did you submit the interview?

 

[bella98]

Congratulations guys! When did you submit the interview?

I submitted it yesterday at 2 pm

 

[nodustollens]

Bristows IP workshop invite 🥳

 

[Amma Usman]

hello does anyone have an idea how to approach or structure this question We believe that successful lawyers are great Shapers: individuals with interests, hobbies, passions or visions; and the drive and motivation to develop these in order to shape the world around them. We're looking for people who can shape the information they are given; shape arguments; shape relationships; shape solutions. Tell us about a time that you have demonstrated being a Shaper. (300 words max) *

Hey @V2002

It seems the law firms are getting really creative with their questions haha! I’m loving it!

To approach this question, choose one element of being a shaper, as seen in the question. In this example, I’ve taken a strong direction by choosing the "shaping a solution" aspect to specifically demonstrate problem-solving skills.

I’ve included a structured way to build on this. Although, feel free to ‘shape’ it to your preferences and past experiences - see what I did there? Haha!

1. Start with a Brief Introduction

- Open with a sentence explaining that you’ll focus on the “shaping a solution” element, as it allowed you to creatively tackle a challenge. This introduction frames your answer and directly connects it to the qualities the firm is looking for in a “Shaper.”


2. Explain Why Shaping a Solution is Important

- Highlight that shaping solutions is essential in legal practice because it requires adaptability, creativity, and effective problem-solving—qualities that allow lawyers to overcome client challenges. Mention that this aspect also aligns with the “Shaper” role they described, emphasising innovation and proactive problem-solving.


3. Provide a Relevant Example of Shaping a Solution

- Describe a specific professional or academic experience where you faced a significant challenge and shaped a solution. Outline the context briefly (e.g., a legal internship, a group project, or a challenging assignment) and the specific problem you encountered.

- Discuss the approach you took to “shape” the solution. Detail your problem-solving process, showcasing how you analysed the issue, considered multiple angles, and used creativity or research to craft an effective solution. Emphasise any strategic or analytical thinking involved.

Example:

- During a legal internship, I encountered a challenging task to assess a complex contractual issue. Recognising that existing resources were insufficient, I proactively conducted additional research and proposed using a new analytical framework to evaluate the clauses, eventually presenting my findings to my supervisor. My solution enabled the team to streamline similar reviews in the future, demonstrating my ability to shape a strategic approach to unexpected issues.


4. Demonstrate Shaping Skills in Other Contexts

- If you’re discussing other shaping scenarios, mention any experience in things like negotiation competitions, mock court proceedings, or any other relevant activities where you shaped arguments or relationships, for instance. These experiences underscore your versatility as a “Shaper” beyond just problem-solving, showing how you mould information and relationships to achieve results.

Example:

- Additionally, my participation in a negotiation competition taught me to shape arguments persuasively and adapt my approach based on the responses of opposing counsel. This experience further honed my ability to think strategically under pressure, a skill essential for shaping outcomes in a legal setting.


5. Conclude with a Forward-Looking Statement

- Finish by expressing how these experiences have shaped your approach as an aspiring lawyer. You could say something like you’re excited to bring this problem-solving mindset to your future role, where you’ll continue shaping solutions, arguments, and relationships to make a positive impact. For the sake of word count though, keep this shorter than the actual discussion.

 

[GV]

Does anyone know if RPC VS is rolling?