TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Lastseasonwonder]

Does A&O Shearman prefer prose or bullet points for WE section?

 

[Audric_T]

I started a application but didn't submit it, not sure about their system

Same - PFO without submitting an application. I think it's automatic if you don't complete the app. I started but because of the open day apps I got app fatigue. Plus I only really want 1 firm 🤷‍♂️

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker I am currently drafting an answer for Why firm and I was wondering if I quote 3 or 4 different lawyers at the firm that I have spoken to in my 300 word response is that fine or is it going overboard?

Four sounds a little too many unless you are grouping them together.

 

[yasmars]

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 👎🏻

So did I! Did you manage to pass it? I'm anticipating a rejection post test

 

[stargazed]

I didn't apply Linklaters' open day why they send me a PFO?

Same!!! Lol

 

[-legal-]

Four sounds a little too many unless you are grouping them together.

If I quote 3 one for each of my reasons for joining the firm?

 

[s9111]

Has anyone heard from Covington post-AC for the WVS?

 

[johnnysins]

Has anyone heard from Covington post-AC for the WVS?

Nope! I was informed they will get back to us towards the end of the week

 

[unknownnn7372]

PWC VI! does anyone have any insight! that would be really appreciated

 

[Andrei Radu]

Does A&O Shearman prefer prose or bullet points for WE section?

I am not sure about the A&O's specific policies about this but I think the general rule is that firms will be fine with you writing in prose. I know some have a slight preference for bullet points, but it is unlikely this will have a significant impact on your progression chances. However, I know some firms specifically dislike the use of bullet points as they think aspiring solicitors should try to demonstrate everywhere in their application a capacity to write very clearly in prose. As such, unless you find out anything to indicate the contrary, I think you can assume writing in prose is the safer bet.

 

[dxbbilly]

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

got my rejection today guys 😣 ☹️

 

[Andrei Radu]

Who are Travers Smith's competitors? I see they are very well-balanced and traverse (all pun intended) many practice areas, should I be referring to their practice area/sector competitors or overall competitors?

If possible, I think it is best to do both. When asked the same question in an interview, I specifically stated that this can be interpreted as both as (i) which firms cover the same segment of the market, in that they have the most similar 'types' of firms; or (ii) who is the firm's toughest competition when pitching for mandates for the firm's most important practice areas.

The way I approached it, for (i) I gave an example of two firms that I thought were most similar to the firm I was interviewing with and also explained why I though that - what were the common aspects, what were the differences, and why on the whole they could be placed in the same category. For (ii), I choose the firm's largest 4-5 practice areas and named the 1-2 competitors that are strongest in each (which I largely based on Chambers and Legal 500 rankings, but also general market perception and other awards/recognition).

The interviewing partner said this was the most thorough answer he had heard for this question, so I think you cannot go wrong by following a similar approach.

 

[Andrei Radu]

If we were to receive an Open Day PFO, would that mean that we cannot apply for a direct TC in the same cycle?

I would expect this not to be the case for most firms - the general rule is you cannot reapply for a VS/TC in the same cycle, but Open Days are considered independently. I actually know @Ram Sabaratnam got rejected for an Open Day and then got accepted for a VS by the same firm in the same cycle. As such, unless there is any reason to think the contrary, I would assume you can still make a direct TC application.

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi! I'd like a bit of advice as to whether I should still be including older vac schemes on my applications this time around? I got a scheme each year in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Some people I have spoken to have suggested that I take off the firms from 2023 and 2022 because when firms see three "failed" schemes on my CV, they will start to worry that I am not a good candidate. On the flip side, I thought it was a good sign to have previously secured schemes and having those on my applications would show that I am a competitive candidate and would help me to open doors. The older firms are more "prestigious" if that makes any difference.

Generally, I advise people to put all of their past vacation schemes in the work experience section. As you mention, it gives a clear indication to the recruitment team at any firm that you were among the very based candidates of a very high number. Recruiters are also quite aware that since the quality of vacation schemers is already extremely high, TC conversion can often hinge on very small margins. Furthermore, they know that many factors beyond a candidate's control will influence progression chances, such as: the supervisor you are allocated, your practice area, the level of demand for that practice area at the moment of the VS, the different level of weigh given to different assessment criteria and to the different input of people at the firm etc. As such, I normally think it's quite a significant mistake not to include a VS in a new application.

I actually know people who have done three VS without converting, mentioned them in applications next year and then were significantly more successful. However, those three VS were spread over 1/2 cycles. In your case, I would definitely advise to include the 2023 and 2024 schemes. For 2022 I think it's more of a judgement call on your part, as three consecutive cycles could start looking like a bit of a pattern. I would however still personally lean towards including it, especially if it is more prestigious and/or is a US firm with low VS to TC conversion rates.

I also thought to tag @Jessica Booker here as she might be able to tell you more.

 

[a1024]

hey does anyone have the simmons & simmons video interview questions?

 

[Jessica Booker]

If I quote 3 one for each of my reasons for joining the firm?

Do you really need to reference all three people for each reason? I would expect 1-2 references to be sufficient, otherwise there is a risk that it comes across more what you have been told by others rather than your motivations for the firm.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Generally, I advise people to put all of their past vacation schemes in the work experience section. As you mention, it gives a clear indication to the recruitment team at any firm that you were among the very based candidates of a very high number. Recruiters are also quite aware that since the quality of vacation schemers is already extremely high, TC conversion can often hinge on very small margins. Furthermore, they know that many factors beyond a candidate's control will influence progression chances, such as: the supervisor you are allocated, your practice area, the level of demand for that practice area at the moment of the VS, the different level of weigh given to different assessment criteria and to the different input of people at the firm etc. As such, I normally think it's quite a significant mistake not to include a VS in a new application.

I actually know people who have done three VS without converting, mentioned them in applications next year and then were significantly more successful. However, those three VS were spread over 1/2 cycles. In your case, I would definitely advise to include the 2023 and 2024 schemes. For 2022 I think it's more of a judgement call on your part, as three consecutive cycles could start looking like a bit of a pattern. I would however still personally lean towards including it, especially if it is more prestigious and/or is a US firm with low VS to TC conversion rates.

I also thought to tag @Jessica Booker here as she might be able to tell you more.

Definitely agree with this - all vacation schemes should be listed. It is better to include them than not have the evidence of pursuing the career.

 

[vr36]

@Jessica Booker If I am submitting an application review for CC can this include both my work experience section as well as my answer to the prose question?

Thank you for your time😊

 

[Iwanobealawyer]

Has anyone heard back from Baker McKenzie for their open day?

 

[Tintin06]

Has anyone heard back from Baker McKenzie for their open day?

I got the employability open day.