TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[erderlylars]

Does anyone have any advice for the bird & bird video interview?

 

[BellaC12345]

Is anyone still waiting on the VI for White and Case? I haven't heard back post application for summer VS ;(

 

[NJS]

I mean, did JD give anyone a VS? 😂😂

Did you have an AC too?

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Clyde and co summer PFO

 

[001hussa]

They tell you in the email exactly what competencies they’ll be asking questions on so I was able to prep fully for 2/3 then only got thrown off by 1 Q, but only because I used all the good facts for the Q before. I’m a bit of a waffler though so not too sure how I did overall.

B&B has been so good with navigating applicants through each stage of the app process (unlike 99% of firms) so I wouldn’t worry too much if you get the invite. Good luck!

I’m sure u did great! Got the invite today, is q3 a commercial based one then?

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi, I am just wondering what the general approach in competency interviews is regarding whether you should use examples on your application form, examples from the work experience section or answers to application questions?

Hello @Tom smith . For answers on the application form itself (application answers), definitely go ahead and touch on these in interviews. However, I want to stress the importance of not completely regurgitating the points, especially to the questions on ‘why commercial law’ and ’why X firm’. The reason is because your passion to pursue a career at the firm should not be solely contained in 200-300 words and the interview would be a chance to talk a lot more about this. You will often find in most interviews, questions coming up requiring you to expand on the application form (provided your interviewers have access to this form). Thus, well prepared research needs to be carried out to significantly demonstrate why a firm appeals to you over others. As you can imagine, multiple firms will have the same practice areas and similar clients, but finding a niche interest the firm is great in will help distinguish you from other candidates and convey your passions clearly in interviews.

The same approach applies to the work experience section as well. The tasks a candidate inclues in that section are non-exhaustive and do not cover the full entirety of work completed during the placement. The way I see it, the answers on your application form demonstrate your motivations, whereas your work experience demonstrates your competencies - your skills. So, it‘s worth including examples beyond what’s already seen in that section. I believe the work section ties together answers for situational, competency, and motivational questions through specific examples. You could certainly use the same examples for each when asked in an interview, but using different examples each time will help showcase a diversified portfolio and skillset.

Overall, use all the three sections you highlighted in your question and place a specific emphasis on expansion.

 

[safari3]

I’m sure u did great! Got the invite today, is q3 a commercial based one then?

It was a mix of motivational / competency for me, but you might get a CA focused question so I’d prep for that too just incase, as well as the competencies they mention in the email☺️

 

[Apple]

do you think they advent got back to us because they are considering us for spring?

I emailed them on Monday morning no response yet.

 

[member3804]

How long does it take for DLA Piper to send VI invitations after passing WG? it’s been a week since they’ve last emailed

 

[Amma Usman]

for the mishcon vac scheme, the section on activities and achievements, did people put uni societies? what are we meant to put there? cause we can only do 4 work experiences, so figured it makes sense to do societies.

Hi @elizabethkate . Yep! I totally agree with that approach.

 

[AS24]

Hey @AS24,

Thanks for the question. We’re glad you’ve found the tips useful!

Given the word count of most application questions, I would say focus less on how HL can help them, although it will certainly be beneficial to do so. You should ideally go deep into the impact on HL’s clients. Another point is that any candidate isn’t expected to know exactly how a law firm will address these commercial issues as all this will become apparent on the job. However, if the word count permits, you could touch on general methods HL could employ to deal with the issue, whether this is investing in new experienced personnel to advise tech giants more efficiently and accurately. This is presumed that the commercial issue in question is in relation to the rising complexities surrounding emerging technologies and upcoming regulations in that sphere.

Thank you so much @Amma Usman

 

[Amma Usman]

Does Baker McKenzie recruit mostly from Vacation Schemes or direct Training Contract applications?

Hi @Tintin06 . @Ram Sabaratnam has made a post on this topic here - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....eme-vs-direct-tc-applications-2024-2025.9147/

 

[doablueberry]

Any updates from Cleary (Winter) or Weil and Kirkland (Spring)?

Hi there,
Sorry to say, but I was offered a cleary winter AC last thursday. Fingers crossed you get some late good news and good luck with the others!

 

[Amma Usman]

Does anyone have any advice for the bird & bird video interview?

Hey @erderlylars

For pre-recorded interviews, my tip is to generally not overthink it. The reason is because in a short preparation time of only a few seconds, your first instinct to the question should be what you convey. I also recommend knowing your skills and key competencies beforehand. This precludes you from the stress of thinking of an answer to many possible questions as a preparation strategy. Rather, it prepares you for an application of these skills to any given scenario or question put forth.

@Andrei Radu has also made a really comprehensive guide which I have linked below;

A complete guide for competency interview preparation

This is a guide for the purposes of preparing for competency interviews, be they in a VI, another intermediary step or an AC/final stage interview. The advice here is based on my personal approach, as I received VS offers from top US/MC firms 4/4 times I implemented it. This will include: A...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[Amma Usman]

how many trainees does gibson dunn take

Hi @unknownnn7372 , roughly 9 a year.

 

[gazdgazd11]

How long does it take for DLA Piper to send VI invitations after passing WG? it’s been a week since they’ve last emailed

Been 2 weeks for me ://

 

[AS24]

Hi @Amma Usman, @Ram Sabaratnam and @Andrei Radu

I trust you are all well.

I am applying to Katten and am trying to understand how to answer this question.

What experience and skills do you have that will make you an excellent solicitor at Katten?
I am struggling to understand how specific I should be. Would you suggest looking for keywords used by the firm's marketing team?

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[nodustollens]

How long does it take for DLA Piper to send VI invitations after passing WG? it’s been a week since they’ve last emailed

I emailed them regarding when we’ll hear back for the AC and they said that since they’ve closed applications there’s been a delay in processing all their applications.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hello, @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam Do you know of any firms to which you can apply for Vacation schemes multiple times in one cycle?

Hey @V2002 , @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam and @Andrei Radu will have more thoughts on this, but just to jump in beforehand - many firms will have the ‘no application till next cycle’ policy. I believe the reason is to juggle the volume of applications effectively. However, I know some firms accept direct TC applications when VS applications in the same cycle have been unsuccessful.

I’ve done some research and a found a very helpful list complied by a TCLA member, @Adrian_S. The list was created in 2022, so it’s worth you checking the FAQs section of the graduate recruitment website to find if the position remains the same ( although I presume not much would have changed by now).

List here: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....ple-times-in-the-same-recruitment-cycle.5113/

 

[member3804]

I emailed them regarding when we’ll hear back for the AC and they said that since they’ve closed applications there’s been a delay in processing all their applications.

Thanks!