TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[andrecsaa]

hi everyone! i got my macfarlanes cappfinity report back - and my low scoring areas was analysis. obvs know it’s hard to draw any definitive conclusions, but do you think this means will likely result in pfo? can’t see myself progressing beyond test stage given how central a trait “analysis” is

I know this feeling. My lowest score was adaptability and right after receiving the results I saw on Macfarlanes's website that they "recruit a diverse range of people who can demonstrate skills such as adaptability, critical thinking, drive, and the ability to build long lasting relationships".

At least one of my strengths was relationship builder, so I calmed down and am waiting for the results.

 

[Gg2001]

Damn, the irwin Mitchell test was sooo long and one vi question caught me off guard😭

(I also think I took more time than advised)

So worried now!!

written test was standard. the scenario VI questions were so hard I didn’t come across them before. At least I did a VI I guess.

 

[Unknowncabbage]

@Amma Usman @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam

Hi guys, I just wanted a bit of advice on how I could leverage my previous seat in Debt Finance to support the reason I’m interested in the firm (for their banking and finance practice area). This seat was only a day long and I simply just did research tasks and briefed a supervisor.

 

[user9809]

is there actually a VI at the end of Latham & Watkins test? I can’t see much info on that online

 

[Tintin06]

@Amma Usman @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam

Hi guys, I just wanted a bit of advice on how I could leverage my previous seat in Debt Finance to support the reason I’m interested in the firm (for their banking and finance practice area). This seat was only a day long and I simply just did research tasks and briefed a supervisor.

I guess you could consider similarities. A focus on the clients? Don't play down what you did. Research is important for a trainee. What did you enjoy about it? What skills did you gain? Briefing a supervisor? Communicating complex ideas? Simplifying commercial and legal developments therein? Plenty of ways to spin it.

 

[Tintin06]

is there actually a VI at the end of Latham & Watkins test? I can’t see much info on that online

Yes there is. I seem to recall one question. I'd suggest read the SRA handbook. Think about your values.

 

[user9809]

Yes there is. I seem to recall one question. I'd suggest read the SRA handbook. Think about your values.

Thank you!

 

[TrainingContract2024]

really frustrating as my report ended up with more negative feedback than positive😔

I had a similar experience! It was quite contrary to the options I chose.

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

The HSF test can seem counter intuitive when it comes to how it analyses your analytical skills but I think it’s designed that way. The job test prep page is good to prep for the HSF test

 

[0livia.pope]

I had a similar experience! It was quite contrary to the options I chose.

I got my PFO two days ago as a result 💔 A few people have said the same thing I just wonder if an error is even possible

 

[lawyersum]

Am i correct in saying that Clyde & Co only accept vac scheme applications from students and not graduates?

 

[LawJourney101]

I got my PFO two days ago as a result 💔 A few people have said the same thing I just wonder if an error is even possible

I did mine relatively honestly, and having worked as a paralegal for a year I also felt none of the feedback was accurate. In fact it was contrary to reality; the one positive I had, I wouldn't describe as a quality of mine, and many of the negatives were not at all reflective of my personality/work ethic. Got a PFO too. I think they should just do these types of personality/SJT (not WG, which are objective) tests prior to making us put effort into our apps.

 

[legal18]

For 'why the firm' questions is it wise to mention their emphasis on pro bono or is this a weaker reason

 

[yasmars]

For 'why the firm' questions is it wise to mention their emphasis on pro bono or is this a weaker reason

I wouldn’t put that as the main reason but maybe as part of your final points

 

[TrainingContract2024]

I got my PFO two days ago as a result 💔 A few people have said the same thing I just wonder if an error is even possible

I'm really sorry abt the PFO, but I’m sure you got this for your other applications, good luck! I’m not sure if it’s an error or if the automated system categorised it in a certain way, which might explain the wording.

 

[legal18]

For Wilkie's final question 'Please tell us about your achievements and positions of responsibility. (500 words)' Do we need to relate these back to the firm/the role?

 

[Miss Chocolate]

The test is not automatic so you may expect to wait at least a week if they have a number of applications. Hope you hear back soon.

Heyyyy re CMS I know their deadline is today -- I can't find any information about closing time. Should I assume it's midnight?

 

[Gday33]

RPC anticipating giving outcomes end of Feb at the latest post WG 👍🏻

 

[futuretrainee2503]

Heyyyy re CMS I know their deadline is today -- I can't find any information about closing time. Should I assume it's midnight?

their instagram has a countdown that says 13 hours left.. i’m assuming it’s midnight at 11:59

 

[AlegalA]

Hi!😊 would you mind sharing what VI questions you had please?

Hey, no offence but it's unlikely anyone will want to give you the VI questions they had. As much as this forum helps support each other, giving overall advice on tests, ACs etc, there is a finite number of positions for one role, and therefore applicants/ applications are in competition with each other, whether we like it or not.
Giving you the answers for the VIs would create a very unfair advantage as you would be able to prepare specifically for those.
There is a difference with knowing what the type of questions are, and knowing the actual questions, and I would be surprised if anyone was actually willing to share those.