TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

Did anyone else get the spring VS email from Cooley?

 

[lawyersum]

Bakers Spring VS test invite

 

[Apyw]

Bakers Spring VS test invite

congrats! when did you apply?

 

[Tangcy]

Quick question for anyone who done Latham's vac scheme VI before, do you guys also have a video exercise round before the actual question round? I am doing one now and as soon as i saw the start question button, i panicked a bit because i thought it just went straight to the question without me noticing. Also, can i prepare the question before I record the video? Just to make sure

Update: I absolutely f my VI because the timed video question caught me off guard a little bit and i used up a good 40 second to think about how I would answer when it was recording🫠😭. Bye bye

 

[lawyersum]

congrats! when did you apply?

Thanks! mid November

 

[thoms]

CMS video interview tips pls? Is it competency or motivational/CMS specific qs?

if you don't mind me asking, how long do you have to complete the VI?

 

[Amma Usman]

If your application and tests etc get you to latter stages of an application are they looked at again or if you have gotten to AC at that stage is it merely performance there that counts.

The main reason I am asking is that I see the depth and length at some of the admin suggested answers which simply do not fit in to 300 or 250 or similar word answers especially if you add in how it relates to you. If you discuss at length one area is it not to the detriment of your application to show you are well rounded?

I am having a good hit rate at getting to AC (but haven't converted to a VS yet). So are my application form answers good enough or just good enough to progress but if looked at again later not good enough? (If that makes sense).

Hey @3000to1shoteverytime. In answering your first question, this differs between firms. I’ve had ACs at firms where this was not looked at during the interview by my interviewers. However, I can’t say I know for sure that my application or test was not looked at during the post-AC decision process. Alternatively, I have also attended ACs where the lawyers had copies of my application form in front of them. Regardless, your performance at the AC will certainly be a strong deciding factor, so I recommend being well prepared for this. It’s also worth noting that during these ACs themselves, you may be asked questions on your application. Indeed, this has happened to me many times! I never knew this was a thing actually, till the middle of my first VS interview when something from my application was picked out. Moving forward, I started investing more time into constantly reading what I had put, to ensure I was well prepared to answer any questions on it. I’m sure you can imagine that was a PFO, since I hadn’t given thought to my motivations beforehand. Adopting this approach for each AC offer I got also gave me more time to review my competencies, allowing me to adequately link them to any question that was presented.

With regards your second question, I totally see what you mean. Many people have differing views on this, so there is no correct approach. I’ve personally succeeded in mentioning 2-ish points with word counts of 250-300 words. This allows me to go into the intricacies of each firm‘s work, as well as expand heavily on linking it back to myself. One advice on this, which I’m sure many will agree with me on, is that brevity is not needed. Talking about many points quickly comes at the expense of the degree to which you can link it to yourself. This, as you suggested, is what would’ve otherwise not made one seem like a “well-rounded candidate”.

I would recommend spending some time practicing the core elements of most ACs; competency, situational, motivational, and commercial-based interviews. Also spend some time practicing written exercises as these are also often discussed. I believe your application answers are good enough. If it’s good enough for the initial screening stage, then it is likely to be good enough for the later stages as well. I think it come’s down to AC performance. This is something I personally struggled with during the beginning of the last cycle, but I took a step back to prepare for each of the components I mentioned above.

This personally helped me, and I wish you the best of luck this cycle. I have no doubt in your capacity to get a VS offer - we’re rooting for you all!

 

[mariistm]

Eversheds VI !
Prepping time is only 30 seconds and 2 minutes to answer, anyone have any tips on techniques to structure an answer in such a short time? It is strength and scenario based.

 

[elsx]

Eversheds VI !
Prepping time is only 30 seconds and 2 minutes to answer, anyone have any tips on techniques to structure an answer in such a short time? It is strength and scenario based.

Congrats !! If you don't mind me asking, when did you apply?

 

[mariistm]

Congrats !! If you don't mind me asking, when did you apply?

Thank you! 4th of December

 

[Balaton123]

Baker McKenzie Spring VS test invite!!

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Baker McKenzie Spring VS test invite!!

congrats! When Did you apply?

 

[Tcvspfo]

Shakespeare PFO.
Don't really know how to feel about this one as they did not ask any question on the form...

Same lol so silly

Guys I feel you as my friend applied and got the test invite but another friend got rejected. I feel their application was stupid like you only submit your grades and your work experience and on that basis you get a PFO. I feel that is stupid like how can you reject a person based on their lack of work experience. I feel your pain so dw too much about it.

 

[James Wakefield]

Did anyone else get the spring VS email from Cooley?

I am Just about to apply! Have they just started reviewing applications?

 

[sooae]

Eversheds VI !
Prepping time is only 30 seconds and 2 minutes to answer, anyone have any tips on techniques to structure an answer in such a short time? It is strength and scenario based.

Congrats! Is this for London office?

 

[g.cl.2020344]

has any1 who has done the Withers test progressed to the next round?

 

[Balaton123]

congrats! When Did you apply?

Thank you! I applied around mid October if that helps.

 

[Tcvspfo]

Would love thoughts on this - A commercial issue for Weil app am thinking of talking about the rise of private credit. This is a commercial issue that affects asset management and PE firms for alternative forms of financing through private credit. My issue is will this still be relevant as interest rates and inflation have be lowered will private credit still be relevant. Any thoughts on this @Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Shakespeare test invite any advice.

Shakespeare PFO.
Don't really know how to feel about this one as they did not ask any question on the form...

Same lol so silly

I don't really know how to improve it for next year if I reapply..

Guys I feel you as my friend applied and got the test invite but another friend got rejected. I feel their application was stupid like you only submit your grades and your work experience and on that basis you get a PFO. I feel that is stupid like how can you reject a person based on their lack of work experience. I feel your pain so dw too much about it.

Hey everyone, I am sorry that some of you got rejected I am one of the lucky ones to get invited, but I actually don't know how they screened candidates? I was surprised to be invited to the test because nowhere did I find there would be a test! I thought they would progress to AC straight according to their FAQ page

 

[unknownnn7372]

is baker mckenzie's test the watson glaser?