TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[The-PFO-Collector]

Fair enough. Was my first time doing it. I'm just waiting for my rejection.

Each firm may put a different emphasis on the test. Not all firms heavily depend on it.
Perhaps best to find out how heavily BM rely on it to screen for those who go through to the next stage.
Perhaps someone who went to a BM Open Day this year can shed light on this point...

 

[Jessica Booker]

View attachment 6509
This can be gamed.
I messed around with my answers when sitting it for various law firms last year.
It's 'easier' than the WGT
I'm still working on how to get 9/9/9/9, any help is welcomed.

I would strongly suspect it is impossible to score 9 across all elements based on how the test is designed - there is likely to be some contradictory elements that mean you would score lower on one element but higher on another based on the way you answer.

 

[unknownnn7372]

Is this the second round? Have you already done the partner competency interview?

yes i have

 

[lawyersum]

Each firm may put a different emphasis on the test. Not all firms heavily depend on it.
Perhaps best to find out how heavily BM rely on it to screen for those who go through to the next stage.
Perhaps someone who went to a BM Open Day this year can shed light on this point...

I went to an open day, all that was said is that they have a benchmark but obvs didn’t disclose it

 

[Tintin06]

Each firm may put a different emphasis on the test. Not all firms heavily depend on it.
Perhaps best to find out how heavily BM rely on it to screen for those who go through to the next stage.
Perhaps someone who went to a BM Open Day this year can shed light on this point...

As other said, there's a benchmark. I don't think I've met it. Might get no ACs this year. That happened in 2019-20 as well. But 1/9 for Applied Intellect here. Maybe I'm wasting my time ultimately. Several cycles and a few ACs. Sure, people have had less. But still, I'm unsure about everything. I also have autism. I do think that impacts empathy. Something the Applied Intellect part tests. I'm going to take a break.

 

[g.cl.2020344]

As other said, there's a benchmark. I don't think I've met it. Might get no ACs this year. That happened in 2019-20 as well. But 1/9 for Applied Intellect here. Maybe I'm wasting my time ultimately. Several cycles and a few ACs. Sure, people have had less. But still, I'm unsure about everything. I also have autism. I do think that impacts empathy. Something the Applied Intellect part tests. I'm going to take a break.

Hey, it’s a shame that applications haven’t gone your way yet. But there will be a firm that wants you, and when that happens the process will be enjoyable and progress quickly! It’s definitely a marathon not a sprint so try to stay strong! (Also convincing myself here ahaha )

 

[Legalstalker]

As other said, there's a benchmark. I don't think I've met it. Might get no ACs this year. That happened in 2019-20 as well. But 1/9 for Applied Intellect here. Maybe I'm wasting my time ultimately. Several cycles and a few ACs. Sure, people have had less. But still, I'm unsure about everything. I also have autism. I do think that impacts empathy. Something the Applied Intellect part tests. I'm going to take a break.

Heya, I wanted to chime into this conversation.

I don’t want you to beat yourself up over these results as they do not define you! I knew someone last cycle who score high intellect and high numerical for reed smith and was still rejected. I’ve progressed with firms where I’ve had average intellect and those who have had ‘high’ haven’t.

Being neurodiverse throughout this process is tough and I sympathise with you wholeheartedly. There are firms out there who make accommodations to those who state their disabilities. I aim to be transparent in my applications about any adjustments I may or may not need as this can vary. Ultimately you don’t want to work at a firm that doesn’t take into account the difficulties you may have with certain tasks.

Please don’t give up now it’s still early days! You cannot rule out a rejection soo early. You still have soo many firms to hear back from as well as apply to if you wish. x​

 

[bangarangbass39]

Each firm may put a different emphasis on the test. Not all firms heavily depend on it.
Perhaps best to find out how heavily BM rely on it to screen for those who go through to the next stage.
Perhaps someone who went to a BM Open Day this year can shed light on this point...

They said that once you’ve passed you’ve passed. They review your application holistically but it weighs very little in the grand scheme of things. GR placed greater emphasis on the AC, as you’d expect.

Bear in mind each stage is about whittling down the sea of applicants. Everyone is competent enough to do the job in the eyes of the recruiter, they just need a way to crunch down who gets through and who doesn’t. It might not feel fair but honestly it’s a decent enough way of choosing candidates.

It’s either that or they do a lottery system like they do in the Netherlands for medical programmes; that is something i can’t wait for!

I got 9,6,6,6 and excelled on the verbal section.

 

[Kakaboo]

DLA WG invite but Eversheds PFO...you win some you lose some

What office was this for?

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Does anyone know the Goodwin application questions and can just type it out here please? Wanted to get it sorted first before having to fill out the rest of the form

Hiya @TheInevitableTCholder2024/25🙏

Have just looked through their online application form and found the following:

1. Why are you applying to Goodwin (100 words)
2. What is your personal motivation for seeking a career in corporate/commercial law? (100 words)
3. What do you believe are two key qualities of a successful solicitor? How have you demonstrated these qualities in your education and/or experience to date? (300 words)
4. Which other firms are you applying to and why? (200 words)
5. Please briefly summarise anything else that you would like to add which you think is relevant to your application. This can be positions of responsibility, extra-curricular activities and achievements or academic awards or scholarships. (200 words)
6. Discuss a commercial issue that has particularly interested you. Why did it capture your attention, and what impact could it have on the legal sector? (300 words)

Hope this helps and good luck!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Whoops! Just realised that @user9809 had you covered @TheInevitableTCholder2024/25🙏 😅

 

[hopefultrainee888]

anyone received an Akin AC yet??

 

[sooae]

anyone received an Akin AC yet??

Have they even started giving VI/Telephone Interview???

 

[AlegalA]

Hi guys, one of hill Dickinson's questions is "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?"

Are they asking why we want to do the specific sector that we chose or a specific seat within that sector? Eg: Health sector or Employment NHS within the Health sector.

 

[manifestingthetc]

In the interest of transparency, my results were:

Grit: 6/9
Applied Intellect: 7/9
Creative: 3/9
Digital: 6/9

Applied Verbal: Excelled

Tbh i don't know what to make of these results, especially the 3/9. Will not keep hopes high.

I got the exact same score as you ! and the 3/9 was for digital so not feeling hopeful either. I'd be curious to know the benchmark and whether they review the application at the same time ?

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

@Andrei Radu May I ask did you attend open days at the firms you did a Vacation Scheme with, particularly Davis Polk? Would you say attending an Open Day is necessary for these firms, and if not, would an applicant be disadvantaged in any way?

Hiya @BBsharkk

Just wanted to jump in here, but I'm @Andrei Radu would have more insight.

Attending an open day is not a requirement to secure a vacation scheme. Personally, I was able to secure vacation schemes with several US firms without attending any of their open days or insight events, and I know others who have done the same. If you’re either rejected from an open day or unable to attend one, I wouldn't be discouraged. However, if you have the opportunity to attend one with Davis Polk, it can be valuable for learning about specific practice areas or types of work that might otherwise be harder to research. This knowledge can also help you write an even stronger, more tailored application, which will play an important role in whether your application is progressed.

Overall (and I can't emphasise this enough), I'd encourage you to focus on the written quality of your application. In particular, many applicants underestimate the importance of ensuring their application is highly tailored and well-researched. Well-researched and convincingly answered application questions can often be a strong indicator of a candidate's genuine interest in a firm, even over and above whether or not they've attended an open day with the firm. Good luck with your application!

 

[LB24]

Anything from AG after the critical thinking test?

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi guys, one of hill Dickinson's questions is "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?"

Are they asking why we want to do the specific sector that we chose or a specific seat within that sector? Eg: Health sector or Employment NHS within the Health sector.

Heya @AlegalA

Would be curious to get thoughts from @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu and @Amma Usman here, but based on my initial understanding of the question and a quick glance of their Chambers Student profile, I think the question is asking you to focus on a particular team/seat within your chosen sector (e.g., Health Litigation seat in the Health sector, or Tax and Financial Services seat in the Business Services).

When answering this question, it might be worth structuring your answer in the following way. Start by explaining the team/seat you're interested in. This is where you can also demonstrate some of your research not just in that particular sector, but also the sort of work that's typically carried out for clients when you're sat in that team/seat. You can also use this section to demonstrate an understanding of Hill Dickinson’s experience in that sector, perhaps referencing a recent deal or case done by the team. Finally, I'd tie your response to specific skills, experiences, or interests that align with the work of that team. That is, you'll want to briefly say why that work resonates with you.

Hope this helps and let us know if you have any other questions! Best of luck with your application 🥳

 

[Law queries]

Did anyone get a confirmation email after doing the Latham SJT? I haven’t received anything

Yes. So they send a feedback report. I received mine a day after taking the test

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

does anyone have any resources to prep for case studies? i have an upcoming ac with jones day and i know one part of the ac is the case study interview.

Hiya @unknownnn7372

Well done on getting to the AC! When I applied to Jones Day, they didn’t have a case study at the AC, but I’ve got some resources that might help, which include three fantastic threads by Jacob Miller.

• One for case studies
• One for negotiations
• One for general interview preparation.

These guides are super practical and detailed, and so definitely worth checking out! If you have any further questions, do let us know! Good luck with your preparation