TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[James Wakefield]

Hey all, how do you approach video interviews with no time limit for the preparation of each question?

Is 15-mins thinking about each question before answering probably a good balance?

I notice the firm say no time limit, but not that the preparation period is untimed.

Thank you!

 

[User5678]

It is not timed. The first part is rank order situational/behavioural questions, the second part is where they give you a statement like: "Knowing that I am trusted by those I work with is..." and then you have to slide the bar towards one end: "important in everything I do" or the opposite end: "not important to me". The final part is very Watson Glasseresque- assumptions, conclusion made/ not made etc. Edit: you will get a feedback report in 24 hrs but it will not include the WG part.

Thanks very much, this is very helpful

 

[lawyersum]

Since the topic of AG has come up, what did people put in the additional information section of the application form?

 

[LawyerUpPal]

Since the topic of AG has come up, what did people put in the additional information section of the application form?

As far as I recall, there was no general 'additional information' section. There was a Mitig Cir section and a section titled something very specific like: "Please use this space for additional information about your undergraduate degree". Unless you're referring to one of the questions under "Additional 1 & 2"? In the case of the former, I think that one definitely has to relate to your undergraduate studies, like if you did a year abroad and have different grades, etc. Re the latter, that would depend on your personal circumstances and thus be very tailored to your circumstances.

 

[lawyersum]

As far as I recall, there was no general 'additional information' section. There was a Mitig Cir section and a section titled something very specific like: "Please use this space for additional information about your undergraduate degree". Unless you're referring to one of the questions under "Additional 1 & 2"? In the case of the former, I think that one definitely has to relate to your undergraduate studies, like if you did a year abroad and have different grades, etc. Re the latter, that would depend on your personal circumstances and thus be very tailored to your circumstances.

Ah thanks for this, I think I got my boxes mixed up a bit but your post has cleared it up for me

 

[LawyerUpPal]

How is everyone preparing for the Skadden written task?

I did it last year successfully catching 18/20 things they were looking for. The TCLA courses on PE and M&A were a big help, but it is very basic stuff. They give you a bunch of docs related to a company, and you have to draft an email, pursuant to a request from a partner, to the client answering due diligence questions, and you have to use the docs (contract and loan agreement) to respond. You are given all the info you need. It is time-crunched (1 hour), so pay attention to the time! Best of luck to you all!

 

[sooae]

I did it last year successfully catching 18/20 things they were looking for. The TCLA courses on PE and M&A were a big help, but it is very basic stuff. They give you a bunch of docs related to a company, and you have to draft an email, pursuant to a request from a partner, to the client answering due diligence questions, and you have to use the docs (contract and loan agreement) to respond. You are given all the info you need. It is time-crunched (1 hour), so pay attention to the time! Best of luck to you all!

This is very helpful! Thank you!

 

[User5678]

As far as I recall, there was no general 'additional information' section. There was a Mitig Cir section and a section titled something very specific like: "Please use this space for additional information about your undergraduate degree". Unless you're referring to one of the questions under "Additional 1 & 2"? In the case of the former, I think that one definitely has to relate to your undergraduate studies, like if you did a year abroad and have different grades, etc. Re the latter, that would depend on your personal circumstances and thus be very tailored to your circumstances.

Hi, I was re looking at my application following your response because I thought that I missed the part where they ask for additional info about the undergrad studies as I wanted to enter info about my scholarship and placement year. I think there was only one box related to mitigating circumstances and nothing else.

Please correct me if I am wrong and if you have a moment please could you login into your app and confirm this?

I would be very grateful, thank you very much

 

[xxx]

How long do firms like TW, CMS and Linklaters take after the WG to get back to you?

 

[LawyerUpPal]

Hi, I was re looking at my application following your response because I thought that I missed the part where they ask for additional info about the undergrad studies as I wanted to enter info about my scholarship and placement year. I think there was only one box related to mitigating circumstances and nothing else.

Please correct me if I am wrong and if you have a moment please could you login into your app and confirm this?

I would be very grateful, thank you very much

It's under "University / Higher Education - Undergraduate Degree(s)" at the bottom of the page. It's the page immediately before ur Uni grades.

 

[Interested_In_Law]

it's only law students, unfortunately

Although that does include GDL students (confirmed in email).

 

[DulyDiligent]

Does anyone have advice about the Willkie VI?

 

[aspiringtrainee2024]

Any HSF AC invites for the spring/summer scheme?

 

[just1TCwilldo]

Well done! Did you receive the separate email with the link for the VI? I received the email confirming that I have progressed an hour ago but am still expecting the email with the link for VI

Same! Did you hear back on the link today?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Are regional opportunities typically less competitive than in London? 90% of what I'm applying to is only in London, but for some I'm questioning if I should apply to the Manchester office (CMS, Fieldfisher, DLA) In a perfect world, my top choice probably would be London, but I am from near Manchester and would not mind working there, and my number one goal is just to get a training contract. As a less than perfect applicant I'm wondering If I'd stand a better chance in regions? Any thoughts?

Only apply to offices you are willing to have a long-term career in.

Firms are very used to people trying to game the system by applying for a supposedly less competitive office and then try to move to London either when they go forward for a TC or upon qualification - it rarely works or goes down well. Regional offices are trying to recruit talent for their office not as a stop gap for other offices.

 

[ThelawgraduateX]

Same! Did you hear back on the link today?

Still nothing, I assume you are waiting for the link as well?😅

 

[Farhan65756]

It is not timed. The first part is rank order situational/behavioural questions, the second part is where they give you a statement like: "Knowing that I am trusted by those I work with is..." and then you have to slide the bar towards one end: "important in everything I do" or the opposite end: "not important to me". The final part is very Watson Glasseresque- assumptions, conclusion made/ not made etc. Edit: you will get a feedback report in 24 hrs but it will not include the WG part.

AG's wesbite says it takes 20-30 mins to complete. How long did it take you?

 

[marisachr]

Probably too early to ask but has anyone given the kennedys test and can provide an insight on what the test entails and whether it’s timed?

Thank you

Have sent an email to Grad Rec on whether the test entails a video interview and they have said no!

 

[User5678]

Is the Osborne Clarke test automatic or next stage?

 

[User5678]

Have sent an email to Grad Rec on whether the test entails a video interview and they have said no!

Amazing! Thank you and best of luck