TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[NJS]

Is the hogan lovells WG automatic??

 

[Tintin06]

Congratulations on getting so many ACs at great law firms first of all! I wondered if you had legal experience? And if you went to a RG or Oxbridge university? If you dont mind answering

I did have some legal experience. Two vacation schemes before those ACs. And an insight week at Slaughters. I studied at Oxbridge FWIW yes.

 

[a1024]

Are ACs out for Latham?

 

[fcac98]

For shorter/less substantive work experiences (say, a Forage course) I think a few sentences describing the nature of the main tasks you completed will suffice. For longer/more substantive experiences (say, a part time job or internship) I think you would ideally use the STAR structure: describe the situation of the job (how you applied, context etc), tasks you were assigned, actions you took to complete them, and any results in terms of feedback or performance metrics. I would also sparingly make some inferences as to skills this demonstrates.

As for your other question, I think you can connect the experience with the firm, especially if there are any overlaps with your 'why the firm' motivations or the firm's USPS. However, I would only do so where there is a natural way to connect the two instead of pulling at straws. The other point I wanted to make here is to be mindful of how you make use of the work experience in application form answers to avoid being repetitive.

For your use, I copied here one of my more substantive work experience answers I used in one of my successful applications. I did not make use of the full STAR structure because I already explained the context and my feedback in one of the application form, but I thought the example may still be useful:

During my one month at X firm, I mainly worked in the Litigation and Corporate departments. In litigation, I gained experience in complex cross-border disputes by conducting extensive legal research into the validity of choice of court clauses, workplace discrimination and fictitious accounting. I also honed my public speaking skills by preparing and delivering a 30-minute presentation in front of the entire firm. Together with a fellow intern, I discussed the cases in which a lawyer can be legally obligated to testify as a witness against his own client.

In corporate, I improved my attention to detail by researching and then drafting client emails about the validity of powers of attorney issued before a change in a company’s management. I also enhanced my understanding of complex M&A deals by conducting research on the legal implications of a subsidiary acquiring the parent company with a consequent reduction in share capital.

Finally, I developed my organisational skills by completing cross-departmental tasks, such as sending weekly emails to the entire firm with a summary of recent legislative and regulatory changes for each practice area.

I really appreciate this answer, thank you!

 

[Chelsea101]

Does anbody have a clue when the deadline is for Mishcon VI?

 

[AS24]

I think it makes for a nicer and more formal look if you can include your details as well - it may just be an aesthetic preference in my case, but I really like a cover letter that looks similar to an actual letter. That said, it is definitely not a requirement, and I would only advise you to do it if this is possible without messing up your formatting or cutting away too much word count.

Thank you, @Andrei Radu

 

[Shandy101]

Same here! how are you planning on preparing? I was considering the written exercise tcla bundle, but that looks like a 48-hour turnaround from booking to actual feedback, and the exercise is at 9:30 on Friday, so probably not enough time.

Lots of prayer and brushing up on PE, M&A stuff.

 

[Tintin06]

Are ACs out for Latham?

It was end of last year. However, that may change this time.

 

[Mug Fan]

Is the hogan lovells WG automatic??

I don't think so. I applied about 3 weeks ago and never received an invite to WG. How long after did you receive your invite? I'm thinking about contacting them because if I'm honest they're one of my top 3 choices.

 

[Tintin06]

I don't think so. I applied about 3 weeks ago and never received an invite to WG. How long after did you receive your invite? I'm thinking about contacting them because if I'm honest they're one of my top 3 choices.

Agree with this. Applied for the direct TC. Didn't get an automatic Watson Glaser.

 

[Eye of the Sun]

CMS PFO after WG.
This test is really making my blood boil

 

[gazdgazd11]

Is 81 percentile for Linklaters good?

 

[AlegalA]

CMS pfo

 

[gazdgazd11]

CMS pfo

Im sorry to hear what stage was it if you don’t mind me asking?

 

[AlegalA]

Im sorry to hear what stage was it if you don’t mind me asking?

It was post Watson Glaser! I just can't seem to hack the test clearly 😂

 

[gazdgazd11]

It was post Watson Glaser! I just can't seem to hack the test clearly 😂

It was post Watson Glaser! I just can't seem to hack the test clearly 😂

Sorry to hear I recommend TCLA’s resources on the test but I know it’s still hard. Good luck!

 

[A worried graduate]

Akin PFO

 

[andreilover01]

Has anyone heard back post WG from Cleary and if so how long after the WG did you hear back?

 

[marisachr]

88% percentile for Linklaters! Does anyone know whether they put more weight for the WG or their assessment?

 

[Tclarocks123]

Is the hogan lovells WG automatic??

My understanding from GR is that your application gets reviewed after you pass. So it is automatic.