TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Amma Usman]

Hi all, I have now completed a WVS at HL (it was my first ever VS). I'm not a career changer or anything, just a recent grad, so before this scheme I had limited legal work experience. I had therefore limited myself to applying to vacation schemes. Now that I have this, is it fair to think that I can also apply for direct TC opportunities? I'm thinking, for example, Stephenson Harwood. Or would firms like this still prefer a candidate like me to apply for the VS?

Hey @billyonthespeeddial , this is a great question. I usually recommend candidates applying to more vacation scheme’s than training contracts, for two main reasons. First, most law firms I know of usually take direct TC applications from people that have completed more than one VS. However, this policy differs between firms. Second, firms may recruit more from their VS’, than direct TCs. For more info on this, I‘v attached a thread HERE to help. That said, I also know of people that have not done any VS and succeeded on getting direct TCs.

 

[LawAspirer]

PFO Baker's after test

 

[arando]

Hi - does anyone have any experience with a missed WG deadline? I received an invite but for some weird reason it went to my spam and I didn't see it. I got an email saying that I did not pass the test (which I never completed) so I emailed the firm explaining the situation. I know these deadlines are strict so is there even a possibility that they will allow me to take it?

 

[Amma Usman]

We are all 'work in progress' and need to celebrate our strengths but also focus on our areas for growth. Please tell us about you (strengths and areas for growth)?
- would appreciate any insights on how to answer this question! not sure if I should focus on the strength and then lightly touch on a weakness and how im working on it ?

Hi @legalxp2 ,

That’s a great question! I actually encountered this in two interviews during my application cycle, and at the time, I wasn’t entirely sure how to approach it either. Reflecting on it now, I think the key is finding a balance.

It’s important not to focus too heavily on your strengths, as this might come across as skirting the question about areas for growth. At the same time, you want to avoid mentioning a weakness that’s fundamental to the role or presenting it in a way that makes it seem like you’re not working on it.

What worked for me was to structure my answer by first highlighting a strength in one paragraph, something relevant to the role and backed up with examples. Then, I’d discuss an area for growth, framing it as something I’m actively working on with clear steps.

This shows self-awareness and also demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional development.

Hope that helps!

 

[rvvacscheme]

does anyone who has done the Mayer Brown simulation/VI have any advice/insight? just trying to gauge how much research on the firm is required to answer the VI questions - whether there are any motivational questions in the mix or if they're strictly related to the simulation

 

[andrecsaa]

I am sorry to hear that, it seems like they are letting people know as soon as the application is reviewed which I guess is better than leaving you hanging or prepping for a VI wasting your time. Can I ask when you submitted your application I know that they recruit on a rolling basis but they maybe reviewing applications based on the date they were sent.

Yes, London office. I applied on 5th Dec.

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

What are some examples of strength and competency interview questions?

 

[CG_101]

how are people getting their Linklaters Watson Glaser results?

 

[studentdelaw786]

how are people getting their Linklaters Watson Glaser results?

you can email grad rec and ask them for the report.

 

[lilymawe1]

how are people getting their Linklaters Watson Glaser results?

email trainee.recruitment@linklaters.com!

 

[Amjaya]

Eversheds Sutherland PFO

 

[W12345]

Today !

I’m sorry to hear that! This is just a part of the process dw! Can you pls tell when exactly you did your WG?

 

[LawyerUpPal]

Hi, thank you for letting me know . It was just 8 Watson Glaser ques right and no sjts? I also got no confirmation email!

Edit: I was talking about addleshaw Godard not akin gump!

These abbreviations 😂😂

 

[LawyerUpPal]

Well...Skadden people. How was it? Everyone is all quiet 😂😂

 

[W12345]

Well...Skadden people. How was it? Everyone is all quiet 😂😂

Was the Skadden written exercise recorded?

 

[Sunshinepink]

is it okay to re-use application question answers from the last intake if you managed to get quite far in the application process? I don’t want to write something different because I know it works so i want to double check @Jessica Booker @Amma Usman

 

[Balaton123]

Addleshaw Goddard VI!!

 

[User5678]

Addleshaw Goddard VI!!

Congratulations!! May I ask when you applied? I just applied two days back and gave the test yesterday!

 

[NJS]

Eversheds post VI PFO, did the vac scheme in July and was told it was really close so I should re apply lol, guess not

 

[fcac98]

When did everyone hear back from Kennedys re feedback after doing the SST?