TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker

How do firms assess candidates based on SJT’s they complete.

Am I right in understanding they’ll ask Trainees/Associates to complete the SJT themselves and compare them (in characteristics) to what applicants do? i.e., if all Trainees/Associates do good in Adaptability and Drive/Ambition and an applicant didn’t - they’re written off?

The first part about people from the firm completing the assessments is correct. In addition interviews with the firm’s lawyers will have designed the questions too.

It is unlikely with a SJT that you are marked by one competency. Instead you will receive either a negative/neutral/positive score for each answer and there will be a benchmark score you have to achieve. That benchmark is typically quite low because of the use of negative scoring.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi @Jessica Booker, is an application review, included in the Bronze subscription?

Hi @👩🎓 - an application review isn't included in the bronze subscription, but you can purchase a review here.

Good luck with the applications

 

[👩🎓]

Hi @👩🎓 - an application review isn't included in the bronze subscription, but you can purchase a review here.

Good luck with the applications

Thank you

 

[danielles]

So sorry for the repeated question, but has no one heard back from Sidley yet?

 

[rras]

For more general questions like 'tell us about your hobbies/interests, or describe a recent setback' is it worth attempting to draw your answer back to your interest in the firm/how it aligns with firm features and values? Obviously I'd do it in a somewhat subtle way, but I'm not sure if it might be frowned upon?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker, is an application review, included in the Bronze subscription?

It is not included - application reviews are only part of the Gold subscription.

You can choose to upgrade to Gold or alternatively purchase a review seperately (although it tends to be more cost-effective to upgrade to Gold). If you want to upgrade you can emai [email protected]

 

[saminoriya]

If anybody can give me some tips on the Ashurst psychometric test, I would really appreciate it. Please DM me.

 

[tomsmitg]

hi @Jessica Booker !

I was wondering if you thought it would be a good point in an application to mention how a firm doesn’t hire laterally much and prefers to promote internal growth, if i can link in to how i value loyalty etc… ?
thanks in advance !

 

[gazdgazd11]

how much time will I need to complete Ashurst online tests?

 

[jojo23]

This is my first time applying for vac schemes since 2020/1; I'm neither confident nor exceedingly hopeful, though... I wish I had discovered this forum back then.

Is anyone else interested in or going for White and Case? What do you think of the 'why you, why us, why law' style of application question? How do you even start it?

Just out of curiosity, how many applications are considered too many (e.g., x amount for winter, x amount for spring, etc.)?

 

[rvvacscheme]

The Clyde & Co application form... so difficult to navigate. And for what reason!

 

[KGNines]

Just my personal approach. I did them somewhat distinctly, but did link back to how the things that initially made me want to pursue commercial law were specifically relevant at NRF.

That makes sense, thanks Apple.

 

[KGNines]

Hey @KGNines, great question!

With hybrid questions like this, I believe either approach is fine. However, whichever approach you take, you could include a short preamble statement stating which parts of the question you would cover in turn. This will let graduate recruitment know that you‘ve understood the question and are not going off on any tangents. Another general approach could be:

- A paragraph which really tells your story and what led you to commercial law. Any experiences outside law? Any experiences within law that were initially not ‘commercial’? Why did the commerce aspect appeal to you?
- A paragraph explaining why NRF? Work/practice areas? Recent developments you may not necessarily get at another firm? etc.

Hope this helped, and let me know if you have any other questions!

Thanks Amma, appreciate your advice. Avoiding appearing as if I am going off on a tangent is exactly what I am trying to do so your structure is very helpful!

 

[KGNines]

For those who are Paralegals - can I ask what your notice is after your probation period? I am a paralegal at the moment and my notice after 6 months probation will be 3 months - and I am wondering if this is industry standard or just my firm.

I'm thinking who is gonna wait 3 months to hire a paralegal with 6 months experience 💀

Mine is 1 month but I joined my company in a previous role and they never changed it when I became a paralegal. 3 months is pretty standard and you can always ask your employer if they will let you leave before your notice period is up - a lot of companies don't mind doing so, particularly if they find a replacement beforehand.

 

[laurenn42]

For this question: Please tell us about a commercial news story you have recently been following. How might it impact Hogan Lovells' clients?

Do you guys think they would like us to talk about what HL's role will be, for example, if there is a negative impact to their client, how HL can help mitigate this?
Or, should I really just focus on the impact to the client?

 

[Amma Usman]

Thanks Amma, appreciate your advice. Avoiding appearing as if I am going off on a tangent is exactly what I am trying to do so your structure is very helpful!

No worries @KGNines, glad it helped 😄

 

[fingersarecrossed]

For this question: Please tell us about a commercial news story you have recently been following. How might it impact Hogan Lovells' clients?

Do you guys think they would like us to talk about what HL's role will be, for example, if there is a negative impact to their client, how HL can help mitigate this?
Or, should I really just focus on the impact to the client?

opportunities and risks for firm and its clients
e.g., advisory opportunities but risk of e.g., huge fines for clients not complying

 

[Izzy1026]

Those who have done the Ashurst test: How much maths does the online test involve? Would u recommend having a calculator at hand? Thank you

 

[Lalis]

Anyone got Mayer Brown test invite yet?

 

[lolololol]

wilkie pfo - great start to the cycle 😔