Well done - happy to help here. I did the VI last year. I ended up passing it somehow.
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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- Sep 9, 2024
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No, I think that will be fine. Generally speaking, I am of the opinion that the 'fit' element of a deal/case (how well it aligns with your motivations/points you are trying to illustrate about the firm) is more important than the recency consideration. Regardless, work done in the past three years I think would be considered by most recruiters to count as 'recent'. Only when you go back further, such as 5 or 6 years, does it start to become a problem.
Beyond this, just generally for your research purposes, I would say not to rely only on the firm's website when looking into deals or cases. Some sites are better than others, but I don't know any one that provides an exhaustive list. Firms merely look to showcase the expertise they deem to be most relevant from a client perspective. For your research purposes, especially if you have a specific type of matter in mind, I would go beyond that and see what I can find on a general Internet search, but also on the firm's LinkedIn profile and on The Lawyer and Law.com.
I'm so sorry to hear that..When did you submit the app if you don’t mind me asking?
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- Sep 9, 2024
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I don't know of any question bank entirely dedicated to competency question, but TCLA offers an excellent question bank with 320+ questions, over three quarters of which come from actual interviews. It is split in various sections, and has one specifically listing a few dozen competency questions. You can take a look here.Hello, is there a question bank anywhere for strength and competency questions for ACs?
@Amma Usman @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam I would be super grateful if you could give insights into what types of questions and what essential points a good answer would contain to do well in an ACThank you very much!
As for my advice, I firstly wanted to link here a recent Guide to Competency Interviews I have written, which explains my step by step preparation approach and top tips. Besides this, I think to do well when asked a strength/situation-based question in an interview you should do the following:
- Pay a lot of attention to the exact strength, situation or competency you are asked about. Many candidates will have prepared for a very similar but not exactly identical question and will then have the temptation of making their pre-prepared answer fit. However, it usually comes off as a mixture of awkward and robotic.
- Take some time to think - if no idea immediately comes to mind as to how to answer it, ask for a minute to consider your response. Then try to mentally picture your CV and try to think which of your experience best fits the question. It can be very tempting to feel that you need to start talking immediately after you are asked the question, but if you have not thought of a way of doing it properly you will end up rambling and potentially even seeming incoherent. It is better to take the time to consider, and if you still can't find anything sensible to say, to own up to it.
- Be clear and structured yet conversational with your speech. A key skill you are tested on is an ability to communicate effectively, as the firm wants to see if you are the kind of person who they would one day be able to put in front of a client. Thus, more importantly than trying to show off impressive substantive points, you must make sure there is no ambiguity in the way you express your thoughts. However, avoid sounding to mechanical: try to nod, smile, to change the pace of your speech, and change your body language, your tone and attitude at various points. Finally, when possible, leave space for/invite commentary and back and forth conversation with the interviewer.
Not me stuttering and having to fully glance down at my notes in the Mishcon VI 😭
Will be blasting ABBA Take A Chance On Me outside their office from now on RIP.
Will be blasting ABBA Take A Chance On Me outside their office from now on RIP.
Weil Vi invite! But why does the email read like you already have the vacation scheme: "[t]his is a formal invitation for you to complete Vacation Scheme 2025." 😂😂😂😂. Applied Dec 10
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In previous experience when I did a VS for a MC they asked for references after the interview for the TC but only for the candidates they were going to make the offer to
Ah okay thanks, I meant to ask if you know what specifically they ask referees. Is it just verifying certain info or do they ask for qualitative opinions?
Hi there, I applied to HSF and did the assessment in early December for the summer vac, but never received an email to say that I passed the benchmark. I did receive a feedback report, just no mention of a benchmark. Should I assume PFO?
- Sep 9, 2024
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I don't know too much about this issue and I think @Jessica Booker will be able to give you a more informed response, but I think this should be fine. The main competencies questions of this type aim to test are your ability for commercial analysis, knowledge of the legal market and of the firm in particular. You should be able to show all three in your answer. Furthermore, even if foreign investment in the Middle East would perhaps be of most interest to the firm's offices there, elements of it might impact the London office as well. Many clients may still be in London and money will likely need to be moved from banks in the City to accounts in the Middle East. The contracts are also still likely to be governed by English law and this will sometimes require some level of input from lawyers in the firm's English offices.
- Sep 9, 2024
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I think you should just try to tell a short story about yourself. Let the reader know where you are from, a few of the personal interests and hobbies you have (especially the ones you would not necessarily put in a 'Why you' section), a bit about you general academic and professional journey and how that led you to law. Depending on wordcount limits you can decide what should stay in and what should not, but I think you should definitely have at least one or two sentences addressing this introduction part.
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