TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[lawyersum]

I think they send all candidates the Arctic Shores test after the deadline (6th January). I applied to their insight event in November and didn't get the test invite until after the submission deadline. I assume it's the same process for VS/TC apps, but I could be wrong.

Right, thanks for this!

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

If you don't mind me asking, when did you apply and when did you receive the test? I applied on the deadline sadly (close to the deadline); do you think there's a chance?

Hi I think I applied a couple of weeks before the deadline and received the link today. I think they review applications in a chronological order so I wouldn't worry too much yet

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Unsure if this is still the case, but I know in previous years that were particularly competitive they explicitly said that they filtered candidates based on grades

Thank you!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Grades at the lower end of their requirements can definitely be offset by great applications/extra-curriculars. I will say though that all of their trainees that I know personally achieved a 1st. I would imagine that if you make it to AC you can stop worrying about that as the ball's in your court at that point.

Thank you!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

After some scouring, here are what their current trainees got: 2.1 (68 from UEA), 1st, 2.1 (Oxford), 1st + Dean's List, 1st, 1st + 1st in Cambridge masters (#1 in cohort) + Cambridge PhD, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st + Cambridge Exam Prizes, 1st + Dean's List, Double 1st, 2.1 (Cambridge), 2.1 (Cambridge), 1st, 2.1 (Cambridge)

I also noticed that literally all of their non-RG trainees are from UEA. Wonder if coincidence or not.

Thank you!

 

[Jessica Booker]

I received an email on the 27th December at 14:55 inviting me to take the Mayer Brown job simulation. The email states that "you will have one week to complete it from receipt of this email." On the portal, the deadline issued is stated as "03/01/25" - does this mean it is until the end of day or 00:00 on the 3rd of January?

Deadlines in the vast majority of instances will include the date referenced.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Genuine question - can we read off a script for VIs that are part of the first stage - that essentially replace written Qs? @Jessica Booker

I personally wouldn’t recommend this approach. It’s important for interview questions to come across as more genuine and a script will make it sound like the answer is not genuine.

I would recommend using key words rather than a script. This will make it come across more like a conversation than a speech.

 

[rwm]

Anyone had anything from RPC?

Hey - I got a WG invite this morning, submitted my app on 18/12 if that's helpful for you.

 

[user9809]

Hey - I got a WG invite this morning, submitted my app on 18/12 if that's helpful for you.

Same here, applied on 28th. Unsure if it’s automatic from their website though

 

[Jessica Booker]

Genuine question is there much nepotism in VS/TC applications?

Not entirely removed across the sector unfortunately but in most major firms it isn’t allowed to happen. It is too much of a PR risk both internally and externally.

 

[DesperateForVac]

HSF Spring AC

Congrats When is your AC?

 

[annad]

Anyone just got an update email from Dentons?

Can I please ask what kind of update it is, roughly? As I haven’t heard from them in a while 😅

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Sadly no, they actually review on rolling basis. Kind of shocked that I did not hear from them yet, considering I applied on the 6th of October, and I completed their online virtual work experience program... + have a dual degree in English and French Law from a UoL... with 1 month internship at Baker and 2 months somewhere else in Paris...

Ah last year it seemed like no one heard until after the deadline and hadn’t seen anything so far this year so assumed I was fine to apply late!

To that point, is there any point me applying to Akin still?

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Genuine question is there much nepotism in VS/TC applications?

There are some people, I know someone at a prestigious American firm who got an automatic pass through the first stage (and a boost through others) because they know a partner well BUT I think instances like those are very much in the minority

 

[James Wakefield]

Can I please ask what kind of update it is, roughly? As I haven’t heard from them in a while 😅

They’ve started reviewing VIs and will get back about ACs soon.

 

[g.cl.2020344]

They’ve started reviewing VIs and will get back about ACs soon.

I have only done the online test not a VI- should I assume PFO?

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Any1 been progressed to the stage after the Eversheds VI?

 

[jacksollaf]

Any1 been progressed to the stage after the Eversheds VI?

I completed mine on the 29th of December but still haven't heard back; and from the thread, I haven't seen anyone progress yet.

 

[g.cl.2020344]

I completed mine on the 29th of December but still haven't heard back; and from the thread, I haven't seen anyone progress yet.

I did my VI on the 27th not sure what the next stage would be- I think AC

 

[jacksollaf]

I did my VI on the 27th not sure what the next stage would be- I think AC

Yes, the next stage is an AC I think.. On their website, they call it "selection day" (https://www.eversheds-sutherland.co...age/students-and-recent-graduates/recruitment):

"The recruitment process for both the vacation scheme and training contract comprises:

Stage 1: An application form to be completed online. We ask for information about you: your qualifications, languages and any relevant work experience. We also have some strengths-based questions exploring situations you have faced or could face in the role, your response to these situations and what energises you about them.

We are proud to be using the REALrating Contextual Recruitment System, which helps us ensure fairness and equality in our application reviews. As a firm we are committed to fostering a more inclusive and equitable hiring process. REALrating provides us with information to assess applicants’ academic achievements accurately and fairly, as well as within the context of their educational and personal circumstances.

Stage 2: A video interview with strengths-based questions exploring situations you have faced or could face in the role, your response to these situations and what energises you about them. The video interview is not ‘live’ and you will record your answers in response to the questions presented. You will not have an opportunity to pause the video or re-record your answers. The video itself will be approximately 10 minutes in length and will ask you strengths-based questions.

Stage 3: Selection day includes a strengths-based interview and two exercises, helping us assess not just what you can do, but what you have the potential to do and what you are energised by. Further details will be provided nearer the time of your selection day."