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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Ash4202

Active Member
Nov 27, 2024
18
39
For those who got the Goodwin VI I did the vac scheme last year. There was no VI element, this is the first year.

I am happy to answer any questions anyone has about the firm and wishing you all the best with the VI 🥳​
hi, I was wondering if you could give us any advice regarding the live zoom interview last year? was it more competency-based or motivational or a mix? I appreciate it’s been a while but any insight at all would be great. Lastly, did you enjoy your vac scheme?
Thank you so much!!
 

Legalstalker

Legendary Member
Premium Member
  • Oct 9, 2023
    469
    1,992
    hi, I was wondering if you could give us any advice regarding the live zoom interview last year? was it more competency-based or motivational or a mix? I appreciate it’s been a while but any insight at all would be great. Lastly, did you enjoy your vac scheme?
    Thank you so much!!
    Hey,

    The interview was a mix, there were set questions but your answers decided the follow up questions. Which I think was good as I was able to connect with my interviewers and they learnt a lot about me. (I think it’s CV blind)?

    It was my first vacation scheme so I think my experience would be very different to others especially as a non RG applicant. I was overwhelmed with the pressure of converting the entire time.

    Ensure you understand how they’re different to their competitors. Do your research on Goodwin, it’s not just a life science focused firm it’s much more!!

    Good luck 😃​
     

    zoobla20

    Star Member
    Premium Member
    Mar 15, 2023
    39
    49
    Has anyone applied to Penningtons Manches Cooper and
    1) found that the form submitted really abruptly
    2) were not required to input any of their grades?
    There's a follow up form that is sent by email (really easy to miss) where you put in your grades & work experience. It looks like an email that's a confirmation for submitting the application but really it's asking you to fill in an extra form.
     
    D

    Deleted member 23778

    Guest
    I have an interview with Slaughter and May next week and trying to speedrun my current affairs knowledge and ability to debate / have a coherent viewpoint. Does anyone have any general advice for the interview? I'm also a History student so I'm also prepping for questions like 'Why not politics/academia/banking' and when I get asked what my favourite module is.

    For what it's worth, I'm from an Oxbridge background but still quite nervous about the nature of the interview where they can pick up on any topic/theme you mention + ask random questions on it.

    Also, is it safe to assume PFO from HSF and Latham & Watkins if I haven't heard back yet? I did go to the Latham Open Day but had to rush my VS application. Passed HSF test benchmark on 9th Dec.
    Had an AC last year. I think they focus more on your ability to debate/have a coherent viewpoint. My article discussion was far less commercially rigorous and more theoretically academic. In fact, anytime I brought up a commercial issue, they seemed to brush that aside. Although I am a law graduate so expectations might be different.

    Advice: might be good to 'think out loud' and articulate your line of reason for them to hear. My feedback said they could tell when I was thinking and that I sometimes took too long thinking which they didn't like. I'm inclined to believe they would have preferred to know what was going on in my head in those moments.

    Good luck!
     
    • Like
    Reactions: The-PFO-Collector

    jta227

    Legendary Member
    Nov 10, 2024
    134
    234
    "We do suggest you complete the entire test in one sitting to give you the best shot. If you would prefer to complete the assessment in smaller parts you are able to do so."

    Does this actually mean that they're assessing how long you take, given that there's a tracker on the whole time? I don't want to give myself no chance by doing it in like 3 sittings, but at the same time I just had surgery yesterday...
     

    Ash4202

    Active Member
    Nov 27, 2024
    18
    39
    Hey,

    The interview was a mix, there were set questions but your answers decided the follow up questions. Which I think was good as I was able to connect with my interviewers and they learnt a lot about me. (I think it’s CV blind)?

    It was my first vacation scheme so I think my experience would be very different to others especially as a non RG applicant. I was overwhelmed with the pressure of converting the entire time.

    Ensure you understand how they’re different to their competitors. Do your research on Goodwin, it’s not just a life science focused firm it’s much more!!

    Good luck 😃​
    Thank you so much!! i’m a non-RG student too so i kind of get where you’re coming from. Good luck with everything :)
     

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