TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker (or anyone who can kindly opine) is there a hard and fast rule in respect of how many examples you provide for question? I was previously told that anything below 150 words should be 2 examples and anything above 150 words should be 3. I am currently answering a question on why the firm with a 1500 character word limit (approx 200-250 words), and while I usually aim for 3 examples in line with what I have been previously told, my preference out of my current drafts is for 2 examples. I just wanted to understand from the point of view of someone who is reviewing an application, would only providing 2 examples put me at a disadvantage?

No - there is no rule on this and an application is not going to be automatically at an advantage or disadvantage either way.

 

[Amma Usman]

What are some good questions to ask at the end of an interview? I would appreciate any advice!

@Andrei Radu @Jessica Booker @Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam

Hey there @hfbjsdhfbhf ,

This is a really good question. I remember frequently worrying about this area whilst prepping for my interviews. The truth is, the key to the approach is attentively listening and paying attention during the interview. The way I interpreted it, asking questions about a topic discussed during the actual interview itself was more beneficial than over-relying on pre-set questions conjured up by oneself prior to the interview. The reason is because through preparing so heavily on some questions, you run the risk of asking a generic question which could easily be gotten by a deep-dive of the firm on the web. As you can imagine, this would have more negative impacts on the interview, rather than contribute to the impression you had already given.

I had personally found that asking my interviewers questions about, say, a topic of the article/case study we had discussed and their own impressions of it, brought out a really exciting discussion. In any interview, your interviewers will also introduce themselves and their practices at the start. I found it exciting also asking them questions at the end about their work, relating it to any specific market trends I had read up on the news, and how it impacts their day-to-day. Through adopting this approach, I found that whatever the outcome, my knowledge of the City and financial world was always greatly enhanced.

Overall, I see interviews as two way things honestly. It’s an opportunity to present yourself as a candidate yes, but it’s also an opportunity to learn from some of the brightest minds in the city.

 

[Amma Usman]

Also how long does it take to get a response for your VS application? I applied for a couple firms, such as Linklaters and Latham & Watkins etc, and their deadlines have passed.

Hey @EA95 ,

I would not worry too much about this. It depends on the firm and/or their recruitment timelines. I know of firms that get back from anywhere between two weeks, to 2 months.

 

[Amma Usman]

What questions should one ask themselves to know if they have written a strong application @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu?

Hey @tosin4774,

In my experience, I’ve found that asking myself these two questions helped.

(1) Have you answered the question? This may sound a bit obvious and funny, but the truth is, it’s quite easy to stray from the focus of the question itself. If the question is asking for your hobbies, for example, you should not be talking about your work experience which would have been otherwise covered in another area, such as the cover letter.

(2) Have you sufficiently related it to the firm? For the why X firm question, you should be unequivocally sure that if you were to copy and paste it onto another firm’s application, it would not make sense. You want the recruiter to know that you have poured in effort into actually researching their work and culture - as every firm will be different upon concentrated research. Despite overlaps in work and all, a strong application would need to be sufficiently tailored to the firm you are applying to.

Hope this helps!

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi for VI for questions that ask skills suited for role, if you only have 90 seconds - do you for three skills or two?

Hey @kokoprep ,

Hmmm.. this is an interesting question for sure. I would say the number of skills covered matters less than your ability to describe it well. It also, quite shockingly, depends on the speed at which you talk. For example, I naturally talk really quickly with my friends. For a while, this was how I answered video interviews as well. However, I later realised that I needed to slow down as it (1) came across as being anxious during the interview, and (2) did not enable me to adequately cover each point I needed to mention/intended to upon such time constraints.

You could talk on about 2 skills and ensure you orally back it up using STAR. What was the skill and can you give an example of a time you demonstrated it through work experience or otherwise? What feedback did you get/ what was the outcome. Finally, how does it relate to the role of a trainee solicitor?

Overall, I believe answering such questions adequately, depends on your ability to know your competencies well, and the specific expectations of the trainee solicitor role.

 

[camrxc]

Hi, @Jessica Booker. I was just wondering how much of a problem it would be on a pre employment reference check if a work experience was listed as one week but it was only 3-4 days across that week? Thanks.

 

[Amma Usman]

How much notice do you usually get for an AC? This is my first cycle and I'm generally a bit crap at interviews. I don't want to set myself up for extra disappointment by preparing and then getting rejections but equally don't want to be unprepared if I do get one, do you get enough notice usually?

Hey there @lawstudent2 ,

I completely get the nerves - I had them too. This depends on the firm. I have been invited to ACs with two weeks - 4 weeks notice. At the same time, I had also been invited to ACs with less than a week’s/five days notice. The experience made me realise that interview skills building, was a competency I had to constantly develop. For example, most of these ACs assess commercial awareness, making a consistent willingness to know about current affairs necessary. I certainly did not build on that skill overnight, but a little knowledge gained here and there contributed to my overall performance. I also practiced talking to myself on these commercial awareness topics through the mirror (yes, yes I know this sounds funny haha). I found that the more I was able to practice my intonation and communication of certain topics I found complex, the more natural they came out during the actual interview.

Overall, please do not try to overwhelm yourself by the thought of how much notice you will be given. Looking back, I wish I gave myself this advice. Focus more on building those soft and hard interview skills, such as clarity of tone and thought.

 

[dm_corporate]

hey congrats! when did you apply and when did you hear back?

Applied 30/12
Heard back today

 

[Amma Usman]

Happy New Year TCLA Family,

I hope this new year brings with it amazing things for each and every one of you.

Looking back over the past year, I want to take a moment to recognise the dedication and effort you’ve invested in every aspect of your life, especially in navigating the law firm application process. There were moments during my own applications when I found it challenging to juggle deadlines, manage other responsibilities, or handle the sting of rejections. But one thought kept me moving forward: the belief that the knowledge and skills I was building would eventually translate into real value.

I didn’t read every popular finance or law book, nor did I spend countless hours dissecting articles. What fueled me each day was the excitement of learning something new. Whether it was a quick glance at a news headline and mentally linking its implications to law firms, having a coffee chat with a trainee, or listening to a five-minute podcast during a walk, each small action added up.

I want to emphasise that every step you’ve taken this past year, every application submitted, every interview attended, has contributed to your growth, both personally and professionally. Each experience has elevated you, one rung at a time, on the ladder of your journey.

So here’s to 2025: a year of new lessons, bold risks, and trusting in the process.

🚀🚀 🚀 🚀

 

[liv]

hey, is this normal I didn't receive an email confirmation after applying to Norton rose Fulbright - when I clicked back on it says you have applied, says submitted and that my application is in progress. When I look at my application it only shows my personal info?? I'm guessing I should have got a conformation email but im not sure why I haven't received one ?? any help would be great !!

 

[liv]

hey, is this normal I didn't receive an email confirmation after applying to Norton rose Fulbright - when I clicked back on it says you have applied, says submitted and that my application is in progress. When I look at my application it only shows my personal info?? I'm guessing I should have got a conformation email but im not sure why I haven't received one ?? any help would be great !!

 

[Hamlindigo Blue]

hey, is this normal I didn't receive an email confirmation after applying to Norton rose Fulbright - when I clicked back on it says you have applied, says submitted and that my application is in progress. When I look at my application it only shows my personal info?? I'm guessing I should have got a conformation email but im not sure why I haven't received one ?? any help would be great !!

Hi! I also just applied and haven't received an email either. Maybe this platform normally doesn't send confirmation emails?

 

[liv]

Hi! I also just applied and haven't received an email either. Maybe this platform normally doesn't send confirmation emails?

ahh okay thank you for your reply !! yes I agree maybe they don't send out confirmation emails ? I looked on their website and they said they usually send out a confirmation email after applying, maybe its changed now ?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Is there any hope for a Latham spring AC, if I haven't received it yet?

 

[Miss Chocolate]

it’s been a while, but from what I remember it wasn’t too bad. Basically what it says on the tin (in the email), some SJT, some verbal reasoning, some numerical reasoning with data/graphs. It is untimed, so can take your time to think. Can’t remember exactly what the questions were in the VI but no curveballs.

Cant really prepare too much, I’d take the practice test and go for it tbh.

amazing thank you -- i am assuming from the email there's unlimited prep time for the video interview questions? xx

 

[rjn]

Hi, does anyone have experience with the Goodwin Procter VI and have any advice or insights? Does anyone know what kind of questions to expect? Would really appreciate any guidance : )

 

[Shandy101]

Here are some articles that might give you some guidance on themes you could consider:

Key trends shaping the legal industry in 2025

Louise Donnery from legal software company Clio examines how advancements in technology, shifting client expectations and economic pressures will drive change across the sector.

www.lawsociety.org.uk

Top trends UK law firms can expect in 2025 | LexisNexis Blogs

Stay ahead of the curve. Read our 2025 predictions for medium and large law firms, including technological advancements, enhanced client experience, and...

www.lexisnexis.co.uk

Downloadable report if you give them your contact details: https://pro.bloomberglaw.com/insights/business-of-law/legal-trends-2025-report/

Legal Tech's Predictions for the Business of Law in 2025

A look at how law firm business models, hiring, pricing and culture may shift in the coming months.

www.law.com

Seismic Shifts in Law Firm Business Models for 2025

As we stand at the beginning of 2025, the legal industry finds itself at a crossroads, poised for transformation that could redefine the very essence of how law

www.lawfuel.com

These articles are very useful and you should all read them! Thanks @Jessica Booker

 

[Shandy101]

Hi everyone! Hope this week brings lots of good news for you. I wanted to share some insight. Please don't be intimidated by video interviews. You've done the research, drafted (thus far) successful applications (so motivational questions ✅) and have a wealth of resources on TCLA and other online platforms for practising VIs and answering competency-based questions, which are easy because they come from your life, work and educational experiences and follow a basic STAR format. I would say if you are struggling with CA questions for VIs then you are probably not ready for an AC. That doesn't mean you can't get there, and fast, but you have to put the work in. Anyway, that's my unsolicited two cents- don't spend it all at once!

 

[fcac98]

hey, is this normal I didn't receive an email confirmation after applying to Norton rose Fulbright - when I clicked back on it says you have applied, says submitted and that my application is in progress. When I look at my application it only shows my personal info?? I'm guessing I should have got a conformation email but im not sure why I haven't received one ?? any help would be great !!

This has happened to me before with Kennedys and I just emailed to ask for confirmation my application went through, they responded within a day

 

[Victor87]

Hi everyone, For W&C, has anyone that did their VI before the WVS and received the holding email heard any news since? Should we anticipate a PFO?
Wishing everyone a fantastic week and year ahead!