TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[mulan0]

truthfully, i'm glad i'm not the only one feeling that! there was just a lot to do.

Hey I’m yet to do it was it like scenario questions?

 

[studenttolawyer]

Hey I’m yet to do it was it like scenario questions?

It contained strengths-based (as in, your personality assessment), verbal, numerical, and WG elements. They sent a link to practice it in an email, so I would recommend you to do it first, as it provides a nice overview of what the assessment looks like.

 

[legaldruid]

LinkedIn is soul-destroying for older applicants. I don't know why I bother. I guess it's by design etc. Otherwise you wouldn't buy LinkedIn premium. I use it for my work. But yes, it's utterly crushing honestly. People younger than me with TCs. Sorry but it's just the truth. I wish I was years younger. Sure, I'm married with a flat. But still, no stable job yet. Years of applications - no Training Contract. All these VSs and for what? This cycle is worse than 2023-24. This isn't a cry for help. Just setting out how I feel. How long can I do this? I don't know - it's catch 22. Applying is bad for mental health. Don't apply and you get FOMO. It's just a terrible cycle, honestly.

Anyway, a question about Stephenson Harwood. Do they take mostly from TCs. Or is it through Vac Schemes?

Honestly, I'm in the same boat as you but we keep pushing forward! Best not to compare yourself to anyone but yourself. Even if your progress is just inches over last year, its still progress and it will get you across one day!

I'm happy to have a chat - it always helps!

 

[legaldruid]

Trowers just closed applications for both VS and TC on Monday at 11:59 pm. They're probably just starting to look at them as they're recruiting on a non-rolling basis.

That's good to know! It'll hold off the PFO thoughts for a month or two 😂

 

[legaldruid]

I was thinking about that, because I also took a lot of time to complete it. Especially after an hour and a half my brain became mush. I misread the questions several times and couldn't come up with a correct answer to choose in an MCQ. Hopefully they don't look at the time as they mention that the assessment is untimed, thus we can take breaks and stuff. We'll see I guess.

Yeah I wouldn't worry too much about taking longer on the test. I don't imagine many finishing it in quickly because that would compromise on the quality of the answers picked. I think a red flag would be if the test took 4-5 hours or longer to complete but this is just me guessing.

 

[pepsicola96]

anyone still not received NRF assessment, I did the rare form days ago.

 

[AlegalA]

Hey guys! Does anyone who's done DACB's VI remember what type of question it was (competency, motivation, scenario based etc)?

Thank you so much!

 

[jacksollaf]

Hey guys! Does anyone who's done DACB's VI remember what type of question it was (competency, motivation, scenario based etc)?

Thank you so much!

for me it was the classic generic question, why DACB

 

[studenttolawyer]

Yeah I wouldn't worry too much about taking longer on the test. I don't imagine many finishing it in quickly because that would compromise on the quality of the answers picked. I think a red flag would be if the test took 4-5 hours or longer to complete but this is just me guessing.

That makes sense, thank you!

 

[AlegalA]

for me it was the classic generic question, why DACB

amazing thank you so much!

 

[adrk1234]

Once you submit the V&E VS app, should you receive a confirmation straight away or at all ? Submitted mine 3 hours ago and nothing yet in my inbox.

 

[LawLawLawLawLaw]

Hi there, I'm sure someone else has probably already asked this but when writing about other firms i have had work experiences can i just put the name or should i also add the LLP after (if applicable) or should i leave it out? also this is for a firm that is very boutique so likely wont be recognised by the firms i'm applying to

 

[Jessica Booker]

There is a more up to date Chambers Preferred List. You have linked 2016. The latest is 2019.

Law firms' preferred universities 2019 - Chambers Student Guide

The student’s guide to careers in the law. Gives the truth about law firms and the Bar. Based on thousands of interviews with trainees, pupils and market sources, this site offers the full package of careers advice to anyone entering the legal profession.

www.chambersstudent.co.uk

I reckon things will have changed a bit in 5-6 years too, especially given visa changes and Brexit being finalised post 2019 has changed recruitment processes - it would be great if Chambers could do this again.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi there, I'm sure someone else has probably already asked this but when writing about other firms i have had work experiences can i just put the name or should i also add the LLP after (if applicable) or should i leave it out? also this is for a firm that is very boutique so likely wont be recognised by the firms i'm applying to

I would use the firm's full name (no need for the LLP though), but unless it is clear from the rest of the description, you may want to refer to it as a boutique firm if you feel it will be a name many lawyers/recruiters don't recognise.

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker

Hey Jessica, for Freshfields' personal statement, would you recommend including a closing remark, such as 'I am grateful for your consideration of my application,' or something similar? I am running out of words so just wanted to confirm

There is no need to include things like this, although if you want to it is fine to do so. You just don't have to.

 

[Legalgirl]

Has anyone heard back from Davis Polk? I've seen only one other person in the forum say so, so wondering whether the firm is staggering invites or something like that?

 

[EA95]

Hi guys, I wanted to ask if I were to apply for a direct TC with freshfields, and was unsuccessful with my attempt, would that rule me out of applying for their winter vacation scheme programme? The applications for that programme open during the summer/fall I believe.

Hey Jessica, can you help with this query?

 

[LawfullyHopeful]

Has anyone who applied to CMS heard back after their initial application? I've heard that some have received tests already but I've only received a confirmation email with no mention of anything else - should I assume a PFO?

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

Hey, what made it difficult for you?

i think i found both the numerical and verbal reasoning questions much harder than others i've done in the past, don't know if it was just how i was feeling on the day I did it but it was difficult. VI was okay.

 

[S7321]

Anyone else done the Reed Smith test and know how you need to score to pass through? My applied verbal and numerical intellect were 'excellent' and I scored strongly on 'creative force', but my other two pillars were more middling. Is this crucial, or do they look at your application holistically when deciding to put you through to the final stage?