TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[ReedSmithBecca]

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?

Hi! We don't publish our benchmarks or communicate them to successful applicants. However, to give some more info on the process, we blend your assessment score with your Video Interview score (which is manually marked by the Grad Rec team), so we consider your performance for both elements holistically when considering who to progress to Assessment Centre. Hope this helps

 

[lawstudent2]

For freshfields should we be using the whole 850 word count for the cover letter? That's going on two A4 pages, but also there's no other application questions so.

i used all of it as well

 

[Andrei Radu]

Is it okay to refer White & Case as W&C in the cover letter? any insights would be appreciated, thank you!! @Andrei Radu @Jessica Booker

My rule of thumb for using abbreviations for firm names has been that it is acceptable if the firm refers to itself that way or if it is referred to that way in the legal press. I vaguely remember seeing 'W&C' in one or two articles but I definitely feel this is the exception rather than the rule. As such, while I do not think using the abbreviation would count against you a lot, I would err on the side of caution and use the full name.

 

[Lawyering13]

Is it okay to refer White & Case as W&C in the cover letter? any insights would be appreciated, thank you!! @Andrei Radu @Jessica Booker

Yes, I used it and got to VI last cycle, just define it when you first use it (e.g I am applying to White & Case (W&C). W&C's International...).

 

[James Wakefield]

Reed Smith SJT + VI 😁

Makes up for the no news (almost definitely PFO) from Dentons post-VI.

 

[kokoprep]

W&C spring AC

Hey - Can I please ask when did you do your VI and how many days are you getting till AC?

 

[Reem2024]

Is reed smith test automatic?

 

[futuretrainee8482]

hi did W&C send out many spring AC invites

 

[yasmars]

Reed Smith SJT + VI 😁

Makes up for the no news (almost definitely PFO) from Dentons post-VI.

Congrats! When did you apply!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Is reed smith test automatic?

No, it's the second stage.

 

[Andrei Radu]

@Andrei Radu Hi I have another question if you don't mind, please. I made an (unsuccessful after VI) application to CRS last year and for one of their 'demonstrate a time when you have demonstrated this skill/value' type questions in the application form, my example is still the same. It's the most recent work experience. I could change it and use a different example but that would mean using an older experience. Would it be better to do that, even if that means going back as far as 2021? Thanks!

Hi @Miss Chocolate, of course ! I do not think you have to change it. If it is your most recent or substantial work experience, recruiters will understand it is natural to keep it. But while the substance of your points may stay the same (though do analyze whether you can analyze any parts of the experience in more depth or make more convincing connections to skills/values), I would definitely consider ways to improve the form. It is likely you will find ways to improve the writing style and structure: perhaps some sentences should be shortened or broken into two, or perhaps some can be rephrased to make them easier to read? Maybe some points can be expressed more concisely, maybe some words are insufficiently formal, perhaps others are unnecessarily jargon, etc. Point is, it is likely you will find at least some minor improvements to make. Doing that will make it less likely for the system to flag the answers as the same, and even if it does, it should show recruiters you have a drive to improve year-on-year.

 

[lawstudent2]

Does anyone have any advice for the Travers Smith application. They ask for an 1,000 word cover letter but then two further 500 word questions on extracurriculars, positions of responsibility etc and im struggling a lot on how to balance the content out. The cover letter is quite long to just talk about why law and why firm and obv u want examples backing up the points but then I dont want to repeat myself in the two further questions considering they are another 1000 words so need to fill them too. Anyone have any ideas im quite stuck tbh

 

[legaldruid]

Hi @Miss Chocolate, of course ! I do not think you have to change it. If it is your most recent or substantial work experience, recruiters will understand it is natural to keep it. But while the substance of your points may stay the same (though do analyze whether you can analyze any parts of the experience in more depth or make more convincing connections to skills/values), I would definitely consider ways to improve the form. It is likely you will find ways to improve the writing style and structure: perhaps some sentences should be shortened or broken into two, or perhaps some can be rephrased to make them easier to read? Maybe some points can be expressed more concisely, maybe some words are insufficiently formal, perhaps others are unnecessarily jargon, etc. Point is, it is likely you will find at least some minor improvements to make. Doing that will make it less likely for the system to flag the answers as the same, and even if it does, it should show recruiters you have a drive to improve year-on-year.

Hi @Andrei Radu ! Just to follow up on the question about Video Interviews, can you give some tips and advice on how to best prepare and succeed at them? They're my biggest roadblocks

 

[Lizzy]

Does anyone have any insights into the Latham AC?

 

[erderlylars]

For those who got an AC and bird & bird , have you received the preparation pack yet?

 

[chrisbrown]

Does anyone have any advice for the Travers Smith application. They ask for an 1,000 word cover letter but then two further 500 word questions on extracurriculars, positions of responsibility etc and im struggling a lot on how to balance the content out. The cover letter is quite long to just talk about why law and why firm and obv u want examples backing up the points but then I dont want to repeat myself in the two further questions considering they are another 1000 words so need to fill them too. Anyone have any ideas im quite stuck tbh

Don't put your extracurriculars in your work experience entries. These should be saved for the sections mentioned above.

Any cross over between these questions and the "why me" part of the cover letter - let the questions focus on your responsibilities and achievements and let your cover letter talk more about why you did those activities (e.g. motivations/what you enjoy being involved in) or the skills you gained from them. This should avoid most of the potential repetition.

Any interests that don't require you to make a commitment to others. For instance, it could be hobbies that are very much from a self-interest point or activities that are solo pursuits or where the output is really only for your benefit rather than other people's.

It will be fine to be up to 20% below the word count - especially if other answers are substantial

I am also working on my Travers Smith Summer VS application at the moment and had the exact same thoughts. 🥲🥲

I have quoted what @Jessica Booker advised to do when I asked this same question. 🙂🙂

 

[EA95]

Does anyone have any insights into the Latham AC?

Have you received an invitation for their AC? If so congrats🥳

 

[bsh]

Anyone do a L&W AC today?

 

[suhana]

Any update from latham summer vs?

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

may be different for TC, but I applied for Diversity access scheme end of day 17th December, and received the test midday 18th December. I don't know if it's automatic or not though, because that's very quick turnaround if not.

I think it depends - I got the test invite 10 days after applying (including the weekend)