TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[tea]

Does anyone have any advice on how to fill out the work experience sections of these application forms. Im worried that the way Im answering them is having an impact on my success.

Is it recommended to do bullet points, mention the firm, body of text... Any insight learned on open days/ discussions with any firms would be really appreciated

I've always been told prose is better, though I know some people use bullet points and are fine.

The formatting of some application websites can be a bit odd too so prose is always a safe bet! It's also a lot easier to write in prose if your work exp has been quite passive and you don't have many substantive achievements as it allows you to talk more about the work you did.

I also split it up quite a bit, so 2-4 line paragraphs, which is quite readable just like bullet points. (like here!)

bullet points for CVs always though

 

[NJS]

People here are already doing VIs and ACs for the firms that haven’t responded to me, so it’s safe to say those are all rejections in my case. I don’t know if I should even continue applying to the remaining firms on my list or if it’s already too late.

never too late give it a crack

 

[yasmars]

Is it too late to apply to W&C. Wondering if I should just apply directly instead as it’s non-rolling and people are already receiving ACs for spring

 

[member7830]

anyone know if HL gives out WG scores on request?

 

[AlegalA]

Do people actually get asked legal knowledge questions during interviews? Not commercial awareness but like "what is a freehold covenant".

 

[tea]

Is it too late to apply to W&C. Wondering if I should just apply directly instead as it’s non-rolling and people are already receiving ACs for spring

I'm doing this! Applying for the direct tc this year, and depending on how this application season goes, I'll apply for the winter vs.

 

[ashwright]

I emailed them a while back after I received a rejection post-WG but never got a reply. I think they say they don't disclose scores but if you're really keen to know, a SAR might help?

 

[ashwright]

Do people actually get asked legal knowledge questions during interviews? Not commercial awareness but like "what is a freehold covenant".

I did fine in property law as a module but i think i would burst out laughing/crying if i was asked that 🤣

 

[jta227]

Do people actually get asked legal knowledge questions during interviews? Not commercial awareness but like "what is a freehold covenant".

NRF said they'll ask about your modules most likely and that you should revise contract law pre-interview if you're a Law student. That being said the trainee I spoke to on their open day said she didn't actually get asked about it. One of the partners said he also likes to ask "what's your favourite case" and it catches lots of people out because they didn't expect it and they just start waffling. Also for their negotiation exercise, Law students are grouped together and non-Law are grouped together, so the level of knowledge expected is different.
Linklaters have asked "what is an indemnity" "what is a warranty" before
Lots of firms don't ask any legal knowledge Qs at all.

 

[Lizzy]

I emailed them a while back after I received a rejection post-WG but never got a reply. I think they say they don't disclose scores but if you're really keen to know, a SAR might help?

What’s a SAR?

 

[ashwright]

What’s a SAR?

Subject Access Request It's something which is a last resort way of finding out information. Here's a really helpful explanation:

Using A Subject Access Request for Law Firm Feedback

 

[sjr22]

Is it too late to apply to W&C. Wondering if I should just apply directly instead as it’s non-rolling and people are already receiving ACs for spring

I know quite a few people who did the vac who literally applied in the last hour - W&C is one of those firms that will read all applications (confirmed by grad rec), don't get me wrong there's an advantage in applying earlier but you're not out of the game, especially since there's a couple more days left til the deadline! Also a good percentage of people apply in the last few days so grad rec may def be saving some VIs/ACs.

 

[bjelostan]

Do people actually get asked legal knowledge questions during interviews? Not commercial awareness but like "what is a freehold covenant

At A&O Shearman AC I was asked the difference between a warranty and a representation, and how I would apply each one to the case study problem.

 

[FM302989]

What’s a SAR?

'Subject Access Request' for personal data.

Really wouldn't recommend submitting one to law firms you're keen to apply to

 

[g.cl.2020344]

NRF Arctic shores- any1 have any advice?

 

[shays]

NRF Arctic shores- any1 have any advice?

not an advice, but a question - when did you apply and when did you receive the test?

 

[shays]

not an advice, but a question - when did you apply and when did you receive the test?

nevermind literally received the link just now

 

[Law queries]

Is NRF test automatic or do they send it after reviewing the app?

 

[SonghaivAngel]

At A&O Shearman AC I was asked the difference between a warranty and a representation, and how I would apply each one to the case study problem.

That's crazy, The questions asked in my A&O Shearman AC was completely geared towards understanding the dynamics of commercial law with some probing on financial analysis e.g "What's the EBITDA based on this financial statement."

I think that they will only ask you legal questions if you give them the indication that you have extensive knowledge on it!

 

[shays]

Is NRF test automatic or do they send it after reviewing the app?

I believe it is automatic, it just took them longer than expected to send it