TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[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?

 

[RJvAngel]

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

 

[Jessica Booker]

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

When you say "mention the firm" you mean the firm you are applying to, then you don't need to do this. I would generally recommend prose over bullet points as it often helps you connect your responsibilities up and also sell your impact more. Bullet points only really tend to work for presenting more individual responsibilities and outcomes rather than the story telling that is often needed to "sell" your experience and skills demonstrated.

 

[EA95]

Hi I’m so sorry you were unsuccessful. I believe you can apply to the winter scheme but that will rule you out of the TC for that cycle. Do you mind if I ask when you heard back

Hi I’m so sorry you were unsuccessful. I believe you can apply to the winter scheme but that will rule you out of the TC for that cycle. Do you mind if I ask when you heard back?

Hi there, I’m in the process of applying for the TC with Freshfields now. Apologies for not clarifying this. I just wanted to know the answer to this hypothetical scenario.

 

[Law queries]

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

Ahh got it. Thank youu

 

[Jessica Booker]

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.

I really don't think you can make that assumption. Do continue applying - there are still a whole host of opportunities out there and a lot of firms that don't recruit on a rolling basis.

 

[Jessica Booker]

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

Can happen but tends to be rare. When it does happen, its usually because you have experience, whether it be work experience or academics related to the topic included in your application though.

 

[Reem2024]

what is the deadline for the VI, i’m trying to figure out if there is still a possibility that I’ll get one or if the no response so far means it’s been rejected.

The deadline for mine was yesterday and I had around 7 days to do it from when they sent it to me 😊

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

Is there a list of firms with application deadlines still open? Trying to get a few more applications out for this cycle 🙏