TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Shandy101]

I wanted to share a few tips based on my experience with networking and preparing for assessment centres (ACs) since a few people have messaged me asking. I will preface this by saying some people are generally more kind and friendly than others. Be prepared to be ignored. I was lucky with the people at GD because they are generally extremely friendly and kind. Some lawyers at other firms are not.

When it comes to networking, it's important to be strategic and respectful. Here's what worked for me:

1. Add First, Then Message: Before reaching out to anyone, make sure you've sent them a connection request. I typically connect with trainees, future trainees (who are often more likely to add you), associates, and even partners.
2. Tailored Messages: If you secure an interview or AC, send a concise, polite message introducing yourself. For example:
   

   "Hi [Name], I hope this message finds you well. I have an upcoming AC with [Firm], and I was wondering if you could share any insights into what makes the firm unique beyond what’s available on the website."

3. Do Your Research First: Don’t waste their time asking basic questions you could Google. Your goal should be to uncover unique insights or "nuggets" that will help you stand out in interviews, especially when answering questions like "Why this firm?"

While people are often generous with their time, don’t expect them to provide exact interview questions. Instead, focus on:

• Gaining an Inside Perspective: What differentiates the firm culturally, strategically, or in its work approach?
• AC Insights: You may get some helpful tips about the structure or focus of the AC without asking for specifics.

Networking isn’t just about gathering information—it’s about creating genuine connections and demonstrating that you’ve done your homework. Make your questions thoughtful, and remember, the key is to stand out for your curiosity and preparation. I cannot stress this enough- remember to say THANK YOU. Some people forget this basic thing. Whether or not you are successful reach out if someone has taken time to respond, even if superficially, to say thank you!!

Hope this helps, and good luck to everyone 😊

 

[ashwright]

Any movement w Linklaters?
Also - if anyone goes to the event on monday, please can you ask when they're aiming to get back to us 🙏

 

[ashwright]

I wanted to share a few tips based on my experience with networking and preparing for assessment centres (ACs) since a few people have messaged me asking. I will preface this by saying some people are generally more kind and friendly than others. Be prepared to be ignored. I was lucky with the people at GD because they are generally extremely friendly and kind. Some lawyers at other firms are not.

When it comes to networking, it's important to be strategic and respectful. Here's what worked for me:

1. Add First, Then Message: Before reaching out to anyone, make sure you've sent them a connection request. I typically connect with trainees, future trainees (who are often more likely to add you), associates, and even partners.
2. Tailored Messages: If you secure an interview or AC, send a concise, polite message introducing yourself. For example:
3. Do Your Research First: Don’t waste their time asking basic questions you could Google. Your goal should be to uncover unique insights or "nuggets" that will help you stand out in interviews, especially when answering questions like "Why this firm?"

While people are often generous with their time, don’t expect them to provide exact interview questions. Instead, focus on:

• Gaining an Inside Perspective: What differentiates the firm culturally, strategically, or in its work approach?
• AC Insights: You may get some helpful tips about the structure or focus of the AC without asking for specifics.

Networking isn’t just about gathering information—it’s about creating genuine connections and demonstrating that you’ve done your homework. Make your questions thoughtful, and remember, the key is to stand out for your curiosity and preparation. I cannot stress this enough- remember to say THANK YOU. Some people forget this basic thing. Whether or not you are successful reach out if someone has taken time to respond, even if superficially, to say thank you!!

Hope this helps, and good luck to everyone 😊

Absolutely love this post!! Thank you so much for sharing 🫶🫶 GD are extremely lucky to have you!
If I may ask two follow-ups:
1. When you say 'add, then message', do you send a message along with your invitation to add? If so, what do you recommend writing? I think there's a character limit so I struggle to both introduce myself + thank them etc.
2. Do you have any tried and tested 'golden nugget' provoking questions?

Thank you, @Shandy101

 

[AlegalA]

Hey, I've found that forage has a lot included in their work experiences for law firms with good examples too.

Thank you so much!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Just done a VI and accidentally stopped recording on the first video, there was a space to add anything at the end so I repeated the question and put it there, so you think they will count this?

Yes. These kind of issues is why they add those type of opportunities at the end.

 

[Shandy101]

Absolutely love this post!! Thank you so much for sharing 🫶🫶 GD are extremely lucky to have you!
If I may ask two follow-ups:
1. When you say 'add, then message', do you send a message along with your invitation to add? If so, what do you recommend writing? I think there's a character limit so I struggle to both introduce myself + thank them etc.
2. Do you have any tried and tested 'golden nugget' provoking questions?

Thank you, @Shandy101

I add people from firms that I'm interested in well in advance which obviously looks better and will most likely yield results than just randomly doing both. Put yourself in the situation. You're a lawyer at a major international firm. You have long hours and barely have time for friends and family. How would you like some random just messaging you or adding then immediately messaging you? It's better if they are already in your contacts. Look out for all the future trainees that complete schemes just before the one you are interviewing for. They have the best, freshest information and they cannot help bragging about their new future trainee status on Linkin so they aren't hard to find. Re questions; keep in mind the objective: there are thousands of applicants saying the same things. You want to stand out so maybe ask questions that would elicit information that is likely to help you achieve that goal- that can be culture, work or pro bono initiatives.

 

[l789]

I add people from firms that I'm interested in well in advance which obviously looks better and will most likely yield results than just randomly doing both. Put yourself in the situation. You're a lawyer at a major international firm. You have long hours and barely have time for friends and family. How would you like some random just messaging you or adding then immediately messaging you? It's better if they are already in your contacts. Look out for all the future trainees that complete schemes just before the one you are interviewing for. They have the best, freshest information and they cannot help bragging about their new future trainee status on Linkin so they aren't hard to find. Re questions; keep in mind the objective: there are thousands of applicants saying the same things. You want to stand out so maybe ask questions that would elicit information that is likely to help you achieve that goal- that can be culture, work or pro bono initiatives.

Hi Shandy,

Would be interested to know, given your success at application stage- how many work experience entries do you have- I have just generic retail and volunteering and open days. Nothing fancy like interning at a PE firm like some others

 

[lawstudent2]

Has anyone received ac's for hogan lovells summer vac scheme? I applied 7/11 did the test 8/12 and haven't heard anything since

 

[ashwright]

I add people from firms that I'm interested in well in advance which obviously looks better and will most likely yield results than just randomly doing both. Put yourself in the situation. You're a lawyer at a major international firm. You have long hours and barely have time for friends and family. How would you like some random just messaging you or adding then immediately messaging you? It's better if they are already in your contacts. Look out for all the future trainees that complete schemes just before the one you are interviewing for. They have the best, freshest information and they cannot help bragging about their new future trainee status on Linkin so they aren't hard to find. Re questions; keep in mind the objective: there are thousands of applicants saying the same things. You want to stand out so maybe ask questions that would elicit information that is likely to help you achieve that goal- that can be culture, work or pro bono initiatives.

Thank you so much!

 

[hmevey]

Hey guys, I was looking to maybe get a bronze/gold membership as im struggling to get past the application stage. Can someone provide more insight as to whats included and if its been beneficial! Thanks so much

 

[camrxc]

Hi, am just wondering how firms actually assess candidates at ACs. Does it tend to be a thing of getting scored across all tasks with some being more important than other (and could you do well in a few and bad in 1 say and still be successful)? Or is it kind of everyone who interviewed you on the day gives their input? Thanks

 

[ashwright]

Hey guys, I was looking to maybe get a bronze/gold membership as im struggling to get past the application stage. Can someone provide more insight as to whats included and if its been beneficial! Thanks so much

I'm on the gold membership & have found it very helpful!
There is so much on offer. Some things which have been really helpful for me:
- Watson Glaser course - helped me go from below 60th percentile to the 95th
- Application review - 1 working day turnaround + you get incredibly detailed feedback
- Premium Chat - allows you to ask quick questions to the moderators + others in a small group chat on TCLA
- Premium Database - access to countless successful + unsuccesful apps to pretty much any firm you can think of; helpful to know if you're on the right track

 

[hmevey]

I'm on the gold membership & have found it very helpful!
There is so much on offer. Some things which have been really helpful for me:
- Watson Glaser course - helped me go from below 60th percentile to the 95th
- Application review - 1 working day turnaround + you get incredibly detailed feedback
- Premium Chat - allows you to ask quick questions to the moderators + others in a small group chat on TCLA
- Premium Database - access to countless successful + unsuccesful apps to pretty much any firm you can think of; helpful to know if you're on the right track

Hey, thank you! It is a bit of an investment so I just wanted to know if other people found it helpful before i splurge! Thank you for your help

 

[NCTC2025]

Has anyone received ac's for hogan lovells summer vac scheme? I applied 7/11 did the test 8/12 and haven't heard anything since

I had one yesterday and I understand that they've only arranged 2 ACs so far which means only 12 ppl have been invited to AC. I believe they interview around 150 for the Summer schemes so I wouldn't worry! There'll likely be more invites made as they arrange more ACs

 

[Olivialee15]

Any movement w Linklaters?
Also - if anyone goes to the event on monday, please can you ask when they're aiming to get back to us 🙏

I have a Links AC on Tuesday, found out mid December. Did go to the open day and we got a fast track link! If anyone has any AC tips please let me know as it's my first ever and I'm not sure what to expect!!! - super nervous 😵 A

Also, does anyone who might've done an Links AC in 2023 or 24 have a crisis email exercise? It doesn't say there will be one on the assessment centre structure information but maybe they want to keep it a surprise?

 

[camrxc]

I have a Links AC on Tuesday, found out mid December. Did go to the open day and we got a fast track link! If anyone has any AC tips please let me know as it's my first ever and I'm not sure what to expect!!! - super nervous 😵

Hey, congrats! Is this for the spring one ?

 

[Olivialee15]

Hey, congrats! Is this for the spring one ?

Thanks, no it's for summer !

 

[ashwright]

I have a Links AC on Tuesday, found out mid December. Did go to the open day and we got a fast track link! If anyone has any AC tips please let me know as it's my first ever and I'm not sure what to expect!!! - super nervous 😵 A

Also, does anyone who might've done an Links AC in 2023 or 24 have a crisis email exercise? It doesn't say there will be one on the assessment centre structure information but maybe they want to keep it a surprise?

Congrats! Wishing you all the best for Tuesday - you will smash it! ❤️

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

For anyone who's applied to Greenberg Traurig, where did you put your grades? I have 22 undergraduate modules so I'm not sure if it'll fit on my CV without some creative formatting

I got an interview last year and I just put my average and the grade for my dissertation, you could put yearly averages too i guess

 

[svb risk management intern]

Does anyone know if Freshfields always has a direct TC line in June/July or if they only open it in specific years?