TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[xxrr.18]

Is it just me or I feel like law firms are being slower this year. This time last year I had plenty more PFOs and responses?

 

[ghostyb]

Hi everyone! I'm preparing to attend my first-ever AC after 3 application cycles🥶. This AC includes an Individual Presentation, and I have no idea what to expect so would be grateful for any further insights!

Here's what I know:

• Format:
  • Total duration: 45 minutes
  • 20 minutes prep, 25 minutes to present + Q&A with partners
  • Split into two parts:
    • Part A: 10 mins presentation + Q&A
    • Part B: 5 mins presentation + Q&A
• Preparation:
  • No prep required beforehand—info will be provided on the day.

The other AC components are a strength-based interview and a group exercise. Since neither of those components seems particularly technical, could this presentation be about a commercial topic? What kind of presentation topics can be broken down into 2 parts like this? Could Part A involve synthesizing information, and Part B about proposing solutions or recommendations? Will the firm assign the topic or let me pick from a few options?

This is all complete hypothecation on my part, so if anyone has any experience with this kind of presentation, I’d really appreciate any tips or insights to help me prepare. Also asking @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu. Thanks very much in advance😊

 

[suhana]

@Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman
when law firms ask "why the firm" questions in interviews, is it alright to say the same thing you have written in your application form or make it different and consider new reasons?

 

[floral.tcla]

Has HL sent anything today?

 

[simplyfaith]

Honestly idk how I feel about W&C- I applied for their winter vac and never heard back since… then at the beginning of Jan they finally responded to my email and said I am being considered for spring or summer and will hear an update when they are ready- surely I should have either been rejected or given a VI by now

They emailed me 7th Jan- what should I do? Email them again or carry on waiting? Bearing in mind I applied 14th Sept!!!!

It's very frustrating. It reminds me of when I applied for a V&E winter and was told "We will respond to your application by the end of October if not before". Literally nothing ever since, even after submitting supplementary information. It's like they're stringing you along by keeping you on their roster, or something. I never bothered following up, since I decided I'll just find something else to do 🤣

I wouldn't email again, as I don't think there's any more information to get out of them, now they've confirmed you're being considered for spring/summer. I'd follow the timelines of those who initially applied for those schemes to gauge your chances! In the meantime, try to not dwell on it too much. Or, if it makes you feel better, imagine HR as this gif:

 

[bangarangbass39]

The first thing is to stress you shouldn’t be pressurised into making a decision unless the role is starting soon. Do speak to the employer to see if they can give you more time to consider the offer if you are feeling pressurised to make a decision (even if it’s just until Monday).

Balancing an apprenticeship while working is tricky. You are effectively working four days a week and studying one, but it will be challenging balancing both. Most apprentices I know end up studying more like 2 days per week, which means they are often studying in the evenings or weekends alongside their study day.

But the benefit is that you are working from day 1. You will have more experience than your traditional TC peers when you qualify (which should help with finding an NQ role). You’ll be earning money, which even if the salary is minimum wage, will be financially better than being on a maintenance grant of £20,000 (which is the maximum I have seen for firms that sponsor their future trainees through the SQE before starting the TC). Given you are also getting all employee benefits on top such as annual leave, pension and NI contributions, sick leave etc which you won’t get as a future trainees through being sponsored through an SQE course.

Thanks for the insight Jessica.

Where I have begun working, they offer part time hours. This means they’d be open to me staying and completing any studies necessary. Obviously this will have to pass with the firm if I end up joining.

It’s an option I seem to prefer as it means I can still do legal work before my TC but just in a different sector.

I’m worried it might come across that I have less interest in commercial law then I suggest, but as I have recently joined and still want to gain a diverse experience, I’d like to stay on if possible before I start a GSA in September. It would also help with the limited Maintenece funding which you highlighted.


Then again, perhaps the GSA just negates the complications of working elsewhere, even if it might be intense.

 

[LiveLaughLawyer]

I applied for W&C on the deadline, I noticed their process is 'rolling'. Since I applied too close to the deadline might it be the case they reject me because they have filled up all the places for VI + AC?

 

[Amehta1]

Paul, Weiss test invite! Would appreciate any tips please as I always seem to get stuck at this stage @Jessica Booker

 

[Rus]

Anyone got any insight into Latham's case study presentation and written exercise, or ways to go about preparing?

 

[lawyersum]

It's very frustrating. It reminds me of when I applied for a V&E winter and was told "We will respond to your application by the end of October if not before". Literally nothing ever since, even after submitting supplementary information. It's like they're stringing you along by keeping you on their roster, or something. I never bothered following up, since I decided I'll just find something else to do 🤣

I wouldn't email again, as I don't think there's any more information to get out of them, now they've confirmed you're being considered for spring/summer. I'd follow the timelines of those who initially applied for those schemes to gauge your chances! In the meantime, try to not dwell on it too much. Or, if it makes you feel better, imagine HR as this gif:

This is totally unrelated to your post but can I just say as a proud cat owner, I am in LOVE with your profile pic and of course the only person with any relevance and importance living at 10 Downing Street is Larry the Cat!!! 💜

 

[Tclarocks123]

Reed Smith pfo post-vi. 😭

Same. Then the W&C PFO followed less than an hour later. If anyone knows where I can head for the ground to swallow me up. Please lmk

 

[big hot man]

Hi does anyone have any insights into the Milbank AC? Thanks so much!

 

[member7830]

any advice into how to prep for Mayer brown ac? its a fact-finding, written and group exercise?

 

[Gday33]

W&C PFO post app, applied 01/11

 

[BonanzaBih_]

does anyone have insight to the Sidley AC interview? I understand it’s in-tray discussing with a partner but seeing the interview is an hour do they ask other interview questions? Motivational? Competency? Technical? Thank you.

Can provide AC insight for Skadden, Milbank and Travers.

 

[xxrr.18]

does anyone have insight to the Sidley AC interview? I understand it’s in-tray discussing with a partner but seeing the interview is an hour do they ask other interview questions? Motivational? Competency? Technical? Thank you.

Can provide AC insight for Skadden, Milbank and Travers.

Hi! It is commercial discussing an article however I would say that it is a 50 50 split with competency questions.

The competency questions were not too hard and felt like a conversation. For the commercial element there was not a lot of guidance for me, the Partner just kind of let me talk through it which I thought was nice. However I didn't get the WVS and I'm pretty sure it is because I was not technical enough. So, even if they do let you take the lead on the article make sure you are structured and precise.

It was really friendly and not intimidating to me so I wouldn't panic. Make sure you have some good example competency questions prepared e.g a time where you showed resilience/teamwork etc

 

[littlemisslawyer]

Hi there! Has anyone heard back from the video interview from Addleshaw Goddard yet? I'm still waiting!

 

[Hghasvision]

anyone who has done skadden interview, want to discuss. Honestly can't tell how mine went lol

 

[James Wakefield]

I haven’t seen anyone say they’ve got a Reed Smith AC for a while now. Anyone still getting good news?

 

[PufftheMagicDragon]

Anyone heard back from Pinsent Masons Birmingham Office

I have!