TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[juaanperez]

When HSF says that they ‘look for consistent 2.1s throughout ALL your undergraduate modules’ does that mean I shouldn’t apply if i got a 2.2 in one module, i dont have any mitigating circumstances tbh i just messed up one paper

 

[dollydaydream]

When HSF says that they ‘look for consistent 2.1s throughout ALL your undergraduate modules’ does that mean I shouldn’t apply if i got a 2.2 in one module, i dont have any mitigating circumstances tbh i just messed up one paper

I know someone who got a 2:2 in contract law and still got a TC so I wouldn’t let it put you off !

 

[crt1s]

Jones Day Spring PFO

Sorry to hear this. Do you mind sharing when you applied?

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

For the question "How have you chosen to use AI tools (such as ChatGPT) in your application (99 words)?" I have answered this question as, "I have used AI tools such as ChatGPT to check for grammatical errors and Grammarly to assist with proofreading in my application." Is this a suitable response, or should I add more detail?

Hi @Maddy

Your response is generally good. With questions like these, it's a good idea to be specific about how you've used the tool in the context of your application. You could potentially consider expanding a bit by mentioning which sections you used AI tools for. For example, checking grammar in your work entries section or proofreading your answers to application questions. Such specificity shows thoughtfulness and attention to detail, which firms often value.

Best of luck with your application!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Do Bird & Bird not accept LPC graduates? Only SQE?

Hiya @gazdgazd11

It appears Bird & Bird doesn't decide who to recruit on the basis of whether they've completed the LPC or SQE. You'll be able to read more about this in the firm's FAQ section, which can be found here. I think it's definitely worth giving them a shot - good luck!

 

[jasonbourne]

Hey guys, just had a question I wanted your advice on. I'm currently applying to a firm's open day, for which its deadline is 1st Nov. I know a little bit about the firm, not too much, which is why I went ahead to apply to the open day.

I also want to apply to their vac scheme, the deadline for this is 1 Jan 2025 + it's rolling.

My question is, do I go ahead and apply for the open day and possibly wait a very long time to hear back on whether I secured a place, AND risk a subsequent vac scheme app rejection bc of the fact it's rolling?

 

[s9111]

Does anyone know if the critical thinking test for CMS is automatic or part of the 'next stage'? Thank you!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hey guys, just had a question I wanted your advice on. I'm currently applying to a firm's open day, for which its deadline is 1st Nov. I know a little bit about the firm, not too much, which is why I went ahead to apply to the open day.

I also want to apply to their vac scheme, the deadline for this is 1 Jan 2025 + it's rolling.

My question is, do I go ahead and apply for the open day and possibly wait a very long time to hear back on whether I secured a place, AND risk a subsequent vac scheme app rejection bc of the fact it's rolling?

Definitely wait for a decision on your open day application. You'd easily have the whole of December (and maybe even more of November) to apply for the vacation scheme and with rolling recruitment, the vast majority of people will still apply in the last 2-3 weeks.

 

[CN04]

Does anyone know whether Latham's VS SJT still has a video interview component to it at the end?

 

[yasmars]

Does anyone know if the critical thinking test for CMS is automatic or part of the 'next stage'? Thank you!

I think its part of the next stage

 

[Apple]

Does anyone know whether Latham's VS SJT still has a video interview component to it at the end?

Also wanted to know this ^

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hey guys, just had a question I wanted your advice on. I'm currently applying to a firm's open day, for which its deadline is 1st Nov. I know a little bit about the firm, not too much, which is why I went ahead to apply to the open day.

I also want to apply to their vac scheme, the deadline for this is 1 Jan 2025 + it's rolling.

My question is, do I go ahead and apply for the open day and possibly wait a very long time to hear back on whether I secured a place, AND risk a subsequent vac scheme app rejection bc of the fact it's rolling?

Just building on what @Jessica Booker said in response. It’s great that you’re considering both the open day and the vac scheme! Your concern about potentially waiting a long time to hear back about the open day and the impact that might have on your vac scheme application also makes sense. Like Jess, though, I'd suggest waiting until you've made the open day application, especially if you feel that attending the open day will give you additional insights and help you strengthen your vacation scheme application.

Alternatively, I don’t think attending the open day is strictly necessary to write a compelling vac scheme application. If you've written strong, well-researched answers, there's no harm in applying for the vac scheme now. For context, when I was applying to Cooley, I was unsuccessful in securing an open day, but made it through to the vac scheme during the same application cycle. Whatever you decide, best of luck with both applications! Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions

 

[Jessica Booker]

I know someone who got a 2:2 in contract law and still got a TC so I wouldn’t let it put you off !

Is this on their website or is it something you have been told in person/at an event?

 

[BonanzaBih_]

Does anyone know whether Latham's VS SJT still has a video interview component to it at the end?

They had it for the open day application so I assume it will be same for the VS app

 

[CN04]

They had it for the open day application so I assume it will be same for the VS app

Oh okay, thank you!

 

[Mena M]

Hi all. I stupidly completed the A&O Shearman application form without having expanded on the skill section or application of those skills in the work experience tab. I've seen a lot of messages here since about story telling, or linking back, or writing loads etc. I absolutely did not do that. I laid out in concise detail what the responsibilities in that role were and any relevant achievements. I then listed directly below any relevant skills I learned from them. They were different per entry and weren't just basic ones like teamwork and organisation, they were quite particular to the role. I also saw written here that my online assessment is reviewed by somebody else to the individual reviewing my application form. I'm convinced I've set myself up for failure here. Is this a realistic conclusion to come to? Has anyone succeeded using my approach?

 

[dollydaydream]

Is this on their website or is it something you have been told in person/at an event?

A friend of mine so 100% true

 

[fingersarecrossed]

Is it easier to get a vacation scheme at a city firm than get a paralegal role?

just to verify, the thumbs up mean that it is in fact easier to get a vacation scheme at a law firm over a paralegal role???

 

[Jessica Booker]

A friend of mine so 100% true

I suspect this has got somewhat lost in translation and that they look for a consistent 2.1 rather than consistently across all modules.

 

[Apple]

I suspect this has got somewhat lost in translation and that they look for a consistent 2.1 rather than consistently across all modules.

Just to clarify as I think they were referring to their friend getting through rather than the 2;1 requirement.

On the application form to the HSF WVS it states "we do look for consistent 2:1s throughout all your undergraduate modules". IDK if its just poorly worded, pretty harsh requirement!