TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[AlegalA]

The firm can't really put a value on how your illness would have impacted you - they can only really go by the evidence that they see on the day, so its not like they can compensate your performance for it.

You can mention it to HR/Graduate Recruitment but I think it would only help if it came down to a very marginal decision.

okay, thank you

 

[ohnoselim]

even as a graduate video interviews stun me everytime

i rambled alot but at the same time lost my vocab 🤣

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

In a video interview with a firm that has a strong Private Wealth practice, would it be advisable to answer a question about a client I'd like to introduce to the firm as a specific kind of UHNW individual (I can't really give a name as I'm not aware of any specific individuals wanting to move from the UK to the country in question) or is it better to just go with a specific company? I think my answer is otherwise strong as it references a new office and growing practices, but I'm debating whether it is important that I specifically name a client.

Hiya @Defnefresko

It sounds like you're on the right track It’s not necessarily a bad idea to mention a specific ultra-high-net-worth client, but the key is to ensure you can clearly articulate how the firm could advise them and why introducing that client would make for interesting work. This can be more challenging when discussing private clients because their legal needs are often less transparent than those of companies, where public information is more readily available.

If you do want to focus on a UHNW individual, try to think about what specific legal needs they might have and how the firm is best positioned to address these. This could be tax structuring, succession planning, cross-border matters, or relocation issues, for example. You don’t necessarily need to name an individual, but framing your answer around a certain type of client with a set of relevant challenges could be effective. Alternatively, discussing a company can often make it easier to illustrate why the firm is well-suited to act for them, as there’s usually more public information available to support your argument.

If the firm advises both private clients and businesses, you might consider discussing an UHNW individual who owns a business and how the firm could support both their personal wealth structuring and the legal needs of their company (this scenario sometimes comes up in law firm commercial exercises). This approach allows you to tie together different aspects of the firm’s expertise (both its private client and commercial capabilities).

I hope this helps and good luck with your application!

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Hey guys, I had an AC today, but unfortunately I woke up extremely sick this morning. Since the AC I've been unable to move and have a very high fever. I didn't perform my best at all which is really frustrating as I did sooo much prep. Would you say it's worth sending an email to grad rec about it or will it just look super needy? I'm pretty positive I can get a doctor's note tomorrow if needed.
Similarly I have a VI to do before Wednesday - is it worth emailing them to potentially get it moved or do I just need to get on with it?

Thanks!

Honestly I had extenuating circumstances at an AC and didn’t do much… as in passed out in front of grad rec in the middle of an exercise and the feedback seemed as though I was assessed similarly to other candidates

 

[jta227]

Hey guys, I had an AC today, but unfortunately I woke up extremely sick this morning. Since the AC I've been unable to move and have a very high fever. I didn't perform my best at all which is really frustrating as I did sooo much prep. Would you say it's worth sending an email to grad rec about it or will it just look super needy? I'm pretty positive I can get a doctor's note tomorrow if needed.
Similarly I have a VI to do before Wednesday - is it worth emailing them to potentially get it moved or do I just need to get on with it?

Thanks!

It's hard to say - honestly it depends on the firm. I had bad COVID late last year during a period in which I was meant to do a 3+ hour blended assessment (with 4 VI questions) - I couldn't get it extended and ended up doing it anyway whilst feeling horrible - in some of my VI questions I broke into coughing fits despite trying my hardest not to. I emailed afterwards and got a very boilerplate response about how candidates would hear back in the new year. I got rejected on Jan 3 (which is pretty early as judging by this forum people didn't start getting PFOs for that firm until like 3 weeks after that lol).

I can definitely see another firm being sympathetic for illness, but I think the overarching mindset is probably that if you do the AC then you were "fit to sit" as decided by you and thus they will take your performance at face value and say that you should have rescheduled (even though it's often not possible to reschedule with a few hours' notice)

 

[toad92]

Has anyone heard from Kingsley Napley, Pennington Manches Cooper, Wedlake Bell, Edwin Coe?

i'm pretty sure kn is non-rolling, so wouldn't expect to hear anything until april, but dont quote me on that

 

[Izzy1026]

Hey guys! This is a GDL related question. Is it possible for me to do a GDL in London while living in Oxford? How often do we have to attend in-person classes? Asking specifically for ULaw Moorgate

 

[murm]

Anyone know if Latham have handed out any summer ACs yet?

 

[legallycurly]

Hey guys! This is a GDL related question. Is it possible for me to do a GDL in London while living in Oxford? How often do we have to attend in-person classes? Asking specifically for ULaw Moorgate

Hey! This year the in-person seminars have been on two days of the week and the days of these two days differ for each class. The lectures are recorded, but the seminars are not.

 

[Lizzy]

Please PM me if you have any insights into the Linklaters AC. Thanks x

 

[legallycurly]

Please PM me if you have any insights into the Linklaters AC. Thanks x

Congratulations! If you don't mind me asking, is this for the spring or summer scheme? And when did you receive it?

 

[Amma Usman]

Please PM me if you have any insights into the Linklaters AC. Thanks x

You will likely find this useful. It is worth bearing in mind the firm may have adapted these in the current cycle, though generally firms tend to keep certain elements over the years - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/linklaters-vacation-scheme-interview-2021.3425/

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

if asked about a weakness in a law firm interview, is it ok to talk about imposter syndrome or is that a complete red flag for law firms?

 

[Amma Usman]

if asked about a weakness in a law firm interview, is it ok to talk about imposter syndrome or is that a complete red flag for law firms?

I suggest that it's important not just to state a weakness but also to demonstrate the steps taken to address it, the progress made, and how its improvement is being measured. That way, it shows self-awareness, proactivity, and a results-driven approach.

As for imposter syndrome, it’s a tricky one. If framed well, focusing on how you’ve tackled it (e.g., through mentorship, self-reflection, or measurable achievements that have built your confidence), it could work. However, there's a risk that it might signal something else, which isn't ideal in a high-pressure legal environment. A safer approach might be to discuss a skill-based weakness and how you've actively worked to improve it.

 

[allenpopi]

Hey guys! This is a GDL related question. Is it possible for me to do a GDL in London while living in Oxford? How often do we have to attend in-person classes? Asking specifically for ULaw Moorgate

twice a week generally, so i think it s doable

 

[Kakaboo]

When did you get the VI?

3 weeks ago, about a week after I applied