TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[addy2004]

Hey everyone - please can somebody give an example of how they would answer a question asking about a recent setback you have had & how you overcame it? I've never come across this before and am struggling to decide what to discuss! Thank you

 

[zoobla20]

Does anyone know any good sites for practicing Cappfinity style Watson-Glaser questions? Right now, I'm using JobTest Prep and it's making me more confused about how to approach WG - especially since the questions aren't reflective of the type I actually got during the last VS cycle.

 

[rameses67]

Hey everyone - please can somebody give an example of how they would answer a question asking about a recent setback you have had & how you overcame it? I've never come across this before and am struggling to decide what to discuss! Thank you

Is this for Ashurst's winter vac scheme?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hey everyone - please can somebody give an example of how they would answer a question asking about a recent setback you have had & how you overcame it? I've never come across this before and am struggling to decide what to discuss! Thank you

Dealing with challenges/obstacles/failures is vital in a law firm so they want to see that you manage the bounce back from that or don’t let it get to you/give up.

The example can be anything - academics, work experience, extra curriculars, or just general life. I’d just avoid something that happens to a lot of people (eg not getting expected grades/not getting into your first choice of uni), just so you can make your answer more unique. For a general structure, I would recommend:

Outline the situation leading up to the set back briefly
Explain the set back - you don’t have to labour why the setback happened unless it’s going to explain how you reacted/changed your approach after the set back.
Focus your answer on what you did after the setback to make it a more positive outcome
Explain anything you learnt from the situation.

 

[addy2004]

Dealing with challenges/obstacles/failures is vital in a law firm so they want to see that you manage the bounce back from that or don’t let it get to you/give up.

The example can be anything - academics, work experience, extra curriculars, or just general life. I’d just avoid something that happens to a lot of people (eg not getting expected grades/not getting into your first choice of uni), just so you can make your answer more unique. For a general structure, I would recommend:

Outline the situation leading up to the set back briefly
Explain the set back - you don’t have to labour why the setback happened unless it’s going to explain how you reacted/changed your approach after the set back.
Focus your answer on what you did after the setback to make it a more positive outcome
Explain anything you learnt from the situation.

Thank you, this was really useful. Do you think writing about burnout/taking up too many responsibilities and how I overcame that stress is dangerous to mention, given the demanding nature of working in commercial law?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Thank you, this was really useful. Do you think writing about burnout/taking up too many responsibilities and how I overcame that stress is dangerous to mention, given the demanding nature of working in commercial law?

I wouldn’t suggest this as this isn’t a set back really, it is more over committing to things and could show a lack of sensible judgement. The argument could also be if you overcame the stress of it too, you maybe didn’t take too much on as well.

 

[futuretcholder]

Is it a bad idea to apply to winter schemes that have clashing scheme dates, given that appying to clashing schemes can maximise my chances of securing a VS

 

[Jessica Booker]

Is it a bad idea to apply to winter schemes that have clashing scheme dates, given that appying to clashing schemes can maximise my chances of securing a VS

I would apply to schemes even if they clash as there is no certainty of securing both of them. Even if you did secure both , you could always ask one of the firms to either move you to a direct TC process or see if they can swap you over to a Spring/Summer programme instead.

 

[HelpAStudentOut]

For the AOS winter vac scheme app, should I put forage experience on there as individual pieces of experience?

 

[Holly2002]

I would apply to schemes even if they clash as there is no certainty of securing both of them. Even if you did secure both , you could always ask one of the firms to either move you to a direct TC process or see if they can swap you over to a Spring/Summer programme instead.

Hi Jessica, I sent you a PM a while ago, please could you check this out, thank you

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi Jessica, I sent you a PM a while ago, please could you check this out, thank you

Unfortunately I can't always respond to PMs due to the volume received. I have to prioritise PMs for mostly sensitive matters - my auto response to private messages will give an outline on what I can respond to via PM. If your message does not relate to one of those topics, then I would recommend posting in the forums. If you feel the matter has been overlooked and does cover one of these topics, then please reply to the message again, and I will review again.

 

[Holly2002]

Unfortunately I can't always respond to PMs due to the volume received. I have to prioritise PMs for mostly sensitive matters - my auto response to private messages will give an outline on what I can respond to via PM. If your message does not relate to one of those topics, then I would recommend posting in the forums. If you feel the matter has been overlooked and does cover one of these topics, then please reply to the message again, and I will review again.

Hi Jessica, I PM'd you as there is personal information that I do not wish to disclose on the forum. Really I am asking for your opinion on my situation and do not wish for others to weigh in. No worries if you cannot reply though, thank you

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi Jessica, I PM'd you as there is personal information that I do not wish to disclose on the forum. Really I am asking for your opinion on my situation and do not wish for others to weigh in. No worries if you cannot reply though, thank you

I have quickly reviewed your message and I cannot review application answers unfortunately.

If you are still a Gold member, I would recommend booking in for a 1-2-1 call that you receive as part of your subscription.

 

[Soniastudent]

I would apply to schemes even if they clash as there is no certainty of securing both of them. Even if you did secure both , you could always ask one of the firms to either move you to a direct TC process or see if they can swap you over to a Spring/Summer programme instead.

Hi Jessica, is it common for law firms to agree to move the process to direct TC or Spring/Summer ?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi Jessica, is it common for law firms to agree to move the process to direct TC or Spring/Summer ?

It happens enough for me to suggest it - not all firms will offer this though and may just ask you to reapply at another time/recruitment window, especially if they know you are turning them down for another firm.

 

[Amjaya]

For A&O when you make an application is there a video section?

 

[gazdgazd11]

For A&O when you make an application is there a video section?

yes

 

[Amjaya]

yes

Didn’t know this thank you! How long is the video supposed to be.

 

[Lola2025]

Have people started getting interviews from Sidley?

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jessica! I'm drafting the application form, should I use the past tense in the work experience part?

If it is an experience in the past, then yes, this would make sense. If you are still doing a role, then present tense is appropriate unless the task or responsibility is no longer happening.