TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Solking456]

it’s 5pm tomorrow, just had a look now. not too sure if this is the deadline for the SJT and video interview though

Thank you so much !

 

[Jessica Booker]

Describe a time when you had to drop everything and really 'raise your game' in order to keep a promise you had made to someone else. How did you manage both this and your other commitments?

This is for Hogan Lovell’s application. What sort of example are recruiters looking for @Jessica Booker? The way the question is phrased it seems like they are looking for a quite impressive situation…I’ve been in situations where I’ve had to manage competing deadlines, come in last minute to make amendments to documents - is this along the right track?

I’d take the “raise your game” as the key focus to this question. It needs to be something that has required you to put unexpected effort into something whilst still keeping your other commitments ticking over.

I’d try to avoid anything that is just about working longer. There can be an element of working longer, but I would also try to find something where you have had to work smarter too, as I think this really hits the “raise your game” element.

 

[patternteddybear]

does anyone know if winter vacation schemes tend to be more competitive than summer vacation schemes?

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

does anyone know if winter vacation schemes tend to be more competitive than summer vacation schemes?

I think it’s basically equal.

It’ll vary from firm to firm and year to year. It’s probably better to just apply to what scheme works best for you

 

[Shah74k]

@Jessica Booker

Would it be lazy/unwise to mention a deal the legacy firm (A&O) advised on and why it interests you - not finding many examples of deals A&O Shearman have advised on.

 

[KGNines]

Does any one have any advice on structuring this question for NRF - How has your understanding of the role of a commercial lawyer developed, and motivated you to pursue a career at Norton Rose Fulbright?

Is it best to essentially split it into:
1) Why I want to be a commercial lawyer with reference to relevant experiences and their impact on my understanding and motivation(s) for the role;
2) Why NRF and why I am a good fit with relevant reasons/examples.

Or would it be better to structure it in a combined manner, using multiple examples i.e.
1) Example of experience, how this has developed my understanding as a commercial lawyer and then how said experience links to NRF;
2) Repeat the same with another example; and
3) Repeat same with another example.

Would appreciate any guidance, whether that be using one of the above or an alternative approach to structuring an answer.

 

[lookingforaTC]

For HSF - does anyone know if we did the test last year and passed - then we do not have to re take it? Thanks.

 

[Apple]

Does any one have any advice on structuring this question for NRF - How has your understanding of the role of a commercial lawyer developed, and motivated you to pursue a career at Norton Rose Fulbright?

Is it best to essentially split it into:
1) Why I want to be a commercial lawyer with reference to relevant experiences and their impact on my understanding and motivation(s) for the role;
2) Why NRF and why I am a good fit with relevant reasons/examples.

Or would it be better to structure it in a combined manner, using multiple examples i.e.
1) Example of experience, how this has developed my understanding as a commercial lawyer and then how said experience links to NRF;
2) Repeat the same with another example; and
3) Repeat same with another example.

Would appreciate any guidance, whether that be using one of the above or an alternative approach to structuring an answer.

Just my personal approach. I did them somewhat distinctly, but did link back to how the things that initially made me want to pursue commercial law were specifically relevant at NRF.

 

[zara elles]

Does anyone know if you are able to take the Ashurst psychometric test again or whether they use your previous scores? I completed the assessment last year but did not progress. I've heard a few people say they keep your scores for two years but not too sure.

 

[laurenn42]

Does anyone know what the word count is on the upcoming Hogan Lovells application questions? Or remember what the word counts were last year?

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker

Would it be lazy/unwise to mention a deal the legacy firm (A&O) advised on and why it interests you - not finding many examples of deals A&O Shearman have advised on.

I don’t think this is an issue given how new the firm is.

 

[BonanzaBih_]

Does anyone know what the word count is on the upcoming Hogan Lovells application questions? Or remember what the word counts were last year?

I think it was 250? Not 100% sure

 

[sammm10101]

Does anyone know what the word count is on the upcoming Hogan Lovells application questions? Or remember what the word counts were last year?

I think it was 250? Not 100% sure

Don't know how much this helps, but for their LGBTQ+ Open Day I applied for through AllAboutLaw, it had a character limit rather than a word limit, and I'm pretty sure it was 600 characters per question. That might be an AllAboutLaw thing though, rather than a Hogan Lovells thing.

 

[bibss]

Does anyone know if you are able to take the Ashurst psychometric test again or whether they use your previous scores? I completed the assessment last year but did not progress. I've heard a few people say they keep your scores for two years but not too sure.

I am having the same dilemma! Their email says that "if you completed our online tests with another application within the last 12 months you will not require to complete the tests again". I completed their test on 19 September last year, so technically it's still within the last 12 months. Might just check with grad recruitment to be on the safe side

 

[Zi48]

I am having the same dilemma! Their email says that "if you completed our online tests with another application within the last 12 months you will not require to complete the tests again". I completed their test on 19 September last year, so technically it's still within the last 12 months. Might just check with grad recruitment to be on the safe side

Does anyone know if you are able to take the Ashurst psychometric test again or whether they use your previous scores? I completed the assessment last year but did not progress. I've heard a few people say they keep your scores for two years but not too sure.

When I applied for direct tc this March I didn’t redo the test cause it was within a year from my 2023 direct tc app (only by a couple days). But I applied for the winter vs this cycle and had to redo the test, so I think it’s only a year

 

[bibss]

When I applied for direct tc this March I didn’t redo the test cause it was within a year from my 2023 direct tc app (only by a couple days). But I applied for the winter vs this cycle and had to redo the test, so I think it’s only a year

Thank you - this is helpful to know! So it looks like I won’t have to redo the test

 

[Mentally and Physically Exhausted Applicant]

Hi guys, does anyone to know what the questions are for the A&O Shearman video interview was? I presume its the same as last year?

 

[legal18]

Hi guys, does anyone to know what the questions are for the A&O Shearman video interview was? I presume its the same as last year?

what were they last year?

 

[wqueens8]

Don't know how much this helps, but for their LGBTQ+ Open Day I applied for through AllAboutLaw, it had a character limit rather than a word limit, and I'm pretty sure it was 600 characters per question. That might be an AllAboutLaw thing though, rather than a Hogan Lovells thing.

I also applied for this, have you heard back yet?

 

[sammm10101]

I also applied for this, have you heard back yet?

Noo not yet, have you?