TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Mentally and Physically Exhausted Applicant]

Does anyone know what Ashurst's values are? They're very vague on their website!

Innovation is a big one- they really emphasise their digital economy offerings; the usual collaborative environment and high standards (initiative) also suffice. Note that they are a globally integrated as part of their consolidation strategy (Project prism) so collaboration is deffo a big one too

 

[Mentally and Physically Exhausted Applicant]

Hey guys, is the NRF test automatic after applying or is that the next stage after screening? Also, does anyone have any tips on it?

 

[Sharon Wu]

Hey guys, is the NRF test automatic after applying or is that the next stage after screening? Also, does anyone have any tips on it?

Is it still the Artic Shores test?

 

[Mentally and Physically Exhausted Applicant]

Is it still the Artic Shores test?

yeah; so I'm guessing its automatic?

 

[deeja]

What types of things do you guys talk about when a question asks about a challenging situation you have been through. Idk whats the best example to use

 

[ayiiii05]

guys during the a&o shearman video interview, i looked at my notes like 4 times in total (both 1st and 2nd q) and im worried icl, the test wasn't too bad but i really hope me looking at my notes wasnt much of an issue 😭

 

[Shah74k]

@Jessica Booker

How do firms assess candidates based on SJT’s they complete.

Am I right in understanding they’ll ask Trainees/Associates to complete the SJT themselves and compare them (in characteristics) to what applicants do? i.e., if all Trainees/Associates do good in Adaptability and Drive/Ambition and an applicant didn’t - they’re written off?

 

[Hana ♥]

NRF Arctic Shores invitation - does anyone know how to actually pass this? I have never managed to, and I do especially bad on the power generator task. I have watched all possible videos on this test, I have applied the tips and I still do not pass. Last year I scored in the very top percentile for most, except for 'energised by others'. I have no idea which test might have measured this trait.

Is this SJT given out by NRF after they look at your application or not? I submitted my application last week.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

What types of things do you guys talk about when a question asks about a challenging situation you have been through. Idk whats the best example to use

Hiya @deeja

This is a really common question that comes up both in interviews and written applications. I remember how challenging it could be to choose the right example – sometimes it felt like I couldn’t be entirely honest about the personal challenges I had actually faced. Using a strictly professional example often felt less genuine. That said, there are a few ways you can approach these types of questions.

Firstly, it’s entirely up to you how much you want to share in a written application. If you’re considering a deeply personal example, it’s worth thinking about how it might come across. There’s no "one-size-fits-all" approach, so the key is to share something that you feel comfortable with and confident in presenting. When structuring your answer, I'd try to keep the following in mind:

• Describe the situation clearly. Give enough detail to explain the situation/context, but don’t spend too long on the background.
• Focus on the key challenge. What were the main obstacles you faced? How did they affect you? When discussing the impact of the situation, try to be as factual as possible.
• Discuss your approach to the challenge. What did you do to handle the challenge? Here, it's important to really highlight the the reasoning behind your choices or the actions you took in the situation.
• Share any outcome and mention your personal growth. How did this experience help you grow or shape the way you approach challenges today?

As for the types of examples you might use, I've spoken to applicants who've successfully discussed some of the following in their own applications:

• Academic challenges: Perhaps you had a difficult course or project that pushed you out of your comfort zone. You could talk about how you managed your time, sought help, or dealt with setbacks.
• Work-related experiences: This could be about handling a demanding project, resolving a team conflict, or stepping into a leadership role when others weren’t available.
• Personal challenges: If you're comfortable, you could discuss a personal experience, like managing a tough period in your life, balancing responsibilities, or overcoming unexpected changes.
• Group work or teamwork: If you’ve worked in teams or groups where there were disagreements or conflicting ideas, explaining how you navigated those situations can show problem-solving and communication skills.
• Volunteer or extracurricular activities: If you’ve taken part in activities outside of work or school, there might be examples where you took initiative, handled responsibilities, or dealt with challenges. I've read applications where people have discussed the challenges of travelling and living in a foreign country, or doing an activity that was incredibly demanding from a physical standpoint.

Ultimately, the goal is to show that you can handle difficult situations with a certain level of maturity and self-awareness. If the example is personal, make sure it’s framed in a way that shows the skills and qualities you gained from the experience.

If you have any more questions or need clarification, feel free to ask. I hope this helps! 😊

 

[Parsorandini]

Do I actually need to upload academic transcripts to apply for BCLP?

 

[👩🎓]

Hi @Jessica Booker, is an application review, included in the Bronze subscription?

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker

How do firms assess candidates based on SJT’s they complete.

Am I right in understanding they’ll ask Trainees/Associates to complete the SJT themselves and compare them (in characteristics) to what applicants do? i.e., if all Trainees/Associates do good in Adaptability and Drive/Ambition and an applicant didn’t - they’re written off?

The first part about people from the firm completing the assessments is correct. In addition interviews with the firm’s lawyers will have designed the questions too.

It is unlikely with a SJT that you are marked by one competency. Instead you will receive either a negative/neutral/positive score for each answer and there will be a benchmark score you have to achieve. That benchmark is typically quite low because of the use of negative scoring.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi @Jessica Booker, is an application review, included in the Bronze subscription?

Hi @👩🎓 - an application review isn't included in the bronze subscription, but you can purchase a review here.

Good luck with the applications

 

[👩🎓]

Hi @👩🎓 - an application review isn't included in the bronze subscription, but you can purchase a review here.

Good luck with the applications

Thank you

 

[danielles]

So sorry for the repeated question, but has no one heard back from Sidley yet?

 

[rras]

For more general questions like 'tell us about your hobbies/interests, or describe a recent setback' is it worth attempting to draw your answer back to your interest in the firm/how it aligns with firm features and values? Obviously I'd do it in a somewhat subtle way, but I'm not sure if it might be frowned upon?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker, is an application review, included in the Bronze subscription?

It is not included - application reviews are only part of the Gold subscription.

You can choose to upgrade to Gold or alternatively purchase a review seperately (although it tends to be more cost-effective to upgrade to Gold). If you want to upgrade you can emai [email protected]

 

[saminoriya]

If anybody can give me some tips on the Ashurst psychometric test, I would really appreciate it. Please DM me.

 

[tomsmitg]

hi @Jessica Booker !

I was wondering if you thought it would be a good point in an application to mention how a firm doesn’t hire laterally much and prefers to promote internal growth, if i can link in to how i value loyalty etc… ?
thanks in advance !

 

[gazdgazd11]

how much time will I need to complete Ashurst online tests?