TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Jessica Booker]

Thank you was just worried I would be over the limit. On their portal it does not say if you are over the limit.

If you are over the limit it would cut off your answer at the end, so just double check your final words/sentences are still there before submitting.

 

[asplawyer100]

Hi everyone, I'm trying to figure out whether Mishcon recruits on a rolling basis, and I find this answer on their website very confusing:

"We don't recruit on a rolling basis and whilst we do read all Vacation Scheme applications that have been submitted, we would recommend that you look to apply earlier to give you the best chance of securing an assessment day with us. "

So we don't recruit on a rolling basis, but submitting your application earlier still gives you a better chance of securing an assessment day with us? How does this work?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi everyone, I'm trying to figure out whether Mishcon recruits on a rolling basis, and I find this answer on their website very confusing:

"We don't recruit on a rolling basis and whilst we do read all Vacation Scheme applications that have been submitted, we would recommend that you look to apply earlier to give you the best chance of securing an assessment day with us. "

So we don't recruit on a rolling basis, but submitting your application earlier still gives you a better chance of securing an assessment day with us? How does this work?

I read this that they review applications on a rolling basis but don't finalise interviews or make offers until after applications have closed - I could be wrong though.

 

[User5678]

Has anyone given the PwC test and been invited to a VI and is anyone interested in comparing reports? Please DM

 

[HZP1309]

At DLA Piper, we believe great business can make a better world. We believe in being bold, driven, compassionate, and collaborative. We are keen to hear what inspired your application. Why are you interested in starting a legal career at DLA Piper? 200 words

Would it be wise to split why law and why DLA into a 100 words each or would it better to do more for why DLA?

 

[lolololol]

Hey @lolololol , when I did it last year, there was one VI question at the end. I am unsure about this year, but I presume it is the same as there has been a VI element for over 3 years now. In relating to preparing for video interviews, I’d say you should take some time to understand your skills and competencies. VI usually require you to explain how you demonstrated a key competency that is valuable to the firm. You will need to not just state these competencies, but show examples of how you demonstrated these. It’s sort of like an expanded version of STAR, only that you will need to make it more conversational and less script-like than you initially would in an online application.

thank you!!!

 

[manifestingthetc]

Has anyone heard back from Gibson Dunn? / got an interview?

 

[TC seeker]

Self-plagiarism is not a thing. It’s your content, even if you reuse it.

The issue with submitting the same application is you can’t expect the outcome to be any different this time around. If your application is the same, there is a strong chance you will be unsuccessful again. That is why it is always best to update and refine your application.

So law firms do not look at our previous application when recruiting?

 

[Jessica Booker]

So law firms do not look at our previous application when recruiting?

Depending when you applied and their data retention policies, they could review your previous application, but they won't deem it plagarism.

If they do review your old application (they may not need to do this or may not have time even if they could), they are just going to be questioning why nothing has changed since your last application though, not that you have used the same application. They are looking for people who push their own self development/use their initiative, so showing how you have done this since your last application is important.

You don't necessarily have to review a previous application to do this though - you can often just look at what someone has done in the last 6-12 months to judge this rather than comparing applications.

 

[PufftheMagicDragon]

Passed HSF SJT! Hope my app does the same lol

Congrats on passing the SJT!!
Just a couple of quick questions -> Is it just a standard format SJT or is there any unique element to it? Did you use any practice resources? If so, which ones?

Thanks!

 

[LW123]

I've noticed that a lot of apps now have a question about whether you've used AI in the application process. Most say they don't care if you do, and just want the reasoning for why/why not. However, would more tech-forward firms view the use of ChatGPT etc. as a positive?

 

[BillSikes]

is HSF deadline 11 or midnight lol. What is 22:59 UTC

 

[lawstudent2002]

is HSF deadline 11 or midnight lol. What is 22:59 UTC

its midnight so 23:59 UK time . That also confused me haha

 

[BillSikes]

its midnight so 23:59 UK time . That also confused me haha

Oh yeah when you open the app it says 23:59. Lol this is a UK job it should show UK times.

 

[sunshine101]

is HSF deadline 11 or midnight lol. What is 22:59 UTC

Pretty sure it's at 23:59 !

 

[Tsitsipas10S]

I completed the Watson Glaser for HSF after the deadline for their VS (although I submitted my application for the VS before the deadline).

Will this have an effect on my application?

 

[asplawyer100]

I completed the Watson Glaser for HSF after the deadline for their VS (although I submitted my application for the VS before the deadline).

Will this have an effect on my application?

HSF doesn’t use a Watson Glaser? I just did their blended online assessment yesterday

 

[Ellis Finch]

I completed the Watson Glaser for HSF after the deadline for their VS (although I submitted my application for the VS before the deadline).

Will this have an effect on my application?

Apologies - I meant their SJT!

 

[Jessica Booker]

I've noticed that a lot of apps now have a question about whether you've used AI in the application process. Most say they don't care if you do, and just want the reasoning for why/why not. However, would more tech-forward firms view the use of ChatGPT etc. as a positive?

I think it depends on how you describe how you are using it - I don't think its really about whether you choose to or not, but more the positive (or negative) will be in how you use it, whether the firm is more tech focused or not. They will have to have checks and regulations in place if they are using AI within a firm and so they will want to see there is a sense of someone understanding the technology's limitations and not relying on it because of it.

 

[tc252627]

Hi everyone,

I'm doing the Pinsent Masons vac scheme application. For the roles and responsibility section, there isn't a word limit. I'm unsure whether to give very detailed example, or just a brief summary of my experience. If anyone has any suggestions on the structure this would be very helpful also.