TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[OliverTwist]

Does anybody know when the DLA Piper direct TC opens up?

 

[smokedsalmoncanape]

Did you get a PFO on the basis of your test or do you mean post test as in you passed the test and the PFO was on the basis of the app?

"Unfortunately, we have to inform you that you have not reached our benchmark on our online test and we are unable to progress your application on this occasion." They didn't even read my application...

 

[ayiiii05]

For the Taylor Wessing CL, I wanted to talk about their Venture Capital practice and mention a deal. I found a deal that I'm interested in but it's from 2019 :/ It's highlighted to be the largest-ever fundraising in the digital health sector and of course that stood out to me. Should I still write about it?

 

[Tintin06]

CC* ✅📝
HSF ✅📝❌
NRF ✅📝❌
Weil ✅
Akin ✅
Sidley ✅
Willkie ✅🎥
Cooley ✅
Latham ✅
Milbank ✅
Kirkland ✅
Skadden ✅
Goodwin ✅
Covington ✅
Linklaters* ✅📝
Paul, Weiss ✅
Slaughters* ✅
Gibson Dunn ✅
Macfarlanes* ✅📝
White & Case ✅
Hogan Lovells* ✅
Cleary Gottlieb ✅
A&O Shearman ✅📝
Vinson & Elkins ✅
King & Spalding* ✅

Key: ✅ = application submitted; 📝 = test received; 🎥 = video interview; ❌ = rejection.

*Training Contract applications

 

[Apple]

HSF PFO post test

Frankly, I thought the automatic feedback report did not reflect my answers. I like working in a team and with colleagues, so made sure to answer accordingly in the personality test section, but my feedback report told me that 'engaging in team discussions and activities might not come naturally to [me]'. I might be overthinking this but the personality test seems to be a guise to screen out neurodivergent people like me. Do I need to like interacting with new people all the time? Do I need to like working with people who disagree with my opinions? (I mean, if someone disagrees with my specific political opinions, that means they don't see people like me as equals – why would I want to work with them?) I have never disclosed my neurodivergence in any applications because I don't know what accomodations to ask for... I don't need extra time or other typical accomodations, I just need 'personality' tests to be less vague and confusing.

Any advice would be appreciated.

I think the answer is yes it is important to like working with people who disagree with your opinions, at least in the superficial responses they want for these tests. I dont believe this refers to political beliefs, more so practical legal solutions and incorporating a diverse range of opinions rather than just your own. In that context, you can see why its important. Just my opinion having passed a few of these tests.

 

[fingersarecrossed]

CC* ✅📝
HSF ✅📝❌
NRF ✅📝❌
Weil ✅
Akin ✅
Sidley ✅
Willkie ✅🎥
Cooley ✅
Latham ✅
Milbank ✅
Kirkland ✅
Skadden ✅
Goodwin ✅
Covington ✅
Linklaters* ✅📝
Paul, Weiss ✅
Slaughters* ✅
Gibson Dunn ✅
Macfarlanes* ✅📝
White & Case ✅
Hogan Lovells* ✅
Cleary Gottlieb ✅
A&O Shearman ✅📝
Vinson & Elkins ✅
King & Spalding* ✅

Key: ✅ = application submitted; 📝 = test received; 🎥 = video interview; ❌ = rejection.

*Training Contract applications

wow you're on fire! keep it up!!

 

[fingersarecrossed]

i feel the same. i spoke to an associate who told me the firm doesn't want all its trainees to be leaders, they want some trainees to engage rather than lead and say 'right this is what we are going to do' etc.
-
i dislike the online SJT so much. i've answered honestly, ive tried to answer according to the firm's values and it seems so eh. i agree with you, they purposely trip you up, especially when they ask you to put your preference on a scale
-
As a neurodivergent, perhaps you could email them saying hello i am neurodivergent and i was wondering what type of adjustments you provide because some firms may completely take the SJT aspect out of ur test

HSF PFO post test

Frankly, I thought the automatic feedback report did not reflect my answers. I like working in a team and with colleagues, so made sure to answer accordingly in the personality test section, but my feedback report told me that 'engaging in team discussions and activities might not come naturally to [me]'. I might be overthinking this but the personality test seems to be a guise to screen out neurodivergent people like me. Do I need to like interacting with new people all the time? Do I need to like working with people who disagree with my opinions? (I mean, if someone disagrees with my specific political opinions, that means they don't see people like me as equals – why would I want to work with them?) I have never disclosed my neurodivergence in any applications because I don't know what accomodations to ask for... I don't need extra time or other typical accomodations, I just need 'personality' tests to be less vague and confusing.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[smokedsalmoncanape]

I think the answer is yes it is important to like working with people who disagree with your opinions, at least in the superficial responses they want for these tests. I dont believe this refers to political beliefs, more so practical legal solutions and incorporating a diverse range of opinions rather than just your own. In that context, you can see why its important. Just my opinion having passed a few of these tests.

This makes a lot of sense! I struggle with how vague and confusing these questions tend to be – they never ask what they mean! I don't know how I am supposed to navigate these online tests with how my brain works...

 

[AlegalA]

Hey all, just have a few questions (specifically in reference to Mishcon if that's helpful).
1- they ask "do you currently hold a valid visa" right after I answered "no" for needing a visa to work in the UK. I've got a UK passport so don't need a visa, am I correct in saying no to that question or are they considering a passport to be a visa? (I am definitely overthinking this I just don't want to make a mistake lol).

2- They have 5 boxes for "achievements and awards". I have filled 2, one with all my virtual VS/ internships (like legal cheek's one) + Forage, the other with volunteering work I have done. Should I try and fill the other 3 as well (separating Forage from the rest, talking about hobbies etc) or is that overkill if I don't really have anything more to say?

Thank you!

@Jessica Booker just chasing up if you have any advice?

Also- what are your thoughts on using "I'm" instead of "I am" or "it's" for "it is". I'm struggling with word count and this is the only way to keep it down!

 

[safari3]

Do we need to maximise the word count for the work experience section for HL?

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker just chasing up if you have any advice?

Also- what are your thoughts on using "I'm" instead of "I am" or "it's" for "it is". I'm struggling with word count and this is the only way to keep it down!

Avoid contracted words - it’s a formal document so full words “I am” and “it is” should be used throughout and consistently.

This post will give you some hints on where other words can be saved in applications though: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....r-applications-within-their-word-limits.3701/

For the Mishcon application, are there any other questions that would answer your citizenship status/right to work status?

 

[saminoriya]

Did anyone apply to EDF for TC?

 

[AlegalA]

Avoid contracted words - it’s a formal document so full words “I am” and “it is” should be used throughout and consistently.

This post will give you some hints on where other words can be saved in applications though: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....r-applications-within-their-word-limits.3701/

For the Mishcon application, are there any other questions that would answer your citizenship status/right to work status?

Thank you so much for the document!

Regarding Mishcon:
Q1: Do you require a visa to work in the UK (Y/N)
Q2: Do you currently hold a valid visa to work in the the UK (Y/N + If yes, please provide details).
Q3: If you are an EU or Swiss National or the family member of an EU or Swiss, have you received, or made an application for, Settled or Pre-Settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme? (Y/N)

I just don't know if they see a UK passport as a visa? It just seems a bit weird?

Also, do you have thoughts about the boxes for "achievements and awards"? (If they have 5 boxes is it expected to fill all 5? I have filled 2, one with all my virtual VS/ internships (like legal cheek's one) + Forage, the other with volunteering work I have done. Should I try and fill the other 3 as well (separating Forage from the rest, talking about hobbies etc) or is that overkill if I don't really have anything more to say?)

 

[Apple]

DLA piper just let me know I passed the test!

 

[VMS]

DLA piper just let me know I passed the test!

Same!! So happy! Which office have you applied to?

 

[safari3]

Do we need to maximise the word count for the work experience section for HL?

On that note, is anyone else unable to access the WVS application portal - please don't tell me they close early

 

[Apple]

Same!! So happy! Which office have you applied to?

London

 

[VMS]

Does anybody know when the DLA Piper direct TC opens up?

I don't think they allow TC apps from anyone who hasn't already done their VS. At least, that's what others have said on here.

 

[VMS]

London

Me too! I wish you all the best, hopefully we'll both get through and see each other there!

 

[Tcvspfo]

NRF anyone heard following app/test.