TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Andrei Radu]

I need advice, please.

I've just received a Linklaters AC invite for the winter vac scheme. The problem is that around 10 pm last night, I had to go to the hospital for a severe dog bite injury on my right hand. It's expected to heal around the day of the AC, but this has drastically affected my ability to prepare, as I'm right-handed.

Do I ask for additional time and adjustments? Should I request HR to postpone my interview and assessment day? I'm not sure if that's even possible, given the typically shorter time frame to get everything sorted for the winter vac scheme. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

@Jessica Booker will be able to tell you more about this situation, but my advice is to email HR and be as transparent as possible about your situation. Ideally, you could arrange a phone/zoom call so you can better discuss the different options.

I do not think it is at all unlikely that you could convince them to postpone the AC. I managed to have an AC date postponed (and know of others who have as well) for a significantly less serious reason. Even if this is not possible, it is likely you will obtain at least some form of adjustment to your assessment. Finally, even in the worst case scenario, in which you have to attend the AC as originally scheduled with no adjustments, by notifying the graduate recruitment team about this you will likely obtain some good will. By coming in on the day, you will show resilience, and your performance will likely be assessed in the context of your circumstances.

I also cannot think of any reason why any HR team would have a negative reaction to you letting them know about your situation. As such, you have nothing to lose by doing this.

 

[Jessica Booker]

I need advice, please.

I've just received a Linklaters AC invite for the winter vac scheme. The problem is that around 10 pm last night, I had to go to the hospital for a severe dog bite injury on my right hand. It's expected to heal around the day of the AC, but this has drastically affected my ability to prepare, as I'm right-handed.

Do I ask for additional time and adjustments? Should I request HR to postpone my interview and assessment day? I'm not sure if that's even possible, given the typically shorter time frame to get everything sorted for the winter vac scheme. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I would contact the firm/graduate recruitment and explain you have a hand injury and see what they say. I’d suspect you’d only need additional time if there is a written component, but it would be fairly easy to adjust time accordingly if there is one.

 

[Tintin06]

Willkie PFO after their video interview. I’m a bit shocked being honest. I passed that stage last year. Not really sure how to feel. Seems the walls are closing in. I just assumed I’d be fine. Eventually I’ll understand quality over quantity. Not this year it would seem.

 

[Andrei Radu]

are you meant to also mention relevant skills under experience, or just what you did at various roles?

I don't think any recruiter has a strong expectation that candidates will do this. However, I would do this from time to time, especially where (i) the skill is more unique/impressive, (ii) is demonstrated by a more unique/impressive achievement, or (iii) where the skill is particularly relevant for the day to day tasks of a trainee solicitor (think drafting, researching, project management, legal analysis etc).

However, take care not to be repetitive as to the skills you mention. Furthermore, I would advise to only tie your responsibilities to skills sparingly. The more you do it, the less impactful each inference of skill is, and overuse can also impact the flow and structure of your writing.

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi @Jessica Booker, I did two vac schemes over the summer, took an L on both, but was encouraged to reapply, would it be okay to mention my experience on those schemes in their respective application forms, just to spice up my answers from last year, not much has changed for me since the summer in terms of experience so was wondering if that would be a good way to provide a different answer?

Hi @NJS! I think discussing your vacation schemes experiences is a great way to improve on you previous answers. I think too many people are weary of talking about their past VS experience because they are afraid that it is a bad look that they failed to convert. However, as recruiters are well aware, there are many factors going into the final outcome of a vacation scheme beyond performance, and at any rate, by simply getting there you have demonstrated to be an exceptionally strong candidate.

As such, I do not only think there is no issue with discussing a prior VS. I think not discussing it would be a significant mistake. Mentioning these VS experiences will make many recruiters take your application a lot more seriously and will likely substantial increase your chances of progressing. From personal experience I can also say this holds true. A friend of mine who had done a couple of vacation schemes and was unsuccessful discussed them in their new applications and saw a significantly better AC invite/application ratio when compared to the previous cycle.

 

[Tintin06]

Anyone else delete negative outcomes ASAP? I barely scan before deleting them. This sounds very conceited, but I'm very angry. I have done four Vacation Schemes (Slaughter and May, Debevoise & Plimpton, Travers Smith and Ropes & Gray). What was the point? Firms don't seem to value these at all. I also try to emphasis transferable skills from other roles. Again, what is the point? It just feels like every cycle is the same - and this is why I gave up for two years. I'm tempted to do it again.

 

[m12]

Hey @m12 and @Walon290! While I don't have any details from this year, I did their VI last year. Based on my general VI experience as applied to the specific W&C VI, these would be my tips:

• Prepare really well for the big 3 (Why commercial law, Why W&C, Why me) and a few of the other very common questions (such as about a new story you have been following and its impact on the firm). These will form the basis for the questions.
• Also, prepare for variations of the big 3 - instead of just 'Why W&C' and 'Why commercial law' independently, you could be asked both questions at the same time - 'Tell us about why do you want to be a commercial solicitor at W&C'.
• Try to get to a point where you can, on the spot, answer both the independent questions and the broader combinations of questions in 1 minute, 1.5 minute, and 2 minute timeframes. Then record yourself and assess your performance. The more you do this, the more will you improve your flexibility to answer different variations of questions in varying timeframes.
• Prepare for some less common/curveball type of questions. There's no way of predicting what more unique questions W&C may go for this year, but in the past they have had at least one question that was slightly unusual. The best you can prepare for that is by improving your ability to think of the spot and flexibility in how you can refer to your experiences.
• Do not overcommit when you first start answering a question. This was by far the biggest issue for me last year. I would try to be structured and signpost, so I would start my answer by saying 'I will give you three/four reasons why ...'. However, midway through articulating my answer I would realise I did not have enough time to comprehensively state what I indented to. Thus, I would have to sacrifice either on the quality of my explanations or just not talk through everything I said I would, neither of which is a good look. As such, when in doubt, go for less rather than more. Your purpose should not be to blow away the recruiters, but to simply communicate good substantive points in a clear, concise, and composed manner.

Thank you @Andrei Radu !! do you have any advice on how best to structure / approach commercial news story questions? Or wider topics that involve discussing the political and economic state etc

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

A question in Michelmores' VS application is confusing me. It asks, "What do you think are the biggest challenges facing Michelmores clients at the moment?" but they work with clients in different sectors who all have different niche challenges, so should I pick up 1-2 sectors that I'm interested in and talk about their challenges or go more general and mention things like cyber security, ESG etc?

Hi @icebear

Completely appreciate the challenges of answering a question like this. As @Andrei Radu mentioned, you could definitely take either approach. However, I'd recommend trying to discuss current challenges in a way that is really bespoke or tailored to the firm. Having briefly researched the firm, it appears they have a strong reputation in sectors such as infrastructure and agriculture/rural affairs. They also seem to have a great regional presence alongside their place in London. I think finding news stories/challenges that are likely to be faced by a firm with similar features could making for a convincing answer. I've mentioned some challenges below (including links where appropriate) that you might want to consider.

One issue/challenge you could consider are some ongoing delays in major projects. The UK government recently established the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) to address these delays, which have been increasing costs and causing significant uncertainty for investors. Pinsent Masons recently did an excellent summary of how these changes are likely to affect firms and their clients here, which I'd encourage you to give a brief look at. Additionally, you could discuss the rising cost of construction materials and labour shortages are pushing project costs up or Government Investment and the Levelling Up Agenda which are all very current issues that pose a mixture of opportunities and challenges for clients at firms such as Michemores.

Given the firm's strong regional presence, you might also want to tie an issue back to this aspect of the firm. For instance, EY did this really interesting report here about how significant government variation in spending is affecting projects and infrastructure issues differently in various parts of the country. This creates a unique set of challenges, especially for rural and regional businesses that Michelmores is deeply connected to through its offices in cities such as Bristol, Cheltenham and Exeter. The firm could be particularly well-placed to help clients navigate these sorts of more "current" challenges.

Again, these are just suggestions. But you can consider framing your answer by highlighting Michelmores' strong reputation in key sectors, such as infrastructure, while also emphasising its unique national footprint. By tying the answer to Michelmores' strengths in specific areas, like their work with clients in rural regions, you can make your response more tailored to the firm.

Good luck with your application!

 

[Andrei Radu]

Thank you @Andrei Radu !! do you have any advice on how best to structure / approach commercial news story questions? Or wider topics that involve discussing the political and economic state etc

@m12 I'm glad you've found this helpful ! As for your question, while the specifics of the structure will depend on the specific framing of the question, in general I'd prepare the following structure:

1. The context of the story: when did the story happen, in what economic, social, and political circumstances, and what are the main purported causes of the relevant events?
2. The story itself: What are the relevant events, what is the order that they took place in, and did they influence one another? Also, be ready to answer why you found this specific story particularly important, interesting or relevant.
3. General impact: What are the general social, political and economic impacts of the events, and who are the main stakeholders? What do you think is likely to happen in the future? Also, if the issue is contentious, what do you think the right reaction to this events should be?
4. Client impact: What is the likely impact on the firm's clients? How might they react, and how can the firm help them?
5. Firm impact: How does this impact the business of the firm? Are there any particular practice areas that will see a decrease/increase in demand, or are there any other strategic opportunities or challenges? How can the firm react to this, and are there any advantages/disadvantages when comparing its position to that of its rivals?

It is very unlikely you will be asked to or able to respond by including all these steps. However, if you thoroughly research and prepare an answer for each step, you will be well-equipped to respond to any iteration of the commercial news question (be it a general discussion of the story, a question about the economic impact, or impact from the client's/firm's perspective). Then, depending on the particular framing of the question and the time you have to answer it, you can decide on the spot which steps are relevant and not and to what level of detail you want to go into.

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Anyone else delete negative outcomes ASAP? I barely scan before deleting them. This sounds very conceited, but I'm very angry. I have done four Vacation Schemes (Slaughter and May, Debevoise & Plimpton, Travers Smith and Ropes & Gray). What was the point? Firms don't seem to value these at all. I also try to emphasis transferable skills from other roles. Again, what is the point? It just feels like every cycle is the same - and this is why I gave up for two years. I'm tempted to do it again.

I have been an observer on the forum for a while now but have decided to make an account. I have seen your posts and replies and have enjoyed your frequent updates on your applications however, many of your replies are condescending to others. You may not notice it yourself but they come off as rude and I am quite often confused the no one has called you out on it.

From what I’ve gathered you’re an Oxbridge grad with 4 vac schemes, you’re in an incredible position right now compared to many others. You venting is soo valid having not converted them but you also have to realise your attitude plays a factor in this. Your experience is not pointless by any means you need to alter your mindset when you get to these schemes and not expect to be given the TC based on your background?

Hopefully this is taken as encouragement to keep going and not me attacking you x

 

[BonanzaBih_]

Baker McKenzie Black lawyers & allies open day!

 

[Tintin06]

I have been an observer on the forum for a while now but have decided to make an account. I have seen your posts and replies and have enjoyed your frequent updates on your applications however, many of your replies are condescending to others. You may not notice it yourself but they come off as rude and I am quite often confused the no one has called you out on it.

From what I’ve gathered you’re an Oxbridge grad with 4 vac schemes, you’re in an incredible position right now compared to many others. You venting is soo valid having not converted them but you also have to realise your attitude plays a factor in this. Your experience is not pointless by any means you need to alter your mindset when you get to these schemes and not expect to be given the TC based on your background?

Hopefully this is taken as encouragement to keep going and not me attacking you x

I don’t feel lucky anymore. I’m fairly blunt but use my experiences to help this. No condescension is meant. Which posts are you referring to? I’m just bored of waiting for a TC. I believe I should have got it by now.

 

[hanz123]

Does anyone have any advice for A&O's online assessment?

 

[OliverTwist]

Anyone else delete negative outcomes ASAP? I barely scan before deleting them. This sounds very conceited, but I'm very angry. I have done four Vacation Schemes (Slaughter and May, Debevoise & Plimpton, Travers Smith and Ropes & Gray). What was the point? Firms don't seem to value these at all. I also try to emphasis transferable skills from other roles. Again, what is the point? It just feels like every cycle is the same - and this is why I gave up for two years. I'm tempted to do it again.

Do you think it may have something to do with your attitude?

 

[Tintin06]

Do you think it may have something to do with your attitude?

I think it’s more being neurodiverse. Possibly a focus on US firms. I don’t know honestly.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi everyone! Just a gentle reminder to keep the conversation on here as constructive as possible. Let's try to avoid personal comments about one another and focus on supporting each other with helpful, respectful feedback. Thanks!

 

[Deleted member 37508]

I don’t feel lucky anymore. I’m fairly blunt but use my experiences to help this. No condescension is meant. Which posts are you referring to? I’m just bored of waiting for a TC. I believe I should have got it by now.

How you feel is irrelevant realistically, on paper you are lucky. You not feeling that at this stage is very understandable but the cookie doesn’t crumble like that unfortunately.

I’m sure you’ll get a TC soon just be positive and approach the cycle with the emphasis of wanting to learn not already knowing! 😁

Looking forward to your next update x

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

Just reviewing an application before submitting. I said vaccination scheme instead of vacation scheme twice without realising! Time for a break I think…

 

[gimmeavacschemepls]

Mishcon Open Day invite!

 

[maymays]

Mischon Open Day- but transferred to online. Application not strong enough?