TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[AveragePoster]

For those that have done the Dechert written task, did you receive an email confirmation after you submitted? I only had a bubble popping up on my screen saying "your output has been saved and submitted", but the timer wouldn't stop and I also am not redirected to a different page? Is that normal lol pls help

No, I didn’t receive an email confirmation and the same thing happened to me. So I presume that is standard, and we are fine!

 

[TheInevitableTCholder2024/25🙏]

Dechert has given out written tasks??? I applied in early September ffs😂😂😂😂😭

 

[TheInevitableTCholder2024/25🙏]

Has Gibson Dunn, Ashurst or White and Case gotten back to anybody?

 

[BonanzaBih_]

Has Gibson Dunn, Ashurst or White and Case gotten back to anybody?

No to ashurst post test ahaha waiting for the PFO atp

 

[safari3]

Is anyone else who received DLA WG pass last Monday (7/10) still waiting for VI? I know they’re meant to be doing it in batches.

 

[Walon290]

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.

Thanks a lot for the comprehensive post I really appreciate it

 

[nodustollens]

Is anyone else who received DLA WG pass last Monday (7/10) still waiting for VI? I know they’re meant to be doing it in batches.

one of my friends is still waiting

 

[tomsmitg]

i

Has anyone heard anything from Cleary post-WG?

Hi can i ask if you applied for winter or summer and if they sent you the WG automatically after your application form ?

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

how long did it take for people to receive a WG from DLA after submitting your app? It’s been a week now since a submitted my application and I’ve not heard anything.

 

[DesperateForVac]

i

Hi can i ask if you applied for winter or summer and if they sent you the WG automatically after your application form ?

I applied for winter on the 6th of October and today I received a WG. I don’t think a WG is automatically sent. You need to pass the application stage first

 

[cjwx]

how long did it take for people to receive a WG from DLA after submitting your app? It’s been a week now since a submitted my application and I’ve not heard anything.

I think it took two weeks but the WG is not automatic they review application first

 

[DesperateForVac]

Has anyone heard back from Clyde & Co VI? I did it on the 10th

 

[DesperateForVac]

Does anyone know what the “pass” mark is for WG? Lowkey hate them. Highkey actually.

 

[mikaxxlkhan]

anyone heard from Linklaters, hogan or white and case for the winter vs?

 

[RonRod13]

Anyone heard from Simmons for anymore ACs?

 

[Andrei Radu]

Does anyone know what the “pass” mark is for WG? Lowkey hate them. Highkey actually.

@Jessica Booker will have a more informed view on this, but from what I know it varies from firm by firm. I know some firms simply use a percentile system, in which your progression depends on how you perform relative to the scores of the other applicants. Anecdotally, percentile benchmarks vary between the 50th to 80th percentile.

However, other firms are said to have an per-determined numerical score as a pass mark. In these cases, what this pass score is depends on the specifics of the test (number and difficulty of questions) and also the specific recruitment policies each firm decides to apply in a given application cycle.

Finally, some firms have no pass mark at all and will simply review your application and WG performance holistically.

 

[LawLawLawLawLaw]

Anyone who has done the Latham online tests for the Open Day, does it include a WG and VI - if so what questions are involved?

 

[DesperateForVac]

@Jessica Booker will have a more informed view on this, but from what I know it varies from firm by firm. I know some firms simply use a percentile system, in which your progression depends on how you perform relative to the scores of the other applicants. Anecdotally, percentile benchmarks vary between the 50th to 80th percentile.

However, other firms are said to have an per-determined numerical score as a pass mark. In these cases, what this pass score is depends on the specifics of the test (number and difficulty of questions) and also the specific recruitment policies each firm decides to apply in a given application cycle.

Finally, some firms have no pass mark at all and will simply review your application and WG performance holistically.

This is so helpful thank you.

 

[Willgetthere]

Yes! About 3 hrs ago

Hi, could you please briefly share how the written exercise was. Was it just the written part or was there a video interview at the end. I’m a bit confused on why they allowed access to the briefing 24 hours before the written exercise slot.

 

[Hana ♥]

Does anyone know the percentile/score needed to pass DLA's WG? Thank you!