TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[jojo23]

Hiya @jojo23

I don’t think formal referencing (like Harvard style) is as crucial in this type of application question. What’s more important is to show that you’ve done your research and can back up your points with reliable sources. Simply mentioning the report and giving a rough idea of when it was published should be enough. I used this approach in my Ropes & Gray application during the 2022-23 cycle, where I was specifically discussing developments in data around retaining legal talent.

• "In December 2023, The Lawyer published a report highlighting the significant increase in associate attrition. Similarly, a 2022 report from Thomson Reuters estimated that the loss of even a single associate could cost firms upwards of $400,000 USD."

I think keeping it brief while acknowledging where the information came from worked really well for me - and allowed me to use the word count more effectively.

When answering this type of question on innovation, I'd also recommend going beyond the usual discussions around AI and developments. Many applicants have a tendency to answer these sorts of questions in vague ways, often relying on resources or links that aren't very recent. Feel free to reach out if you’d like more specific examples or feedback!

Best of luck with the application!

Thank you, I appreciate it! I'm just in the process of doing research around it although, my go-to answer was ai related🤣

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

White and Case VI invite !! Not sure if it’s automatic or not , but I’ll take it😂 Any tips would be much appreciated!!

Howdy @thelawstudent2000!

Well done on getting through to the VI stage! I used to struggle quite a bit with VIs but the following threads really helped me improve with this part of the application stage. This first one is by the legendary user Alice G, and the second one is by the equally fab Erin. A lot of what they say in these threads will be relevant in helping you prepare for White & Case's VIs. Hopefully, you'll find them helpful too! Best of luck, and feel free to reach out if you have any other questions!

 

[Chelsea101]

Yeah HSF are waiting until the deadline has passed to filter candidates

Is this for winter or summer vac?

 

[HelpAStudentOut]

White and Case AC!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

If I send off my application for Hogan WVS, do you guys think it's rather late considering its rolling and the deadline is 31st October?

Hi @sufianwm101

Many firms receive the majority of their applications around 2-3 weeks before the deadline, so you're definitely not alone in submitting at this stage. What matters most is whether you believe it's a strong application. If you think you could improve it further with just a bit more time, it might be worth considering applying for the spring or summer schemes instead. But if you feel it's as strong as it can be and you're confident in it, there's no harm in sending it through before the 31st October deadline. Trust your instincts! Best of luck with the application!

 

[Apple]

W&C AC invite!!!!! really was not expecting that.

 

[legal18]

I am trying to research the firm but there are not even any virtual events to get to know the firm a bit better? How have people been researching Stephenson and Harwood?

I attended an Open Day last year so that's my main basis.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

i applied for the hogan lovells life off on the 4th and haven’t received anything after, should i email or wait a bit?

Hiya @lolololol

I know the waiting process can feel a bit uncertain, but I’d suggest giving it a little more time, especially since it’s only been a couple of weeks since the 4th of October. Many firms take a bit longer to review applications, especially if there’s a large volume. If you haven’t heard back in another 2 weeks or so, it could be worth sending a polite follow-up email to check on the status of your application. Best of luck, and I hope you hear back soon!

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

Is this for winter or summer vac?

Spring and Summer. AC's are going on already for WVS I believe (from what's already been posted here).

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

@Andrei Radu or @Ram Sabaratnam

Can I ask if there's something similar to this but for VIs instead of AC interviews?

 

[Seville123]

Does anyone have tips for the Ashurst HR Interview and/or the W&C Video Interview? Thanks

 

[bella98]

W&C AC invite!!!!! really was not expecting that.

Omg congrats!!! 🙌🏼 great job🤩

 

[IneedaTCASAP]

W&C AC invite!!!!! really was not expecting that.

Well done.
I would assume this is a rejection for myself as I have not received a VI I applied 20/09.

Are people still receiving W&C VI? if so there is still hope.

Ashurst no reply post test 22/09 and people get interviews. The process is very cruel at times when they know they do not want to progress you yet leave you hanging.

 

[gazdgazd11]

Well done.
I would assume this is a rejection for myself as I have not received a VI I applied 20/09.

Are people still receiving W&C VI? if so there is still hope.

Ashurst no reply post test 22/09 and people get interviews. The process is very cruel at times when they know they do not want to progress you yet leave you hanging.

Same for me

 

[LawJourney101]

Same for me

To be fair they gave someone a VI yesterday so all hope is not lost yet. Doesn't look hopeful though I agree.

 

[HelpAStudentOut]

Anyone heard back from Ashurst post written exam AC? The deadline was today I thought ….

 

[SamiyaJ]

Bird & Bird Post WG PFO. Quite gutted as it was the only good piece of news I’ve had since starting this journey.

Does anyone have any good tips for tackling the WG? I’ve been practising but clearly not enough

 

[BonanzaBih_]

Is there any point applying to a from in which you’ve been rejected for thier open day? Because surely there’s a higher threshold for vacation schemes? Has any one experienced this?

 

[lawyersum]

Just building on what @Jessica Booker said in response. It’s great that you’re considering both the open day and the vac scheme! Your concern about potentially waiting a long time to hear back about the open day and the impact that might have on your vac scheme application also makes sense. Like Jess, though, I'd suggest waiting until you've made the open day application, especially if you feel that attending the open day will give you additional insights and help you strengthen your vacation scheme application.

Alternatively, I don’t think attending the open day is strictly necessary to write a compelling vac scheme application. If you've written strong, well-researched answers, there's no harm in applying for the vac scheme now. For context, when I was applying to Cooley, I was unsuccessful in securing an open day, but made it through to the vac scheme during the same application cycle. Whatever you decide, best of luck with both applications! Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions

@BonanzaBih_ Hey, I've quoted the above post from @Ram Sabaratnam about how he couldn't secure an open day but ended up getting a vac scheme at Cooley - hope this gives you some motivation!

 

[EK_27]

Bird & Bird Post WG PFO. Quite gutted as it was the only good piece of news I’ve had since starting this journey.

Does anyone have any good tips for tackling the WG? I’ve been practising but clearly not enough

Hi, I used this link someone posted last year.

Critical Thinking Tests - How to Become More Critical | How2become

Take a look at How2Become's expert guide for passing critical thinking tests. Complete with explanations, sample questions, and practice tests, this guide has everything you need to improve your chances of passing your critical thinking tests.

www.how2become.com

I used this guide and found it helped me look at the test more holistically. It’s also helped with my critical thinking more broadly. I hope this helps. Otherwise loads of practise with Assessment Day or JobTestPrep.

Good luck!!