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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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- vacation scheme
I saw someone post that for Slaughters TC (non-law) they had received an interview invite
- Sep 9, 2024
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Hi @DulyDiligent! Just to add to @Ram Sabaratnam's great response, I think (1) and (3) are great, especially if you provide further analysis like Ram suggested. I think (2) can work as well, but you will have to be careful as to how you draft this as a USP, because there are other firms who arguably have this cross-functionality as well.
Regarding tips as to what else you could include, I would discuss Freshfields' leading corporate M&A credentials. In 2023 Freshfields was ranked above all the other magic circle firms in terms of both average deal value and total deal value. It is also arguably the leading firm for European M&A, topping most of the deal rankings.
This is extremely helpful, thank you so much!
I found the questions to be very basic questions in my opinion. Don’t overthink it
Two birds, one stone, one disillusioned and disheartened vac scheme applicant.
Brief update on my app cycle experience so far.
Rejected by those Two Birds from London today. Weren't a big fan of my chat evidently. Perhaps I was punching a bit much considering I didn't meet their "standards" (ABB instead of AAB).
Tried to set up a date with a bobby (CPS Paralegal Officer) also rejected me. In the meeting stage, I tend to get nervous and waffle, which I guess turned them off. Their friend (Paralegal assistant) seems quite nice, however. I'm sure we could have a nice time.
Banter aside, pretty disappointed by the CPS outcome. I'd drop all of my Commercial law apps for a public law position. It's so jarring because NONE of the services allow non-law grads w/o the PGDL to apply. It makes no sense why they are so behind the market. Every commercial firm accepts non-law students w/o PGDL and only requires that they complete the SQE (which they fund!) This means unless I self-fund, I can't apply for the direct trainee scheme. Arguably not beneficial for socially mobile backgrounds - I'm black and from a low socio-economic household.
A wise man once said, "I know you're sad, but listen...Two birds, one sky, just forget it"
Brief update on my app cycle experience so far.
Rejected by those Two Birds from London today. Weren't a big fan of my chat evidently. Perhaps I was punching a bit much considering I didn't meet their "standards" (ABB instead of AAB).
Tried to set up a date with a bobby (CPS Paralegal Officer) also rejected me. In the meeting stage, I tend to get nervous and waffle, which I guess turned them off. Their friend (Paralegal assistant) seems quite nice, however. I'm sure we could have a nice time.
Banter aside, pretty disappointed by the CPS outcome. I'd drop all of my Commercial law apps for a public law position. It's so jarring because NONE of the services allow non-law grads w/o the PGDL to apply. It makes no sense why they are so behind the market. Every commercial firm accepts non-law students w/o PGDL and only requires that they complete the SQE (which they fund!) This means unless I self-fund, I can't apply for the direct trainee scheme. Arguably not beneficial for socially mobile backgrounds - I'm black and from a low socio-economic household.
A wise man once said, "I know you're sad, but listen...Two birds, one sky, just forget it"
Imagine reading this as someone with no interest in commercial law, its literally gibberish ahahah.
Holding myself accountable (one more application):
CC* ✅📝
HSF ✅📝❌
NRF ✅📝❌
Weil ✅
Akin ✅
Sidley ✅
Orrick ✅
Willkie ✅🎥❌
Cooley ✅
Latham ✅
Milbank ✅
Dechert ✅
Kirkland ✅
Skadden ✅
Goodwin ✅
Covington ✅
Linklaters* ✅📝
Freshfields ✅
Paul, Weiss ✅
Slaughters* ✅❌
Gibson Dunn ✅
Macfarlanes* ✅📝
White & Case ✅
Morgan Lewis ✅
Hogan Lovells* ✅
Cleary Gottlieb ✅
A&O Shearman ✅📝❌
Vinson & Elkins ✅
Arnold & Porter ✅
King & Spalding* ✅
Morrison Foerster ✅
Key: ✅ = application submitted; 📝 = test received; 🎥 = video interview; ❌ = rejection.
*Training Contract applications
CC* ✅📝
HSF ✅📝❌
NRF ✅📝❌
Weil ✅
Akin ✅
Sidley ✅
Orrick ✅
Willkie ✅🎥❌
Cooley ✅
Latham ✅
Milbank ✅
Dechert ✅
Kirkland ✅
Skadden ✅
Goodwin ✅
Covington ✅
Linklaters* ✅📝
Freshfields ✅
Paul, Weiss ✅
Slaughters* ✅❌
Gibson Dunn ✅
Macfarlanes* ✅📝
White & Case ✅
Morgan Lewis ✅
Hogan Lovells* ✅
Cleary Gottlieb ✅
A&O Shearman ✅📝❌
Vinson & Elkins ✅
Arnold & Porter ✅
King & Spalding* ✅
Morrison Foerster ✅
Key: ✅ = application submitted; 📝 = test received; 🎥 = video interview; ❌ = rejection.
*Training Contract applications
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It is merely an in-house role, and does not guarantee a grad role. The analyst position itself to my understanding qualifies as SQE qualifying experience but the programme does not sponsor or give time off to complete the SQE.
If it helps, I passed the interview for the paralegal officer position back in May, but I've been stuck on the reserve list ever since, with no sign of a job in sight 😭
Hi, did you complete it? What kind of questions were asked and how long did they give for preparation and speaking?
hey, did you complete it? what kind of questions were asked and how long did they give for preparation and speaking?
On my Cover Letter for White & Case I mentioned that I was applying for the Spring Vacation Scheme however on the choice of options for my preferred scheme I somehow put Winter first and then Spring as my second option. Do you think I should email them stating my preference for the Spring scheme or will my application be acknowledged for the Spring over Winter Scheme anyway?
I completed it and passed! You have around 2-3 minutes to prep and 2 minutes to give a response. There are three questions one around alignment with values and two competency based questions about how you have showcased a certain skill through previous experiences!
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hiya @Aspiringsolicitor01
I had meant to send you this response yesterday - my apologies for the delay in getting this to you!
Just wanted to built on what @Jessica Booker said. Many firms' video interviews tend to ask similar questions to those in TCLA's interview question bank. The key is to practice answering these questions in a clear and concise way, making sure you can fit your responses within the typical 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes that most VIs allow.
One tool I found really useful for practicing is this page by ULaw: https://go.shortlister.com/marketplace/universityoflaw. It simulates video interviews done by various law firms, which can help you get used to the format and timing constraints. I used it myself before doing VIs for different firms, and it was a great way to prepare by recreating a realistic interview environment. Alternatively, you can also record yourself on your phone or laptop. This helps you refine your answers and get comfortable speaking on camera.
Best of luck!
It’s automatic but I think it’s likely they don’t send them out at weekends. I applied on a Friday and got the test on a Monday.Hi all
Dunno about you guys but I’m glad for the weekend. I’m still prepping for tests and applications but I’m glad I don’t have the stress of wondering if I’ll hear anything back from anyone during the day 😅
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