TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi, if I have two open days I got onto on the same day, is it worth emailing one of them to see if I can change to a later open day they are running?

Congratulations on getting invitations to two open days @Tom smith - that’s fantastic news! 🎉

It’s absolutely fine to email one of the firms to see if they can move you to a later open day. I did this with a firm once, and they were really accommodating about it. While it’s ultimately up to them, it’s definitely worth asking. You may find they’re happy to help. Best of luck with both open days! 😊

 

[Tom smith]

Congratulations on getting invitations to two open days @Tom smith - that’s fantastic news! 🎉

It’s absolutely fine to email one of the firms to see if they can move you to a later open day. I did this with a firm once, and they were really accommodating about it. While it’s ultimately up to them, it’s definitely worth asking. You may find they’re happy to help. Best of luck with both open days! 😊

Thanks Ram

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hey guys what (free) resources would you suggest to prepare for AC case studies in general? @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam

Hiya @Victor87

When it comes to preparing for AC case studies, I highly recommend checking out this excellent thread: Definitive Guide to Law Firm Case Studies. It was a lifesaver for me and provided great insights that made a real difference in how I approached case studies and preparing for them.

You don't need too much material to start practising the skills assessed during case study interviews. One game-changer for me was practicing SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) and PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental) analyses every week. At first, these frameworks might feel a bit formulaic, but with practice, I started to get a hang of how to present my points in less contrived way. In my own case, I'd practice these by using weekly Financial Times articles. The articles were generally short and practice allowed me to break down complex information quickly, organise my thoughts, and structure my verbal and written responses in a logical, thorough way that interviewers eventually came to appreciate.

Overall, it's important to remember that interviewers aren’t assessing your technical legal skills so much as your ability to communicate effectively, reason in a structured way, and demonstrate commercial awareness.

 

[m12]

hi does anyone know if you can ask HL for your WG score/percentile or do they inform you if you pass the benchmark?

 

[Unknowncabbage]

hi does anyone know if you can ask HL for your WG score/percentile or do they inform you if you pass the benchmark?

you can ask them for your percentile

 

[Deleted member 37508]

you can ask them for your percentile

I don’t think they’re giving percentiles this year. I’m sure it states this in the confirmation email once doing the Watson Glaser.

 

[Unknowncabbage]

I don’t think they’re giving percentiles this year. I’m sure it states this in the confirmation email once doing the Watson Glaser.

Oh fair enough, idk about this year I just know last year they were giving percentiles out

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Anyone had any news from Cleary so far? I've heard nothing since the WG

 

[Hana ♥]

PWC VI! Any insights?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi, if I have two open days I got onto on the same day, is it worth emailing one of them to see if I can change to a later open day they are running?

Definitely something to ask either or both firms. The worst they can say is no, and you have to decline a place with one of the firms, but that is not really any different position you are in now.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Are we likely to be asked about the US election and how it might impact the UK in our law firm interviews? I understand it will depend on individual firms (maybe US/non-US) but in general, is it likely?

It could easily come up in an interview so I would prepare some general thoughts and opinions on the topic.

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker - can I please PM you regarding mitigating circumstances?

Yes, that is not a problem.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Question for Jessica or any of the forum helpers here - If I have not previously done a vacation scheme, is it still worthwhile sending out some direct TC applications, as right now my circumstances make attending vacation schemes quite difficult?

Yes - unless the firm recruits exclusively from vacation schemes, you should apply to TCs if they are the better option for you.

 

[AlegalA]

Helloo guys! Does anyone have insights into Irwin Mitchell's SJT? It looks very different to last year - they even have a VI included?
Do I need to have why this firm/ why me questions prepared, or is it still only skill based?

 

[Gday33]

For anyone who has done HSF SJT do you feel your feedback report was accurate? Mine almost entirely conflicts with my actual experience in FT employment / academics 😂

 

[jojo23]

Just out of curiosity, is anyone here going to the Reed Smith open evening on the 19th?

 

[jojo23]

yeah I think the ship has sailed w W&C which is such a shame cos I applied so early and really liked them... Yeah who knows how HL will go cos I did their WG assesment but idk if I passed it

For W&C, if you haven't heard back at all post application, it most likely means that all winter spots have been filled. However, they'll consider your application for the spring and summer schemes (if you placed them in the preference order list). - I asked a recruiter about it..

 

[NJS]

For W&C, if you haven't heard back at all post application, it most likely means that all winter spots have been filled. However, they'll consider your application for the spring and summer schemes (if you placed them in the preference order list). - I asked a recruiter about it..

Ah interesting, hopefully we can get considered for the later schemes

 

[Bbhu19]

Anyone gotten Hsf post ac news and how long did it take?

 

[LawyerUpPal]

Anyone gotten Hsf post ac news and how long did it take?

Had my AC today.