TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[LawyerUpPal]

How did you feel about it?

Definitely one of the more challenging ACs, but I felt I nailed it.

 

[Tintin06]

Latham & Watkins Open Day Invite, the fact we had to do a test, application questions and VI. I'm about to make the most out of this😂

In case anyone is wondering, got my invite today. For the test I got strengths in analytical/complex thinking and self motivation, weakness in effective communication

Been there, done that. You at least don't have to do the VI etc again for the Vac Scheme.

 

[Tintin06]

Ropes & Gray: Describe three characteristics that you believe make an outstanding Ropes & Gray lawyer and how that lawyer would drive our business. (500 words max) Does this question require answering why I am suited as a Ropes & Gray lawyer? Some general advise will also be appreciated. Thanks! @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam

In terms of general advice, I would look at their values. I did their VS but the question's changed since then I think.

 

[Filosof]

What did everyone get in the 5 sections of the Mayer Brown test? (Above average, average etc)

 

[0livia.pope]

If a WG wasn’t timed, I was free to take my time… right? I didn’t take that long honestly but it wasn’t as quick in comparison to when I have seen a timer

 

[lolasparks]

Been there, done that. You at least don't have to do the VI etc again for the Vac Scheme.

Oh I didn't know that, thank you!!

 

[sammm10101]

Are the WG's for Mayer Brown and Hogan Lovells automatic?

 

[cwhite233]

Hi all! I did a vacation scheme last summer but unfortunately did not get the training contract. I have an interview tomorrow with a firm for a WVS and am anticipating a question around the vac scheme I completed and why I did not get the training contract. I was wondering what the ideal approach is to answer this question as I didn't receive a ton of (useful) feedback on my previous vacation scheme. Essentially, I made some attention to detail mistakes on a markup exercise and in my interview scored 4/5 out of every category instead of 5/5 (with no qualitative feedback on the latter!).

 

[Shandy101]

Is anyone doing the W&C Written Exercise that has done HSF? I have some very valuable insight.

 

[hmarsden]

Not necessarily VS but has anyone heard back from Bristows for the IP workshop yet? Thanks in advance, I'm stressing <3

 

[KSV]

Hiya @KSV

Yes, it’s definitely possible you might be asked about the impact of the US election in a law firm interview. I was asked a similar question during a partner interview once and thankfully felt confident in answering it because of my political science and econ background. I've just written some thoughts below to prompt your own thinking on this.

With Trump now re-elected, you might think about how his administration's stance on everything from trade, tax, and regulatory policies could impact UK businesses. For example, if Trump introduces new tariffs or adjusts trade agreements (as he's indicated he will), this could affect cross-border transactions and supply chains, and will almost certainly increase the demand for legal guidance on international trade. UK law firms with US clients or transatlantic operations might see changes in deal flow or regulatory work. Additionally, you can also consider also how Trump’s stance on climate policies or tech regulations might affect clients in those sectors. Again, depending on the firm you're interviewing at, you might want to think carefully about how you're discussing some of these points.

In general, it's good to get in the habit of thinking about how these large news stories can impact firms and their clients. Law firms value candidates who can discuss how global political shifts may impact their clients, and being able to articulate these points thoughtfully could be a strong asset in interviews. This is a skill (just like application writing and Watson Glaser tests) and does take time to develop.

Let me know if you have any other questions

Amazing thanks Ram!

 

[nodustollens]

Not necessarily VS but has anyone heard back from Bristows for the IP workshop yet? Thanks in advance, I'm stressing <3

hi, have you done the VI?

 

[NJS]

Hi all! I did a vacation scheme last summer but unfortunately did not get the training contract. I have an interview tomorrow with a firm for a WVS and am anticipating a question around the vac scheme I completed and why I did not get the training contract. I was wondering what the ideal approach is to answer this question as I didn't receive a ton of (useful) feedback on my previous vacation scheme. Essentially, I made some attention to detail mistakes on a markup exercise and in my interview scored 4/5 out of every category instead of 5/5 (with no qualitative feedback on the latter!).

Best approach is to be honest, don't lie, they will tell, and then say how you are developing on that feedback to ensure you don't make the same mistakes next time

 

[hmarsden]

hi, have you done the VI?

They've not contacted me yet about anything since I submitted my original application. Kind of why I'm stressing haha as just left in the dark and obviously the first one is in a week!

 

[Victor87]

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.

Thanks so much Ram this is extremely helpful!

 

[bella98]

What sort of test is Taylor Wessing test?

It's Critical Thinking (basically similar to Watson Glaser) and then an additional separate part on verbal reasoning (questions like True, Probably True, Insufficient Data, Probably False, and False).
If you get the test they'll give you access to Assessment Day. If you go to the "Critical Thinking" section on the platform, you can practice the exact same format of their test. It was harder than a normal WG imo 😥 it's also timed just like the practice ones.

 

[bella98]

Not necessarily VS but has anyone heard back from Bristows for the IP workshop yet? Thanks in advance, I'm stressing <3

Others and I received a VI on Tuesday 🥹

 

[Audric_T]

If a WG wasn’t timed, I was free to take my time… right? I didn’t take that long honestly but it wasn’t as quick in comparison to when I have seen a timer

So i have accommodations for time (extra time) but still always complete the wg within 30 min therecruiters have told me even untimed that can be a deciding factor

 

[0livia.pope]

So i have accommodations for time (extra time) but still always complete the wg within 30 min therecruiters have told me even untimed that can be a deciding factor

Interesting!! Thanks for this

 

[unknownnn7372]

what is the pwc online test like