TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

sorry to hear that, was this after the VI?

Yup

 

[Apple]

I'd hope not, not even heard from winter loool

Neither have I post AC, thats why I was wondering if they are still running winter ACs or not.

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi!
I have a W&C AC coming up, would appreciate any insights
Thanks so much

Hi, just to add some of the more specific W&C AC preparation resources available on TCLA:

• A short thread discussing W&C AC experiences
• An in-depth post written by people who did the AC in previous cycles - this type of post was very useful for me when preparing for other ACs.

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

Does anyone want to compare Deloitte feedback reports for the job sim to get more of an idea of where their phraseology sits on the scale? Please pm me if so

 

[lookingforaTC]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jess, what are your thoughts on submitting the same application for the third cycle in the row? The last two apps to this firm I used the same answers and I succeeded in getting to the next round.

 

[BM99]

Is anyone still waiting on Sidley WVS lol

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Pwc pfo 😔

is this after an AC?

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

is this after an AC?

Post VI

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

Deloitte PFO... I haven't even received any online test. I meet the eligibility criteria and the application stage didn't include any work experience sections or application questions? What could they possibly reject me on T_T

Did you list any SQE/LPC quals on your form? I know they don’t take people who have completed those, and they’re hesitant on people who even start say SQE1 ahead of joining them. I’m trying to get more info on their eligibility of joining if I decide to complete SQE1.

 

[Waystar_Royc0]

Sameeee 🥹 🥹 🥹 🥳🤩🤩 first win of the cycle!!

Congratulations guys! When did you submit the interview?

 

[bella98]

Congratulations guys! When did you submit the interview?

I submitted it yesterday at 2 pm

 

[nodustollens]

Bristows IP workshop invite 🥳

 

[Amma Usman]

hello does anyone have an idea how to approach or structure this question We believe that successful lawyers are great Shapers: individuals with interests, hobbies, passions or visions; and the drive and motivation to develop these in order to shape the world around them. We're looking for people who can shape the information they are given; shape arguments; shape relationships; shape solutions. Tell us about a time that you have demonstrated being a Shaper. (300 words max) *

Hey @V2002

It seems the law firms are getting really creative with their questions haha! I’m loving it!

To approach this question, choose one element of being a shaper, as seen in the question. In this example, I’ve taken a strong direction by choosing the "shaping a solution" aspect to specifically demonstrate problem-solving skills.

I’ve included a structured way to build on this. Although, feel free to ‘shape’ it to your preferences and past experiences - see what I did there? Haha!

1. Start with a Brief Introduction

- Open with a sentence explaining that you’ll focus on the “shaping a solution” element, as it allowed you to creatively tackle a challenge. This introduction frames your answer and directly connects it to the qualities the firm is looking for in a “Shaper.”


2. Explain Why Shaping a Solution is Important

- Highlight that shaping solutions is essential in legal practice because it requires adaptability, creativity, and effective problem-solving—qualities that allow lawyers to overcome client challenges. Mention that this aspect also aligns with the “Shaper” role they described, emphasising innovation and proactive problem-solving.


3. Provide a Relevant Example of Shaping a Solution

- Describe a specific professional or academic experience where you faced a significant challenge and shaped a solution. Outline the context briefly (e.g., a legal internship, a group project, or a challenging assignment) and the specific problem you encountered.

- Discuss the approach you took to “shape” the solution. Detail your problem-solving process, showcasing how you analysed the issue, considered multiple angles, and used creativity or research to craft an effective solution. Emphasise any strategic or analytical thinking involved.

Example:

- During a legal internship, I encountered a challenging task to assess a complex contractual issue. Recognising that existing resources were insufficient, I proactively conducted additional research and proposed using a new analytical framework to evaluate the clauses, eventually presenting my findings to my supervisor. My solution enabled the team to streamline similar reviews in the future, demonstrating my ability to shape a strategic approach to unexpected issues.


4. Demonstrate Shaping Skills in Other Contexts

- If you’re discussing other shaping scenarios, mention any experience in things like negotiation competitions, mock court proceedings, or any other relevant activities where you shaped arguments or relationships, for instance. These experiences underscore your versatility as a “Shaper” beyond just problem-solving, showing how you mould information and relationships to achieve results.

Example:

- Additionally, my participation in a negotiation competition taught me to shape arguments persuasively and adapt my approach based on the responses of opposing counsel. This experience further honed my ability to think strategically under pressure, a skill essential for shaping outcomes in a legal setting.


5. Conclude with a Forward-Looking Statement

- Finish by expressing how these experiences have shaped your approach as an aspiring lawyer. You could say something like you’re excited to bring this problem-solving mindset to your future role, where you’ll continue shaping solutions, arguments, and relationships to make a positive impact. For the sake of word count though, keep this shorter than the actual discussion.

 

[GV]

Does anyone know if RPC VS is rolling?

 

[Audric_T]

how did you get a Paralegal interview with AG, any tips?

Applied on the website - no tips I'm afraid I think it's just luck and a blessing. I'm a career Changer so the field (paralegal field not law) relates to what I'm currently doing.

Sorry I can't provide advice, during the telephone interview stage (last step I did) I think i was able to demonstrate that I would love to work there

 

[Bruce McMouse]

Sameeee 🥹 🥹 🥹 🥳🤩🤩 first win of the cycle!!

Were your two questions basically the same but worded slightly differently?

 

[Andrei Radu]

How are people getting multiple ACs and VS offers? I've often heard that firms like people who are the sort of people who are going to get a TC anyway, but I've never felt like that person, and for me it relies on luck, personal chemistry with the interviews, and similar. Last year, I only got ACs at 10% of firms I applied to (three ACs, one VS). This year, I'm doing worse and have actually gone backwards (no AC with W&C as of yet compared to last year and rejected from Willkie after the VI).

Hey @Tintin06 just to add to some of the great responses from other members:

1. I truly do not think there is a 'successful' type - and the reason for that is my personal experience. In the past, I used to think such a type of person did exist, and I would imagine them having all the qualities that I thought I lacked: being extremely confident and business-savvy, great at networking and well-connected in the City, having multiple prestigious prior work experiences and awards and so on. In my first application cycle, I made around 11-12 FYS applications and was rejected at the first stage in every single one. So, if I knew anyone who wasn't 'the type', that was definitely me.

However, I ended my second cycle with 4 VS offers from elite US/MC firms and then 3 TC offers. This is because I worked a lot harder and worked a lot smarter the second time around, not because I became a fundamentally different person. In my experience, this also applies to the other people I know who received multiple offers - they actually tended to be closer to the 'quiet' type rather than any Harvey Specter-like character. My point is, I do not think there are any people who are simply 'made' to be successful. Thinking that there is a 'type' and that you are not among them will only hurt your self-confidence and consequently hurt your success chances.

2. You should not feel disheartened because of your perceived lack of success so far this cycle. I know a candidate who was in a very similar position to you last year, and who, similarly to you, has been very motivated to succeed this cycle. They have started applying in early August and had already completed 30+ applications weeks ago. Until very recently, they were getting rejected left, right, and center, and they also thought they were doing worse than last year. However, in a span of 2 weeks, they got 4 AC invites.

As such, my advice is to know your worth and keep at it, perhaps while also integrating some of the advice of the other members regarding application research and writing. If you do so, I think it's very possible that you might do so well that by the end of the cycle you will also be seen as part of the was-always-going-to-succeed type !

 

[Bruce McMouse]

I submitted it yesterday at 2 pm

Were your two questions basically the same but worded slightly differently?

 

[Gday33]

Does anyone know if RPC VS is rolling?

Non-rolling - believe they will send out select WG after the deadline

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi, does anyone have any tips for Wilkie's video interview as I failed mine last year ?

Just to add to @Ram Sabaratnam's great advice, I copied here my most important tips from a longer guide I wrote about general VI and competency interview preparation (which you can access here). Looking out for the issues I listed bellow is a think a big part of the reason I managed to get past the VI stage when I applied for Willkie.

B. Additional advice for VIs

Although they do differ on a firm-by-firm basis, VI questions tend on the most part to be more formulaic and predictable than at final stage interviews. This is a factor that is worth taking into consideration when considering how to prepare. The questions that come up in VIs tend to be in one of the following categories:

• The classics: Why you, Why the firm, Why commercial law - these almost always feature in one form or another. Make sure to have a very well-prepared answer.
• Further motivational questions: Why did you initially decide to study law, What other careers did you consider, What do you like and dislike about different types of work, what practice areas/sectors are you interested in etc.
• Competency questions: Tell me about a time you demonstrated teamwork skills/time-management/innovation/creative thinking/integrity etc.
• Situational judgement questions: What would you do in X scenario (eg. you have multiple competing deadlines and you feel your work product will suffer as a result).
• General commercial awareness question: tell us about a news story you have been following and what are its impacts on the economy/the legal market/the firm/the firm's clients, what is a business you admire, who are the firm's competitors? why do the firm's clients keep coming back to the firm?
• Curveballs: Besides variations of these types of questions, the only other type of question you should prepare for is potential curveballs. However, you can't really predict a curveball, so the only thing you can do it to try to train yourself to think quickly and be flexible in how you leverage your experience. To prepare, search for curveball interview question banks, pick questions at random and do your best to try to come up with sensible answers.

My general advice would be to invest the most of your preparation time in practicing until you have really well-rehearsed answers for the most common questions in each category. Besides that, I have listed here two pointers which were significantly helpful in elevating my VI performances:

• One of the biggest issues most candidates face is being flexible with their pre-prepared answers around the specific time limit of each VI. 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 ability to answer different variations of questions in varying timeframes.
• 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 either sacrifice 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.