TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Amma Usman]

@Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam - apologies i know Andrei already provided some support on this but could you kindly provide some insight to Analytical presentations and group exercises that DLA use for their assessment centre and links to examples I can practice with (having not done this before)

could you also help with commerical awareness questions practice and advise on how to build commerical awareness for the presentation and case studies used in the group exercise please

Hey again @Audric_T. Just to build on my last response, I believe it will be particularly helpful to also have a glossary of key terms applicable to the financial/legal worlds. It’s a strategy that personally helped me track my commercial awareness a couple of years back. I will make a thread on this tomorrow and make the post .)

 

[lolasparks]

Just done the DLA Watson Glaser and I'm probably no going to pass onto the next stage, got opportunity for development in two areas. But to bring some hope, I don't think it was a very difficult test, I just needed to practice more, so if you've really been practicing it should be fine!

 

[IneedaTCASAP]

They're a really nice mid-sized firm and have good culture and I have met some people that worked there and moved to larger firms (particularly from the funds team). I interviewed with them a while ago and will say that their pay (at trainee level and for associates) is not very competitive IMO.

Thank you for this information. I did see they pay relatively low. Hopefully the hours reflect this.

 

[jojo23]

do you think it means we passed the previous round?

i got the email and i haven't even finished the application

 

[AspiringCommercialSolicitorr]

Did everyone get the email from Pinsent about the SQE or some of us?

Yes and I cannot submit the responses

 

[hazanelson]

For anyone waiting to hear back from W&C, grad rec said today that everyone should hear back early next week as they are in the final processes of reviewing feedback. Good luck to everyone!

is this for winter?

 

[DulyDiligent]

Really enjoyed W&C Open Day and am going to apply for summer vac scheme. It is rolling but does not close until 12th Jan. If anyone got AC/offer for the WVS, how many weeks before closing did you apply?

 

[elsx]

Hi
I am writing the application question to Arnold and Porter I am a bit confused about the wording of the following question:
Give an example of where you have taken responsibility for others - describe the situation and your contribution.
Does anyone have any advice on how to address it or simply on what it means.
Thanks!

 

[andrecsaa]

I was someone who kept failing firms WG tests and getting filtered out in my first cycle. This cycle I got 37/40 for Linklaters and passed DLA and CC, although idk my exact scores.

I think while practising tests definitely helps, to consistently score high, using resources or watching videos on the underlying reasoning as to why X is the correct answer is what will help you score high consistently. Going off intuition alone never worked well for me.

Which sources did you use? I need to complete the CC test until Monday so I will keep training during the weekend and complete it on Sunday.

I am using the CC practice platform but I do not know if I should try other sources like Job Prep Test.

 

[B101]

is this for winter?

Yeah

 

[Apple]

Which sources did you use? I need to complete the CC test until Monday so I will keep training during the weekend and complete it on Sunday.

I am using the CC practice platform but I do not know if I should try other sources like Job Prep Test.

For learning the underlying reasoning TCLA has a good course on it, a free alternative is "commercial comrade" on youtube.

For the tests I literally just searched Watson Glaser practice and checked every link.

 

[bsh]

Just wondering if people focus on why a particular firm is attractive to them (i.e. sector focus, rankings etc) when answering questions regarding why they want to attend an open day or if they have found it more successful writing about what the open day involves (case studies, networking opps etc.) specifically?

 

[thelawstudent2000]

Really enjoyed W&C Open Day and am going to apply for summer vac scheme. It is rolling but does not close until 12th Jan. If anyone got AC/offer for the WVS, how many weeks before closing did you apply?

I mean , don’t copy me but I applied at 23:49 deadline day and I made it to the AC ! But please , this is a one off lol . And summer is probably more competitive

 

[marisachr]

Fieldfisher AC.

Congrats! May I ask if you applied for the direct TC or the Diversity Scheme?

 

[andrecsaa]

Taylor Wessing PFO one hour after submitting online tests. It was for spring VS.

 

[tarty23]

for the work experience section, should you make explicit links to skills and/or certain functions relevant to a career in commercial law? e.g i did this, developing x skill, which is relevant to commercial law…

 

[IneedaTCASAP]

Congrats! May I ask if you applied for the direct TC or the Diversity Scheme?

Diversity scheme.
The whole process was 3 weeks.

 

[Tintin06]

Hi
I am writing the application question to Arnold and Porter I am a bit confused about the wording of the following question:
Give an example of where you have taken responsibility for others - describe the situation and your contribution.
Does anyone have any advice on how to address it or simply on what it means.
Thanks!

It's asking about teamwork. Also looking at taking ownership. I did their app last month.

 

[Tintin06]

for the work experience section, should you make explicit links to skills and/or certain functions relevant to a career in commercial law? e.g i did this, developing x skill, which is relevant to commercial law…

My approach is description, then skills. 50 words, 100 words, 100 words.

 

[tarty23]

My approach is description, then skills. 50 words, 100 words, 100 words.

cheers mate