do you think we'll hear back todayHas anyone heard back today from W&C WVS post-ac?
Today / tomorrow I think, but honestly I have no clue at this pointdo you think we'll hear back today
Hi @elsx
This is a great question, and I understand why the wording might be a little confusing.
The question asks you to showcase an example where you’ve taken responsibility for others. As @Ram Sabaratnam explained, this is really about demonstrating your leadership skills, accountability, and the impact you had in managing, guiding, or supporting a group. It’s also a chance to show how you respond under pressure or in challenging situations.
To address this, I highly recommend structuring your answer using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This ensures your response is clear, organised, and impactful.
I’ve provided a short snippet as an example below:
1. Situation
- Start by describing the context.
- What was happening? What was the environment like? Who was involved, and why did you need to step up?
- Keep this section concise but detailed enough for the reader to understand the importance of the situation.
- For example: During my role as the team lead for a university project, our group of six faced significant challenges when two members unexpectedly dropped out, leaving us behind schedule.
2. Task
- Clarify your specific responsibility in this situation.
- What goal or problem were you addressing?
- This is where you highlight the responsibility you took on for others.
- For example: My task was to reorganise the remaining team, ensure we met our deadlines, and deliver a comprehensive report despite the reduced manpower.
3. Action
- This is the most important part—focus on your contribution.
- Be specific about what you did to manage the situation. What actions did you take to lead, support, or ensure the group succeeded?
- Think about how you delegated, communicated, or solved problems.
- For example: I scheduled a team meeting to reassess our workload, reallocated tasks to balance the increased responsibilities, and stepped in to cover some of the more technical aspects of the project. To keep morale high, I held regular check-ins and created a shared document to track our progress transparently.
4. Result
- Highlight the positive outcome and tie it back to your leadership.
- Focus on measurable achievements where possible.
- For example: As a result, we completed the project on time and also received the highest grade in the class. Additionally, two team members personally thanked me for my support and leadership, which motivated them to stay committed to the project despite the challenges.
Additional Tips:
- Emphasise leadership skills: Focus on attributes like initiative, empathy, adaptability, and effective communication.
- Keep it concise: While detailed, your answer should remain focused on the key points. Avoid tangents.
- Choose a strong example: If possible, select an example that demonstrates leadership in a professional or academic setting, as these are most relevant to Arnold & Porter’s context.
Goodluck with the apps!!!![]()
Hi there, is there a thread on TCLA for tips in order to convert vac schemes into offers? I have tried searching but can't find anything. Thank you
@Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam
They don't auto-reject based on academics.anyone knows if Gibson Dunn is really strict on grades?
I graduated in 2017. I also did a masters confused on what to do and trying to make myself more competitive - I don't think it helped that much just paid for another fancy title from a top university. I never had done a vac scheme prior to 2023 but had loads of work experience in other industries including consulting. I was so close to giving up but I got a TC at a silver circle firm in August - the end of the last cycle. It was going to be my last cycle before giving up - I literally got the TC 'last minute' because once September hit I would have not started the new cycle. I start my TC in March 2025 (so soon! I got very lucky) and I am currently working at the firm in another role until the TC starts . Long story short, don't give up, give it your all, it's not too late! I understand your frustration so you are not alone!
I'm not sure why people are so hard on themselves with age. I met a trainee at HL last month who was 38. He was an aerospace engineer and decided to become a commercial lawyer. I did a VS last Spring at SH, and there was a 40-year-old guy on the scheme. We all went to him for advice; he was bright, friendly and kind. I've met people who have been trying to get a TC for 8 years! The beauty of living in countries like the UK and the US is that we can do anything at any age, whether going to Uni for the first time or becoming a trainee solicitor.I graduated in 2017. I also did a masters confused on what to do and trying to make myself more competitive - I don't think it helped that much just paid for another fancy title from a top university. I never had done a vac scheme prior to 2023 but had loads of work experience in other industries including consulting. I was so close to giving up but I got a TC at a silver circle firm in August - the end of the last cycle. It was going to be my last cycle before giving up - I literally got the TC 'last minute' because once September hit I would have not started the new cycle. I start my TC in March 2025 (so soon! I got very lucky) and I am currently working at the firm in another role until the TC starts . Long story short, don't give up, give it your all, it's not too late! I understand your frustration so you are not alone!
imo always just do prose unless it says.Is CC work experience section bullets or prose? Help please.
I haven't personally done this, but after failing in the Macfarlanes AC, in my feedback call grad recruitment specifically encouraged me to apply for their TC in the same cycle. Slaughter and May also did this - so its defo possible.Has anyone had experience not progressing after an AC with a firm and successfully secured a VS/TC in the subsequent cycle?
They are scum. why do they even bother inviting us for interview. I had the same - interview with Shoosmiths and was rejected on spot for lack of experience. Why invite me? clown firm.Just got rejected from a paralegal role because they wanted someone with paralegal experience, despite me having paralegal experience lol
I think it's more of a generic "encouragement" in the sense that they don't have a specific policy barring people from applying after failing an AC. But I don't know anyone who actually pulled it off in the very next cycle....I haven't personally done this, but after failing in the Macfarlanes AC, in my feedback call grad recruitment specifically encouraged me to apply for their TC in the same cycle. Slaughter and May also did this - so its defo possible.