TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[sofcon1]

Heyy, yeah it does include those extra bits you mentioned plus open days/forage.

Thank you so much ! )

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Hi, I have my Dechert AC coming up this Friday and it will be held virtually. Does anyone know how technical the interview is going to be? I have seen on Ziplaw that past year questions included “what is a LBO”/“Name the different steps in M&A”. I’m wondering if it’s the same level of technicality this year?

Thank you so much in advance. I got the interview invite in such a short notice and I’m terrified 🥶

For context I completed the written assessment on 15 Oct.

Heya completed my written assessment 15 oct and am waiting to hear back- did you receive the invite today? If so damn that’s short notice

 

[ashwright]

Is anyone else still waiting from W&C after sending off their application? (no AC, no VI etc.)

Side note: I love how I've become somewhat fluent in all these acronyms in the month or so I've been on TCLA! The forum helps you be a better applicant + helps you learn a new language 😂

 

[Zaraa.x]

Is Job test prep for Watson Glaser worth investing in?

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

I was at work. Please can you (or anyone) just let me know before I email grad rec lol.

I think AG is rolling but please confirm on their website

 

[Izzy1026]

Heya completed my written assessment 15 oct and am waiting to hear back- did you receive the invite today? If so damn that’s short notice

I got it yesterday at around 5PM

 

[lulilucha11]

Hi All, I have recieved an A/C invite to DLA Piper - would anyone have any advice or support materials I could use to prepare please? I'm a bit nervous and new to the A/C process @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu (apologies, I saw others tagging you, so I hope its ok to ask for your help in this way also)

I've also got the A/C and nervous too as new to the process! When/where is yours?

 

[lulilucha11]

Hi, does anyone also have an AC for DLA London on 18th November?

I've got one next week. How was it?

 

[lulilucha11]

Yh I’ll be scheduling a feedback call so that should be helpful for next time!

I have mine next week and I am so nervous!!

 

[g.cl.2020344]

I got it yesterday at around 5PM

I kinda wanna email, tho ive already emailed twice in the last 5 weeks and they said they were still marking.. do I hold off?

 

[lawyersum]

when a question is asking us to discuss a 'recent' setback - what constitutes as recent? I'm a recent graduate so would discussing something from my 2nd/3rd year of uni be recent?

 

[yasmars]

I kinda wanna email, tho ive already emailed twice in the last 5 weeks and they said they were still marking.. do I hold off?

I would hold off especially as you have emailed twice already.

 

[onedayj]

I have mine next week and I am so nervous!!

Congratulations!!! for which location?

 

[g.cl.2020344]

I would hold off especially as you have emailed twice already.

thanks for the advice I really appreciate it. Sometimes it easy to feel like you are going crazy, when you get excited/nervous every time your phone pings, and then disappointed if it's nothing to do with applications. It can also feel very difficult to not compare to people on the forum.

 

[asplawyer100]

Has anyone heard back from Dentons or Baker McKenzie post application for their vacation schemes?

 

[RSK]

Has anyone heard back from Dentons or Baker McKenzie post application for their vacation schemes

Has anyone heard back from Dentons or Baker McKenzie post application for their vacation schemes?

They send successful applicants the online test in December or after the deadline I think - that was the case last year at least.

 

[LawLawLawLawLaw]

Hiya @LawLawLawLawLaw

Just to add a few ideas here before @Jessica Booker jumps in. I think the depth of your answer and the number of challenges you can feasibly discuss will depend on the word count you’re given. Broadly speaking, I think it’s better to focus on one or two challenges and explore them in greater depth, explaining how the firm is particularly well-positioned to assist clients with the challenges you identify. I generally find this approach better than trying to superficially cover too many challenges.

Some candidates might prefer to focus on broader “macro” issues covering economic, financial, or commercial trends, including things like inflation, supply chain disruptions, or far-reaching legal changes. They then might discuss how these would specifically affect the firm’s client base and what it is about the firm that makes it well-placed to handle these broader trends and their impact on its clients.

My own preferred approach is to focus specifically on industry/sectoral developments that the firm is well-known for advising on. The trick here would be to start by researching the firm’s key industries, sectors, or practice areas. For example, a firm specialising in technology or life sciences might have clients facing very discrete or particular challenges that vary considerably from firms with a finance or energy focus. I'd then try to connect these challenges to the firm’s strengths. For instance, you can highlight their experience with handling similar challenges for clients in the past. You might also point to specific things about their business structure or blend of practice area capabilities that makes them well-equipped to advise clients on the challenges you identify. Taking this structured approach should allow you to hit the various prompts this question contains.

As for video interviews, I think the key is to practice answering typical video interview questions as often as possible. You can do this by creating skeleton outlines for the standard motivational, commercial, and competency questions, and then practising your answers to these with friends or family members. In my case, I also tried to practice by recording myself to ensure that my delivery was impactful and that my points could be made in a structured manner within the typical 1-2 minute time frame. It’s not a natural thing to do, so can require take some practice to get used to. Hope this helps and best of luck with your applications!

Thank you so much!!

 

[Unknowncabbage]

Is Job test prep for Watson Glaser worth investing in?

I’m not sure about job test prep but assessment day’s paid tests are really useful and they’re only £15 for about 10 tests.

 

[futuretrainee101ac]

Hi, I just received my feedback report from BCLP after completing the assessment. Has anyone who has been either successful/unsuccessful please share their 3 strengths and 1 area of development

Thank you!!

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Hi, I have my Dechert AC coming up this Friday and it will be held virtually. Does anyone know how technical the interview is going to be? I have seen on Ziplaw that past year questions included “what is a LBO”/“Name the different steps in M&A”. I’m wondering if it’s the same level of technicality this year?

Thank you so much in advance. I got the interview invite in such a short notice and I’m terrified 🥶

For context I completed the written assessment on 15 Oct.

They don’t do the commercial quick fire anymore… I spent so long prepping for that hahaha I would say commercial awareness is the main skill being assessed