TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[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.

 

[Jowana6]

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

 

[Zaraa.x]

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.

Lovely thank you for your recommendation- did you solely use this to prepare and have you been able to succeed in the real thing?

 

[EliteWhovian]

It's been a while since I've messaged on this forum, it feels like it was just yesterday that I was posting gifs here!

I sincerely hope that everyone here succeeds during this application cycle, and that the new year brings with it many opportunities (and a TC offer!) ♥️

I'm happy to answer any questions you might have about firms that I have progressed with as well

With the TCLA community's support, the amazing @Jessica Booker and the wider team - y'all are in very very safe hands. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!

 

[Izzy1026]

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

Omg thank goodness, I really panicked when I learnt they ask people to break down the steps of a LBO 😭

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi! @Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman @Jessica Booker
Is it ok to cover three practice areas in one paragraph in my answer to the 'why our firm' question for a firm with a transactional focus? They are all transactional areas, and my interest in these areas is a genuine reason why I am applying to the firm. In my answer, I provide a brief explanation of my interest in each of these practice areas.

My overall answer structure is:
- Para 1: I am drawn to firm's transactional focus (this is where I explain my interest in the 3 practice areas)
- Para 2: I discuss a training-related point

For context, the word count is only 200 words.

Is this okay? Thanks!

Hey @KBanana

I agree with @Ram Sabaratnam ‘s point that covering three practice areas within a 200-word limit may not be completely feasible, especially as you also want to address a training-related point. You will need to clearly expound on why each distinct practice area appeals to you, providing solid reasoning based on your past experiences and interests. Attempting to cover all three in limited space might result in glossing over each, which could diminish the quality of your explanation. Ideally, you want to take your reasoning to level 2 or even level 3 depth.

Similarly, consider whether the training-related point is substantial enough to merit its own paragraph. As an example, many firms offer similar training structures, and including a generic point might reduce the impact of your overall answer. For instance, firms such as Jones Day and Vinson & Elkins offer non-rotational trainee structures, while six-seat training contracts are available at firms like Burges Salmon, Watson Farley, Freshfields, Farrer & Co, Squire Patton Boggs, Dechert, and Forsters, among others. If you choose to include a point on training, ensure that you demonstrate, with specificity, how you have thrived in a similar environment previously, any feedback you received there, and how this aligns with your desire to continue excelling in such a structure. This approach will help ensure that your answer is both focused and impactful.

 

[James Wakefield]

Has anyone received a PFO post-app from BCLP? Or do they only get back to those unsuccessful after the deadline?

 

[Apple]

W&C PFO post AC

 

[BBsharkk]

You don’t know anyone who improved their interviewing skills after almost AN YEAR?

I think the more difficult part is progressing to the AC in the very next cycle as they expect you to amend your application which contains the same exact questions.

 

[B2025]

W&C PFO post AC

Am sorry to hear about that ask for feedback if they give it so you can learn for future AC. But reaching an AC at W&C is an achievement so don't beat yourself up about it.

Also how have I not heard from them post VI wow and did my VI like 2 months ago.

 

[Apple]

Am sorry to hear about that ask for feedback if they give it so you can learn for future AC. But reaching an AC at W&C is an achievement so don't beat yourself up about it.

Also how have I not heard from them post VI wow and did my VI like 2 months ago.

It took them a month to reject me post AC for WVS, idk why but just speaking to other people they seem to be absolutely terrible in terms of getting back to you.

 

[B2025]

It took them a month to reject me post AC for WVS, idk why but just speaking to other people they seem to be absolutely terrible in terms of getting back to you.

I know they are bad at getting back to people as know people wait 2 months post VI and post AC but it is winter VS so they have to be recruiting people before the VS start date ygm.