TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[James Wakefield]

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!!

I got Pride, Growth Mindset and Efficiency as my strengths and ‘preference to be relaxed and informal’ as my weakness.

Haven’t heard back from the firm but I applied in September so assuming PFO.

 

[Amma Usman]

Does anybody have any tips or resources for written exercises, I feel like I really let myself down in them every time despite a relatively strong interview performance

Hey @Apple. Sure thing, I’ve included a few points below;

• Read the question repeatedly - this may seem like a rather granular point, but taking enough time to understand the key requirements of the question will prevent you from making any last minute errors.
• Is the focus of the case study largely commercial or legal? Generally, you will be required to discuss both these implications. However, past feedback I’ve received from ACs made me realise that one core area will need to be expanded in greater depth. For example, if it’s a discussion on a recent economic development, the commercial implications will need to be touched on more than the legal consequences (if it’s a discussion based on a client scenario, for example).
• Structure - for emails, memos, etc, a proper formal structure should always be used. This could include anything from the appropriate greetings, to the appropriate sign offs. Also ensure to make written exercises as easy to digest as possible. Avoid complex terminology and ensure your points are well conveyed.
• Wider implications - are you allowed to go outside the given material to fashion a response? If not, stick to what you have been given and avoid adding any points which are not needed.
• Time management - another minor point but practice doing similar assessments under timed conditions to improve your stamina.
• Be weary of unnecessary facts - sometimes unwanted information is included in the case study details. Not everything will need to be touched on. However, ensure to read all the sources to gain a good background understanding of the question. Tied to this, is to also brush on your ability to skim texts quickly. It’s a skill that takes time to build but will help you pick out what’s important and what could be left out.

You’re on a great track, and I’m sure you’ll do amazing on future written exercises!

I’m sure @Jessica Booker, @Ram Sabaratnam and @Andrei Radu will have more tips too!

 

[futuretrainee101ac]

My strengths were growth mindset, active collaborator and pride, area of development was being too realistic?? 🤣 Got PFOd the next day, but in hindsight my application wasn’t that good so if you have the same feedback don’t worry lol

Thank you! And

I got Pride, Growth Mindset and Efficiency as my strengths and ‘preference to be relaxed and informal’ as my weakness.

Haven’t heard back from the firm but I applied in September so assuming PFO.

Hopefully you hear back soon! I got strengths: Collaborator, Pride and Ownership
Weakness: Tendency to be less critical

 

[theonecompetant]

Hi all.

In questions like "Why this firm?" - how could you mention the firm's merger? Guessing it would be pretty tricky to make that point.

Alternatively, is it better not to mention the merger and instead talk about something else? Thanks.

 

[cleojwilliams]

Hi all.

In questions like "Why this firm?" - how could you mention the firm's merger? Guessing it would be pretty tricky to make that point.

Alternatively, is it better not to mention the merger and instead talk about something else? Thanks.

I think as long as you talk about why that merger is interesting to YOU it’s fine to mention. Although, I’m not sure if I would spend a lot of time on this reason.

For example does the merger help the firm tap into new markets or get a stronger foothold in them? If so why is this appealing to you?

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi all.

In questions like "Why this firm?" - how could you mention the firm's merger? Guessing it would be pretty tricky to make that point.

Alternatively, is it better not to mention the merger and instead talk about something else? Thanks.

Hiya @theonecompetant

Just adding to what @cleojwilliams has aptly mentioned, I think it's perfectly fine to bring up. It could definitely be acceptable to cite this as a motivating factor, depending on the firm you're applying to and depending on how you frame the point. I think the key thing to remember is questions like "Why do you want to join us?" are fundamentally motivational, so if you find the firm’s merger compelling, you’ll want to reflect carefully on what it suggests about the firm and why that matters to you (particularly as a trainee).

For example, does the merger strengthen the firm’s capabilities in certain practice areas, providing you with opportunities to gain deeper exposure to areas that align with your interests? Does it signal a shift in the types of clients the firm advises or the nature of the matters you might get involved in? Again, if so, how does that align with your own interests and goals? Framing your answer in terms of what the merger means for you as a future trainee shows a clear connection to your motivations (which, again, is what this question is getting you to spell out).

You might also want to have a think about why law firms decide to merge. Firms often merge to expand their geographical reach, enabling them to better serve global clients, or tap into new and emerging markets. As I mentioned above, mergers between firms can also strengthen the firm’s expertise in certain practice areas or industries, creating a more comprehensive offering for clients. If any of these points resonate with you, you could weave them into your reasoning to show you’ve considered what the merger represents for the firm and why it interests you personally.

Hope this helps and good luck with the application!

 

[Audric_T]

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

London - 26th of November I know some people are organising groups to practice group exercises and presentations to build confidence prior to the interview

 

[Nathan_CareerChanger]

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

Hi There I am also nervous, been doing practices with my university for a strengths based interview, researching the firm and speaking with trainees to learn more. Mine is london - next week what about you? I'm just looking to practice as much as possible - problem is I also work so have limited time.

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

Just received tests from Mayer Brown for their WVS - are they automatic?

MB have a WVS????

I thought just spring and summer (that's what their site says).

WTF.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

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?

Hiya @lawyersum

I think since you’re a recent graduate, something from your second or third year of university should be fine. I'm curious about what @Jessica Booker would say here, but I’d avoid drawing on examples from secondary school or even the first year of your undergraduate studies. This might be considered a bit far in the past to illustrate the abilities and qualities you bring to the table today. I also think the more recent in time, the better. Drawing on an outdated example could have the rhetorical effect of suggesting a lack of recent challenges or growth, which might undermine the impact of your answer. By focusing on a setback from your second or third years, you can demonstrate how your abilities have developed and potentially discuss some of the things you've continued to do to avoid similar setbacks in the future. Hope this helps! Good luck!

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

Any updates on Akin VS post-app

no - like/thumbs up

rejection - red cross

Next stage (online test i think) - trophy

 

[Aimanhussain004]

Does anyone have any advice for the Bird & Bird VI?

Thank you!

Does anyone know if Bird & Bird is still sending out VI's?

 

[DesperateForVac]

Hi everyone,

I am doing my application for CMS but I am struggling to understand what separates the firm compared to its competitors and who its competitors are. Does anyone have any insights?

 

[ashwright]

Would it be reasonable to send W&C grad rec an email? I sent off my Winter VS application 5 weeks ago and have not heard anything - I haven't been rejected nor invited to AC/VI etc. The scheme is in a few weeks so I don't really have positive expectations at this point lol

 

[tarty23]

Does anyone know if Bird & Bird is still sending out VI's?

Hopefully hahaha was planning on sending in my application tn, or is this too late?

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Would it be reasonable to send W&C grad rec an email? I sent off my Winter VS application 5 weeks ago and have not heard anything - I haven't been rejected nor invited to AC/VI etc. The scheme is in a few weeks so I don't really have positive expectations at this point lol

I sent them an email three weeks ago, as am in the same position as you, 15/11 they replied saying they are still reviweing applications....

 

[patternteddybear]

I’ve just completed the HSF online assessment - It was different to what I have done before as it did not contain a verbal reasoning test. Do they send any emails out once you have completed the test to indicate if you have passed or not?

 

[B2025]

Anyone want to do a CMS app review of each other apps ideally someone applying for London as I am thinking of applying for regional office. It will be great to review each other apps if anyone is interested lmk.

 

[Uch21]

I’ve just completed the HSF online assessment - It was different to what I have done before as it did not contain a verbal reasoning test. Do they send any emails out once you have completed the test to indicate if you have passed or not?

Yeah they usually tell you the next day whether you passed the benchmark or not.

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

Any updates on Akin VS post-app

no - like/thumbs up

rejection - red cross

Next stage (online test i think) - trophy

@billyonthespeeddial - do you mind sharing when you applied and heard back?