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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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- vacation scheme
Hello! I thought the Pinsent Masons app deadline for London was the 28th November (as stated on Legal Cheek), but on their website it now says they are only taking applications for their other offices? Has anyone heard anything regarding this? I assume its because they did rolling confirmations, but would super helpful to know if there is now no point submitting an app.
Hey I applied 23.10.24 and haven’t heard anything back, not sure if they’ve now closed apps!
That's a shame they didn't give anything concrete - I might try emailing them to see if they can give us a rough estimate at this point
Yeah that’s a good idea- just some more clarity would be helpfulThat's a shame they didn't give anything concrete - I might try emailing them to see if they can give us a rough estimate at this point
Still haven't heard back post VI - assuming it will be a PFO at this point lol.
I applied to Slaughter and May last month (Oct 19) for the direct TC and still haven't heard back. Do I take that as a PFO since they recruit on a rolling basis and I don't believe they wouldn't have seen my application by now...
They get around 3000 applications so they may not have gotten to yours yet
Hi, if anyone has experience of Clyde & Co's Digital Simulation Assessment I'd really appreciate any help.
1. Is the entire assessment recorded, or just the video interview questions?
2. I'm aware it is untimed, but can you "leave" and resume at a later point?
3. It says approx. 45-60 mins, but if anyone knows specifically how many written and video questions there are, that would be great.
Thank you!
1. Is the entire assessment recorded, or just the video interview questions?
2. I'm aware it is untimed, but can you "leave" and resume at a later point?
3. It says approx. 45-60 mins, but if anyone knows specifically how many written and video questions there are, that would be great.
Thank you!
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hey @vishnu , the firm has no minimum A-Level requirements. I have seen from other sources, not the firm directly, that the firm does not have degree requirements either. However, in any case which is not confirmed by the firm, I suspect a 2:1 or better.
Jessica Booker
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- Aug 1, 2019
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It can be either, but I would put it as work experience, especially where they are typically paid positions.
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hey @DesperateForVac ,
I remember some points on the firm’s approach when I was applying for first year schemes. I’ve included some of them below, together with a mix of recent updates (I’ve linked a recent article below as well).
I believe CMS distinguishes itself through its global organisational structure. Unlike many global law firms, CMS has not yet established a strong presence in the U.S. legal market. However, the firm has expressed intentions to expand into the U.S. In August 2024, CMS reported a 5% revenue growth and outlined a strategic shift towards global expansion, including evaluating smaller U.S. firms for potential partnerships. Legal News Feed - LINK HERE. It seems a lot of firms are swaying towards this move - take the potential HSF/Kramer merger for example.
The firm is also organised by sectors not practice areas, which enables CMS to provide tailored services in sectors such as real estate, energy, and financial services. Additionally, CMS diversifies its revenue streams by offering tax advisory services alongside legal services.
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hey @DesperateForVac , just building on my last response. I often use a trick to find a law firm’s competitors. It’s quite easy to implement and has saved me a lot of time.
First, look at X firm’s core practice areas.
Second, search what Chamber’s Rankings it has in that areas.
Third, check other firms with the same or similar rankings.
Fourth, check the type and scope of the deals they carry out - are they working with small enterprises or mid-market, for example? Which other firms work with those types of clients in that sector.
Ta’daaaa ! Those will likely be the firm‘s key competitors.
If a competing firm has been named more than once in that four-step approach, then they are likely to be a guaranteed competitor.
In CMS’ context, I advise looking on firms with a similarly strong tax offering.
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hey @User5678 , I’m unsure about the Kennedys question, but I presume Gowling sponsor’s visa’s for the training contract (unlikely for a VS). I haven’t seen this from the firm’s website directly, but multiple sources show this. If in doubt, feel free to email HR.
I’m sure @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam and @Andrei Radu will have more thoughts on this.
Received an email from HSF that I scored over the benchmark and my application is now under review ✅ Very happy as my personality test feedback seemed rather weird when I was automatically sent to me yesterday!
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hey @SamaraJ ,
The question wants you to focus on the life experiences that have shaped your unique perspective. These can be anything from facing a challenge to experiencing something completely new. The key is showing how those experiences have developed qualities or perspectives that would help you succeed on the insight scheme (and eventually as a future trainee, since you’ll also be later assessed for a longer placement).
For this question, you can use the STAR method to structure your answer:
- Situation: Start by describing a personal experience or challenge you've faced. This could be anything from adapting to a new culture, overcoming adversity, or leading an initiative. It’s important to show how it gave you a fresh perspective.
- Task: What responsibility or role did you take on in that situation? For example, did you take the lead on a project, support others, or push for change in some way?
- Action: Then, explain what specific steps you took to address the situation or make the most of it. How did you tackle the challenge or make an impact?
- Result: Finally, wrap up by explaining the outcome. What did you learn from the experience, and how did it shape you? Connect this back to how it will help you succeed on the Insight Scheme.
While the scheme is a diversity scheme, the question doesn’t ask you to focus too much on that. Instead, talk about your perspective and why it’s valuable. For example, if you’ve led or been involved in any initiatives around diversity, it’s a good idea to mention that.
Also, I remember that the scheme includes a day at Peloton, so think about how you’ll benefit from interacting with a different industry and how your unique perspective can contribute to that.
Hope that helps! And best of luck with the apps!
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