TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[asplawyer100]

Does anyone know of any big firms that don’t consider your GCSE / A level grades at all when deciding on your application (even if they ask for them)?

For example, I know Mayer Brown is one such firm: they ask for all of your grades from GCSE to degree level during your application, but only actually take the degree level results into account when making their decision, completely ignoring your GCSE’s & A levels. Any other firms like this?

 

[nliro85]

Nope

That is such a positive then.

 

[yasmars]

C

That is such a positive then.

Congrats!

 

[Tintin06]

General question for anyone who has been to an interview/AC:

Did you feel being interviewed by a lawyer quite daunting? The idea of me (a rookie!) talking at length with a partner is pretty intimidating to me. Especially when the whole exercise is to see whether I’m what they’re looking for. (i.e. am I good enough or not?)
I’d love to hear how people frame the dynamic in their minds.

Thank you in advance ☺️

Initially yes. But they want you to succeed. It often feels like a chat. Obviously that varies by firm.

 

[nliro85]

C

Congrats!

Thank you and it said after your test your application will be reviewed again.

States: After you complete the assessment, you’ll receive a feedback report which highlights your top two strengths and an area for development. Please note, your feedback report is not an outcome on the process with Fieldfisher. Once we have the result from your online strengths assessment we send your application to one of our trained Early Careers team members for review. You can expect to hear an update within the next 10 - 14 working days.

Does this mean they review your application twice.

 

[ashwright]

Initially yes. But they want you to succeed. It often feels like a chat. Obviously that varies by firm.

It isn't really that daunting in my experience and can be quite enjoyable if you frame it as speaking to an expert in their field.

Good ways of looking at things. Thank you guys for sharing

 

[User5678]

Thank you and it said after your test your application will be reviewed again.

States: After you complete the assessment, you’ll receive a feedback report which highlights your top two strengths and an area for development. Please note, your feedback report is not an outcome on the process with Fieldfisher. Once we have the result from your online strengths assessment we send your application to one of our trained Early Careers team members for review. You can expect to hear an update within the next 10 - 14 working days.

Does this mean they review your application twice.

Yes they do from what they state in their email
Just had an interview with them following the test

 

[yasmars]

Thank you and it said after your test your application will be reviewed again.

States: After you complete the assessment, you’ll receive a feedback report which highlights your top two strengths and an area for development. Please note, your feedback report is not an outcome on the process with Fieldfisher. Once we have the result from your online strengths assessment we send your application to one of our trained Early Careers team members for review. You can expect to hear an update within the next 10 - 14 working days.

Does this mean they review your application twice.

Yep! If you pass the test they assess your score with your application (do a more in depth review)

 

[axele]

Are we guaranteed a disputes seat at HSF? Can’t find anything on their website

 

[Audric_T]

General question for anyone who has been to an interview/AC:

Did you feel being interviewed by a lawyer quite daunting? The idea of me (a rookie!) talking at length with a partner is pretty intimidating to me. Especially when the whole exercise is to see whether I’m what they’re looking for. (i.e. am I good enough or not?)
I’d love to hear how people frame the dynamic in their minds.

Thank you in advance ☺️

So I just did an A/C and successfully passed (with a lot of support from here)

I will be honest, the thing to remember is that they are a person and they want you to succeed, they aren't trying to trick you or trip you up, they honestly just want the best for you. I tend to find all they are looking for is whether you can build rapport with them, are friendly and approachable and understand how you react can impact a conversation.

I find it helps to be polite, professional but talk to them as normal humans - they may be the top of their field but they are also human, kind, friendly and want to have a discussion with you - my two cents. In my field I would talk to my C.E.O the same as a graduate - friendly, polite and respectfully but also as a human.

 

[Audric_T]

Does anyone know of any big firms that don’t consider your GCSE / A level grades at all when deciding on your application (even if they ask for them)?

For example, I know Mayer Brown is one such firm: they ask for all of your grades from GCSE to degree level during your application, but only actually take the degree level results into account when making their decision, completely ignoring your GCSE’s & A levels. Any other firms like this?

DLA

 

[Legalstalker]

General question for anyone who has been to an interview/AC:

Did you feel being interviewed by a lawyer quite daunting? The idea of me (a rookie!) talking at length with a partner is pretty intimidating to me. Especially when the whole exercise is to see whether I’m what they’re looking for. (i.e. am I good enough or not?)
I’d love to hear how people frame the dynamic in their minds.

Thank you in advance ☺️

I always found small talk before getting into the interview helped. It not only calms you down but it’s assures the interviewer that you‘re comfortable speaking to a those with a range of experience.

For example In an interview I was asked how my journey was to the office. I spoke about the central line being hot and crowded. I was also asked where I lived as they could also relate to the tube nightmares. From this I took the opportunity to say where I lived and where I’d love to move to which one of the partners already lived in this area! We mutually bonded over crazy housing prices as well as interest rates which fed into me being commercially aware. Small talk like this really set the tone of the interview and my nerves slowly went away. hopefully this was helpful although long haha x

 

[cjwx]

@Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu
Got rejected at from DLA piper which stings because the AC was actually quite fun and I liked the firm. Moving on, would you be able to give me some advice on whether you are supposed to filter in firm specific facts about, Eversheds Sutherland for the application questions.
1)When have you worked in an ambitious goal?
2)When have you delivered a piece of work where quality was an important factor?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

For those who received the test from HSF, how long did it take after submitting the app?

 

[yasmars]

Willkie VI invite!

 

[cjwx]

For those who received the test from HSF, how long did it take after submitting the app?

Is HSF app rolling?

 

[helloj]

Does Willkie screen applications before inviting them to the next stage, the VI?

 

[_shims_]

Hi everyone! My HL WVS is next week, and I am a bit nervous, as I don't know what to expect. This is my first ever VS, and I am hoping to convert it to a TC so any guidance/advice anyone has will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[Andrei Radu]

@Andrei Radu @Jessica Booker @Jessica Booker - I would like to say a massive thank you for all of your help, I appreciate all of your support - I secured a position on the summer internship with DLA, I am extremely appreciative of your guidance.

​

Huge congrats @Audric_T 🤩 🎉🎊!! Keep us updated on how it goes!

 

[Andrei Radu]

Does Willkie screen applications before inviting them to the next stage, the VI?

Last year Willkie definitely reviewed applications before the VI stage. I would be really surprised if they changed the process this year, as firms almost never give automatic VIs - it would only increase the graduate recruitment teams' workloads.