TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Seville123]

Hi @Jessica Booker, I was wondering if you could please help me with my query:

I’m attending a vacation scheme next week, and the firm has requested to see my original academic certificates. However, my degrees are framed, and I’m unable to remove them from their frames. I’m also reluctant to carry the framed certificates around London. What’s the best way to handle this situation? Thanks!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi all,

i’ve just stupidly found out that DDM (pre-2016 BTECs) equate to ABB and not AAB as I thought this whole time. I have 128 UCAS points which should be fine for most firms, but could put me out of contention of applying for very specific firms.

I am now seriously considering taking an extra A-Level, but would anyone kindly provide some insight into whether is worth doing, or should I essentially deal with what I have?

@Jessica Booker
@Jaysen - would appreciate if you guys also have thoughts too.

Thanks everyone!

There would not be any point in doing an additional A-level now. If a firm cares about UCAS points, they will only count qualifications sat in the same period of time.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker, I was wondering if you could please help me with my query:

I’m attending a vacation scheme next week, and the firm has requested to see my original academic certificates. However, my degrees are framed, and I’m unable to remove them from their frames. I’m also reluctant to carry the framed certificates around London. What’s the best way to handle this situation? Thanks!

You can take a formal transcript rather than your certificate.

 

[Seville123]

You can take a formal transcript rather than your certificate.

Ok thank you!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Does anybody have any tips for passing the HSF test?

 

[hopefulforatc]

Any tips for Fieldfishers telephone interview? what kind of questions are they asking?

 

[Tom smith]

Does anyone have any experience with BCLPs first-stage interview??

 

[Andrei Radu]

If you could choose a career other than law, what would you choose? - For this question, I guess everyone has different approaches but would it be unwise to use personal experience to back why certain aspects of the career chosen, appeals to you. I am a bit unsure how else you write a good answer without it, but then don't want to repeat my work experience unnecessarily I guess.

I think it is completely fine to use personal experiences to illustrate points, as in many circumstances it will be personal experiences that shape our motivations more than professional/academic ones. However, I also do not think repeating work experiences is necessarily a big issue, unless your description of the role is very similar. If you discuss different aspects of the experience or you discuss it from a different perspective to the effect that it is clear you are making an entirely different point, I believe it is unlikely any recruiter will have a problem with it.

 

[Andrei Radu]

My question was with regards to if it is too late as AC's have taken place

I think it is still worth applying. Many firms run ACs through a period of multiple months, and all the people I know who did a Simmons & Simmons AC were applying for a WVS. As such, I definitely think this should not deter you from making a Spring/Summer VS application.

 

[mariistm]

Just did my CMS VI and was calm during preparation but my heart started beating at 200bpm once the video interview started and I WAS NERVOUS AND STUTTERING 😭😭 Im so disappointed but onto the next ig.. hope they don't long out my PFO

Anyone have any tips on the nerves? I feel super confident before but during I lose my composure instantly

I had the exact same problem when I did my VI yesterday!! I could have done so much better on the first question, but they were all so loaded and I got nervous!! Bad thing is the nerves never get better for me... this is my 3rd CMS VI!! Hoping for good news

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Yes I did get it back and managed to submit it!

I am having the same issue now. Can i ask how you got past it?

 

[gazdgazd11]

When have you heard back from CMS post the WG test?

 

[mariistm]

When have you heard back from CMS post the WG test?

I did mine on Sunday and heard back on Wednesday. (Bristol office)

 

[mariistm]

Is Eversheds rolling? Not something I can see on the website so I decided to apply but in the confirmation email they said they are rolling and in previous years they were not. Is there any point in applying now?

 

[legal18]

Anyone else not able to submit TW application?

 

[Unknowncabbage]

@Andrei Radu @Jessica Booker @Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam Hi guys, I just wanted some advice on the 'why this firm' element of a question. Do you think it is acceptable to talk just about for example training or do you think it could be quite generic. Would you suggest for the 'why this firm' aspect to link it back to a practice area or deal

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Andrei Radu @Jessica Booker @Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam Hi guys, I just wanted some advice on the 'why this firm' element of a question. Do you think it is acceptable to talk just about for example training or do you think it could be quite generic. Would you suggest for the 'why this firm' aspect to link it back to a practice area or deal

Discussing training is a common theme in a “why the firm” question for many applicants. The key to the question is explaining why you think the firms training structure or methods are well suited to you and either how you like to learn or what you want to learn - just saying something is excellent training is not really sufficient, you need to explain why either you think it will be excellent for you personally or how you feel you will personally benefit from that particular method/type/opportunity of training.

 

[lolasparks]

I think it is completely fine to use personal experiences to illustrate points, as in many circumstances it will be personal experiences that shape our motivations more than professional/academic ones. However, I also do not think repeating work experiences is necessarily a big issue, unless your description of the role is very similar. If you discuss different aspects of the experience or you discuss it from a different perspective to the effect that it is clear you are making an entirely different point, I believe it is unlikely any recruiter will have a problem with it.

Thank you!!

 

[James Wakefield]

I am having the same issue now. Can i ask how you got past it?

Cleared all cookies and website data before reopening my browser and accessing it again. It might also take a new browser/device.

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Anyone else not able to submit TW application?

Hey! I made a new account in incognito mode and i was able to submit it