TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

bobjeff

Active Member
Premium Member
Nov 1, 2024
17
11
any advice on how to answer this latham question: 'Please give details of your extra-curricular activities, and any prizes, scholarships, positions of responsibility, or noteworthy achievements that will support your application. (300 words)'
 

Rus

Star Member
Apr 26, 2024
25
76
Hello! Hope everyone is well! For the Latham application, do they review the application SJT and VI holistically or do they put more emphasis on a specific part for example VI or SJT? (Hope it makes sense haha)
Not sure if this helps but I remember in one of their career events they said they'll first consider whether you met the test benchmark, then they'd screen the application, and if it's good they'll look at the video interview and decide whether to progress you. They said it's more of a checklist than anything
 

kokoprep

Legendary Member
Premium Member
  • Nov 18, 2023
    223
    186
    Not sure if this helps but I remember in one of their career events they said they'll first consider whether you met the test benchmark, then they'd screen the application, and if it's good they'll look at the video interview and decide whether to progress you. They said it's more of a checklist than anything
    Hey do you know if the latham test has to be done before deadline or do you get few days after submitting app?
     

    Ricky

    Legendary Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    2020 Community Winner
    Sep 16, 2018
    381
    1,650
    Hello! Hope everyone is well! For the Latham application, do they review the application SJT and VI holistically or do they put more emphasis on a specific part for example VI or SJT? (Hope it makes sense haha)
    You need to meet the minimum SJT benchmark for your app to get reviewed. The VI is then looked at after.
     

    Gday33

    Valued Member
    Apr 21, 2024
    119
    201
    I just did a SJT, and I got within the highest bracket for "applied verbal intellect" and in the lowest bracket for "numerical" should I assume a PFO?
    I thought it was the unofficial rule that people choose law because they can’t do maths? 😂 I’m sure they wouldn’t discount you on that alone 👍🏻 good luck!
     

    Tintin06

    Legendary Member
    Oct 23, 2019
    895
    2,137
    What is the Ropes & Gray question looking for as there is only one question and I dont think there is an option for inputting work experience:

    Describe three characteristics that you believe make an outstanding Ropes & Gray lawyer and how that lawyer would drive our business. 500 words
    Well they are in growth mode. What skills can help that? Understanding the commercial world. Call it entrepreneurial mindset or whatever. Being resourceful helps. It’s a small trainee intake. That plus early responsibility. Resourcefulness helps the firm drive efficiency. Then they help keep costs down. No need for loads of trainees. Commercial awareness can mean seeing opportunities. How have you shown that?
     

    Audric_T

    Distinguished Member
    Oct 20, 2024
    56
    176
    Generally prefer the US firms. Learning by doing. Early responsibility etc. Have had more success with them. Not sure about your second question. I got three ACs last cycle. Not sure how typical that is. I'm also a career changer. What are you doing currently? I don't know about qualification yet. I enjoyed doing tax.
    Thank you for taking the time to explain - its lovely to hear about other pathways and experiences so I appreciate it :) No you have answered my question beautifully, congratulations on securing three A/Cs regardless that is impressive and something to aspire to - Personally I think that is amazing. Currently - I work in finance - ICB - LLM SQE 1/2 - nice regarding tax - I thought about it but I think I'm drawn to M&A or IP at the moment - hoping my vac scheme will help with insight
     

    Audric_T

    Distinguished Member
    Oct 20, 2024
    56
    176
    Can you be a career changer if you’ve been chasing a career but doing another whilst chasing. Surely you left university and since then have been applying to law ever since I’m not sure that’s a career changer. But nonetheless I’m sure the experience you’ve gained working alongside applying has been ever so useful for transferable skills.
    This seems unnecessary and I'm not quite sure what you have gained from posting this to be honest. Any experience gained is useful with many transferable skills - I got my Vac scheme because I am a career changer with over a decade of experience in a different field - everyone has their own reasons for either pursuing law initially or pursuing it later in life - that doesn't make anyone's path lesser or worthy of derision. This is extremely disrespectful.
     

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