TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Amma Usman

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 7, 2024
633
559
If your application and tests etc get you to latter stages of an application are they looked at again or if you have gotten to AC at that stage is it merely performance there that counts.

The main reason I am asking is that I see the depth and length at some of the admin suggested answers which simply do not fit in to 300 or 250 or similar word answers especially if you add in how it relates to you. If you discuss at length one area is it not to the detriment of your application to show you are well rounded?

I am having a good hit rate at getting to AC (but haven't converted to a VS yet). So are my application form answers good enough or just good enough to progress but if looked at again later not good enough? (If that makes sense).

Hey @3000to1shoteverytime. In answering your first question, this differs between firms. I’ve had ACs at firms where this was not looked at during the interview by my interviewers. However, I can’t say I know for sure that my application or test was not looked at during the post-AC decision process. Alternatively, I have also attended ACs where the lawyers had copies of my application form in front of them. Regardless, your performance at the AC will certainly be a strong deciding factor, so I recommend being well prepared for this. It’s also worth noting that during these ACs themselves, you may be asked questions on your application. Indeed, this has happened to me many times! I never knew this was a thing actually, till the middle of my first VS interview when something from my application was picked out. Moving forward, I started investing more time into constantly reading what I had put, to ensure I was well prepared to answer any questions on it. I’m sure you can imagine that was a PFO, since I hadn’t given thought to my motivations beforehand. Adopting this approach for each AC offer I got also gave me more time to review my competencies, allowing me to adequately link them to any question that was presented.

With regards your second question, I totally see what you mean. Many people have differing views on this, so there is no correct approach. I’ve personally succeeded in mentioning 2-ish points with word counts of 250-300 words. This allows me to go into the intricacies of each firm‘s work, as well as expand heavily on linking it back to myself. One advice on this, which I’m sure many will agree with me on, is that brevity is not needed. Talking about many points quickly comes at the expense of the degree to which you can link it to yourself. This, as you suggested, is what would’ve otherwise not made one seem like a “well-rounded candidate”.

I would recommend spending some time practicing the core elements of most ACs; competency, situational, motivational, and commercial-based interviews. Also spend some time practicing written exercises as these are also often discussed. I believe your application answers are good enough. If it’s good enough for the initial screening stage, then it is likely to be good enough for the later stages as well. I think it come’s down to AC performance. This is something I personally struggled with during the beginning of the last cycle, but I took a step back to prepare for each of the components I mentioned above.

This personally helped me, and I wish you the best of luck this cycle. I have no doubt in your capacity to get a VS offer - we’re rooting for you all!
 

Tcvspfo

Esteemed Member
Premium Member
Jun 28, 2024
97
232
Shakespeare PFO.
Don't really know how to feel about this one as they did not ask any question on the form...
Same lol so silly
Guys I feel you as my friend applied and got the test invite but another friend got rejected. I feel their application was stupid like you only submit your grades and your work experience and on that basis you get a PFO. I feel that is stupid like how can you reject a person based on their lack of work experience. I feel your pain so dw too much about it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: gazdgazd11 and elsx

Tcvspfo

Esteemed Member
Premium Member
Jun 28, 2024
97
232
Would love thoughts on this - A commercial issue for Weil app am thinking of talking about the rise of private credit. This is a commercial issue that affects asset management and PE firms for alternative forms of financing through private credit. My issue is will this still be relevant as interest rates and inflation have be lowered will private credit still be relevant. Any thoughts on this @Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu
 
Reactions: The-PFO-Collector

InterestInPublicLaw

Active Member
  • Feb 7, 2024
    18
    8
    Shakespeare test invite any advice.
    Shakespeare PFO.
    Don't really know how to feel about this one as they did not ask any question on the form...
    Same lol so silly
    I don't really know how to improve it for next year if I reapply..

    Guys I feel you as my friend applied and got the test invite but another friend got rejected. I feel their application was stupid like you only submit your grades and your work experience and on that basis you get a PFO. I feel that is stupid like how can you reject a person based on their lack of work experience. I feel your pain so dw too much about it.

    Hey everyone, I am sorry that some of you got rejected :( I am one of the lucky ones to get invited, but I actually don't know how they screened candidates? I was surprised to be invited to the test because nowhere did I find there would be a test! I thought they would progress to AC straight according to their FAQ page
     
    • 🤝
    Reactions: nliro85

    KBanana

    Star Member
    Premium Member
    Mar 10, 2023
    48
    18
    Hi again @KBanana . Just following up on your last post. Trainee size, in my opinion, is a stronger point to talk about than DEI initiatives. Many firms will have similar DEI initiatives. However, you will be able to link intake size more adequately to your preferences and experiences. For example, if in a small cohort, you could say something about receiving higher responsibility early on. Though, this is also not specific enough. To elevate your answer, you could address the question of why that size specifically appeals? How do you know that size is for you? Can you give an example of how you thrived in a similar environment? This will ensure that you are specific on your true motivations. Further, you could also schedule quick coffee chats with future/current lawyers to gain more insight on how this small intake structure has enabled them to thrive in their roles. This could be referenced in an application as there’s no better way to know how something works like by speaking to those that have directly experienced it.
    Thank you very much for all your insights @Amma Usman ! 😊 I really appreciate it.
     
    • Like
    Reactions: Amma Usman

    a1024

    Star Member
    Premium Member
    Jun 7, 2024
    26
    9
    @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam Hi! This is one of the application questions from the Weil VS Application. Just wanted to know how would you recommend structuring this answer and also researching about their clients? Thank you so much!

    Think of a current commercial issue that has recently attracted your attention. Why does it interest you, why do you consider it to be significant and how do you think this will impact Weil's clients? (200)
     
    Last edited:
    • Like
    Reactions: aspiringlawyer12

    About Us

    The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

    Newsletter

    Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.