TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Do you think it's worth sending feedback about SJTs anywhere?

I just did one where I scored 4/9 for digital mindset, whereas I'd say I'm more of a 9/9 kinda guy. I think I know a key reason why - one of the questions had a digital option that just wouldn't work in reality, so I chose the non-digital option, given that there wasn't a 'try the digital option (which will fail), then do this option' - you had to choose ONE answer, and it seems like they want the superficial digital option over the actual knowledge that it wouldn't work.

Or is just a case of move on.

Hey @thelawnet

Completely get why this feels frustrating, especially when you know your skills don’t match the score you received. That said, I think it’s probably best to move on rather than spend time giving feedback. Grad rec teams usually aren’t in a position to adjust or reconsider test results, and most situational judgment tests are outsourced to third-party providers. Instead, I’d focus on preparing for other stages of the process where you can really showcase your skills (including your digital mindset and problem-solving skills!). Best of luck with your other applications

 

[asplawyer100]

Has anyone heard back from Mayer Brown for the spring or summer VS?

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

If White & Case asks for a cover letter but where you submit it on the portal it has a word count of 1000 (which is more than one side of A4), do I still need to stick to writing a traditional cover letter with an address and use less words, or fill the 1000 word count?

Hiya @addy2004

Just adding to what was mentioned by @Jessica Booker. You definitely don't need to use the entire word count, and Jess was absolutely right to say that you should aim for 800-1000. I've seen successful applications in the lower end of that range (e.g. 850 words and some that were even 750 words). In terms of formatting, you can simply address the cover statement to the Early Careers Legal Recruitment team. Let us know if you have any other questions! Best of luck with your applications!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Might be a bit of a silly question, but will other firms be aware of the fact that Paul, Weiss purposefully includes a comma in their name? I want to discuss my Paul, Weiss open day in my work experience section, but I am not sure whether it would be safer to write the firm name without the comma in case they think it's a mistake...

@Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman

Thank you!

Heya @KBanana

Just jumping in here before @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman and @Jessica Booker do. But I don't think it's a silly question at all! When mentioning Paul, Weiss in your applications, I would err on the side of caution and suggest you include the comma because that’s how the firm officially writes its name. Other firms will likely recognise the correct formatting. If you’re ever unsure about how to present a firm’s name, I think it's always a safe bet to use what's on their website or official materials. You’re doing the right thing by thinking this through, since small details like this can make a difference. Best of luck with the application!

 

[a1024]

@Andrei Radu @Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam Hi! The Davis Polk application requires a cover letter and this is the question.
Please include your cover letter in the space provided below. Within your cover letter please include why you are specifically interested in Davis Polk, why you are attracted to the work that we carry out, and the skills that you have developed that would contribute towards your success in the role. (800 words)
I am confused about how to go about structuring it. Should we include a paragraph about why commercial law like we do generally in cover letters? Additionally, would you have any tips for the cover letter to stand out?

 

[nliro85]

If anyone has any experience with applying for DWF in previous years can you please reach out to me as I am thinking of applying for them. I would love insights into the firm.

 

[ashwright]

Does anyone know the rough timeline for hearing back from Links for their summer vs? Thank you

 

[RSK]

Could anyone let me know if the Latham & Watkins VI question is motivational, competency or commercial awareness based? Video interviews are really hard for me as I am neurodivergent but firms don’t seem to be very willing to give adjustments for them (not that I asked Latham btw) so Im trying to tough them out :/ I know it wouldn’t be fair to be told the exact question but knowing what type it is would really calm my anxiety

Competency

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Competency

You’re an angel, thank you!

 

[Deleted member 31571]

Is there no work experience section for LL's Summer Vac Scheme?

 

[BillSikes]

DLA VI invite. Regional app. Passed WG 11 Nov.

 

[axele]

Can we not insert university module grades for WBD?

 

[Tcvspfo]

Can we not insert university module grades for WBD?

If you can't then it must be a good thing.

I have noticed some law firms are not asking for module grades as they are trying to be more inclusive with their application process. I have asked a few firms and some of them do not look at your grades or your name or your degree grade and do not know you until the AC it is why some of them have adopted this blended assessment or have removed the VI element.

 

[Miss Chocolate]

DLA VI invite. Regional app. Passed WG 11 Nov.

hey, can i ask how you prepped for the WG please? 😭😭

 

[Hamlindigo Blue]

hey, can i ask how you prepped for the WG please? 😭😭

Hey! I also passed the WG for DLAPiper. To prep, I found the jobtestprep courses super helpful + I did the CliffordChance practice WG many many times

 

[Miss Chocolate]

Hey! I also passed the WG for DLAPiper. To prep, I found the jobtestprep courses super helpful + I did the CliffordChance practice WG many many times

heyyyy thanks for this ) Could I ask how long you prepared for? I got my invite today and have 5 days to prepare. I haven't started and the last time I took one of these tests was in previous cycle lol

 

[AlegalA]

Hellooo I have a question,

I am currently applying to Withers. I applied last year and got through to the test. The issue I have is that their questions are very very short (60w), and my answers to why law and why Withers have not changed enough for there to really be a change in my answer (Because of the word count the answers are relatively surface level).

Some questions I can obviously change (such as my biggest accomplishment, as it's been a year since the last one), but I'm unsure what to do for those two questions.

I can potentially tweak them slightly? Has anyone experienced this for Withers specifically (or any firm with a low word count, although I think Withers is the lowest!)

Thank you!!

 

[BillSikes]

hey, can i ask how you prepped for the WG please? 😭😭

I just did practice tests. can't remember specifics, I'm grad now and haven't prepped in years.

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Andrei Radu @Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam Hi! The Davis Polk application requires a cover letter and this is the question.
Please include your cover letter in the space provided below. Within your cover letter please include why you are specifically interested in Davis Polk, why you are attracted to the work that we carry out, and the skills that you have developed that would contribute towards your success in the role. (800 words)
I am confused about how to go about structuring it. Should we include a paragraph about why commercial law like we do generally in cover letters? Additionally, would you have any tips for the cover letter to stand out?

As they are specifically guiding you on what to cover I don't think you need to include a why commercial law section, especially as you are covering "why are you attracted to the work we carry out" as that can effectively be similar content anyway. However, if you feel you need to cover "why commercial law" to get across your story/journey, you could do this, I would just keep it fairly brief.

 

[LawAspirer]

Hello, I recently received an invite for the Dentons SJT and Baker McKenzie SJT. Both came back quite negative/mixed. Am I most likely to be disqualified by a benchmark or how should I manage my expectations? I'm really not sure..