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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Shandy101

Distinguished Member
Oct 22, 2024
73
282
Could anyone share if Reed Smith VI includes motivational, competency or commercial awareness questions? I would be immensely grateful!
I haven't taken mine, but they include a short video when you press the 'start test' button, and they say what to expect, including "have a calculator", which is always scary! 😂😂 Also says that you are recorded while taking the test. You can then close the screen without going to the next step.
 

ReedSmithBecca

Star Member
Sep 12, 2023
41
78
Could anyone share if Reed Smith VI includes motivational, competency or commercial awareness questions? I would be immensely grateful!
Hi! Congratulations on reaching this stage in the process :) The video interview is a mix of the above. To prepare, I would recommend re-reading your application and reminding yourself of your motivations for law/the firm, and also considering your strengths and examples of times you have shown these (non-legal examples are just as valid!). You will have unlimited prep time between each question.
 

AS24

Legendary Member
Apr 16, 2024
133
103
Hi! Congratulations on reaching this stage in the process :) The video interview is a mix of the above. To prepare, I would recommend re-reading your application and reminding yourself of your motivations for law/the firm, and also considering your strengths and examples of times you have shown these (non-legal examples are just as valid!). You will have unlimited prep time between each question.
Morning Rebecca,

Thank you very much for your reply. I will strictly follow your instructions!
 

billyonthespeeddial

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Jan 21, 2023
188
514
Hi all, I have now completed a WVS at HL (it was my first ever VS). I'm not a career changer or anything, just a recent grad, so before this scheme I had limited legal work experience. I had therefore limited myself to applying to vacation schemes. Now that I have this, is it fair to think that I can also apply for direct TC opportunities? I'm thinking, for example, Stephenson Harwood. Or would firms like this still prefer a candidate like me to apply for the VS?
 

Tintin06

Legendary Member
Oct 23, 2019
805
1,946
Hi all, I have now completed a WVS at HL (it was my first ever VS). I'm not a career changer or anything, just a recent grad, so before this scheme I had limited legal work experience. I had therefore limited myself to applying to vacation schemes. Now that I have this, is it fair to think that I can also apply for direct TC opportunities? I'm thinking, for example, Stephenson Harwood. Or would firms like this still prefer a candidate like me to apply for the VS?
I'd check the pages on here. It talks about VCs vs VS. SH direct TC would make sense. Still, some firms hire mainly VSers.
 

SoonToBeTrainee

Legendary Member
  • Dec 29, 2023
    141
    334
    Thanks, I think one worry I have is if this is still "too little" experience for direct TC, especially where I'm also eligible for a firm's vacation scheme
    It depends on the firm, but SH are keen on people to apply for direct TCs if you’re a grad (even if you don’t have law experience).
    As you have a vac scheme under your belt, you’ll be absolutely fine.
    I’ve been to a direct TC AC with them and 80% of people were grads with no history of vac schemes / directly working in law
     
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    fcac98

    Distinguished Member
    Premium Member
    Dec 16, 2024
    58
    35
    Work Experience Section of Application
    How does everyone structure their answers in the work experience section of applications? I have been bullet pointing my responsibilities and then writing a few words on what I got out of the role.

    Do any of you tie these answers into the firm you're applying to? Or do any of you answer this section any differently? Grateful to get responses from people who have successfully received VS's and TC's.
     

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