TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[ReedSmithBecca]

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]

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!

 

[tcla888]

No - there is no need to align everything to the largest or most profitable area. As long as the area you are focusing on regularly takes trainees, then it is not an issue for you to focus on it. It would only be very niche areas that you may not even sit in as a trainee that are areas to avoid.

Thank you sm

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

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]

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.

 

[Farhan65756]

Does anyone know if there’s a benchmark for Addleshaw Goddard’s Critical Thinking test?

 

[navigatinglegal]

Does anyone have an update on the Mishcon vi deadline? I emailed but haven’t gotten a response yet😭

 

[LawAspirer]

Anyone got any update from Latham on spring vacation scheme? I know some people got PFOs. I applied end november

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

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.

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

 

[cjwx]

Are you allowed to use a calculator for the Trowers & Hamlins test. I have not received it yet, but I hate maths so if you can't I will cry.

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

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

 

[Tintin06]

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

I don't think that's true, honestly. Just put your best foot forward. Focus on HG app and WG. Those are the first steps.

 

[fcac98]

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.

 

[Gday33]

Has anyone done the MB job sim yet and fancy offering any insight? 🤞🏻

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

What did you have to do on the online assessment?

hey, there were behavioural questions

 

[legalxp2]

Kirkland VI - any advice?

Congrats, when did you apply?
In terms of advice, my friend did it last year and from what I remember it was a mix of questions testing your skills, competencies and understanding of the firm so probably best to look over your app again

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Re Weil VI. Have people actually had the email with the link or just the email saying you have been passed to next stage and will get an email after 15 December?

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

Re Weil VI. Have people actually had the email with the link or just the email saying you have been passed to next stage and will get an email after 15 December?

Haven’t received the link. I’m guessing they’re going to get through the last batch of applications and then send the vi link out at the same time, so we all do it together within the same deadline period

 

[Niabpatel8]

I’ve heard that Eversheds have been sending out VI invites. I applied to London and still haven’t heard back. Whose heard back and which offices did you apply to?

I haven't heard back yet either. (applied to London)

 

[James Wakefield]

I’ve heard that Eversheds have been sending out VI invites. I applied to London and still haven’t heard back. Whose heard back and which offices did you apply to?

There’s been some VIs for regional offices on here but not heard anyone say anything about London yet, except some PFOs very quickly after the deadline.