TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[ekuwa]

I have an interview with Slaughter and May next week and trying to speedrun my current affairs knowledge and ability to debate / have a coherent viewpoint. Does anyone have any general advice for the interview? I'm also a History student so I'm also prepping for questions like 'Why not politics/academia/banking' and when I get asked what my favourite module is.

For what it's worth, I'm from an Oxbridge background but still quite nervous about the nature of the interview where they can pick up on any topic/theme you mention + ask random questions on it.

Also, is it safe to assume PFO from HSF and Latham & Watkins if I haven't heard back yet? I did go to the Latham Open Day but had to rush my VS application. Passed HSF test benchmark on 9th Dec.

Had an AC last year. I think they focus more on your ability to debate/have a coherent viewpoint. My article discussion was far less commercially rigorous and more theoretically academic. In fact, anytime I brought up a commercial issue, they seemed to brush that aside. Although I am a law graduate so expectations might be different.

Advice: might be good to 'think out loud' and articulate your line of reason for them to hear. My feedback said they could tell when I was thinking and that I sometimes took too long thinking which they didn't like. I'm inclined to believe they would have preferred to know what was going on in my head in those moments.

Good luck!

 

[MaxC7930]

Has anyone heard back from Clyde and Co Vac scheme?

Nope only got an assessment to complete

 

[Bread]

Do people use "drafting" or "draughting" in their answers? I know "draughting" is the correct British English spelling but it just looks so weird, and I don't know if it's actually that common practice?

draughting is giving beer

 

[HMB]

Goodwin VI! Any insights would be so helpful!

 

[RonRod13]

Does anyone have any insight on the Baker AC from the previous cycles perhaps that's willing to share, pls pm me!! Tq )

When did u get the bakers ac?

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

Does anyone know how long the Mills & Reeve online assessment approximately take?

 

[jta227]

"We do suggest you complete the entire test in one sitting to give you the best shot. If you would prefer to complete the assessment in smaller parts you are able to do so."

Does this actually mean that they're assessing how long you take, given that there's a tracker on the whole time? I don't want to give myself no chance by doing it in like 3 sittings, but at the same time I just had surgery yesterday...

 

[Chill_solicitor]

Anyone that has previously applied/applying to Freshfields vac scheme, how heavy weighted are A-level grades? I know they noted that they take them into consideration but how detrimental are they to getting an AC?

Thank you

 

[mx.jsn]

Bakers spring AC!

Any insight would be hugely appreciated

 

[Ash4202]

Hey,

The interview was a mix, there were set questions but your answers decided the follow up questions. Which I think was good as I was able to connect with my interviewers and they learnt a lot about me. (I think it’s CV blind)?

It was my first vacation scheme so I think my experience would be very different to others especially as a non RG applicant. I was overwhelmed with the pressure of converting the entire time.

Ensure you understand how they’re different to their competitors. Do your research on Goodwin, it’s not just a life science focused firm it’s much more!!

Good luck 😃​

Thank you so much!! i’m a non-RG student too so i kind of get where you’re coming from. Good luck with everything

 

[RonRod13]

Bakers spring AC!

Any insight would be hugely appreciated

Congrats! When did u do the VI and when did u get the invitation?

 

[evianmineral]

Bakers spring AC!

Any insight would be hugely appreciated

when did you find out?

 

[mx.jsn]

when did you find out?

Yesterday.

Applied on deadline; submitted VI 28/12

 

[member7830]

any Mayer brown job sim insights?? pls!

 

[Jessica Booker]

ˆˆˆ^please we need an answer to this, anyone?? 😂 😂 🙏🙏

Very normal - it’s a public profile, there are a whole range of reasons someone from Graduate Recruitment could click on your profile. It is not a sign of anything

 

[Jessica Booker]

"We do suggest you complete the entire test in one sitting to give you the best shot. If you would prefer to complete the assessment in smaller parts you are able to do so."

Does this actually mean that they're assessing how long you take, given that there's a tracker on the whole time? I don't want to give myself no chance by doing it in like 3 sittings, but at the same time I just had surgery yesterday...

No - that doesn’t mean that. They are just giving you guidance that they think it’s better that you complete it in one go.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Anyone that has previously applied/applying to Freshfields vac scheme, how heavy weighted are A-level grades? I know they noted that they take them into consideration but how detrimental are they to getting an AC?

Thank you

Historically, it’s depended on the rest of your academic profile. The stronger the grades elsewhere the less they will be concerned about your A-levels

 

[AnAnonymousDuck]

@Jessica Booker

When a firm says that during an interview they will be looking for "knowledge of current affairs and ability to apply this knowledge to the benefit of a discussion" in a case study exercise, what exactly do they mean by this? Does this mean that, for example if the case study is related to an M&A and has a specific element to it, I should be able to discuss a similar M&A with that element that has been in the news lately? Apologies for a clumsy question.

 

[jacksollaf]

Does anyone have an idea, or is there a thread, that gives the 'usual dates' for AC in London for Summer VS, because I am completing my year abroad, so to have an idea, check my exams, etc.

 

[KBanana]

Does Travers Smith GR typically expect applicants to use the full word count for its Vacation Scheme apps? The total is 2k words, divided among the following:
1. Cover Letter (max 1k words)
2. Please provide details of your main extra-curricular activities and leisure interests.（Max 500 words）
3. Please provide details of any positions of responsibility that you have held and your key achievements.（Max 500 words）

For question 3, should I focus on the key achievements specifically related to the positions of responsibility I have held, or are general achievements also acceptable?