TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Miss Chocolate]

it’s been a while, but from what I remember it wasn’t too bad. Basically what it says on the tin (in the email), some SJT, some verbal reasoning, some numerical reasoning with data/graphs. It is untimed, so can take your time to think. Can’t remember exactly what the questions were in the VI but no curveballs.

Cant really prepare too much, I’d take the practice test and go for it tbh.

amazing thank you -- i am assuming from the email there's unlimited prep time for the video interview questions? xx

 

[rjn]

Hi, does anyone have experience with the Goodwin Procter VI and have any advice or insights? Does anyone know what kind of questions to expect? Would really appreciate any guidance : )

 

[Shandy101]

Here are some articles that might give you some guidance on themes you could consider:

Key trends shaping the legal industry in 2025

Louise Donnery from legal software company Clio examines how advancements in technology, shifting client expectations and economic pressures will drive change across the sector.

www.lawsociety.org.uk

Top trends UK law firms can expect in 2025 | LexisNexis Blogs

Stay ahead of the curve. Read our 2025 predictions for medium and large law firms, including technological advancements, enhanced client experience, and...

www.lexisnexis.co.uk

Downloadable report if you give them your contact details: https://pro.bloomberglaw.com/insights/business-of-law/legal-trends-2025-report/

Legal Tech's Predictions for the Business of Law in 2025

A look at how law firm business models, hiring, pricing and culture may shift in the coming months.

www.law.com

Seismic Shifts in Law Firm Business Models for 2025

The Law Firm Business Outlook 2025 As we stand at the beginning of 2025, the legal industry finds itself at a crossroads, poised for transformation that could r

www.lawfuel.com

These articles are very useful and you should all read them! Thanks @Jessica Booker

 

[Shandy101]

Hi everyone! Hope this week brings lots of good news for you. I wanted to share some insight. Please don't be intimidated by video interviews. You've done the research, drafted (thus far) successful applications (so motivational questions ✅) and have a wealth of resources on TCLA and other online platforms for practising VIs and answering competency-based questions, which are easy because they come from your life, work and educational experiences and follow a basic STAR format. I would say if you are struggling with CA questions for VIs then you are probably not ready for an AC. That doesn't mean you can't get there, and fast, but you have to put the work in. Anyway, that's my unsolicited two cents- don't spend it all at once!

 

[fcac98]

hey, is this normal I didn't receive an email confirmation after applying to Norton rose Fulbright - when I clicked back on it says you have applied, says submitted and that my application is in progress. When I look at my application it only shows my personal info?? I'm guessing I should have got a conformation email but im not sure why I haven't received one ?? any help would be great !!

This has happened to me before with Kennedys and I just emailed to ask for confirmation my application went through, they responded within a day

 

[Victor87]

Hi everyone, For W&C, has anyone that did their VI before the WVS and received the holding email heard any news since? Should we anticipate a PFO?
Wishing everyone a fantastic week and year ahead!

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Hi everyone, For W&C, has anyone that did their VI before the WVS and received the holding email heard any news since? Should we anticipate a PFO?
Wishing everyone a fantastic week and year ahead!

I haven’t heard from W&C post WV app!!! Defo a PFO

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Willkie PFO

 

[CHLTC]

Hello All,

As assessment centres are starting to come thick and fast, I wanted to come here to ask for some tips.

I attended 2 AC's last year (Silver circle and US), and unfortunately both gave me the same feedback - I did not perform well in the case study interview.

I always knew I was going to find this bit the hardest.

Has anyone got any tips on where / how to practice case studies for law firm assessment centres? Are there case study books you can buy?

From my experience, some were more focused on mathematical calculations, some more on company structures, but overall, they always tended to involve some sort of merger or acquisition.

Do people have a specific method for answering these? I have always thought it is very hard to prepare for them, as each firm have their own type of way of doing AC case study interviews.

@Jessica Booker @Jaysen @axelbeugre

 

[AfVio24]

hey, is this normal I didn't receive an email confirmation after applying to Norton rose Fulbright - when I clicked back on it says you have applied, says submitted and that my application is in progress. When I look at my application it only shows my personal info?? I'm guessing I should have got a conformation email but im not sure why I haven't received one ?? any help would be great !!

I got an email the next day confirming app received and also the RARE form - went to my junk initially though!

 

[baj5]

Willkie PFO. I wish I knew what I was doing wrong

 

[Law queries]

Willkie PFO

Same

 

[Applebanana425]

HSF AC for Spring just received

 

[Smart water 0403]

We’d love to know why you are motivated to pursue a career in a commercial law firm, in particular Squire Patton Boggs? (200 words max) *

Is this a why commercial law question or why the firm question or both ? (there is also another question asking about practice areas of interest)

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi, @Jessica Booker. I was just wondering how much of a problem it would be on a pre employment reference check if a work experience was listed as one week but it was only 3-4 days across that week? Thanks.

Highly unlikely to be an issue - but I would make sure it is listed on applications/CVs as 3-4 days either by using appropriate dates or by saying something like “this 3 day programme” in the description.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hello All,

As assessment centres are starting to come thick and fast, I wanted to come here to ask for some tips.

I attended 2 AC's last year (Silver circle and US), and unfortunately both gave me the same feedback - I did not perform well in the case study interview.

I always knew I was going to find this bit the hardest.

Has anyone got any tips on where / how to practice case studies for law firm assessment centres? Are there case study books you can buy?

From my experience, some were more focused on mathematical calculations, some more on company structures, but overall, they always tended to involve some sort of merger or acquisition.

Do people have a specific method for answering these? I have always thought it is very hard to prepare for them, as each firm have their own type of way of doing AC case study interviews.

@Jessica Booker @Jaysen @axelbeugre

This thread is a really good starting point for case studies:

Thread 'Definitive Guide to Law Firm Case Studies! *Monday Article Series*'
https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....firm-case-studies-monday-article-series.3232/

 

[LegallyStressedOut]

anyone heard back from Jones Day for the summer VS?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Willkie PFO. I wish I knew what I was doing wrong

What I would stress is that sometimes it is not about doing something “wrong” - it is just about fine margins in very subjective areas. It can easily be that one firm is looking for slightly more specific evidence about their work and why it appeals to you, while the next firm may want more evidence of team working.

Just because one firm says no to you, it does not mean you are doing something wrong - it is just they have found candidates more aligned to what they are looking for.

 

[baj5]

What I would stress is that sometimes it is not about doing something “wrong” - it is just about fine margins in very subjective areas. It can easily be that one firm is looking for slightly more specific evidence about their work and why it appeals to you, while the next firm may want more evidence of team working.

Just because one firm says no to you, it does not mean you are doing something wrong - it is just they have found candidates more aligned to what they are looking for.

Thank you Jessica, it’s the right mindset to keep!

 

[charlotte1704]

SJT for withers spring!