TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Andrei Radu]

If a firm has a question that roughly reads 'do you have any additional information to add', is this something we should really be answering?

I think it depends on the context. If you feel the form questions covered everything that is relevant to the application and that you have presented all of your relevant interests, achievements, and experiences in the best light already, it is not necessary to add anything. However, in many cases this section will give you a valuable opportunity to expand on points which you either did not get to mention or which you had to shorten because of word count limits.

 

[Cool pigeon]

Were the numerical reasoning questions super difficult or were they relatively simple?

That’s the part I’m dreading the most lmao. 🤣

Numerical part was hard at times. I mean I scored full on it but just really read what you need to do well

 

[Cool pigeon]

Damn, also disappointed to hear about the SJT... do u mind me asking if the assessment is timed? Thank you

They say no but I never trust that always do SJTs in their recommended time

 

[Chill_solicitor]

Anyone know what time Ropes & Gray is due?

 

[ysr567]

random but for cover letters is there a general font and size that's expected when submitting it.

 

[👩🎓]

Honestly, I think this is a very weird question. It says AI will be a factor in boosting efficiency and that client relationships are important, and then suggests that these two things are somehow opposites by saying that a balance needs to be struck (without giving you the reason or context as to how they reached that conclusion). Efficiency and relationships are different things but not really opposites. Simplifying it a little here but if you're more efficient, then your clients get better value for money. I might be reading it wrong, who knows 🤷‍♂️

I guess you could talk about the potential danger of over dependence on AI: It can boost efficiency but it is not without its faults, and the last thing you want is to give clients bad advice because you didn't bother to fact-check the AI's answer (also terribly from a repetitional and financial standpoint, especially for your PII policy). One thing it can do is shorten the time it takes for admin work (summarising your emails for you, making to-do lists, image generation, etc) which can boost your workflow, and as above more efficient = happier client. Guess you could also speak on confidentiality.

Thank you so much for your input. I found it quite a difficult question to get started with, so this really helps.

 

[👩🎓]

To that I will just add that apparently clients (and particularly large corporates/financial institutions) are very conservative when it comes to legal services. A number of lawyers told me some are quite reluctant to allow the use of new legal tech on their matters. Although it would come with a potential discount, as automatization and increased efficiency will mean a lower number of billables, it seems in many cases they are reticent to accept any level of AI-related legal risk. As such, firms can find themselves in the difficult position of wanting to innovate and use AI but also needing to keep clients happy and untroubled by it.

@Andrei Radu thank you so much - I will definitely consider this in the question.

 

[latome19]

Hey, did anyone hear from Sullivan & Cromwell this week? A PFO or an invite (just trying to understand their timeline)

 

[Chris Brown]

Anyone know what time Ropes & Gray is due?

23:59 today. Best of luck! 🙂

 

[legallady123]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jessica, I have sent you a DM about a question I have relating to personal circumstances. I’m sure you will get lots of messages, so I just wanted to flag it here. I’d be grateful for a response when you have a moment.

 

[emmaemma02]

Does anyone know how many people are generally at each Burges Salmon vac scheme assessment centre? Thanks!

 

[👩🎓]

Hi everyone, has anyone heard from PMC this week or know roughly how many people get invited to ACs?

 

[BillSikes]

Hi, grad rec have reached out and asked about reasonable adjustments for AC.

Apart from extra time - does anyone know what adjustments I can get for being neurodiverse?

Has anyone ever been successful in getting the interview questions in advance?

 

[TCpleasex]

TLT MANCHESTER AC!!!!

Applied the night before the deadline.

Any tips this will be my first AC 🥺

 

[Deleted member 31343]

Hi, grad rec have reached out and asked about reasonable adjustments for AC.

Apart from extra time - does anyone know what adjustments I can get for being neurodiverse?

Has anyone ever been successful in getting the questions in advance?

I like to ask for a separate room for individual exercises. I tend to worry when I see others flipping pages on a task. If I'm on page 1, I start to rush, thinking I’m behind and ruining the work I give. I also find it calming to be in a separate room so I can hear my thoughts more.

 

[fitzer401]

Ashurst final interview!!!!!!!

 

[avocadob]

just waiting for pfo from cooley..

 

[EA95]

Congrats to everyone who applied for PW and received an assessment.

 

[EA95]

Ashurst final interview!!!!!!!

Congrats

 

[Gr33n]

Hi, grad rec have reached out and asked about reasonable adjustments for AC.

Apart from extra time - does anyone know what adjustments I can get for being neurodiverse?

Has anyone ever been successful in getting the questions in advance?

“Does anyone know what I can get”

You are making your reasonable adjustments sound like you have just won a free burger at Burger King.

Ideally, you should have a support plan in place which has been created by a medical expert or disability coordinator. That’s where you will find out what adjustments you will require for work/studies. If they deem that you require written materials or questions in advance, then absolutely you may request this.

If you do not have this, and you have self diagnosed your neurodivergence, then it is most likely self curable too.

It’s highly unlikely that you will get the questions in advance as this is a massive risk to law firms and they have no way to stop you from circulating or leaking the information.