TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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I had an AC yesterday and they said all responses will be around mid-feb
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hiya @corporatelore (and also to others who've already asked me, including @James Wakefield)
First off, well done to everyone who has made it to this stage! Just wanted to add some Cooley-related information to the excellent response by @Andrei Radu.
As I'm sure you'll already know, the Cooley video interview typically involves two senior fee earners who will ask a mix of motivational and competency-based questions (there were no real commercial awareness questions - these are typically dealt with during the assessment centre). The interviewers will likely have read your application beforehand, so it’s a good idea to reflect on your experiences, particularly any work experience you’ve mentioned, and your motivations for joining the firm.
For example, I was asked about my background as a career changer and why I had decided to pursue law at this stage. I was also asked to elaborate on two of the legal work experiences that I'd mentioned in my application, with follow-up questions requiring competency-based answers. The interviewers were clearly interested in understanding my thought process behind how I carried out certain tasks during these work experiences and I'd recommend sticking to a clear STAR structure when answering such questions.
Additionally, I was given the names of my interviewers in advance. This was really helpful in allowing me to prepare tailored questions about their careers and their reasons for joining Cooley. If you've received your interviewers' names, it’s worth looking them up briefly.
Overall, I’d recommend thinking about any aspects of your application that stand out or could benefit from further explanation, as these might be areas your interviewers choose to explore. Good luck to everyone doing their video interviews!
After receiving my final rejection for this year’s VS cycle, I've quickly realised that I underestimated just how competitive it really is. I only applied to four firms (all extremely competitive) and assumed that my extensive experience with two of them would be enough to secure an AC invitation. Looking back, I see that this was a naive approach, but this was my first real taste of rejection at this level.
I would really appreciate any advice, especially from @Amma Usman , as your daily commercial updates have been incredibly helpful.
I want to make sure I prepare as effectively as possible for the next VS and TC cycle. Im currently in my penultimate year, so I’ll be entering my final year in September. My key questions are:
1. How should I balance my applications between vacation schemes and direct training contract applications? Ie should I split it between 10 VS applications and 10 TC or is it based on other factors?
2. Where can I find someone who can provide detailed, constructive feedback on my applications? I found that the person I previously relied on did not offer the most helpful insights.
3. How do I strategically select firms to apply to? I am still keen on the MC firms and US firms
4. For those who secured VS or TC offers after rejections in previous cycles, what changes did you make that had the biggest impact?
Any guidance would be massively appreciated!
I would really appreciate any advice, especially from @Amma Usman , as your daily commercial updates have been incredibly helpful.
I want to make sure I prepare as effectively as possible for the next VS and TC cycle. Im currently in my penultimate year, so I’ll be entering my final year in September. My key questions are:
1. How should I balance my applications between vacation schemes and direct training contract applications? Ie should I split it between 10 VS applications and 10 TC or is it based on other factors?
2. Where can I find someone who can provide detailed, constructive feedback on my applications? I found that the person I previously relied on did not offer the most helpful insights.
3. How do I strategically select firms to apply to? I am still keen on the MC firms and US firms
4. For those who secured VS or TC offers after rejections in previous cycles, what changes did you make that had the biggest impact?
Any guidance would be massively appreciated!
During a written assessment, if you are acting as a trainee and directly contacting a client, should you write using we or I- 'we have reviewed the documents' or 'I have reviewed the documents' for example?
Heya huge congrats! Out of interested when did you apply? And was this the stage after the initial app?
Just received Freshfields WG invite for TC. The email says your test score, combined with your application, will form the basis of whether you are then invited through to the final AC stage. Does that mean I have 'only' passed the SJT, and that they have not read my application yet, they only will in conjunction with my WG test? Or they have read my form, then invited me to do the WG, and they will look at both again to decide ACs?
I think you passed the SJT and they have now read your application and invited you to take the WGT.
By test score, I think they are referring to the WGT test result and not the SJT. Best of luck for Freshfields TC!
By test score, I think they are referring to the WGT test result and not the SJT. Best of luck for Freshfields TC!
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I use ‘we’ in professional emails - you’re speaking for the firm after all 👍🏻 I only use ‘I’ when speaking to people I know more informally (who are usually other professionals, not clients)
Hi Jessica, I messaged you a few days ago and not sure if it has been missed. Just wanted to follow up 😊
omg too kind ahaha and just last week 29th jan!
Oh my god thank you so much for quoting this Chris Brown 🙏
Thank you! I applied around Dec 12th!
These are some of the best results I’ve seen for the pillars for the Paul Weiss SJT, wouldn’t worry too much
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