TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Damn! I'm actually kinda shocked that question is being asked on future trainees. Okay, yes it now appears to be relevant for interviews, but I don't see this affecting the role of the majority of UK lawyers. I've had 3 seminars in the last fortnight and Trump ain't on the itinerary

I wonder if this is more of an HR-oriented question than a future lawyer one?

Not really. They ask whether interviewees think the impact of the DEI news in the US will impact the UK and how it will affect UK law firms - this doesn't mean just the firm itself but the advice they give.

 

[FM302989]

Not really. They ask whether interviewees think the impact of the DEI news in the US will impact the UK and how it will affect UK law firms - this doesn't mean just the firm itself but the advice they give.

Does it affect legal advice though?

 

[sapphireoreos]

Applied deadline for VS. rejection received at 10:50 today

Sorry to hear that. Hoping your other apps goes well though!

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Does it affect legal advice though?

er ... yes

Even I can see that it would and how as non law graduate

 

[FM302989]

er ... yes

Even I can see that it would and how as non law graduate

Okay, well I don't work in employment law (one field I suppose would be interested). I've not heard it discussed even in passing anywhere else

 

[Legalgirl]

Damn! I'm actually kinda shocked that question is being asked on future trainees. Okay, yes it now appears to be relevant for interviews, but I don't see this affecting the role of the majority of UK lawyers. I've had 3 seminars in the last fortnight and Trump ain't on the itinerary

I wonder if this is more of an HR-oriented question than a future lawyer one?

To be fair, in the little law article it does state that it doesn't massively impact UK law firms, and it has more to do with US external stakeholders.. or something like that I can't remember the article well. Also, the article mentions that Labour are tightening DEI policies. Technically the fact that it doesn't affect us is still an answer. I suppose being aware of how things don't affect us is relevant if that makes any sense - especially nowadays when it feels like every day you wake to another crazy news story...

 

[AnnaHJ12]

Has anyone yet heard from Milbank post AC's ?

 

[FM302989]

To be fair, in the little law article it does state that it doesn't massively impact UK law firms, and it has more to do with US external stakeholders.. or something like that I can't remember the article well. Also, the article mentions that Labour are tightening DEI policies. Technically the fact that it doesn't affect us is still an answer. I suppose being aware of how things don't affect us is relevant if that makes any sense - especially nowadays when it feels like every day you wake to another crazy news story...

Yes this is what I was looking for. Agree with this

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Okay, well I don't work in employment law (one field I suppose would be interested). I've not heard it discussed even in passing anywhere else

It wouldn't just be within employment law though would it? For example it may impact tendering processes as one example. Lawyers need to think more holistically and be able to spot issues they may need to refer to colleagues in other practice areas internally.

 

[FM302989]

It wouldn't just be within employment law though would it. For example it may impact tendering processes as one example.

Okay how so? I'm sorry I'm really not understanding how it would or how someone would be expected to answer a question like that

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Okay how so? I'm sorry I'm really not understanding how it would or how someone would be expected to answer a question like that

I actually amended my answer to give one example . This comes down to your own commercial awareness. Wider reading helps in that regard. There are other examples but as I am still in the process I think this is another area where I would be willing to give a fuller answer after I have secured my own TC.

 

[FM302989]

I actually amended my answer to give one example . This comes down to whether commercial awareness. Wider reading helps in that regard. There are other examples but as I am still in the process I think this is another area where I would be willing to give a fuller answer after I have secured my own TC.

Exactly! Sadly you only really get the chance to understand law firms and even personally what areas you enjoy after working there.

I had Partners ask questions such as 'any legal developments that we or our clients should be aware of'. If anyone is interested in property/finance, you could discuss planning rules changing, Building Safety Act to be mindful, overseas entities and corporate transparency of property ownership, the importance of Guarantors getting full legal advice on loans (Murfet v Property Lending?), interest rates and the Bank of England base rate changing in an active development market

But I digress!

 

[EA95]

Fieldfisher VS offer! They also said on the phone that the assessors were impressed and said I should’ve just applied for Direct TC so they’ve given me that option 😮

Big congratulations🎉🎉🎉

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

@Bread Feel free to explain it more fully rather than dislike the reason why I won't at present rather than just dislike my reason.

 

[Katy12345]

Hiya @Katy12345

This could definitely be a possibility. If you're successful in securing a vacation scheme offer, it’s worth raising this with graduate recruitment to see if there’s flexibility. For now, I’d focus on the assessment centre and securing the vacation scheme first. I had a similar experience at a firm where I couldn't accept the vacation scheme offer, and asked if they would be willing to invite me to interview for the direct training contract. Thankfully, they were willing to consider me for the direct training contract. While it's possible they can reject the request, I've generally found most firms with a direct training contract route are quite accommodating here. At the very least, it’s always worth asking. Best of luck!

Hi @Ram Sabaratnam! I wondered if I could discuss this further with you on DM at all please? Really pleased to say I have been fortunate in receiving the offer

 

[NaviaAhmed]

is this also for DACB? I was planning on doing it now, could give you insights if it's that

Hi could I also please have some insights? thank you

 

[sc13]

Hiya @sc13

I did the video interview in 2023, so things may have changed slightly since then. At the time, the questions were a fairly even mix of commercial and competency-based ones. You can expect some commercial awareness questions that are directly relevant to the firm, alongside more general competency questions assessing your skills, experiences, and ability to work in a team.

To prepare effectively, it’s worth taking time to think about where Charles Russell Speechlys sits in the London legal market and what makes it unique compared to other firms. A key point to focus on is its combination of private client and commercial work, which is quite distinctive. I think your answers can really stand out if you carefully consider how these two broad areas interact. So think, for instance, about how high-net-worth individuals might also be business owners and how the firm’s expertise allows it to offer integrated advice across both personal and commercial matters. It would also be helpful to think about current market trends that could impact CRS and its clients. Overall, I think having a well-rounded view of the firm’s work and being able to discuss why this makes it appealing in a "commercially aware" way should help your answers stand out.

Best of luck with the interview and I hope it goes well!

Thanks for the informative reply!

Out of curiosity what is the turnaround time post VI?

 

[legallycece]

Fieldfisher VS offer! They also said on the phone that the assessors were impressed and said I should’ve just applied for Direct TC so they’ve given me that option 😮

Congratulations ! How long after the AC did they get back to you ?

 

[aleiy]

How long does Stephenson Harwood take to respond since they’re on rolling basis?

 

[g.cl.2020344]

How long does Stephenson Harwood take to respond since they’re on rolling basis?

I applied 1st Jan and havent heard anything since lol