TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[anonymous2002]

I did my watson glaser for cleary in early Jan, but haven't heard back from them yet, should I assume PFO?

 

[sc13]

Hiya @James Wakefield

The Cooley assessment centre was quite a full-on day when I did it, and if the structure remains the same, you can expect a packed schedule. This schedule included (1) a group exercise; (2) lunch and chats with people at the firm; and (3) two separate interviews, one with an associate and another with a partner.

In my cycle, the morning involved a group exercise. We were expected to successfully pass this stage to proceed to the interviews in the afternoon. The group exercise had a strong commercial focus, so it’s worth taking some time to think about the kinds of issues that often arise in commercial exercises involving investment decisions, M&A considerations, and other types of similar business challenges. Beyond commercial awareness, the usual group exercise rules apply - try to show your ability to work effectively with others. There’s also a presentation element, where clarity, a client-focused approach, and time management all play a big role. There weren’t any written exercises when I did it, so I don't think you'll have to worry about that here.

Between the group exercise and the interviews, you'll have lunch and a chance to chat with trainees, associates, and the wonderful training principal, Claire Temple. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you genuinely have about the firm, but also to get to know people in a more informal, relaxed setting. You might feel a bit nervous during this time, since some candidates will be unsuccessful at this stage and will need to leave. But just focus on doing your best and engaging with people you meet.

If you make it through to the interviews, you’ll have one with an associate and another with a partner. I wasn’t asked any commercial questions in these, but I found that some of the motivational questions gave me an opportunity to weave in my commercial awareness (where relevant). If you can, it’s definitely worth preparing for competency-based and motivational questions in advance. I also received quite a few curveball questions (e.g. “If you were a fruit, what fruit would you be?”). If you get one of these, don't panic. Just think of these as an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to think on your feet and give a sense of your personality.

Hope this helps! And good luck with the AC!

Hi @Ram Sabaratnam ,

Thank you for all your help so far!
Quick follow up, are there any specific resources you used to prepare for the group exercise, I’m just feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the information available online. I’ve been keeping up with the commercial world fairly ok through Watson’s daily and little law and stuff but I’m wondering if it’s worth going through FT and other sources more to help with this stage? (Sorry if that’s a bit long-winded😅) Also roughly how many people move onto the interview bit (feeling a bit nervous about this group exercise haha)

 

[law121]

@Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam and anyone else please feel free to respond to this: Where can i find guidance on how to perform well on a vacation scheme and the final interview on the vacation scheme for converting it to a TC?

 

[VMS]

In a recent assessment centre, I was asked about the biggest opportunities and challenges facing the firm. I'm curious to know how others would have responded to this question as I think the response that I have was vague and broad.

I haven’t had to answer this specifically but one similar, and I talked about technology and AI. Unoriginal, perhaps, but I was successful because I answered it well.

There’s lots to talk about there, including improving infrastructure to prepare for new technology, AI policy, Kier Starmer wanting to make the UK an AI hub (which can also form an opportunity for law firms), changing client expectations as a result of it, etc.

You could also talk about ongoing market uncertainty and the challenge that poses, etc.

I don’t think you have to stress about going too far outside the box so long as you explain what’s in the box well Going outside the box is always a great addition though, of course.

 

[jacksollaf]

An update on my unsuccessfully successful application cycle; 65 applications, 44 rejections so far, 1 offer, and 20 still pending (including awaiting 3 interview outcomes)...

HFW (offer ✅ ✅ ✅ )
Gibson Dunn ❌ post-vi
Baker McKenzie ❌
Allen & Shearman | ❌
Goodwin ❌
Pinsent Masons |❌
Mayer Brown |❌
Skadden ❌
Morrison Foerster
Slaughter & May | ❌
Jones Day | ❌
Cooley ❌
Linklaters
Willkie Farr & Gallagher | ❌
Latham & Watkins
Forsters LLP ❌
TLT
Dechert LLP ❌
Orrick
BCLP (awaiting interview outcome)
Paynes Hicks Beach
Eversheds ❌
Clyde & Co ❌
Addleshaw Goddard LLP
Kirkland ❌
Covington LLP ❌
White & Case ❌
Macfarlanes ❌
UN Legal Affairs Intern
Clifford Chance Dubai | ❌
Weil | ❌
Katten
Charles Russel Speechlys ❌
King & Spalding (TC)
Quinn Emmanuel (Paris) ❌
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP ❌
Legal intern at random company in Scotland ❌ (ghosted so probably not)
Deloitte ❌
Vison & Elkins ❌
Morgan Lewis (awaiting interview outcome)
Walker Morris ❌
CMS ❌
Hogan Lovells ❌
Osborne Clarke ❌
Davis Polk ❌
RPC
Ropes & Gray
Paul Weiss ❌
Squire Patton Boggs ❌
Mills & Reeve ❌
Simmons & Simmons
Norton Rose Fulbright (awaiting interview outcome)
Withers (TC)
Joelson ❌
Capsticks LLP | ❌
Gowling WLG ❌
Gide Loyrette Nouel London ❌ (ghosted)
DAC Beachcroft (TC)
Howes Spercival
PwC |❌
Cleary Gottlieb | ❌
Reed Smith | ❌
Farrer & Co ❌
Shoosmiths
Freshfields ❌
Debevoise & Plimpton ❌
Greenberg Traurig (TC)
Lockton ❌
Watson Farley & Williams ❌
HSF ❌


Basically, still waiting to hear back from the following firms, out of my 65 applications 😂:

1. Morrison Foerster
2.Greenberg Traurig (TC)
3. Shoosmiths
4. Howes Spercival
5. DAC Beachcroft (TC)
6. Withers (TC)
7. Norton Rose Fulbright (awaiting interview outcome)
8. Simmons and Simmons
9. Ropes & Gray
10. RPC
11. Morgan Lewis (awaiting interview outcome)
12. UN Legal Affairs Intern
13. Paynes Hicks Beach
14. BCLP (awaiting interview outcome)
15. Orrick
16. TLT
17. Latham & Watkins
18. Linklaters
19. Katten
20. King & Spalding

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi everyone! This is shot in the dark but I wanted to get advice. After facing three rejections following assessment centres, I would really appreciate any advice on the AC process. I have an upcoming AC with Shepherd and Wedderburn (including presentation and panel interview) this week and would be incredibly grateful for any insights if you interviewed with the firm/ or general AC tips.

Very well done on the AC! I have included some tips below;

Presentation:

• If it’s presenting on a business topic or advice to a client (I presume this would be the case), you would need to consider the pros and cons/ benefits or challenges, of the given topic at hand. At the end, a recommendation is usually asked, which should be thoughtful and flow from what you already discussed. Some people say that there is no point, for example, advising a client to go ahead with a deal that poses many challenges. Ultimately, this may be up to the client and their business goals, but as an avid legal and business advisor, you need to look at both sides and give a well-researched opinion.
• Confidence - it’s often a soft skill unspoken about in presentations, but quite important. There’s some sociological reasoning involved. Somebody once told me that sociologically, people are more likely to trust and engage with individuals who project certainty and composure, as confidence can create a perception of competence. In high-stakes environments like law firms, where clients and colleagues rely on assured decision-making, the ability to present with poise can set candidates apart.

Panel Interview:

• I would prepare for competency based, commercial, situational, etc, interviews, as you never know what might be asked. To avoid overwhelming yourself, I recommend this approach that has always personally helped me… know your CV and experiences very very very well. That way, whatever type of interview it is, you can easily link their question to your own experiences to show demonstrated interest. Commercial awareness questions are a bit different though. For that one, you actually really need to follow up on the news and the firm, as well as consider how certain changes impact their clients and the law firm itself. Some good sources are in the link I have provided here - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/10-commercial-awareness-sources.9412/

Goodluck, I know you’ll do great!

 

[Amma Usman]

if youve been asked a question youre unsure of the answer / throws you off / do not know how to respond to it, what is the best way to go about this ? also, does choosing whether you want to do a spring scheme / summer scheme makes a difference in the firm accepting/rejecting you, or no? thanks in advance

In situations like this, I usually ask for a moment to think. This helps me gather my thoughts and not go straight into the pressures of answering immediately, where I may otherwise waffle. Another thing is to just take a sip of water. I wouldn’t take the sip of water too often though, as this may do more harm than good. But, it should make way for a nice short pause to gather your thoughts too.

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

I wouldn’t take the sip of water too often though, as this may do more harm than good.

haha why is this?

 

[YL]

Sorry to hear this ! Do you mind sharing how long they took to get back to you please ?

I applied on 10/12/24 and completed the test on 16/12/24. It basically took them 2 months to get back to me.

 

[TheLawStopsHere]

haha why is this?

You might drown

 

[nourriahi]

anyone here back from bclp ac

hey, they didnt get back to me yet and its been almost 2 weeks, what about you? when was your AC

 

[SamiyaJ]

An update on my unsuccessfully successful application cycle; 65 applications, 44 rejections so far, 1 offer, and 20 still pending (including awaiting 3 interview outcomes)...

HFW (offer ✅ ✅ ✅ )
Gibson Dunn ❌ post-vi
Baker McKenzie ❌
Allen & Shearman | ❌
Goodwin ❌
Pinsent Masons |❌
Mayer Brown |❌
Skadden ❌
Morrison Foerster
Slaughter & May | ❌
Jones Day | ❌
Cooley ❌
Linklaters
Willkie Farr & Gallagher | ❌
Latham & Watkins
Forsters LLP ❌
TLT
Dechert LLP ❌
Orrick
BCLP (awaiting interview outcome)
Paynes Hicks Beach
Eversheds ❌
Clyde & Co ❌
Addleshaw Goddard LLP
Kirkland ❌
Covington LLP ❌
White & Case ❌
Macfarlanes ❌
UN Legal Affairs Intern
Clifford Chance Dubai | ❌
Weil | ❌
Katten
Charles Russel Speechlys ❌
King & Spalding (TC)
Quinn Emmanuel (Paris) ❌
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP ❌
Legal intern at random company in Scotland ❌ (ghosted so probably not)
Deloitte ❌
Vison & Elkins ❌
Morgan Lewis (awaiting interview outcome)
Walker Morris ❌
CMS ❌
Hogan Lovells ❌
Osborne Clarke ❌
Davis Polk ❌
RPC
Ropes & Gray
Paul Weiss ❌
Squire Patton Boggs ❌
Mills & Reeve ❌
Simmons & Simmons
Norton Rose Fulbright (awaiting interview outcome)
Withers (TC)
Joelson ❌
Capsticks LLP | ❌
Gowling WLG ❌
Gide Loyrette Nouel London ❌ (ghosted)
DAC Beachcroft (TC)
Howes Spercival
PwC |❌
Cleary Gottlieb | ❌
Reed Smith | ❌
Farrer & Co ❌
Shoosmiths
Freshfields ❌
Debevoise & Plimpton ❌
Greenberg Traurig (TC)
Lockton ❌
Watson Farley & Williams ❌
HSF ❌


Basically, still waiting to hear back from the following firms, out of my 65 applications 😂:

1. Morrison Foerster
2.Greenberg Traurig (TC)
3. Shoosmiths
4. Howes Spercival
5. DAC Beachcroft (TC)
6. Withers (TC)
7. Norton Rose Fulbright (awaiting interview outcome)
8. Simmons and Simmons
9. Ropes & Gray
10. RPC
11. Morgan Lewis (awaiting interview outcome)
12. UN Legal Affairs Intern
13. Paynes Hicks Beach
14. BCLP (awaiting interview outcome)
15. Orrick
16. TLT
17. Latham & Watkins
18. Linklaters
19. Katten
20. King & Spalding

Super impressive! Congratulations on your successes so far and for getting so many applications done.

Out of curiosity, how long does it take you to complete an application? Are you able to share some of your go to sources that assist you in your applications? Totally understand if you don’t want to share!

 

[ohnoselim]

anyone who did a crs vi have you heard back?

 

[BillSikes]

Has anyone applied for paralegal jobs through McKinlay law? They seem to have very old job advertisements listed.

 

[S7321]

Assume nothing from TS or Orrick post-WG?

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Assume nothing from TS or Orrick post-WG?

No, but I had a dream a few nights ago where I was doing a TC at Travers, so clearly I'm one step ahead

 

[RS Sanjanaa]

are the linklaters summer vac scheme ACs going on rn?

 

[lawstudent2]

Hey,

I struggled with them too, but when I started paying close attention to the below, my responses got better. I’ve also included some more general prep tips. These are some of the feedback I got from firms during the process;

• Use of proper formalities. Who are you addressing? Have you used proper signatories? Good sign offs? Tone matters too based on the recipient.
• If a client, you don’t need to define basic things they know about their industry such as ESG, ROI, or similar stuff, for example.
• Look at the questions you are being asked first, before reading all the necessary materials. This ensures time maximisation. You focus mainly on what you need to address for that particular task. Be careful here, because some things overlap and may thus be useful. But, keeping this in mind certainly helps.
• Spelling mistakes - probably obvious, but certainly helps checking.
• Headings - helps make your work easier to read.
• Resources - there are freely available written exercises online, which helped me. TCLA’s written exercises also really did (I promise I’m not being biased haha) !

Best of luck, I know you will do great!

Thank you so much that is really helpful

 

[fxy]

hey, they didnt get back to me yet and its been almost 2 weeks, what about you? when was your AC

mine was last Tuesday, but 2 weeks no response is stressful 😭

 

[Gr33n]

Anyone know when we will hear back from Mayer b or Reed post-AC?