My honest opinion on VIs [please feel free to dispute this] is that they don't measure the actual substance of your answers to the same extent as your ability to manage your time well, think on the spot, structure your answers and perform under pressure. I see VIs not as a time to show off general interview answers, but to show I can craft clean, coherent and balanced answers under time pressure in an uncomfortable environment. When I made that switch, I instantly started passing. [2 rejections, switched my focus, 3 passes]Goodwin post-VI rejection at 09:45, 41 days later 😔 This one was important to me, so I shall indulge in a small morsel of a rant.
I could've sworn I nailed it, but now, it feels like I wasn't worth speaking with a real person. I don't even get told why. I went to a world-class business school and understand high-innovation clients like the back of my hand. I have four years of legal experience and a plethora of activities demonstrating commitment to the field. I go out of my way to speak with those at all levels, from lawyers and their clients to literal presidents. I get it's competitive, but if I could just talk with those hiring over a coffee instead of having to play these games - I'd make light work of a real conversation. I even had some practice with a former recruiter. Ah, well. I'll get over it soon enough.
Does anyone have advice for those struggling to get past the VI/TI stage? Especially when you think you'd perform well in a proper back-and-forth interview. What is that trying to tell me? Man, it's so hard to decrypt everything. Maybe I also need to just keep playing the numbers game as this was only my third VI, plus one TI. Is this stage even worth giving myself any credit? I did improve upon last year's post-app rejection, though... unless that was just because they fabricated a new stage this year 😭
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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Most of us who got invited to interview scored between 20-24 on the SJT. I think scoring anything above 20 will be fine. However, since Paul, Weiss assess test scores alongside written application, I think it would also depend on the quality of the application as well. I’m sure you’ll hear back positively soon! Best of luck. 🤞
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Genuinely, look dead in the camera, smile, say "really interesting question or I love this question", speak clearly with structure and you'll pass (mainly because people are scared of talking to a camera so likely crumble in the moment, so by doing the aforementioned you immediately look better)
Thank you for your optimism even after getting your interview!! Fingers crossed for the rest of us 🤞🏻
Thank you for this response. I am quite resilient and I do want this. But have been out of commission for weeks. Definitely will try to get one out this week as well.
- Sep 7, 2024
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There’s a relatively recent (2023) thread on the forum regarding this. I have linked it here - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/firms-that-do-not-require-the-wg.8071/Quick question for @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam and anyone else:
Which firms do not use at least one of the following in their screening:
- Watson Glaser
- SJT/Arctic Shores/other behavioural test
- Video Interview
I vaguely recall that Slaughters(?) doesn't use any of the above, instead just relying on CVs for invites to ACs. Are there any other similarly streamlined application processes? I'm guessing the corollary of not having the above is a stricter focus on grades and/or written 'why X' questions.
Thank you!
It’s not over until it’s over. If you haven’t received a PFO yet (like myself and others) then we all have a chance of progressing… hang in there 😭
Off the top of my head:Quick question for @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam and anyone else:
Which firms do not use at least one of the following in their screening:
- Watson Glaser
- SJT/Arctic Shores/other behavioural test
- Video Interview
I vaguely recall that Slaughters(?) doesn't use any of the above, instead just relying on CVs for invites to ACs. Are there any other similarly streamlined application processes? I'm guessing the corollary of not having the above is a stricter focus on grades and/or written 'why X' questions.
Thank you!
- Slaughter and May
- Travers Smith
- Debevoise & Plimpton
- Winston & Strawn
- Jones Day
Checks out, as they are known to be a little more traditional generally, which seems to reflect in their recruitment methods.
@Andrei Radu
Hi Andrei, your posts have been so helpful through my application process - thank you so much for your time. I really appreciate it.
I was wondering if you could help my with Sidley Austin and its competitors. I understand that they have big focus on finance and private equity - especially given their growth of private equity practice. Would I be right in saying their competitors would be Kirkland, Simpsons, Weil and Paul Weiss?
What is their wider reputation?
Thank you.
Hi Andrei, your posts have been so helpful through my application process - thank you so much for your time. I really appreciate it.
I was wondering if you could help my with Sidley Austin and its competitors. I understand that they have big focus on finance and private equity - especially given their growth of private equity practice. Would I be right in saying their competitors would be Kirkland, Simpsons, Weil and Paul Weiss?
What is their wider reputation?
Thank you.
I think it varies between different candidates as I've seen people hear back the next day but I heard back two weeks later when I did the AC last year.
Lol I had a 23 and never heard back 😂😭 Fingers crossed for everyone still in the trenches
nothing post TI, they told me in my TI we should hear by the end of this week latest ...
Winstons used a WG last year (just to flag)
Sorry to hear that - if it makes you feel better, they seem like a sinking ship anyway. I predict BCLP will be the next firm to implode, we seem to have 1 every couple of years or so. Lots of partners seem to have jumped ship in the past couple of years.
....having said that, I will still make an application for a direct TC because beggars can't be choosers.
Sorry to hear that - if it makes you feel better, they seem like a sinking ship anyway. I predict BCLP will be the next firm to implode, we seem to have 1 every couple of years or so. Lots of partners seem to have jumped ship in the past couple of years.
....having said that, I will still make an application for a direct TC because beggars can't be choosers.
I remember at their open day, someone asked why their trainee retention rates were so low and why BCLP seems like a sinking ship, and the partner basically dodged the question and waffled about how the firm is recognised for its training quality. Having said that, I may or may not re-apply for the DTC because 1) grad rec encouraged me to and 2) as you said, beggars can’t be choosers. 🥲
From BCLP GR:
"We are just wrapping recruitment on our Spring Scheme, and are now reviewing Summer Scheme applications. We will be back with you as soon as possible with an outcome."
"We are just wrapping recruitment on our Spring Scheme, and are now reviewing Summer Scheme applications. We will be back with you as soon as possible with an outcome."
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