TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[NJS]

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]

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)

 

[x_lauren112]

Thank you for your optimism even after getting your interview!! Fingers crossed for the rest of us 🤞🏻

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. 🤞​

 

[Joey green]

I had 18/36 for PW, probably pfo then… did anyone here back from Morgan Lewis past TI

 

[Tclarocks123]

Very good question and honestly, it depends on my mood. Some days I feel super optimistic and other days I feel a bit down and question my abilities.

I think the key thing for me is celebrating the little wins. This is my 2nd cycle and for a few applications I managed to progress to the next stage as opposed to 100% rejections post app from my first cycle. I can see I am improving and that is giving me the motivation to keep going and I will get better and eventually land a VS/TC.. although I’d like it sooner rather than later.. like everyone else!

Also being part of this forum has helped me a lot as I don’t know anyone in “real life” going through the same process as me so it’s lovely to be part of a community on the same journey and helping each other out.

On a practical level, I set myself weekly targets as in “I’ll do 2 applications this week after I finish work and complete the reading for uni” and that’s kept me on track with the applications. I really need to do some more though as there’s only a couple of firms I’m waiting to hear back from so need to get back into it. Thinking about everything at once is so overwhelming, and I’m a massive overthinker so I try to keep it as simple as I can (mentally) for myself!

There’s a reason why we’re doing this, and we should not stop until we achieve our dreams! I’ve seen so many people on this forum receiving their dream offers after years of trying and that keeps me going.. if they can do it then so can we!

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.

 

[Amma Usman]

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!

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/

 

[SamiyaJ]

I had 18/36 for PW, probably pfo then… did anyone here back from Morgan Lewis past TI

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 😭

 

[berocca567]

Were all Mishcon Vi invites sent out at the saame time then? No hope for those who havent received?

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

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!

Off the top of my head:
- 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.

 

[Star Light]

@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.

 

[👩🎓]

Does anyone know how long it typically takes to find out from HFW post-AC? (For the VS). Thanks!

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.

 

[fidrrygalka]

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. 🤞​

Lol I had a 23 and never heard back 😂😭 Fingers crossed for everyone still in the trenches

 

[g.cl.2020344]

I had 18/36 for PW, probably pfo then… did anyone here back from Morgan Lewis past TI

nothing post TI, they told me in my TI we should hear by the end of this week latest ...

 

[sibs23]

Off the top of my head:
- 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.

Winstons used a WG last year (just to flag)

 

[future_traineesolicitor]

Is there any way to request feedback post-app to understand GR's reasoning? I did a VS app for a firm I worked for previously and the rejection doesn't really make sense.

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

BCLP rejection post-(hour-long) interview 🥂 🥳

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.

 

[Chris Brown]

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. 🥲​

 

[Ricky]

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."

 

[ren1110]

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. 🤞​

Hi - is this score in relation to the pillars?

 

[Mug Fan]

@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.

The Lawyer podcast’s recent episode on lathams talked a lot about Sidley. Might want to give that a listen.

 

[AnnaHJ12]

Has anyone experienced the AC at Forsters yet? Just wondering if you have any insights on what it is like/what the interview, written exercise, case study involves? Nervous and excited, have it on Thursday - first AC!!