TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[User5678]

Has anyone had an interview end very quickly? The interview was scheduled for an hour but only lasted for about 30 minutes which was a bit disheartening

Don’t think too much into it. They mostly have a set number of questions they need to ask. Most of my interviews have lasted less than the scheduled time they mention and I’ve gotten through many of them.

 

[aphelion]

Has anyone had an interview end very quickly? The interview was scheduled for an hour but only lasted for about 30 minutes which was a bit disheartening

At one of my ACs there were four of us and I was the first one out of the interview by a mile - I'd say by 15 mins or so - and I got a VS offer. Don't overthink it - especially if you talk fast like I do!!!

 

[broalabear]

Hiya @broalabear


Just wanted to add to what @Amma Usman has already said. Hoping this makes sense as an explanation for what you should try to do during the assumption section of the WG. Good news is that you're right that this proposed assumption is assumed by the main claim.

An assumption is a statement that the writer/speaker takes for granted in order for another claim to make sense. It’s not stated directly, but it’s essential for the logic of the main claim to hold up. If the proposed assumption turned out to be false, then the main claim/argument would either collapse or at least become much weaker.

One useful way to test whether a statement is an assumption is to imagine what would happen if that proposed assumption were false. I call this the 'negation test'. Ask yourself: if this proposed assumption were false, would the main claim/argument still work? If the answer is no (e.g. if the main claim/argument falls apart), then the proposed assumption IS assumed. If the main statement/argument still works fine, then it’s probably not an assumption.

Let’s take the example you've provided here:

1. Main claim: "For humankind to survive, it must colonise other planets."
   
   
2. Proposed assumption: "There will be a time when the Earth can no longer sustain human life."

Now try negating the proposed assumption. Imagine that the Earth will always be able to sustain humankind. If that were true, then would we need to colonise other planets to survive (remember, this is what's being claimed in (1))? Doesn't look like it. Thus, the main claim is significantly weakened/no longer makes sense if we don't accept the proposed assumption.

This method works well in general: take the proposed assumption you're testing, imagine it's false, and see what happens to the main argument/claim. If the whole thing unravels, you've found an assumption. If the argument/claim still stands, then the proposed assumption is very likely not an assumed.

Let me know if you’d like to more examples or if this doesn't make sense.

This makes perfect sense and is very helpful - Thank you so very much!

 

[User5678]

I was looking at the Payne Hicks Beach DTC app and they say on the app that ac’s would be conducted on 8 9 10 April. Considering the deadline is tomorrow midnight, isn’t that too soon for them to be able to get back to us?

Anyone heard from them already? I’m just trying to figure if it would make sense for me to submit my app today and if they are non rolling?

Thanks!

 

[Justin]

4 minutes, twenty questions, 12 seconds each, I suggest making sure you have a good PC, internet connection, and a mouse (laptop trackpad/pointer slows you down).

I remembered, there was a question regarding the SQE status. Do you know if its required we pass both SQE1 and 2 for the sky placement? Thanks.

 

[A worried graduate]

I remembered, there was a question regarding the SQE status. Do you know if its required we pass both SQE1 and 2 for the sky placement? Thanks.

SQE1 only

 

[User5678]

Hi, just a quick question, I was looking at the PMC DTC app, they are not asking to upload a CV nor are they asking for any work experience or grades? There are only a few questions to answer. Their portal is a bit weird.

Was this the the same for you all?

Thank you

 

[BillSikes]

Hi, just a quick question, I was looking at the PMC DTC app, they are not asking to upload a CV nor are they asking for any work experience or grades? There are only a few questions to answer. Their portal is a bit weird.

Was this the the same for you all?

Thank you

Yeah no grades/work exp for PMC

 

[User5678]

WOW!!! Winkworth Sherwood has sent me a PFO at 1am😍😍 May God bless them!!

Indeed a very good night ://

 

[broalabear]

Okay got another Watson Glaser Q, this time a deduction.

Q: All Real Estate assets are either very large or located in central areas, but not both. While no apartment is untrendy, all trendy RE assets are very large.

D: Trendy real estate assets are either located in non-central areas or are small.

The answer says that the conclusion follows, but I'm confused.

The first part makes sense, [RE Assets = Very Large or Centrally Located, and, since all Trendy Assets = large, Trendy RE Assets have to be non-central]. But the second part makes no sense to me. We know that all trendy RE assets are very large, therefore, they cannot be small?
I mean, logically, yes the Trendy RE Assets have to either be in non-central areas or they have to be small. But when the question quite literally states that all trendy RE assets are very large, then they obviously can't be small, can they?

 

[trainee4u]

Okay got another Watson Glaser Q, this time a deduction.

Q: All Real Estate assets are either very large or located in central areas, but not both. While no apartment is untrendy, all trendy RE assets are very large.

D: Trendy real estate assets are either located in non-central areas or are small.

The answer says that the conclusion follows, but I'm confused.

The first part makes sense, [RE Assets = Very Large or Centrally Located, and, since all Trendy Assets = large, Trendy RE Assets have to be non-central]. But the second part makes no sense to me. We know that all trendy RE assets are very large, therefore, they cannot be small?
I mean, logically, yes the Trendy RE Assets have to either be in non-central areas or they have to be small. But when the question quite literally states that all trendy RE assets are very large, then they obviously can't be small, can they?

The key is the word OR.

For example:

enter javascript:alert("hello") into your browser URL. It will pop up "hello"

then try

javascript:true&&alert("hello")

this also pops up hello

now what happens if you try

javascript:true||alert("hello")

NOTHING!

The && operator means "and". To evaluate the result of true AND <something> you need to carry out the <something>

The || operator means "or".

So if you evaluate the expression true OR <something>

then given that the left hand side of that expression is true, it doesn't even bother continuing to the right hand side, and the alert("hello") is not executed, because there's no point.

It's exactly the same here.

["trendy real-estate assets are located in non-central areas" (true)] OR ["i saw mommy kissing santa claus" (false)] = true

The left hand side of the OR is true, and therefore the right-hand side is irrelevant and the statement overall is true, and the deduction follows. (You could reverse the order of course, it makes no difference: the full logic table is
true OR false
false OR true
true OR true
while only false OR false results in the deduction not following.)

 

[missTCLA]

If anyone has insights on this, Id really appreciate it. I have a video interview with Dentons, and i don't know whether it is timed or untimed. It says " Once you start the video interview you will need to complete all the questions in one sitting. The interview consists of 5 questions, which you record your own answers to in a two-minute time frame." - Does this mean I will be able to see the questions then record whenever I am ready? Or does this mean I see the question and have a few seconds to think about it and will record automatically ? Ive seen different things about this and I'm confused... if anyone got any info on this, id appreciate it as the deadline is v close...

 

[Amma Usman]

Has anyone had an interview end very quickly? The interview was scheduled for an hour but only lasted for about 30 minutes which was a bit disheartening

It doesn’t necessarily need to be a cause for concern. It could just mean that you answered their questions well, and they didn’t feel the need for follow-ups or further clarification. Sometimes, interviewers get what they need quicker than expected!

 

[Amma Usman]

If anyone has insights on this, Id really appreciate it. I have a video interview with Dentons, and i don't know whether it is timed or untimed. It says " Once you start the video interview you will need to complete all the questions in one sitting. The interview consists of 5 questions, which you record your own answers to in a two-minute time frame." - Does this mean I will be able to see the questions then record whenever I am ready? Or does this mean I see the question and have a few seconds to think about it and will record automatically ? Ive seen different things about this and I'm confused... if anyone got any info on this, id appreciate it as the deadline is v close...

I’m not entirely sure about Dentons in particular, but I’d presume the question will be visible while you’re recording, or at least during the preparation time. In most interviews - including in-person ones - you’re usually given a pen and paper to jot down key points, so I’d imagine you could write the question down as well. That said, it’s best to check with graduate recruitment to confirm, as I can’t say for sure.

 

[Amma Usman]

WOW!!! Winkworth Sherwood has sent me a PFO at 1am😍😍 May God bless them!!

Indeed a very good night ://

I’m sorry to hear that! Rejections always sting, but they don’t define your worth or potential. Keep pushing forward; the right opportunity will come at the right time. You’ve already achieved so much, and this is just a small bump in the road.

Onwards and upwards!

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi, just a quick question, I was looking at the PMC DTC app, they are not asking to upload a CV nor are they asking for any work experience or grades? There are only a few questions to answer. Their portal is a bit weird.

Was this the the same for you all?

Thank you

If that’s the case, you could find a way to weave in your work experiences and the skills you’ve gained as a result within your answers. For example, if a question asks you to explain a time when you demonstrated teamwork, you could reference something you did as part of a group, whether in a work setting, university or extracurriculars, using the STAR method to structure your response. This way you can still highlight your experience and qualifications even if they don’t explicitly ask for them.

 

[Amma Usman]

I was looking at the Payne Hicks Beach DTC app and they say on the app that ac’s would be conducted on 8 9 10 April. Considering the deadline is tomorrow midnight, isn’t that too soon for them to be able to get back to us?

Anyone heard from them already? I’m just trying to figure if it would make sense for me to submit my app today and if they are non rolling?

Thanks!

Honestly, you could give the application a shot and submit it, you never know. I know of people who have submitted late and still gotten offers. Especially since this firm hasn’t explicitly stated their stance on late applications, I think that reinforces the idea that you could give it a try.

As for how soon they will get back to you, I can’t say for sure. Sometimes firms reach out and your assessment centre is in three weeks, while other times it could be in just two days. I would say refine your interview skills as well as prepare for specific components like consistently improving your commercial awareness. These are like muscles that need constant flexing.

Best of luck, you’ll do great.

 

[Amma Usman]

@Ram Sabaratnam @jessicabooker @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu Could you please provide some tips on completing a candidate profile ahead of a vacation scheme. What sort of things would you put in Work experience, Interests and activities section?

It depends on the word count and how much you’re comfortable sharing. A good balance is usually a mix of professional experience, educational background, and a fun or unique hobby/interest.

For work experience, focus on roles that demonstrate transferable skills like teamwork, leadership, or problem-solving, even if they aren’t strictly legal. For interests and activities, highlight things that showcase your personality and soft skills, such as sports, creative pursuits, or volunteering. Including something distinctive can also make you more memorable.

 

[Amma Usman]

WBD Leeds AC!!!

Genuinely in shock, I have been applying for VS/TCs for 4 cycles now & always getting rejected post-app. This is my 2nd AC this cycle alongside 2 VI & 1 TI. For those struggling this cycle don’t give up, I have always lived by ‘what is for you will never go past you’ & this won’t go past you!!!

Congrats, well deserved! It’s amazing to see your hard work paying off.

As for preparing, if you could share more details about the components of the assessment centre, I can give more specific advice. If the firm hasn't mentioned, I would presume a competency interview will be part of it or a variation where you'll need to demonstrate specific competencies. In that case, make sure you brush up on not just your experiences, but the skills you've acquired and how they apply to the training contract.

For anyone still struggling this cycle, don’t give up! I love your mindset - 'what is for you will never go past you' - and it’s so true. This opportunity won’t pass you by either, you’ve got this!

 

[Amma Usman]

SPB rejection post AC. This was my last law firm application of this cycle so this one really hurt. Feeling very depleted right now. I got through to 3 ACs but failed them all. It’s only my first application cycle but the fact I failed every AC is really upsetting.

I totally sympathize with you - it’s tough, especially when you've invested so much time and effort into your applications. But remember, you didn’t fail, you’ve just learned something new with each interview. Even if you can’t see it immediately, every experience adds something to your growth. It’s completely natural to feel this way.

There’s a psychological theory called the "growth mindset" by psychologist Carol Dweck. It suggests that qualities can be developed over time through effort, learning, and persistence. We often expect immediate results, but growth is not linear. It can feel invisible at times, but it builds up gradually and shows up when you least expect it. In the context of your experience, although it might not seem like it now, every interview and assessment centre has helped you improve, even if it’s not obvious yet.

So, instead of viewing this as a failure, see it as part of your development. You’ve gained experience that will help you in the future, and it’s all part of the process. Keep pushing forward; success often comes when you least expect it, and you are absolutely on the right path!