TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

[TCApp2021]

@Jessica Booker

Do firms use contextualised recruitment throughout the entire application process? Also, I know the intention of CV-blind interviews is to help a level playing field but doesn’t it do the opposite by taking the contextualised element away (at a stage when it is probably most necessary)?

 

[EH96]

If the deadline for an application is 31st Jan (Apply4Law), does that mean I have the whole of the 31st to complete it, or do I need to submit it the night before? Thanks!

 

[s10]

Burges Salmon AC invite (Bristol office)! This is my first AC so any tips would be greatly appreciated

Amazing! Can I ask when you applied?

 

[Vacationschemeapps]

Has anyone heard from PM London post app?

Nope. Still waiting

 

[t-0147]

Did you ask for the adjustment in advance of the day? Can I ask what the adjustment was too? Feel free to PM me if that is easier.

I would PM but don't know how! I got my extra time sorted as soon as I got the invite, they even called to tell me how it would work so I was feeling at ease. On the day however they implemented it in one aspect of the case study exercise but not the second, it may have seemed like a minor thing to them but 7 mins makes a huge difference when you are neurodivergent.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker

Do firms use contextualised recruitment throughout the entire application process? Also, I know the intention of CV-blind interviews is to help a level playing field but doesn’t it do the opposite by taking the contextualised element away (at a stage when it is probably most necessary)?

Contextualised recruitment only really applies to school and grades/performance. It doesn’t really apply beyond this.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I would PM but don't know how! I got my extra time sorted as soon as I got the invite, they even called to tell me how it would work so I was feeling at ease. On the day however they implemented it in one aspect of the case study exercise but not the second, it may have seemed like a minor thing to them but 7 mins makes a huge difference when you are neurodivergent.

Did they apply it to your prep time but not your delivery time?

 

[tt_xo]

I just did the SPB’s assessment and clicked on the wrong answer before the assessment finish - feel like I really ruined it 😭😭

Im sure you will be fine its only one question, I wouldnt worry about it Did you find the video interview section of it difficult?

 

[t-0147]

Did they apply it to your prep time but not your delivery time?

No, there were two aspects of prep-time (the second was introduced to stimulate working under time pressure and changing situations I imagine) and it was applied to the first and not the second, so my "pressure" was exactly that haha

 

[Rob93]

These clients make millions and so do the law firms. Not really filthy lucre going to the lawyers that work from 9am-1am IMO

I mean sure, the amount of money on the table especially in transactional work is so vast that the fees required to sustain these salaries are a relative drop in the bucket.

But I do genuinely query whether the actual value-add of an NQ really justifies this on any theory of value other than 'what a client is willing to pay/what partners are willing to comp juniors.'

Many people work worse jobs at comparable hours for poverty wages (I have done this at one point in my life), so the sheer fact of hours isn't a particularly compelling justification imo.

Ultimately clients are willing to pay and I don't have any particular objection to money flowing into the pockets of lawyers rather than bankers or executives, but the figures have become wildly high and I would expect many clients' eyebrows to be raised by the NY/City junior pay wars.

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Has anyone who applied in January heard back from BCLP post SJT? Or for their Open Day?

Waiting for their open day.

 

[Asil Ahmad]

For those who did Kennedys SST test did you receive a report.

 

[Miki3999]

Ij

Honestly surprised that clients are not beginning to challenge the 'filthy lucre' being doled out at law firms.

they won't at least until they find someone who can prep documents for them for less money

 

[Nicole15]

I'm a bit stuck as to how to prepare for a AC (exc the interview) which involves a written task and a group assessment. I have read different threads and different websites for helpful tips but I was wondering whether there are any tangible steps I can take? I understand that such assessments cannot be overly prepared due to obvious reasons but I have been trying to prep my mindset (as I am very nervous!) and also read through key terms, contemplate business issues and familiarise myself with the workings of the various practice areas within a law firm. I would appreciate any tips! Thank you.

 

[S87]

Has anyone else had just absolute failures from firms in regards to reasonable adjustments? I had my first one in an AC yesterday

don’t get me started! I applied to 10 firms so far and 7 asked me to do WG or verbal reasoning tests only 2 firms agreed.

 

[Rob93]

Ij

they won't at least until they find someone who can prep documents for them for less money

Yeah that's true, and the various gatekeeping mechanisms at different stages of the human capital pipeline do insulate the high-end of the profession from a lot of competitive pressure. Curious to see how legal tech, accessibility initiatives &c. might move the landscape in coming years.

 

[holahola99]

anyone know how long slaughters takes to respond post interview? xx

 

[Andyrobo93]

For those who did Kennedys SST test did you receive a report.

Nope! I emailed as I didn't get confirmation that they had received it but they said that they had. Presume it's the same for everyone.

 

[n2000]

Nope! I emailed as I didn't get confirmation that they had received it but they said that they had. Presume it's the same for everyone.

I received one about 4 days after I took it

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Nope! I emailed as I didn't get confirmation that they had received it but they said that they had. Presume it's the same for everyone.

I was just wondering I did not receive it and have always received it for every other law firm SJT test.