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

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker is much better placed to answer this than me but my understanding is that most firms will score candidates and rank them. Often candidates are accepted/rejected on very fine margins.

There will be a minimum standard that candidates will have to meet and therefore there will be a pass/fail basis. But typically there is some kind of loose ranking that may impact the borderline candidates. That is where the fine margins can come in, with the people that just miss out compared to those who just get in.

 

[rayemuse]

Hey guys, about how long post AC should one wait for before contacting grad rec? Had an AC more than a month ago and still silence. Also, are PFOs post-ACs usually emailed or called?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hey guys, about how long post AC should one wait for before contacting grad rec? Had an AC more than a month ago and still silence. Also, are PFOs post-ACs usually emailed or called?

If its a month, definitely contact them and ask when you will hear back.

Typically PFOs are done via email although some firms do call.

 

[S87]

Hi guys,

Sorry to bother but it is my first time where I am asked to identify the firm's competitors.
While I can easily identify competitors when it comes to practice areas, I still have doubts when it comes to other aspects.

For example, if the firm follows a specific international and growth strategy how do you find its competitors?If I want to take into account the firm's small intake can I compare against firms with larger intakes?
Plus, should I mention why the points I made are relevant to me?

Help a fellow aspiring solicitor

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi guys,

Sorry to bother but it is my first time where I am asked to identify the firm's competitors.
While I can easily identify competitors when it comes to practice areas, I still have doubts when it comes to other aspects.

For example, if the firm follows a specific international and growth strategy how do you find its competitors?If I want to take into account the firm's small intake can I compare against firms with larger intakes?
Plus, should I mention why the points I made are relevant to me?

Help a fellow aspiring solicitor

I personally wouldn't consider trainee intake size as something that would directly mean someone is a competitor or not, even if you took it as a "competitor for talent". I think it really relates to competing for clients. However, if a firm has a specific international growth strategy, that might mean they have new competitors in that region/location. So I'd be looking at what other firms are servicing those regions in the same type of practice areas or sectors as the firm wants to go into in these locations.

You don't really need to tie the points to you for this type of question though.

 

[LawfulRust00]

@Jessica Booker Is it feasible that a firm will consider that a candidate has other vacation schemes in their decision making process. For example, when assessing video interview candidates, if GR sees that a strong candidate has 2 other vac schemes on there LinkedIn profile, could that work against the candidate in the sense that it suggests they would be less likely to sign a TC at the firm (should they be progressed)?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker Is it feasible that a firm will consider that a candidate has other vacation schemes in their decision making process. For example, when assessing video interview candidates, if GR sees that a strong candidate has 2 other vac schemes on there LinkedIn profile, could that work against the candidate in the sense that it suggests they would be less likely to sign a TC at the firm (should they be progressed)?

I don't think they would look at their LinkedIn profile as this is not something that can be done consistently and just takes too much time.

People literally just watch the video interview and at best may refer back to your application rather than seeking out other external information.

 

[willturnbull60]

Travers Smith summer vac scheme! Email not a phone call, did my interview on Wednesday and got the offer on Friday

Congratulations! I have my interview on Monday. Any chance you could give me some tips on how to prepare?

 

[GXA123]

anyone heard back from Clyde ME?

 

[ar2r]

I emailed a firm over 2 weeks ago asking for feedback post-interview, when is appropriate to send a follow up email?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I emailed a firm over 2 weeks ago asking for feedback post-interview, when is appropriate to send a follow up email?

I'd personally wait another 2 weeks unless you urgently need the feedback.

 

[S87]

I personally wouldn't consider trainee intake size as something that would directly mean someone is a competitor or not, even if you took it as a "competitor for talent". I think it really relates to competing for clients. However, if a firm has a specific international growth strategy, that might mean they have new competitors in that region/location. So I'd be looking at what other firms are servicing those regions in the same type of practice areas or sectors as the firm wants to go into in these locations.

You don't really need to tie the points to you for this type of question though.

Thank you Jessica

 

[Marlian44]

just had withers interview and I was nearly grilled to death.

 

[toriandersen]

Has anyone still not heard back from pwc following the partner interview?

 

[EdDempsey]

Do Stephenson Harwood email or call?

 

[Lucy124]

BDB Pitmans and PMC vac schemes!

 

[applying for TCs]

Has anyone done the Hill Dickinson live video intervene yet?

I have mine coming up do you have any tips?

 

[John Travoni]

I have mine coming up do you have any tips?

When is yours and what office did you apply to?

 

[Strugglinglawstudent]

Has anyone heard anything from Arnold & Porter?

 

[stemlawgal]

Is anyone still waiting to hear back from HSF post-test? Its been almost 4 months, and I'm sure its a PFO since many people have already had offers and ACs, but I'm starting to wonder if I should contact them