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

[Sb2022]

It was actually one of the more enjoyable ACs I've done. The only thing was how short all of the time slots were, it all felt a little rushed

That's really good to hear, and I can see how the timing could be an issue. I'm sure despite feeling rushed you all did fab! If you don't mind me asking, how was the paired exercise? And did you get to talk to the office head?

 

[kr253]

That's really good to hear, and I can see how the timing could be an issue. I'm sure despite feeling rushed you all did fab! If you don't mind me asking, how was the paired exercise? And did you get to talk to the office head?

Yes there was a Q&A session with the office head.

The paired exercise was okay, we were given some information to read with a scenario and some context that was emailed to you just before the day started, then you had time to discuss in your pairs and then present to the assessors. Nothing too technical, I think just to see how you work together and show a bit of commercial awareness really. Hope that helps!

 

[Asil Ahmad]

It will probably vary from firm to firm and probably both, PE may fall under the general corporate banner or M&A! Take a look on a few firms websites and I bet people listed under PE practice will also have M&A listed. It's unlikely to be a clear cut distinction and again different firms will structure in different ways.

But also in any huge acquisition like this other departments will also be involved it wont just be the M&A team, a deal like this will take lawyers with all kinds of knowledge - tax, real estate, employment etc.

Yes I am aware of that and I think it depends how big the firm's PE department is which is why some firms have 1 department for both and some law firms have 2 separate departments for both of them.

Yes that is true a lot of other departments assist in M&A departments such IP.

Thank you very much for this.

 

[F99]

Is the online test for BCLP sent to everyone or only some candidates (i.e. do they screen applications before sending out test invites)?

 

[GXA123]

Is the online test for BCLP sent to everyone or only some candidates (i.e. do they screen applications before sending out test invites)?

they do screen apps before

 

[F99]

they do screen apps before

Thanks!

 

[BuddingLawyer1211]

Can anybody give me an idea of what the NRF vacation scheme is like + how we will be assessed?
Thank you,
A stressed incoming vac scheme applicant

 

[golden99]

Hi there, I have a vacation scheme with Dentons coming up and would really appreciate it if anyone who has done the scheme can give me an insight into the scheme and some advice on how to excel.

Thank you in advance!

 

[thirdtimelucky]

Can anybody give me an idea of what the NRF vacation scheme is like + how we will be assessed?
Thank you,
A stressed incoming vac scheme applicant

I can DM you, I did the spring one.

 

[BuddingLawyer1211]

I can DM you, I did the spring one.

Thank you so much, I have DM'd

 

[Goose]

For vacation schemes, is smart casual dress a suit without a tie for men?

 

[SCN]

Do law firms typically reimburse travel expenses during VS?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Do law firms typically reimburse travel expenses during VS?

They don’t necessarily reimburse them where you are being paid.

Firms tend to only pay travel expenses for things that aren’t paid (interviews/open days).

There will be some exceptions - you should speak to your firms about whether any expenses are covered or not.

 

[Legalmel_99]

I heard from DACB yesterday for anyone still waiting!!

 

[lawgal101]

Anyone still waiting to hear from BCLP?

 

[atelier]

Has anyone heard from Harbottle & Lewis?
or Aspiring Solicitors if you applied that way

heard back today. Interview invite!

 

[F99]

Do you get any sort of acknowledgement/confirmation email once you've completed the BCLP online test?

 

[F99]

Anyone still waiting to hear from BCLP?

Can I ask which stage you are referring to?

 

[lawnoob]

It isn’t a trick question. They are just genuinely interested in finding out who else you are applying to and how this may weigh up against how interested you are in them.

Hi @Jessica Booker, in extension to their question, I was wondering if they will really check/if there's an issue with lying about what firms you've applied to?

I know they are looking for whether the other firms align with this firm and similarities to demonstrate there was some sort of strategy. But what if I've been applying to firms for different reasons..? Is it ok to pull a white lie and say I've applied to XYZ similar firms when I actually haven't?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi @Jessica Booker, in extension to their question, I was wondering if they will really check/if there's an issue with lying about what firms you've applied to?

I know they are looking for whether the other firms align with this firm and similarities to demonstrate there was some sort of strategy. But what if I've been applying to firms for different reasons..? Is it ok to pull a white lie and say I've applied to XYZ similar firms when I actually haven't?

They haven’t got any ability to check unless you give your permission to contact firms. Even if you did this, firms haven’t got any capacity to either check with other firms or start giving out these details when other firms request it.

You are going into a profession where integrity is everything so I am someone who believes lying isn’t a good idea. It can also trip you up massively - trust me I have seen it happen!

Instead of lying just be tactical about what you say. For instance, “I am considering applying to Joe Bloggs LLP” is very different to “I have applied to Joe Bloggs LLP” when you haven’t.

They aren’t looking for alignment to that firm though - this is a common mistake many people assume. They are looking for you to provide rationale as to why you are considering these types of firms. I have heard exceptionally strong answers where the alignment was very limited, but well explained through rationale as to why the individual is considering varied firms.

Therefore explain your rationale. I suspect there are some common reasons/themes why you have applied to both firms - even if it just comes down to you have enjoyed meeting people from them.