TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[daisy_yawn]

I've seen a few PFOs from A&O for the Winter vac scheme but has anyone received an AC invite?

 

[Netta]

I've seen a few PFOs from A&O for the Winter vac scheme but has anyone received an AC invite?

Hi! I've been wondering the same thing - I applied August 20th and heard soon after that I'd passed the SJT but nothing since. I'm guessing no news is good news? But would love to know if anyone's gotten an AC invite.

 

[rose888]

Hi for hsf's choose a topic that interests you question, do you think it is okay to make it about something legal, despite in the question it saying "Your answer does not need to be related to law"? thanks in advance

 

[kab]

Hi for hsf's choose a topic that interests you question, do you think it is okay to make it about something legal, despite in the question it saying "Your answer does not need to be related to law"? thanks in advance

I spoke with grad rec and they said you can write about anything so long as you clearly explain the topic and why you find it interesting

 

[rose888]

I spoke with grad rec and they said you can write about anything so long as you can clearly explain the topic and why you find it interesting

thank you!

 

[Jedward87]

Hi - could anyone please help - I’m struggling to figure out how I should explain that my extenuating circumstances and disability combined hugely impacted my capacity before and during two sets of my university exams? I don’t have a concession for those results, as I wasn’t aware that was an option at all, and I didn’t receive help until later in my degree.

I still passed those exams but it lowered my overall % result in my degree (still have a 2:1 overall) but I feel like those results are the biggest weakness in my applications, and I don’t want law firms thinking that I did badly without understanding the context.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi - could anyone please help - I’m struggling to figure out how I should explain that my extenuating circumstances and disability combined hugely impacted my capacity before and during two sets of my university exams? I don’t have a concession for those results, as I wasn’t aware that was an option at all, and I didn’t receive help until later in my degree.

I still passed those exams but it lowered my overall % result in my degree (still have a 2:1 overall) but I feel like those results are the biggest weakness in my applications, and I don’t want law firms thinking that I did badly without understanding the context.

Feel free to PM me what you would say in an application and I can review it and explain how you can adapt it for applications.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi for hsf's choose a topic that interests you question, do you think it is okay to make it about something legal, despite in the question it saying "Your answer does not need to be related to law"? thanks in advance

My view on this is don’t do it if you are just trying to impress the recruiter with legal knowledge, and only do it if you have a true interest in the subject.

 

[Jedward87]

Feel free to PM me what you would say in an application and I can review it and explain how you can adapt it for applications.

Thank you so much! Will PM you as soon as I finish work.

 

[toribabylawyer]

Hi, I have applied and got the test like two days later. I have completed it but haven't heard if I have hit the benchmark or not.

In the past, after passing the test I would receive a feedback report or an email stating I have passed and that my application is being reviewed. Not sure why that has not happened this time. If anyone has an idea, please do let me know.

hi, have you heard yet? and if so, how long after taking the test did you hear?

 

[BeGrateful.101]

Describe what you think it takes to be a successful commercial lawyer and what are some of the challenges you might face as a trainee solicitor. (300 words max)

Does the above application form questions requires us to link it back to ourselves or should we focus solely on a) what makes a successful commercial lawyers? b)challenges of trainee solicitor

 

[Deleted member 3712]

Describe what you think it takes to be a successful commercial lawyer and what are some of the challenges you might face as a trainee solicitor. (300 words max)

Does the above application form questions requires us to link it back to ourselves or should we focus solely on a) what makes a successful commercial lawyers? b)challenges of trainee solicitor

Struggling with this too if anyone has any insight! Would it be best to literally answer the question without linking it to ourselves / past experiences at all? Should we go into depth and specifics of a task a trainee would do eg. cp checklist and a challenge that could arise eg. timing/ short deadline

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Describe what you think it takes to be a successful commercial lawyer and what are some of the challenges you might face as a trainee solicitor. (300 words max)

Does the above application form questions requires us to link it back to ourselves or should we focus solely on a) what makes a successful commercial lawyers? b)challenges of trainee solicitor

See my response here: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/ask-the-tcla-team-anything.4003/post-121007

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Struggling with this too if anyone has any insight! Would it be best to literally answer the question without linking it to ourselves / past experiences at all? Should we go into depth and specifics of a task a trainee would do eg. cp checklist and a challenge that could arise eg. timing/ short deadline

It doesn't need you to go into details about the tasks a trainee would do as the question is more about a commercial lawyer (broader definition than just a trainee).

 

[AlexJ]

Struggling with the HL question - tell us about any open days and events you have attended in the legal sector (250)
I haven’t been to many things because of Covid and being at work, does it have to be open days or should I put work experience in here? Also is it bad I haven’t been to anything HL have put on?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Struggling with the HL question - tell us about any open days and events you have attended in the legal sector (250)
I haven’t been to many things because of Covid and being at work, does it have to be open days or should I put work experience in here? Also is it bad I haven’t been to anything HL have put on?

I wouldn't put work experience in this section.

You don't need to have attended HL events specifically - it can be any careers events, seminars, webinars or talks, whether virtually or in person.

 

[UnTCSilVousPlait]

A&O rejection post meeting the SJT benchmark. Really don't know what works and what does not at this point.

 

[zizszhplum]

A&O rejection post meeting the SJT benchmark. Really don't know what works and what does not at this point.

sorry to hear this if you don't mind me asking, when did you complete the test and receive the email about meeting the SJT benchmark?

 

[UnTCSilVousPlait]

sorry to hear this if you don't mind me asking, when did you complete the test and receive the email about meeting the SJT benchmark?

I completed the test on the 9th and received the email on either the 11th or the 12th.

 

[zizszhplum]

Slaughters and A&O PFO in one day :/