TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Untilwinter]

Did they actually give u a PFO coz I saw ur post about waiting to hear back from them a few days ago?

Yes an actual pfo

 

[mfuturetrainee]

I wish they told us that the vs would be postponed/cancelled....wasted efforts!

that'll be so sad I actually really like them as well

 

[CHLTC]

Hey guys,

Come here for abit of reassuring and support. Just had a VI which I wasn’t happy with.

What do you do when it’s a question you haven’t prepared for? Something you just simply did not see coming.

I refuse to accept someone can have every possible question ready. It just simply isn’t possible. It’s great when there’s a question you prepared for , or at least something you can weave a slightly different question into.

What are your go to moves when you’re faced with a question you just haven’t heard before? Something you just can’t find an example for in the 10 seconds or so you have to prepare.

It’s all well and good to say a few points, but 1-2 mins for an answer is a long long time. You can’t simply submit a quick 30 second answer.

Any ideas

 

[aspiringfuturetrainee2025]

Last years valentines day I got a vi invite from wc. This year they gave me a pfo.
They must love valentines day or sth 😂

sorry about it but is it post-app or post-vi?

 

[Untilwinter]

sorry about it but is it post-app or post-vi?

Post app

 

[Petallove1]

Hey guys,

Come here for abit of reassuring and support. Just had a VI which I wasn’t happy with.

What do you do when it’s a question you haven’t prepared for? Something you just simply did not see coming.

I refuse to accept someone can have every possible question ready. It just simply isn’t possible. It’s great when there’s a question you prepared for , or at least something you can weave a slightly different question into.

What are your go to moves when you’re faced with a question you just haven’t heard before? Something you just can’t find an example for in the 10 seconds or so you have to prepare.

It’s all well and good to say a few points, but 1-2 mins for an answer is a long long time. You can’t simply submit a quick 30 second answer.

Any ideas

Hey!! My approach when I’m really at a loss is just pick and example I’ve already prepared for a different sort of question and make it as relevant as I possibly can by using signposting. For example, if for some reason I didn’t prepare an answer for problem solving and had never come across that q before but had one where I’ve shown team work, I would mould the team work example into problem solving. Obviously different when it’s a bit more specific like firm strategy, but even choosing the most random example for competency - at least you have something to say and don’t find yourself just staring blankly. I find that just maximises your chances even if you’re not happy with your answer. Not always ideal and the example doesn’t always fit - but at least it’s something! Could always throw in “I’ve never been in that situation before, but a similar experience I’ve been is is…” to make it seem a bit more fluid and less trying to pull something out of the bag. Ultimately you’re right - can’t prepare for everything and some things surprise you, so the best you can do sometimes it’s trying to adapt something you’ve already prepared if you feel very deer in the headlights (which I do often with VIs!!)

 

[kmo20]

Does anyone know how long Freshfields take to get back after completing the WG?

 

[legally.brown]

Post app

I’m so sorry! Is it summer or spring?

 

[CHLTC]

Hey!! My approach when I’m really at a loss is just pick and example I’ve already prepared for a different sort of question and make it as relevant as I possibly can by using signposting. For example, if for some reason I didn’t prepare an answer for problem solving and had never come across that q before but had one where I’ve shown team work, I would mould the team work example into problem solving. Obviously different when it’s a bit more specific like firm strategy, but even choosing the most random example for competency - at least you have something to say and don’t find yourself just staring blankly. I find that just maximises your chances even if you’re not happy with your answer. Not always ideal and the example doesn’t always fit - but at least it’s something! Could always throw in “I’ve never been in that situation before, but a similar experience I’ve been is is…” to make it seem a bit more fluid and less trying to pull something out of the bag. Ultimately you’re right - can’t prepare for everything and some things surprise you, so the best you can do sometimes it’s trying to adapt something you’ve already prepared if you feel very deer in the headlights (which I do often with VIs!!)

Great advice thank you - I appreciate it.

VIs can just be so unnatural because you can’t have a ‘dance’ with the interviewer. You can’t go back and forth. You’re stuck with this question and you have this awkward conversation with yourself where you have to veer the conversation… urgh I’m exhausted

 

[SemperParatus]

Hi everyone, any news from Morgan Lewis?

 

[Petallove1]

Great advice thank you - I appreciate it.

VIs can just be so unnatural because you can’t have a ‘dance’ with the interviewer. You can’t go back and forth. You’re stuck with this question and you have this awkward conversation with yourself where you have to veer the conversation… urgh I’m exhausted

I feel the same! I like that in an interview you have a little bit more control - so can clarify the question when needed and know exactly what they want. I think VIs you just have to try and do the best in the circumstances, and if that means choosing something less relevant and making it work to have something to say then it’s worth the compromise to maximise your chances when you really can’t think of something

 

[haydararikci]

Hey, guys did anyone receive any AC invite from any of these law firms since you did the VI or WG of these firms?

• Withers
• Addleshaw Goddard
• Womble Dickonson
• Foot Anstey
• Shoosmith
• Dechert
• Hogan Lovells

 

[tcplease2345]

I never heard post-app from BCLP and Addleshaw.

 

[tcplease2345]

Also what kind of questions are there in the Womble Bond VI?

 

[yxnglxw]

Hey congratulations!! Yeah I was a bit confused too but I think it’s definitely an AC rather than being assessed on the VS. Where will you be based?

Birmingham! It's a shame we have to do another AC. What is the point in having 2 ACs It was already stressful enough to go though the first and earn a place on the VI. I wish we could just do a partner interview instead Sigh.

 

[Untilwinter]

I’m so sorry! Is it summer or spring?

Put down spring as my first choice and summer for second

 

[EllaClayton]

I never heard post-app from BCLP and Addleshaw.

neither re addleshaw

 

[haydararikci]

Also what kind of questions are there in the Womble Bond VI?

Basically they asked situation based questions, numerical and verbal questions and video interview questions as far as I remember

 

[neonorange]

Hey, guys did anyone receive any AC invite from any of these law firms since you did the VI or WG of these firms?

• Withers
• Addleshaw Goddard
• Womble Dickonson
• Foot Anstey
• Shoosmith
• Dechert
• Hogan Lovells

I did the test for Withers so long ago I'm convinced I'll be 70 before they respond.

 

[legallybrunette8]

got shortlisted for an interview at a high street firm for their Easter scheme! my first small win of the year