TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Kld]

Anyone not heard back from Irwin Mitchell post-VI? I see a couple of people getting through (congratulations!) but I’ve heard nothing either way?

 

[NMA]

Has anyone had their A&P interview yet?

 

[Zi48]

Has anyone had their A&P interview yet?

I did their TC interview last year, not sure if it’s exactly the same but feel free to message!

 

[legallyad]

I don't suppose either of you have been given a date/time? "Shortly" seems like a very vague (and subjective) measure of time but I don't want to harass grad rec if they haven't sent that info out to anyone yet!

I haven’t received a time, no - thats what i also thought but I’m sure we’ll hear back by the end of this week !! 😊

 

[Mike Wazaoski]

How do people prep before an AC?

 

[law2022x]

Has anyone had their A&P interview yet?

is that arnold &porter? do you have an interview?

 

[axelbeugre]

@Jessica Booker I saw you answer how to approach "tell us about something that excites you" and you emphasised the fact it doesn't need to be legal, or commercial, and they make that quite clear in the phrasing.

Would it seem disingenuous to talk about something relevant to the firm's key practice areas and the legal market? It is something I am actually genuinely interested in, and have done lots of research on before, but I don't want to seem uninteresting, as I imagine lots of other applications are about more exciting topics outside of law and stand out to grad recruitment.

It may be a genuine interest but I could see how someone might think you rehearsed the answer a little bit so I would keep the answer personal to you, you definitely have to show a different side to you and I would highlight that.

The way I see it is that you are showing your interest in the law by applying to the firm and the vacation scheme and answering why x firm.

The question ''tell us about something that excites you'' is really pushing you to show a different side to you so I would talk about something personal to you that you have been enjoying prior to be interested in commercial law maybe.

 

[Apple]

It may be a genuine interest but I could see how someone might think you rehearsed the answer a little bit so I would keep the answer personal to you, you definitely have to show a different side to you and I would highlight that.

The way I see it is that you are showing your interest in the law by applying to the firm and the vacation scheme and answering why x firm.

The question ''tell us about something that excites you'' is really pushing you to show a different side to you so I would talk about something personal to you that you have been enjoying prior to be interested in commercial law maybe.

Thank you

 

[axelbeugre]

How do people prep before an AC?

I shared some general tips that might be useful as starting point in this post: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....ns-discussion-thread-2023-24.8037/post-167210

I do understand the struggle of preparing for assessment centres but I hope those tips are going to be helpful as they were for me when I was preparing!

 

[ChasingTCS]

Has anyone done trowers & hamlins AC or has one coming up, pm please please!!!!!!!!

 

[VMS]

I've seen quite a few people mentioning HL PFOs/ACs, are any of these for the Summer Vacation Scheme?

 

[IwantaVacSchemePlz]

I've seen quite a few people mentioning HL PFOs/ACs, are any of these for the Summer Vacation Scheme?

I think they were all for the SVS - I've yet to hear anything, but I think they will send out more ACs once the lift-off candidates have been interviewed.

 

[VMS]

I think they were all for the SVS - I've yet to hear anything, but I think they will send out more ACs once the lift-off candidates have been interviewed.

Ah okay, thank you!

 

[laby201]

Just did Baker's SJT and these reports really, really confuse me.

I responded in exactly the same manner in my Reed Smith SJT and my Baker's one. In my RS report, I got 4/9 for grit, 4/9 for applied intellect, 7/9 for creative force, and 4/9 digital mindset. In my Baker report, I got 6/9 for grit, 7/9 for applied intellect, and 3/9 for both creative force and digital mindset. How can one test which is presumably very similar give me 7/9 and 3/9 in THE SAME CATEGORY? 😂 😂

Ah well, given two of those pillars are horrific, assuming that's a PFO!

 

[Jessica Booker]

it's not looking good so I think I will be - even if I recover somewhat, I think it might affect my performance. But I'm also concerned I'll miss out on the opportunity to interview with the firm.

I would call them tomorrow morning then and ask whether you can postpone.

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker I saw you answer how to approach "tell us about something that excites you" and you emphasised the fact it doesn't need to be legal, or commercial, and they make that quite clear in the phrasing.

Would it seem disingenuous to talk about something relevant to the firm's key practice areas and the legal market? It is something I am actually genuinely interested in, and have done lots of research on before, but I don't want to seem uninteresting, as I imagine lots of other applications are about more exciting topics outside of law and stand out to grad recruitment.

Interest is one thing, but does it excite/inspire you?

If so, you can talk about it. But if it is more an interest I don’t think it will fit the question.

 

[br2000]

Dechert SVS! If anyone needs advice on the process, feel free to DM me

Is this for spring or summer? I applied for the summer vs on the deadline and im trying to figure out when I'll hear back

 

[Easttowest]

Yes I got my invitation today and I took my VI exactly two weeks ago

How did you perform in your video interview? I was extremely nervous and stuttering 😭

 

[Hopefultrainee22]

Your feelings are valid so you should not apologise for how you feel. Of course it is a good dilemma to have as far as dilemmas go but it is still something affecting you and you should not apologise for it.

What I would say is I would give this firm a chance and wait for this consideration once you get the training contract offer after the vacation scheme. I always say to keep an open mind because you might love your time at the firm and you also might love the other vacation schemers and the lawyers you meet.

Your experience will vastly depend on a variety of different reasons so I personally would wait until you have an offer to decide what you want to do.

What I would do in your shoes is still applying for direct training contract in April/May to the firms that I might be more interested in to see if you might have success with those. However, I would recommend waiting until the end of the scheme to decide.

I hope I was helpful,

Good luck!!

I'm by no means qualified to give an answer here but I thought I'd share my own personal experience as it's quite similar, in the hope that it helps you

Firstly, a massive congrats on your VS! This is a huge achievement and you should be really proud!! I was in the same boat and applied to a firm that specialised in a niche sector of law I wasn't sure I wanted to pursue a long-term career in. Nevertheless, I applied as they had a semi-decent corporate practice. Doing the VS will undoubtedly provide you with a fantastic insight into a law firm and life as a trainee. During the VS, you might find you enjoy their main practice areas, in which case, this may help the TC selection process. As a trainee (depending on the firm) you do 4 seat rotations and so if the firm offers more mainstream seats like Corporate/Litigation/Real Estate etc, this is still a really good option for you. If you find this firm hasn't got the breadth and depth of work you're hoping for, it's also very common to move firms as an NQ.

First off, congratulations on your VS offer! You should be very proud of yourself as it’s a great achievement

In no way should you feel bad; I think the way you feel right now is understandable if you had your heart set on a particular firm and the “consolation prize” part makes sense.

If I’m honest, I think if this does turn out to be your only VS this cycle and you do (hopefully) convert it into a TC, it would likely be a mistake not to take it. TCs are very hard to come by (as I’m sure you’ve experienced!) and to be in the position to have one is something I feel you should take with both hands. Even if the practice areas or firm’s specialisms don’t entirely align with your original goals, you may end up surprised during your seats at what you enjoy. In any event, if it’s a full service firm, you’ll still likely gain exposure to your standard corporate, finance, employment, real estate etc seats, even if the firm isn’t a Legal 500 Band 1 for them.

Moreover, you’re not tied to that firm forever. A TC only lasts 2 years and once you’re qualified, you can move laterally to another firm and plenty people will do that.

I’d advise you take the offer if successful; I imagine it’ll turn out to be an excellent decision and you’ll thrive. Best of luck!

You should be so proud to have received an offer but that doesn't mean it's not ok to feel this way. I suppose after working so long to receive an offer, it can seem a bit frustrating if you didn't get one from a firm you really liked so I get why it feels sort of underwhelming. I am sure others can give deeper advice than me but my own opinion is to take the TC and change firms after two years. I think you would regret if you had to wait another 3 years to receive an offer. That's just my two cents as I cannot give a longer answer right now but I would be curious as to what you decide so do keep us updated if you can. Congratulations again!!!

Thank you to everyone for all your comments and advice - this is a really amazing community and a great one to be a part of

My AC was with Skadden, which was my dream firm, so when they rejected me, it sucked. I now have the VS offer from Addleshaw, which I am, of course, grateful for, but it's still tinged with disappointment. I want to shake that feeling as everyone around me is very positive, especially when I've been working towards this for years now.

Knowing I could have had the opportunity to work for a firm like Skadden though and missed that opportunity is still getting to me. I know it shouldn't and you all make such good points (and I know I will be able to transfer later in my career). I'm sure doing the VS will be a great experience and one I'll learn a lot from, especially when I know there are many out there who would do a lot to be in my position.

I wondered if you had any wisdom to impart @Jessica Booker? Is there a way to still feel proud and upbeat about a VS from a firm that doesn't motivate you as much as one you got rejected from/its practice area strengths don't align with your main goals? I want to try and adopt a more positive mindset about it all

 

[Amehta1]

How did you perform in your video interview? I was extremely nervous and stuttering 😭

My heart was racing throughout the whole thing😭😭 I think my prep paid off though cause thankfully I didn’t stutter.