TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Deleted member 31510]

As someone who has never done an AC before, what should I expect? I know there is going to be an interview, a written exercise based on a hypothetical legal scenario, and a group exercise (a presentation, I think).

For the written exercise, what sort of prep should I be doing? Outside of sharpening my commercial awareness, would it require some technical knowledge of a particular practice area and do I therefore need to understand how multiple different practice areas work going into the AC?? Also, does 'hypothetical legal scenario' more likely mean a case study or could it also be a letter-writing or proof-reading exercise?

And for the group exercise, how do they actually assess you? As in, while your group is putting the presentation together, is there someone sitting in a corner observing you all and taking notes? I am coming into this with very minimal experience and have only done two video interviews and attended one (non-assessed) open day, so if anyone could share their past experience that would be massively helpful. Thank you!

What they normally do is give you a group task which you will then present to the assessors at the end together and maybe ask questions on. Can only speak from experience on group exercises, each firm might have different criteria but most of the time they are looking to see how you work in a team. Can you bring new perspectives and listen to other people, can you interact well with people and positively add to their ideas? Can you adapt your ideas when they are questioned and handle constructive criticism in a good way? Really it's just about being friendly. You don't have to lead anything if you don't want to, being a good listener who can offer insightful feedback will also be appreciated. I'm sure you will smash it.

 

[AlegalA]

in mine they said “at the very latest the end of April” so I had hope it might’ve been earlier!

They mentioned they wanted to give all answers, positive and negative out in the same week, so I reckon it will probably be next week.

IM, HD too I reckon and hopefully Withers!

 

[Izzy1026]

Would anyone be keen to share their successful (made it to AC) application to Orrick? The firm is not included in the database so I would really appreciate some insights. Happy to share my own apps to Slaughter, Cleary, White&Case, and Bristows in exchange x

 

[fusion]

Gateley PFO post assessment centre.
However, they have offered feedback, which is a first!

 

[Bubbles]

Do we assume PFO if we haven't heard back from Browne Jacobson post-TI at this point On the phone they said they'd let us know by last friday

I emailed them on Monday asking for an update because I got offered another role, and they still haven't gotten back to me ://

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Would anyone be keen to share their successful (made it to AC) application to Orrick? The firm is not included in the database so I would really appreciate some insights. Happy to share my own apps to Slaughter, Cleary, White&Case, and Bristows in exchange x

Would also love this. Can swap for applications that were successful for a variety of firms.

 

[SR99]

Browne Jacobson rejection post TI

 

[PinkZebra67]

Browne Jacobson rejection post TI

Same :/

 

[legallybrunette8]

Browne Jacobson pfo as well, but super happy that they provide feedback!

 

[ohnoselim]

anyone know some firms that have direct TC routes still open and they recruit an even ish number from that route in comparison to VS?

 

[futurerookytobe]

Gateley PFO post assessment centre.
However, they have offered feedback, which is a first!

Heyyy so sorry to hear this! Would you mind sharing the feedback? Like what kind of things were they looking for in candidates? Thanks a lot!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

hi everyone! does anyone have any advice as to what to say to grad rec if you want to turn down a vac scheme that you previously accepted? i've been offered one that clashes which i want to prioritise but not sure what to say to the other GR and want to put it right

I wouldn’t overthink it - you just need to state you are withdrawing your acceptance. If you want to explain that is to attend another scheme, you can - the firm is likely to ask anyway.

It really depends if you want to/hope to go forward for a direct TC process with the firm instead. If that is the case, it is best to call the HR team rather than rely on email and discuss what the options are.

 

[BillSikes]

I am final year and have started to look for paralegal positions. I see for a lot of positions the firm says that having the LPC is preferable. Does this mean that having the SQE will improve chances of securing a paralegal position?

 

[legal18]

Does anyone know how long SH will take post-VI?

 

[bangarangbass39]

Browne Jacobson PFO post-TI. I have one more firm to wait for which is for a direct TC. I only applied because I spent two weeks interning with them and their client's in-house legal function.

Not a great first application cycle but it has been worth it nonetheless.

 

[Madeline186]

Anyone know if Browne Jacobson's STJ is STJ purely or it has VI/ motivation questions in there?

How did the SJT go for you? I was so thrown by the 500 word questions at the end!

 

[mp2000]

How did people do on the SH online assessment? I got medium for applied numerical and high for applied verbal. Once again, like my other Amberjack results, my pillars are awful....4,4,6,9. How did other people find this?

 

[Gday33]

A few questions…anyone:

- did the Norton Rose online assessment and heard further (I have the report)? Also - what did we think of the assessment itself??
- heard from HFW? Submitted April but gather they recruit a lot from VS / rolling.
- heard further from Mayer Brown after doing the online assessment? I have the report

 

[zdzd]

A few questions…anyone:

- did the Norton Rose online assessment and heard further (I have the report)? Also - what did we think of the assessment itself??
- heard from HFW? Submitted April but gather they recruit a lot from VS / rolling.
- heard further from Mayer Brown after doing the online assessment? I have the report

Can’t speak for HFW or MB, but the arctic shores test was definitely…not what I expected? I think I’m more used to Watson Glasers and SJTs so the mini game style of the assessment kinda took me by surprise. If you don’t mind sharing, what kind of feedback did you receive for it? I think I really struggled with mine even though it’s meant to be one of those things you can’t really prepare for

 

[Gday33]

Can’t speak for HFW or MB, but the arctic shores test was definitely…not what I expected? I think I’m more used to Watson Glasers and SJTs so the mini game style of the assessment kinda took me by surprise. If you don’t mind sharing, what kind of feedback did you receive for it? I think I really struggled with mine even though it’s meant to be one of those things you can’t really prepare for

I also thought I’d struggled - definitely was NOT what I expected but the feedback was okay, I had a mix of ‘middles’ and ‘rights’ whatever that means. I do wonder how they got all that from the games..!