TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[lawyerdreams]

For this question: Please tell us about a commercial news story you have recently been following. How might it impact Hogan Lovells' clients?

Do you guys think they would like us to talk about what HL's role will be, for example, if there is a negative impact to their client, how HL can help mitigate this?
Or, should I really just focus on the impact to the client?

I think I would just focus on the impact on the the firm's clients, as the question doesn't ask you about HL's role so you risk not answering the question/not going into detail on the points being asked.

 

[Amjaya]

Does anyone have any tips on Taylor Wessings assessment

 

[Maddy]

Does it make sense to apply to jones day if my overall grade is low 2:1 and have no excellent work experience or extra curricular activities?

 

[legally.brown]

So makes no sense to apply if the overall grade is low 2:1 and not excellent work experience or extra curricular activities. Is this true? @Jessica Booker

I disagree! I applied with 3 2:2s in my first year and got through to interview with Jones Day!

Have a strong application overall and you should be good.

 

[aphelion]

For those who are Paralegals - can I ask what your notice is after your probation period? I am a paralegal at the moment and my notice after 6 months probation will be 3 months - and I am wondering if this is industry standard or just my firm.

I'm thinking who is gonna wait 3 months to hire a paralegal with 6 months experience

I'm a paralegal at a commercial firm in London and I have a 2 month notice period. I think 2/3 months is pretty standard for these sorts of roles. I'm at 1 year of experience and from discussions with potential new employers I don't think the notice period is a problem if you're a strong candidate!

 

[br2000]

Those who have done the Ashurst test: How much maths does the online test involve? Would u recommend having a calculator at hand? Thank you

I did it a few days ago. There were two maths sections from what I remember, but each section is timed so you won't have time to use a calculator. It was mainly testing how quickly you could work out the answers in your head. Not a great experience for me since i'm not that good with numbers lol but don't worry too much about it!

 

[AlegalA]

Helloo I started answering a question about an issue I was passionate about which is on how derogatory language impacts the general way we view women but I have now come to the realisation that I'm using some strong language as examples. Obviously they are used to evidence an academic point I am making, so it's not being used in an inappropriate way BUT upon reflection should I write about a safer topic, or given the "academic" nature of my answer it will be okay?

( I have stupidly already started writing this and would love to not have to start over )

 

[mat123]

Hi all,

Would anyone be able to help me and confirm who Bird & Bird's competitors are/fall into the same category of firm?

Thank you!

 

[KBanana]

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to apply to Slaughter and May and have heard they are quite strict when it comes to university grades. I attained a final mark of 69 in my degree (just scraped a First), but I’m wondering if they only consider applicants with an overall grade of 70% or higher?

Thank you!

 

[sammm10101]

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to apply to Slaughter and May and have heard they are quite strict when it comes to university grades. I attained a final mark of 69 in my degree (just scraped a First), but I’m wondering if they only consider applicants with an overall grade of 70% or higher?

Thank you!

I'm sure its fine, I'm pretty sure I've seen it that they assess applications holistically, and I've definitely seen people progress who have gotten 2.1's

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to apply to Slaughter and May and have heard they are quite strict when it comes to university grades. I attained a final mark of 69 in my degree (just scraped a First), but I’m wondering if they only consider applicants with an overall grade of 70% or higher?

Thank you!

You won’t need a first to apply to Slaughter and May.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Helloo I started answering a question about an issue I was passionate about which is on how derogatory language impacts the general way we view women but I have now come to the realisation that I'm using some strong language as examples. Obviously they are used to evidence an academic point I am making, so it's not being used in an inappropriate way BUT upon reflection should I write about a safer topic, or given the "academic" nature of my answer it will be okay?

( I have stupidly already started writing this and would love to not have to start over )

I’d personally suggest trying to limit the use of terms that maybe offensive in an answer like this. Are the specific references needed and can the same point be said without using them?

 

[lawzade02]

Hello everyone!

Has anyone received an Assessment Day invitation from Norton Rose Fulbright for the 2024 Winter Vacation Scheme?

 

[Hana ♥]

Hello everyone!

Has anyone received an Assessment Day invitation from Norton Rose Fulbright for the 2024 Winter Vacation Scheme?

Nope, I sat the Arctic Shores test today. When did you do yours?

 

[futuretcholder]

Sidley anyone?

You won’t need a first to apply to Slaughter and May.

What are the firms that usuallly require or expect a first?

 

[lawzade02]

Nope, I sat the Arctic Shores test today. When did you do yours?

Thanks for replying. I haven't submitted yet. The next stage after the test is video interview if I am not mistaken. Has anyone done that stage?

 

[BonanzaBih_]

Hello everyone!

Has anyone received an Assessment Day invitation from Norton Rose Fulbright for the 2024 Winter Vacation Scheme?

Aren’t they non-rolling?

 

[danielles]

Anyone knows which firms don't really care about whether you attended an RS uni but more so just look at your grades?

 

[Kay Aston]

Anyone knows which firms don't really care about whether you attended an RS uni but more so just look at your grades?

Hi @danielles ! Legal Cheek firm pages are a great resource for this, as they have pie charts which show the university breakdown of the current trainees at the firm (by group). Generally, you will find that elite US firms are more selective about university type, for example, Kirkland & Ellis trainees are made up exclusively of RG and Oxbridge grads:



Whereas UK firms appear to be more diverse in their selection, for example Ashurst:



I will caveat this by saying that just because there is no 'Other UK' section to these charts, it doesn't mean you are definitely wasting your time applying for these firms. Firms are changing their recruitment strategies all the time, especially with the current focus on diversity, and I do believe a lot of candidates 'self-select' themselves out of some firms by believing they would simply never get in, which can perpetuate the RG/Oxbridge dominance. However, I do appreciate that in application cycles, your time is extremely valuable and you do have to play the odds, so for that, these charts are really helpful. I hope that helps!

 

[SemperParatus]

Does anyone know which month Gibson Dunn starts to hold first-stage interviews?