TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[0livia.pope]

Yes, sent by email immediately after you complete the test. My highest scores were analysis, relationship builder and credibility. The lowest was adaptability.

I completed the test on 16 Nov for the direct TC. Don’t know if I passed this first stage yet.

That’s strange, maybe I’ll receive it tomorrow! Best of luck with your app

 

[0livia.pope]

What is the Macfarlanes test like?

It was SJT style - cappfinity I think. Similar to linklaters but shorter

 

[pepsicola96]

Ive just done an online assessment and my strengths were drive and self-awareness but my weakness was attention to detail which I feel is very vital and I do have which is annoying!! Do you think I have a shot at the next round?

if it's fieldfisher i've got strengths as attention to detail and resilience, and weakness was adaptability and I have no idea what it means lol.

Like you say, I feel adaptability is also very vital.

 

[Shandy101]

Ive just done an online assessment and my strengths were drive and self-awareness but my weakness was attention to detail which I feel is very vital and I do have which is annoying!! Do you think I have a shot at the next round?

My TOP TWO strengths were 'Client centricity and Self-awareness', while my top area of development was: 'Growth mindset'. I received a TC AC invite for Feb 2025. I note that these are the top two strengths that stood out from your assessment, meaning that there are other strengths. I don't know. I feel the attention to detail is pretty important for the role, but I have no clue how they assess who they advance, so stay positive! GL

 

[radssss]

if it's fieldfisher i've got strengths as attention to detail and resilience, and weakness was adaptability and I have no idea what it means lol.

Like you say, I feel adaptability is also very vital.

I had the same and made it to the interview. Don’t think too much into it

 

[wqueens8]

are we likely to get any more updates before the new year now? Or do grad recruitment not tend to work 27-31st?

 

[TC Chaser]

Did Hogan Lovells change their questions for direct TC or are they slightly different part applicant group?

 

[kokoprep]

Hi Guys - I have a doubt if the extra-circular achievements/positions of responsibility section has a word limit and I need to fit in my achievements in that space (which I think are good awards). Can I add positions of responsibilities (because they are work experience like society head) in the work experience section? I'm I missing out by not showcasing diversity in that answer? @Jessica Booker - could you please help!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

are we likely to get any more updates before the new year now? Or do grad recruitment not tend to work 27-31st?

Some will be working tomorrow, but would expect most teams not to be back until next week, and some might not be back until the 6th.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi Guys - I have a doubt if the extra-circular achievements/positions of responsibility section has a word limit and I need to fit in my achievements in that space (which I think are good awards). Can I add positions of responsibilities (because they are work experience like society head) in the work experience section? I'm I missing out by not showcasing diversity in that answer? @Jessica Booker - could you please help!

if there is a dedicated section for extracurriculars or positions of responsibility, I personally wouldn’t put these things in work experience entries.

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

I feel like what I've written might be incredibly basic after hearing what you guys have done

Oh mine isn't particularly sophisticated at all dw - I always try and do a simple topic well!

 

[Law queries]

Hi - has Latham got back with summer invites?

could someone please confirm this? it would be a great help! thanks.

 

[ke.nabbk26]

I just attended a two-hour event with Macfarlanes, only to discover I can't apply to them EVER again!

So, I had an AC for the direct training contract last year and was planning to reapply this cycle. I understood that reapplying in the same cycle wasn't allowed, but I didn't realise it meant I couldn't ever apply again. Grad rec said that if you've been unsuccessful at the vacation scheme assessment centre, you could still apply for the direct training contract. When I asked about my situation, having been to the direct training contract assessment centre, they said I couldn't apply again. Does this mean I'm also ineligible to apply for the vacation scheme? I'm really confused

I read that some firms have this policy. Didn’t know Macfarlanes was one of them. I would apply for the VS, but now I will stick with the direct TC.

It is very unfair since you may have performed well but might have been rejected because the VS was full.

 

[futuretrainee101ac]

I heard back today

What was your feedback report strengths and weakness if you don't mind sharing

 

[Tintin06]

I read that some firms have this policy. Didn’t know Macfarlanes was one of them. I would apply for the VS, but now I will stick with the direct TC.

It is very unfair since you may have performed well but might have been rejected because the VS was full.

It's a tough situation but understandable. Try to see graduate recruitment's perspective. It whittles down their workload somewhat. They are a very popular law firm. Also, their AC doesn't change much. That's anecdotal based on my experience. I've not got their AC however. Rejection is redirection in this case.

 

[lala_17]

out of interest what other firms have this policy (that you can't reapply after having been rejected)?

 

[Kk288]

Hii, I am currently writing an application for MoFo but have noticed they don't have a word limit. what kind of word count is recommended in this situation?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hii, I am currently writing an application for MoFo but have noticed they don't have a word limit. what kind of word count is recommended in this situation?

I generally say to aim for around 1400-1600 across the four questions. One answer might be longer than another but I generally feel like you don’t want it to be much more than this amount it total as it’s going to be a lot to read.

 

[WhiskeyCharlie]

out of interest what other firms have this policy (that you can't reapply after having been rejected)?

Hogan Lovell's had this policy. Despite them saying its on a per office basis, I believe it was across global offices that offer TCs.

 

[yumjuicebox]

Recently got invited to the Mayer Brown job sim! Does anyone have any advice/ insight? Would appreciate anything! Thank you sm