TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[agx]

Has anyone applied to WBD and not heard back/ received the test?

 

[AS24]

Dear @Amma Usman,@Andrei Radu and @Ram Sabaratnam,

I hope you guys are well and enjoying this sunny day.

I am trying to prepare for an upcoming written exercise, which is my weakness during AC.
I would like to ask if you could advise me on how to structure my thoughts in an organised manner without allowing my anxiety to take over.

How do you think I should organise my time when tackling the case?

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[001hussa]

Just finished farrers proof reading exercise - it was the most laggiest website ever so I couldn’t even finish within the 20 mins. So annoyed!

 

[legallady123]

@Jessica Booker I wondered if you would be able to assist with a query I have. How likely are firms to rescind an offer if you try and negotiate a salary? I have been offered a paralegal job somewhere where I really want to work (I have almost 3 years of experience as a paralegal) but it is a substantial pay cut to my current role. They told me at my first interview that I was the most qualified candidate who applied for the position, and it was advertised as a paralegal position for a recent graduate. It is in a niche sector I am really interested in so I chose to apply. Are they likely to rescind the offer and go with someone else if I ask if they can meet my current salary? Thank you in advance

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

@Jessica Booker I wondered if you would be able to assist with a query I have. How likely are firms to rescind an offer if you try and negotiate a salary? I have been offered a paralegal job somewhere where I really want to work (I have almost 3 years of experience as a paralegal) but it is a substantial pay cut to my current role. They told me at my first interview that I was the most qualified candidate who applied for the position, and it was advertised as a paralegal position for a recent graduate. It is in a niche sector I am really interested in so I chose to apply. Are they likely to rescind the offer and go with someone else if I ask if they can meet my current salary? Thank you in advance

I would say they probably won't rescind but also probably have a budget which they are prepared to pay so it will be down to you to take it or leave it. But if you don't ask you don't get so ask and see what happens.

 

[APGCA]

Anyone else feel sick with anxiety before their ACs I have two next week back to back and feel like I’m going to be sick, this is my first cycle also so first time experiencing this and I haven’t interviewed for anything in almost two years.

 

[jacksollaf]

Just saw on LinkedIn that someone got offered a Summer VS for Davis Polk, so im pretty sure I got PFOd

 

[sapphireoreos]

Forsters AC 🎉🎉🎉 may or may not have had a dance party in my flat

 

[Miss Chocolate]

For anyone who's done a drafting task before, can you share what it entails? I will have 30 minutes.

 

[James Wakefield]

Forsters AC! 😁👌

 

[Andrei Radu]

@Andrei Radu @Jessica Booker

Hi Both Please could I get your opinion on this. I have applied for Withers VS (scheme week starts 17th March). I haven't heard back yet regarding the virtual video interview after the online test. I work full-time so I would need to know whether to take time off or not at least 4 weeks before. If I still haven't heard back by Friday, should I just drop them an email requesting an update? I want to send off an email today but I don't know if it's annoying for them lol

Hi @Miss Chocolate when did you complete the VI? If at least three weeks have passed I would say it is definitely fine to email them. If not, given your circumstances, I still think it would be justified. Just make sure to properly explain the reason why you are requesting an earlier response. It is highly unlikely any recruiter would have an issue with you asking for an update because you need to know whether to take time off work.

 

[studentdelaw786]

Just saw on LinkedIn that someone got offered a Summer VS for Davis Polk, so im pretty sure I got PFOd

i’ve only seen two posts about Spring - nothing about Summer yet. hold tight!

 

[sapphireoreos]

Just finished farrers proof reading exercise - it was the most laggiest website ever so I couldn’t even finish within the 20 mins. So annoyed!

Hi, did you apply for the VS or TC? Was it for the summer VS?

 

[LillyandSilver]

For anyone who's done a drafting task before, can you share what it entails? I will have 30 minutes.

Did one where they sent a scenario e.g. I was a trainee talking to your supervisor and they asked me to follow up on a client email and include these things, then I had to draft an email to the client.

 

[BillSikes]

anything from RPC post WG for those that applied deadline

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Forsters AC 🎉🎉🎉 may or may not have had a dance party in my flat

huge congrats!! did you just get an email? Also, when did you do your VI? I'm waiting to hear back post VI..

 

[Miss Chocolate]

Hi @Miss Chocolate when did you complete the VI? If at least three weeks have passed I would say it is definitely fine to email them. If not, given your circumstances, I still think it would be justified. Just make sure to properly explain the reason why you are requesting an earlier response. It is highly unlikely any recruiter would have an issue with you asking for an update because you need to know whether to take time off work.

Thank you! I did email them. They said they are still reviewing candidates so I didn't get an answer. Maybe if I had mentioned about needing time off from work that would have worked, but useful to know for next time

 

[dednedred]

How did everyone find the OC Virtual AC, I thought the deductive reasoning test was horrible!

 

[sapphireoreos]

huge congrats!! did you just get an email? Also, when did you do your VI? I'm waiting to hear back post VI..

Hi, thanks! Yeah just got the email, did the VI on the 17th. I was assigned the first AC so I think they’ll be sending it out in batches. I think roughly 25 people got it!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Any advice for the Macfarlanes AC?

Hiya @ish12345


I wanted to give you some thoughts to consider for the Macfarlanes assessment centre. Keep in mind that this summary relates to their direct training contract assessment from two application cycles ago. Nevertheless, I hope my summary of the assessment centre is helpful to you!

1. The written exercise involves drafting two written documents. The time pressure here is particularly significant, and there are many issues to address. If you attempt to cover everything, you may run out of time. In terms of style, you'll also want to ensure that your documents are concise and professional. Tone and language are important in both documents, and you should ensure the documents are drafted with the relevant audience in mind.
   
   
2. The partner interview covers standard motivational and competency questions. As the community assistants have often said, you should prepare by considering your answers to such as why you are interested in the firm, why commercial law appeals to you, and your thoughts on current news topics. For competency questions, again, you should think of examples of where you've worked with (difficult) team members, demonstrated resilience, or faced a significant challenge in the past three years. Having thought about these examples in advance will ensure that your answers are well-structured during the partner interview.
   
   
3. The case study interview does not require legal knowledge, but a basic understanding of legal and commercial considerations will be helpful. You’ll be given two case studies, which could involve a business expansion scenario or a dispute. I'd encourage you to ensure that your responses are structured and supported by the materials provided, applying your commercial awareness where relevant. As with most case studies, your focus should be on logical reasoning rather than pre-existing knowledge.

The key throughout the assessment centre is clarity, structure, and maintaining professionalism in both written and verbal responses. I wouldn't worry too much about your prior knowledge of law, but again it could be helpful to familiarise yourself with basic commercial and legal concepts to help you reason through the case studies and written exercises in a logical and convincing manner.

Best of luck!