TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[BillSikes]

If anyone has done an AC with Fieldfisher (particularly for DAS) and has any advice, that would be so appreciated, we're struggling out here 😭

Just generic interview of why FF/law and basic competency.

 

[aphelion]

Same for me! Probably will give them out Monday

Mine just came through BTW

 

[TCGrad1642]

Does anyone have any tips for Mayer Brown SJT and verbal reasoning test? Thank you so much!

 

[applicant457]

I didn't get the rejection email for HL. Does this mean my application is still under consideration or have all the AC's basically been done?

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Which office?

London

 

[aphelion]

Does anyone know if Taylor Wessing still has a group exercise in their ACs? They don't mention any group elements in the briefing they've given us, just a commercial exercise and a competency interview, and the commercial exercise doesn't sound like it's a group task.

I'm really anxious at the prospect of a group task so confirmation either way would be so so helpful!!

 

[jacksollaf]

Morgan Lewis telephone interview invite; does anyone have any insights? I never had a telephone interview; only the classic video ones...

 

[Newport@2008]

Sidley interview! Applied on 9th Jan. It's my first ever AC so if anyone has any insight would love to hear

Congratulations! Out of curiosity, when is your AC scheduled for?

 

[fcac98]

I have a Gateley Video Interview to do. Does anyone know if once you've received the questions its timed, or is it just when you answer the question that its timed (ie, a 2 minute limit).

 

[camrxc]

Morgan Lewis telephone interview invite; does anyone have any insights? I never had a telephone interview; only the classic video ones...

Hi, congrats! When did you get the invite ?

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

How to answer 'tell us about a time you worked in a team'. Any tips would be much appreciated. Is it necessary that I mention a challenge or is it okay to simply state my role and how I communicated with the team?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

How to answer 'tell us about a time you worked in a team'. Any tips would be much appreciated. Is it necessary that I mention a challenge or is it okay to simply state my role and how I communicated with the team?

There doesn’t need to be a challenge as such but I do think you need to show the following:

- the team’s achievement/success
- what made the team work well together (even if that wasn’t from the start, what changed to make it successful)
- your individual contribution to that team’s achievement
- what you learned about successful team working

 

[latome19]

How to answer 'tell us about a time you worked in a team'. Any tips would be much appreciated. Is it necessary that I mention a challenge or is it okay to simply state my role and how I communicated with the team?

I received feedback from grad rec for my answer to this question during an AC, and it conveyed that you need to walk them through either 1) a time you contributed to one bigger project, and how you essentially were a team player 2) a time you successfully acted on a superior’s instructions and, you know, were responsive to ongoing feedback etc. Maybe you also communicated with different stakeholders etc.

Basically you can’t really answer this question by referencing a major leadership role, or where you actively led a team—that’s a different question. Or at least that approach cost me a Latham VS. You need to show them that if you get an email at 1am asking you to ‘fix something’, you will deliver a perfect specimen of work by the morning, being thankful and taking it as a learning opportunity.

 

[trainee4u]

I have a Gateley Video Interview to do. Does anyone know if once you've received the questions its timed, or is it just when you answer the question that its timed (ie, a 2 minute limit).

you have 3 minutes to prepare than 2 minutes to answer.

 

[Lawtofinancetolaw]

Has anyone got any tips for Simmons virtual AC? Feeling nervous!

 

[trainee4u]

I received feedback from grad rec for my answer to this question during an AC, and it conveyed that you need to walk them through either 1) a time you contributed to one bigger project, and how you essentially were a team player 2) a time you successfully acted on a superior’s instructions and, you know, were responsive to ongoing feedback etc. Maybe you also communicated with different stakeholders etc.

Basically you can’t really answer this question by referencing a major leadership role, or where you actively led a team—that’s a different question. Or at least that approach cost me a Latham VS. You need to show them that if you get an email at 1am asking you to ‘fix something’, you will deliver a perfect specimen of work by the morning, being thankful and taking it as a learning opportunity.

That's interesting feedback. My answer to this question goes something along the lines of: "I started a project which then expanded to a team with me leading the team, and I encouraged team members to work together; I also worked with other members of the business to improve the project"

But maybe it makes sense to rephrase it a little to remove the leadership element, considering that it's a junior role we're applying for, and talk about all the times I helped other team members solve problems unprompted

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

There doesn’t need to be a challenge as such but I do think you need to show the following:

- the team’s achievement/success
- what made the team work well together (even if that wasn’t from the start, what changed to make it successful)
- your individual contribution to that team’s achievement
- what you learned about successful team working

I received feedback from grad rec for my answer to this question during an AC, and it conveyed that you need to walk them through either 1) a time you contributed to one bigger project, and how you essentially were a team player 2) a time you successfully acted on a superior’s instructions and, you know, were responsive to ongoing feedback etc. Maybe you also communicated with different stakeholders etc.

Basically you can’t really answer this question by referencing a major leadership role, or where you actively led a team—that’s a different question. Or at least that approach cost me a Latham VS. You need to show them that if you get an email at 1am asking you to ‘fix something’, you will deliver a perfect specimen of work by the morning, being thankful and taking it as a learning opportunity.

Thank you both, that is really insightful!

 

[jacksollaf]

Has anyone got any tips for Simmons virtual AC? Feeling nervous!

congrats! is that for the summer vs??

 

[jacksollaf]

Hi, congrats! When did you get the invite ?

hey, thanks!! i got it this morning

 

[simplyfaith]

Morgan Lewis telephone interview invite; does anyone have any insights? I never had a telephone interview; only the classic video ones...

Congrats! It was my first TI as well, last cycle after the initial application when applying for a direct TC, though I wasn't put forward.

If it was anything like then, it was very straightforward. Standard motivational, competency, and situational questions, etc. Essentially a VI in telephone form. Pretty short and to the point, no longer than 25 minutes, and not much back and forth dialogue. I tried making a conversation out of it, though I'm not sure how well that went down 😂

Given the similarity, and how you have VI experience, it shouldn't be too alien to you. You just need to focus on coming across as confident through your voice alone. I'd recommend having a strong understanding of their unique selling points such as employment and pro bono work, as you might be asked about them.

I hope that's somewhat helpful!