TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

helenaskelton

Well-Known Member
Feb 18, 2025
22
16
I’d say to just try your best, it sounds like a very conversational interview so less prep might be fine. Also, not to be a negative Nancy, but you *may* not get it so the issue of clashing with another VS is really a problem for later. Personally, I’d rather have the option to choose between schemes than not even try, but ultimately it is up to you! Best of luck x
you're so right. Is it true that the interview is more conversational? If so that's brilliant. I thought it would be technicals...
 

xxx

Esteemed Member
  • Oct 26, 2024
    75
    77
    OK, writing this because I need some advice. I received PW interview which I'm doing on Monday. I've had so much other work and I've barely prepared for it. If I got it, it would already clash with another VS that I have. I feel like pulling out of the process. I know that sounds really silly but it's just so much work and I wonder whether it's worth it. Could someone advise me on what to do?

    Also, one of my top choices is CRS and I haven't heard back from them at all, so if I get a PFO I will kick myself for not having done the PW interview, but at the same time I now only have two days to prepare.
    Honestly, I had the same situation this year. I would say do the interview, try your best. Its better than regretting your decision.

    unless the other VS is with a firm you prefer... or if you have no alternative dates
     

    Chris Brown

    Legendary Member
    Jul 4, 2024
    602
    2,256
    you're so right. Is it true that the interview is more conversational? If so that's brilliant. I thought it would be technicals...
    Yeah I’d say it’s more conversational but they did have some questions prepared in advance. They seemed more interested in what I had to say and asked me a few follow up questions.​
     
    Last edited:

    Chris Brown

    Legendary Member
    Jul 4, 2024
    602
    2,256
    OK, writing this because I need some advice. I received PW interview which I'm doing on Monday. I've had so much other work and I've barely prepared for it. If I got it, it would already clash with another VS that I have. I feel like pulling out of the process. I know that sounds really silly but it's just so much work and I wonder whether it's worth it. Could someone advise me on what to do?

    Also, one of my top choices is CRS and I haven't heard back from them at all, so if I get a PFO I will kick myself for not having done the PW interview, but at the same time I now only have two days to prepare.
    I would say do the Paul, Weiss interview and if you are successful with them and CRS, then make the decision about which VS offer you want to accept (if dates clash). It’s better to have two potential options alongside the VS offer you have atm! Best of luck for the Paul, Weiss interview! 🙂🙂​
     

    onedayj

    Standard Member
    Nov 13, 2024
    9
    20
    Hi @onedayj - I try to meet all interviewees before their interview (sometimes my schedule makes this difficult) and I do tell everyone in person that they should hear from us in the next week (meaning five working days post-interview) - sometimes there is a delay. The very latest interviewees will hear from us is Monday 10 March.

    thanks
    Gemma
    Thanks for confirming Gemma!
     
    • Like
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    simplyfaith

    Distinguished Member
    Feb 13, 2022
    60
    436


    Guys, what are your thoughts on this? (Not trying to stir things up here, I genuinely want to hear thoughts from everyone with a current or future stake in these firms so please keep it friendly hehe)
    Some young people jump on the bandwagon of complaint because they want an easy life. To them, I have little sympathy. They make it difficult for everyone else to form a coherent argument. The bandwagon itself is very much real, though. Under-trained and over-worked in a broken economy prioritising the wrong metrics.

    If we're genuinely considering advanced civilizational pursuits such as AI and space travel, we need to at least get the basics right! We'd look pretty silly, otherwise.
     

    Ram Sabaratnam

    Legendary Member
    Staff member
    Future Trainee
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 7, 2024
    500
    1,144
    This question may have been asked before, but how best do you go about structuring an answer to the question “introduce yourself/tell us about yourself” in an interview?

    Hiya @M_m

    This question is basically your elevator pitch. I would treat it as an opportunity to introduce yourself in a way that helps the interviewer get a sense of who you are beyond just your qualifications. It’s a chance to basically share a little about your background, education, and recent experience, while also mentioning any interests that might help you connect with your interviewer. Try to keep the answer more conversational, yet succinct. I'd recommend aiming for an answer that's around 1-2 minutes.

    You'll want to basically cover the following:
    1. Where you’re from
    2. Your educational background
    3. A very brief mention of any recent (legal or non-legal) work experience
    4. Mention your hobbies or interests
    For example, in my own case, I’d mention that I was born and raised outside Toronto, but lived, studied, and worked in Montreal and Chicago before moving to London to be with my partner. After moving here, I decided to study law and after graduating worked for UCL’s Faculty of Law and continued to do various legal volunteer roles. Finally, I’d round things off by saying that I love travel (having backpacked through 30+ countries), as well as art history and hiking. This usually never took more than 2 minutes for me to do and I think it allowed me to ensure my answer was easy for my interviewers to remember.

    Hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions!
     


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