TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

[hopefullawyer101]

For A&O, I've submitted application but haven't received a confirmation email or anything, should I be concerned?

On this note, is the SJT automatic?

 

[M777]

For A&O, I've submitted application but haven't received a confirmation email or anything, should I be concerned?

I didn't get a confirmation email so dw- I just got an SJT invite not long after applying. I'm pretty sure SJT is automatic

PS you might get an email a few days after completing SJT saying that you haven't completed it, and that you need to do it within 24 hours or else your app will be withdrawn. Don't worry about this as everyone has had the same problem!

 

[hopefullawyer101]

I didn't get a confirmation email so dw- I just got an SJT invite not long after applying. I'm pretty sure SJT is automatic

PS you might get an email a few days after completing SJT saying that you haven't completed it, and that you need to do it within 24 hours or else your app will be withdrawn. Don't worry about this as everyone has had the same problem!

Any advice for the numerical test? Feeling VERY rusty and a bit concerned about this

 

[Rob93]

Any advice for the numerical test? Feeling VERY rusty and a bit concerned about this

Think through what is being asked and what the information given actually means. Don't rush that section.

 

[Rob93]

Hey everyone,

For Slaughter and May summer VS, I am assuming as a student going into his penultimate year i dont need to fill out the details for LPC/GDL?

On the key it automatically comes under 'There are some incomplete optional fields', but I am assuming this is just because you dont need to fill it out unless you're due to begin/have begun etc?

@Jessica Booker

Thanks!

Yeah all of Slaughters' forms have things that might not be applicable and don't need to be filled if that's the case. As long as you've put in everything that pertains to your situation you're fine.

 

[M777]

Any advice for the numerical test? Feeling VERY rusty and a bit concerned about this

I did SJT a while ago so I can't remember specifics, but I agree that you really need to take your time with it. I'm pretty terrible at maths but I managed to brave through it, I'd just say to make sure you have a calculator on hand. It only really tests numerical reasoning skills, not complex maths, so if you take your time and have a calculator + notepad on hand you'll be okay

 

[hopefullawyer101]

Think through what is being asked and what the information given actually means. Don't rush that section.

Thanks. I am very pleased its not timed

 

[OB]

Any advice for the numerical test? Feeling VERY rusty and a bit concerned about this

I second what @M777 said about the notepad - I think I would've struggled with the numerical parts without being able to scribble down my workings. Good luck!

 

[Hamilton]

Hi guys. Does anyone have any insight as to how NRF wants their cover letter structured this year?

 

[hopefullawyer101]

I second what @M777 said about the notepad - I think I would've struggled with the numerical parts without being able to scribble down my workings. Good luck!

On the SJT part, do you think there's any use practising other SJT's first (like on websites)?

 

[M777]

Hi guys. Does anyone have any insight as to how NRF wants their cover letter structured this year?

They want you to include why NRF and why you'd be a good commercial lawyer, but other than that, I think it's just your typical cover letter. Last year, I structured mine as why commercial law > why NRF > why me and I got through to AC. I submitted a new app yesterday and followed a similar structure.

As long as you explain your motivations for NRF and your skills clearly, you should be okay

 

[M777]

They want you to include why NRF and why you'd be a good commercial lawyer, but other than that, I think it's just your typical cover letter. Last year, I structured mine as why commercial law > why NRF > why me and I got through to AC. I submitted a new app yesterday and followed a similar structure.

As long as you explain your motivations for NRF and your skills clearly, you should be okay

also I think NRF is very strict on typos so watch out for that

 

[BeGrateful.101]

Did A&O change their SJT test format from last year

 

[Hamilton]

They want you to include why NRF and why you'd be a good commercial lawyer, but other than that, I think it's just your typical cover letter. Last year, I structured mine as why commercial law > why NRF > why me and I got through to AC. I submitted a new app yesterday and followed a similar structure.

As long as you explain your motivations for NRF and your skills clearly, you should be okay

also I think NRF is very strict on typos so watch out for that

Ah perfect, thanks a lot for this. Super helpful.

 

[LEL]

They want you to include why NRF and why you'd be a good commercial lawyer, but other than that, I think it's just your typical cover letter. Last year, I structured mine as why commercial law > why NRF > why me and I got through to AC. I submitted a new app yesterday and followed a similar structure.

As long as you explain your motivations for NRF and your skills clearly, you should be okay

Did you shorten to NRF?

 

[M777]

On the SJT part, do you think there's any use practising other SJT's first (like on websites)?

Personally, I've never seen the need to practise for SJTs. They primarily test your personality and how you'd deal with everyday work situations, so grad rec aren't really looking for set answers. As long as you don't give off any massive red flags and you use common sense, you'll be fine.

With regards to the numerical reasoning parts of the SJT, you might find generic numerical reasoning tests online- but I don't think they'd be at all similar to the questions A&O ask

 

[M777]

Did you shorten to NRF?

I did, yeah. Though when I first mentioned the firm by name, I said "Norton Rose Fulbright (NRF)"

 

[M777]

Did A&O change their SJT test format from last year

Afraid so...

Tbf a lot of the situational questions are identical. All the videos are the same as last year. They've just bolted on a numerical reasoning test on top of it now

 

[hopefullawyer101]

How long were peoples Slaughter & May cover letters? (word count wise)

 

[OB]

On the SJT part, do you think there's any use practising other SJT's first (like on websites)?

Try the practice in the test email they sent you, that's probably the best prep you can do. Just think what would be the best responses the firm would want while still being true to what you would do