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

[dcriangrcy]

Yeah course. It was 18 mins long, some firm related questions basically (why law, how do firms run as businesses), some situational questions like how do you make relationships with people, and then the rest were competencies. It was definitely one of the harder first round interviews I did but I think they want you to think on your feet so they don’t ask the genetic questions you’d expect. I’d say just know your main competencies like how you work in a team, how do you interact with people etc and you’ll be fine!

thank you so much!! super helpful

 

[Sweety_512]

anyone heard back from shoosmiths?

Nope not heard anything yet

 

[WillkieGemma]

I look at it slightly differently as it definitely gives more people a chance to shine than it would without

I was very anti video interviews back in 2013/14 when they first started to come in. However, I started a project for a law firm and they needed to improve the diversity of their intakes, and the massive problem they had was they were making a really strict cut at the application stage, of about 1500 applications down to 60-70 candidates to see at first round interview stage.

That meant they had to make really harsh cuts based on things like a couple of percentage point differences in law module results or tiny writing errors. It was sometimes the case that people had excellent applications but didn’t come across well in person too (eg in a full 60 minute interview) and the partners dedicating their time to interviewing wanted a higher hit rate at interview).

Using video interviews the firm got about 200 people to have the chance to shine at interview stage, so over three times the amount. The hit rate at the first round interview increased dramatically and the intake of trainees diversified both in terms of ethnicity, social background, university and degree subject.

I have seen a lot of success since then.

I understand the awkwardness of them, but as far as I am concerned they are one of the best tools out there to select people down in the initial stages. My only concern is when AI is used to assess them (I am not sure any of the law firms do this - I am pretty sure they all still use people to review the videos) as some of the methods to design the AI and also the data sets for it are particularly questionable in my opinion.

@Jessica Booker I couldn't agree with this more. Using video interviews means I can interview triple the number of people I would be able to if it were a telephone interview etc. I also know they are awkward, but I only focus on what the person is saying, ie content, rather than how they are saying it.

 

[Maddiefretwell]

Nope not heard anything yet

I haven’t heard anything either!! I think they said we should hear something by the end of next week?

 

[Sweety_512]

I haven’t heard anything either!! I think they said we should hear something by the end of next week?

Yeah they did 🤞

 

[Homer]

mishcon vac scheme offer! v much tapping out of the app season now! thank you to all on the forum who gave insight and advice, v grateful for all of it.

 

[Maddiefretwell]

Yeah they did 🤞

Massive good luck to you, fingers crossed for positive news!!

 

[Sweety_512]

Massive good luck to you, fingers crossed for positive news!!

Thank you! Good luck to you too! Hopefully they don't keep us waiting until the very last day again!!!

 

[Ameliaa]

Has anyone heard back from Womble Bond Dickinson? I saw them upload a post about video interviews today so I'm wondering if they have started handing them out?

 

[Valenok]

Has anyone heard from Slater and Gordon about AC? I submitted my video interview in the beginning of last week but haven’t heard from them. The AC is meant to start this week

 

[Hele25]

Just been sent a VI invite to WBD (Leeds office, applied 1 week before deadline)
so pleased. That will round off my app cycle - this is the only firm I have left. 😳 Going to have a good life re-evaluation afterward lol. Does anyone else have daily existential crisis’?

 

[Unknown]

Has anyone heard back from Womble Bond Dickinson? I saw them upload a post about video interviews today so I'm wondering if they have started handing them out?

Hey, I received an email about 30 minutes ago regarding the video interview. Good luck with the process! Keep me updated

 

[mads_g]

VI invite for WBD (London office)! I applied on the deadline

 

[H12345678]

WBD VI invite London office!! If anyone has any tips please message me! X

 

[Ameliaa]

Hey, I received an email about 30 minutes ago regarding the video interview. Good luck with the process! Keep me updated

Thanks for the info! I just checked my emails and received a VI invite Good luck with the process too!

 

[GeoB123]

Has anyone got any tips for the Stephenson Harwood written exercise? Anything would be appreciated

 

[GXA123]

Has anyone got any tips for the Stephenson Harwood written exercise? Anything would be appreciated

when did you get the invitation?

 

[GeoB123]

when did you get the invitation?

2 weeks ago

 

[Maddiefretwell]

Thank you! Good luck to you too! Hopefully they don't keep us waiting until the very last day again!!!

Thank you!! Ahahah oh god hopefully those technical difficulties almost killed me🤣

 

[Ambs123]

Just been sent a VI invite to WBD (Leeds office, applied 1 week before deadline)
so pleased. That will round off my app cycle - this is the only firm I have left. 😳 Going to have a good life re-evaluation afterward lol. Does anyone else have daily existential crisis’?

Yes ma’am everyday - WBD is also my final firm for the cycle! Wishing us both luck for this one 🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽