TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

BrunoLevi

Active Member
Aug 7, 2023
15
3
My assessment score

Above Average x 4 and Average x1
I have an AC next week and had average x4 and above average x1. A friend of mine did better than me in that same test, similar score to you, but didn't get through either. From what I've gathered they didn't care about your grade so long as you passed their minimum benchmark. It was entirely dependent on your answers to the scenarios and if it correlated with what they wanted to see in a trainee.
 
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A worried final year

Esteemed Member
Mar 25, 2024
88
34
I have an AC next week and had average x4 and above average x1. A friend of mine did better than me in that same test, similar score to you, but didn't get through either. From what I've gathered they didn't care about your grade so long as you passed their minimum benchmark. It was entirely dependent on your answers to the scenarios and if it correlated with what they wanted to see in a trainee.
I didn’t even make the job sim though
 

bangarangbass39

Valued Member
Sep 13, 2023
120
199
Just a question for some advice.

I'm going to be spending a week with a law firm completing an internship. They have a training contract deadline coming up soon before I start. Do you think it is worth applying the TC?

I didn't apply for a Vac Scheme because the type of firm was not on my radar - in terms of their practice focus, location and academic expectations. I never thought I would have a competitive application as I am a non-law graduate who has around average/above average grades with only volunteer experience and part-time work in hospitality. I think what works in my favour is perhaps diversity and social mobility but again the weighting on that is not something to rely on a lot.

I know one week is not a substantial amount of time so I have a lot of hesitancy applying after considering this. But seeing as I have made it this far, do you think I should keep on pushing?

I just feel unprepared for what the TC is demanding and my application is perhaps not as competitive. My academics are decent but by no means stellar. Based on their previous A - level requirements I am 1 grade off what they desired. However, all they ask for now is a "good academic history and a 2:1". As I said before, I lack legal experience, but this is changing with the internship I will complete with them.

These are just my concerns at the minute. I know the query can only be answered with sending an application in but I'm thinking maybe it is better to apply after completing a formal vac scheme with them? (this is dependent on me securing one of course!) Or should I at least apply after having a legal job for a substantial amount of time, such as an admin assistant for a law firm?

Interested in any thoughts!
 
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NJS

Legendary Member
  • Aug 21, 2021
    202
    275
    Just a question for some advice.

    I'm going to be spending a week with a law firm completing an internship. They have a training contract deadline coming up soon before I start. Do you think it is worth applying the TC?

    I didn't apply for a Vac Scheme because the type of firm was not on my radar - in terms of their practice focus, location and academic expectations. I never thought I would have a competitive application as I am a non-law graduate who has around average/above average grades with only volunteer experience and part-time work in hospitality. I think what works in my favour is perhaps diversity and social mobility but again the weighting on that is not something to rely on a lot.

    I know one week is not a substantial amount of time so I have a lot of hesitancy applying after considering this. But seeing as I have made it this far, do you think I should keep on pushing?

    I just feel unprepared for what the TC is demanding and my application is perhaps not as competitive. My academics are decent but by no means stellar. Based on their previous A - level requirements I am 1 grade off what they desired. However, all they ask for now is a "good academic history and a 2:1". As I said before, I lack legal experience, but this is changing with the internship I will complete with them.

    These are just my concerns at the minute. I know the query can only be answered with sending an application in but I'm thinking maybe it is better to apply after completing a formal vac scheme with them? (this is dependent on me securing one of course!) Or should I at least apply after having a legal job for a substantial amount of time, such as an admin assistant for a law firm?

    Interested in any thoughts!
    Just apply you have nothing to lose
     

    Nine

    Active Member
    Feb 15, 2024
    10
    8
    Has anyone heard back from GB yet? I’ve emailed them at the start of the week and I’ve had no response? It’s surprising because I have not seen a load of offers on LinkedIn either and someone on this thread said the Dubai office hasn’t responded either, but if anyone has had previous experience with them please let me know :)
     

    midnightsky990422

    Star Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 10, 2023
    41
    47
    Hi @Jessica Booker @Jaysen @axelbeugre I had my Browne Jacobson telephone interview yesterday and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it and it’s safe to say that today… the wheels have fallen off the wagon, if you get me 😭😭 I gave good detailed answers for why law and I listed 4 skills and elaborated on them for the attributes of a solicitor, but it was just a couple of the other questions I’m not sure if my answers had enough depth and confidence… I don’t know if I’m overthinking it as my interview actually was 23 minutes instead of 15 as the interviewer said they didn’t have another slot straight after me so we didn’t have to rush, so maybe my answers would have been ok given that it was meant to be shorter anyway. I’m just gutted as I’ve thought of better things to say since and I really love Browne Jacobson as a firm… worried I’ve blown this one 😭😭😭
     
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    Jessica Booker

    Legendary Member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Graduate Recruitment
    Premium Member
    Forum Team
    Aug 1, 2019
    13,560
    19,317
    Hi @Jessica Booker @Jaysen @axelbeugre I had my Browne Jacobson telephone interview yesterday and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it and it’s safe to say that today… the wheels have fallen off the wagon, if you get me 😭😭 I gave good detailed answers for why law and I listed 4 skills and elaborated on them for the attributes of a solicitor, but it was just a couple of the other questions I’m not sure if my answers had enough depth and confidence… I don’t know if I’m overthinking it as my interview actually was 23 minutes instead of 15 as the interviewer said they didn’t have another slot straight after me so we didn’t have to rush, so maybe my answers would have been ok given that it was meant to be shorter anyway. I’m just gutted as I’ve thought of better things to say since and I really love Browne Jacobson as a firm… worried I’ve blown this one 😭😭😭
    You are making automatic negative assumptions, most likely through over thinking it.

    I suspect in your case you are over fixating on your perceptions of the situation (which are negative).

    No candidate has perfect answers throughout an interview. You have highlighted some elements you think have gone well. I would recommend at least taking those into consideration before assuming this is going to be a negative outcome.
     

    midnightsky990422

    Star Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 10, 2023
    41
    47
    You are making automatic negative assumptions, most likely through over thinking it.

    I suspect in your case you are over fixating on your perceptions of the situation (which are negative).

    No candidate has perfect answers throughout an interview. You have highlighted some elements you think have gone well. I would recommend at least taking those into consideration before assuming this is going to be a negative outcome.
    Thanks so much Jessica. It’s really made me feel better. I have always struggled with perfectionism and putting lots of pressure on myself, so it’s comforting to know that as you say in a pressured situation like a short interview, absolutely perfect answers are a rare occurrence. I think a self care evening is in order for me to pick myself up and not be a nervous wreck until I find out the result 😌
     

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