TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Tangcy]

Hi guys, i have a question to ask. I was wondering how does a firm PEP or a firm revenue can affect a trainee or a vac schemer? More importanly, how does this link to me as an applicant for a firm vac scheme or TC? How do i link this information to my "why this firm" question?

 

[trainee4u]

Hi guys, i have a question to ask. I was wondering how does a firm PEP or a firm revenue can affect a trainee or a vac schemer? More importanly, how does this link to me as an applicant for a firm vac scheme or TC? How do i link this information to my "why this firm" question?

I don't think revenue & PEP affect vac schemers directly. PEP will point to higher pay (and longer hours), which is somewhat relevant for trainees, although you typically only get paid the big bucks after qualification.

I'm not sure why you are mentioning these, but it's not something that's generally discussed on an application form except insofar as it points to things about the firm - e.g., a firm with $3 million PEP is getting the biggest deals and best work, so that's something you'd be excited to work on. A firm whose revenue is growing 20% YoY is one that is thriving and you're obviously keen to join a firm that's on the up. A firm with massive revenue like Dentons that isn't a PEP leader then you've got huge numbers of lawyers, lots of varied work, dozens of offices, etc.

 

[trainee4u]

An interview is an interview mate; plus that saves you commuting into an office. Paralegal jobs can be quite competitive so be prepared. Good luck!

not clear whether it is - a "video interview" usually means one of those prerecorded things - it demonstrates a lack of effort on behalf of the recruiting firm. A Zoom/Teams interview over video with an actual human being is better than commuting into an office, but I wouldn't refer to it as a "video interview".

 

[FM302989]

not clear whether it is - a "video interview" usually means one of those prerecorded things - it demonstrates a lack of effort on behalf of the recruiting firm. A Zoom/Teams interview over video with an actual human being is better than commuting into an office, but I wouldn't refer to it as a "video interview".

Firms (especially ones of a smaller size) wouldn't be doing this when hiring staff. I reckon this is something unique for firms with TC recruitment streams as it helps with the volume of applicants, although I agree they are naff

If it's a Teams/Zoom call, this kind of interview is typically called a 'video interview'. Can't think of a better term for it. I tend to see these used as a first round before an in-person invite is made with firms as well so I suppose it may be helpful to find out the full process and how many 'steps' there are

 

[trainee4u]

Firms (especially ones of a smaller size) wouldn't be doing this when hiring staff. I reckon this is something unique for firms with TC recruitment streams as it helps with the volume of applicants, although I agree they are naff

If it's a Teams/Zoom call, this kind of interview is typically called a 'video interview'. Can't think of a better term for it. I tend to see these used as a first round before an in-person invite is made with firms as well so I suppose it may be helpful to find out the full process and how many 'steps' there are

In a TC context the Teams/Zoom interview is IME referred to either as a "virtual interview" or a 'teams/zoom interview', to distinguish from the more common "video interview" pre-recorded type.

I guess @BillSikes can clarify what he means.

 

[James Wakefield]

Hi all, I’ve got a 2-week vac scheme coming up and was wondering if that’s long enough to consider asking to do any pro bono work/ or see what they do?

Is this a good idea? I know pro bono isn’t core to any firm’s business, but would be interested in any views on this?

 

[aphelion]

I completely understand how intimidating these situations can feel at first, but it’s important to be socially active. It’s a big part of the job as a lawyer, so you need to showcase that skill and demonstrate that you can build rapport with people quite easily.

I appreciate that this ability takes time to develop, but a simple greeting like, “Hi, I’m part of the vacation scheme cohort, currently sitting in X department with X,” is a great place to start. From there, people usually begin asking about your experience, you ask them about theirs, and the conversation tends to flow naturally.

It’s definitely a skill that takes practice, but it’s one you need to work on and visibly demonstrate throughout your scheme. Being good on paper but lacking social engagement can potentially affect your chances of conversion.

Also, the way you come across matters. Sometimes, in trying to make a good impression, people can be overly eager, speak too quickly, or even accidentally interrupt the other person. That can come off as disrespectful and affect the tone of the conversation, especially in a professional setting. It’s something worth being mindful of.

Best of luck with the scheme!

Thanks Amma! Honestly think this firm might not be the one for me anyway. Did some damage control today with coffee chats but I don't think I'll be too heartbroken if I don't get an offer. Just frustrating that it's not enough to do good work and get along with your supervisor!

 

[a512003]

Hi all, I’ve got a 2-week vac scheme coming up and was wondering if that’s long enough to consider asking to do any pro bono work/ or see what they do?

Is this a good idea? I know pro bono isn’t core to any firm’s business, but would be interested in any views on this?

Definitely enough time! I have had two vac schemes both 2 weeks and have helped with pro bono both times. Just ask your supervisor if they are working on anything pro bono related you can help with

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Hi all, I’ve got a 2-week vac scheme coming up and was wondering if that’s long enough to consider asking to do any pro bono work/ or see what they do?

Is this a good idea? I know pro bono isn’t core to any firm’s business, but would be interested in any views on this?

Perhaps arrange a coffee chat with the pro bono coordinator?

 

[Kakaboo]

Tbh I don't see the relevance of this response to my original post. The point I'm making is that a video interview for a paralegal role, that won't be the most competitive, is excessive.

Competitive role atm, efficiency, saves money, rules out time wasters.

 

[futuretrainee2025]

RIP bro, thats arguably the hardest area of law. I sat in tax for a spring vac scheme and didnt convert despite having two years tax working experience. Not to scare you but idk anyone who has got a TC after sitting in tax so prepare yourself and get ready for the challenge. Feel free to message me and i can give you a few pointers.

Converted it Thank you for PMing me your advice!

 

[thelawstudent]

hey guys, would greatly appreciate some help for this.

how would you answer the question 'what sets linklaters apart from its competitors' in an interview.

@Amma Usman @Andrei Radu

 

[Amma Usman]

Converted it Thank you for PMing me your advice!

Huge congratulations on the conversion

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi all, I’ve got a 2-week vac scheme coming up and was wondering if that’s long enough to consider asking to do any pro bono work/ or see what they do?

Is this a good idea? I know pro bono isn’t core to any firm’s business, but would be interested in any views on this?

Definitely! For may law firms, pro bono is a central part of their business. Usually, when you express your interest to your supervisor/trainee buddy, they are more than happy to get you involved in their caseload, or refer you to someone else that has an ongoing pro bono matter. It’s all about putting yourself out there and finding the information you need. So whether you get assigned a small task that contributes to a bigger project, or get the chance to have a coffee chat with someone in the pro bono practice, you’re on the road to a colourful trophy - knowledge is gained!

 

[Amma Usman]

This year it was 'if you could invite anyone from the past/fictional to dinner' 😂

The thing I like about questions like these is that they don’t have to relate to law or the field at all. By asking these questions, law firms just really want to understand your personality and see whether that fits neatly into their culture. So, “superpower“ could really be anything that brings a vibrant smile to your face. I appreciate that these questions may shock one when asked, because obviously the expected questions are always something like “why commercial law”, “what do you think about the stock market right now?”, and so on. But truly, just treat it like a fun conversation - striking a balance between informality and professionalism, and you’ll do very well.

I have been asked these questions in a number of interviews. First one - I completely bombed. But once I spoke to a mentor and they told me what I’ve shared above, they became easier to handle and deal with over time.

 

[Amma Usman]

Just received a video interview invite for a PARALEGAL role 🤣 🤣 🤣 . For a firm nobody will have heard of as well💀

In my opinion, the name of the firm matters less than your ability to make the most of the experience. I have spoken to a lot of people that started off at different roles, even outside paralegal roles, that referenced how the amount of transferable skills they gained helped them secure TCs at top Magic Circle and US firms. Every experience matters. Through a paralegal role, for example, you have the opportunity to get exposed early on to several practices - practices that may end up being core ones at your dream TC firm. This is a solid point to mention in applications and interviews to show demonstrated interest. Now let‘s even say reverse was the case. Say you paralegalled in corporate but did a task in that seat involving contentious matters/ court actions, or something of that sort. You could easily reference in an application for a bigger firm why you want to make that switch from corporate to disputes, and the Magic Circle/US firms will find this just as attractive as the smaller firms.

Best of luck with the application. I know you will ace it!

 

[Amma Usman]

to prepare for next year's app season, i was thinking of writing responses to this year's and previous year's application questions. does anyone know if A and O, HSF, HFW, Milbank, Clyde and Co, WFW, and DLA keep their q's the same year on year?

I think this is a solid approach. Just be mindful that application questions may change year on year. Though I know of firm‘s that haven’t changed their questions in like 5 years or so, I do believe practicing writing the general questions early on will help improve your speed, and understanding of the process and how to ace that first stage. So, the common “why commercial law, why X firm, any extracurriculars” questions are a good starting point for any application. Even if they aren’t asked explicitly, you could weave them in a cover letter or interview when that stage comes. If the firm’s you are applying to also have any tests, it’s worth practicing from now. This is because some tests like the WG, or SJTs, you usually get only a week/5 days, or less to prepare for. Starting now gives you a head start and avoids you sinking into a rabbit hole last minute, or drowning in preparation stress.

Know your motivations for each firm and the profession at large. Even if you don’t have the exact question at hand or written down, these are two questions that will always be undeniably asked. Those little bullet points you put in a word doc could really be what gives you the confidence to course through those applications quickly. This is especially important for firms which have rolling deadlines.

Lastly, I do not really see a point of preparing for the previous cycle’s questions. If you feel it’ll help you improve your application writing technique then great, but do bear in mind time efficiency and how it was probably scrapped from this cycle’s question bank for a reason (so may not crop up again).

 

[Amma Usman]

Thanks Amma! Honestly think this firm might not be the one for me anyway. Did some damage control today with coffee chats but I don't think I'll be too heartbroken if I don't get an offer. Just frustrating that it's not enough to do good work and get along with your supervisor!

I’m sorry about this. Please try and be optimistic and still put yourself out there! Feel free to send your supervisors a goodbye email/ anyone that you got along with/ had coffee chats with, to thank them for their time and support during the scheme!

 

[Amma Usman]

hey guys, would greatly appreciate some help for this.

how would you answer the question 'what sets linklaters apart from its competitors' in an interview.

@Amma Usman @Andrei Radu

I’ve made this guide which should help - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/guide-to-identifying-a-law-firm’s-competitors.9422/

It covers all the details you need to address this step by step. If you’ve got any questions, let me know.

As for Linklaters, TCLA has a Law Firms Profile guide incorporated as part of the premium subscription which will give you more insights on the firm specifically.

Best of luck with the application!

 

[Amma Usman]

I would say you should put yourself out there - the scheme isn't only for you to do tasks for 2 weeks. That being said you shouldn't network simply for networking's sake i.e. you should have [good] questions to ask and be interested in people, also bring a notebook everywhere unless it's not appropriate. I have heard of candidates who spent their whole scheme having coffee chats and didn't convert their VS, and those who had them sparingly and did convert. There isn't really a one-size-fits-all method—just avoid pointless conversations (if you're scheduling time for a chat specifically) as lawyers' time is valuable. Obviously this also depends on the firm as they may have different assessment components they're looking for - but generally as long as people have a positive impression of you you should be fine in that regard.

Good luck with the VS and good luck with the results from the previous one as well!

This is really good advice. I agree with the notebook point - you never know who may stop you on your way to somewhere to assign you work. And as opposed to going back regularly and asking for clarification, if you’ve got a notebook, the key details are already contained.