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  1. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    First off, I’m sorry you feel that way, and so many people on this forum relate to how you feel. It is a particularly draining process and constant PFOs can really take a toll. How many applications would you say you’ve done each cycle and have you progressed past the application stage at any...
  2. L

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

    Even if you don't get one this cycle, in no way have you failed. To get an AC on your first cycle is impressive in its own right, and it's a positive experience regardless of the outcome. Again, the last year in education part isn't too big of a dealbreaker either. I know many (myself included)...
  3. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    Yep, right at the start 😂 Perhaps he acted like that intentionally because you're never going to get "perfect" clients but it did feel like he was deliberately being difficult. The fact four people claim to have had the same experience is alarming too, in my opinion.
  4. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    Potentially? From what I’ve read on here, it looks like they recruit predominantly from the VS, so if they have a year where everyone on the schemes are excellent and pretty much fill all the spaces, there’s less need to recruit as many directly.
  5. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    If we’re talking about HSF and the case study interview, I’m pretty sure I had the same bad experience with the same Partner (it was a male Disputes Partner). If 4 people have had the same bad experience with one interviewer, unless it’s designed to be that one and they’re incredibly harsh...
  6. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure I saw someone say the other day that they recruited a tiny amount through the direct route? As in 90% come through the VS? In regard to the OP's question, I would guess those figures are roughly right? Although maybe slightly less at the VI/AC stage?
  7. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    How have you managed to land yourself in arguments with both a Partner and a graduate recruitment member? I’m really intrigued to know what you argued about 😭 And as funny as the Olympian one is, I’m dying at the marathon one. You’ve literally told a Partner that you broke the world record for...
  8. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    I honestly think the biggest factor/advice I can give is to be confident. I know it’s way easier said than done, but I’m pretty sure it’s a big reason why I’ve been rejected at AC stage in the past. You can have all the commercial acumen, firm knowledge, and motivation in the world, but if that...
  9. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    PFO from Mayer Brown at 7:15pm on a Friday night - enjoy your weekend, Grad Rec 😂 😂
  10. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    From what I recall, I got 7/9 on one column, 6/9 on another, then two 3/9s. It’s weird as remember one of my 3s was in grit and the Reed Smith one gave me 7/9 for grit. I don’t get it 😭
  11. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    PFO from Baker McKenzie post test. I’d rather do the WGT 5 times in a row than do another SJT. Done about 5 this cycle and not passed a single one — how can something so simple seemingly be such a big hurdle? 😭
  12. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    “Yes, I’ve been offered two if you must know. But I’ve also received a banking offer too so I’m in the process of determining which career to go down at the moment.”
  13. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    Someone asked who W&C’s competitors were, likely in preparation for an interview answer. Your direct response was: “Literally every other US law firm...?” What an absurd conclusion I jumped to when you said their competitors were all US firms. It can be directly inferred from your answer...
  14. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    No one wants to engage in this debate anymore. If you disagree with what countless other people have told you, that’s fine. If you want to go into an interview when asked who a firm’s competitors are and you answer “all US firms”, I hope that goes well for you, Ron Rod. What a fantastic display...
  15. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    It’s not an “intense need to correct people”. The exact point of my response (and others who have replied) is to help give an answer to an interview question or at least inspire one. This is a forum designed to help people and provide advice on answers because it’s an extremely tough process...
  16. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    I don’t think anyone wants to see this debate to continue anymore, especially because you’re ignoring pretty sound advice, but I think you’re getting confused. No one is disputing that W&C aren’t competitors with all other US firms. To a degree, all City law firms compete against each other...
  17. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    I'm not entirely sure but I'd imagine they're considered holistically? If you've performed well on two of the questions, unless the competition was really fierce, it would seem harsh to penalise you if one answer was weaker. Stuttering and repetition is normal (if expected) in a VI because...
  18. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    Unless you're lucky, I'd say there's a strong chance it's nepotism based. I emailed about 15 firms last summer asking for a week of informal work experience and didn't hear back from 14 and 1 said it wasn't something they offered. I just think the legal sphere is so competitive these days that...
  19. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    This is quite a random question, but in written exercises, is it better to use “we” or “I” when referring to assistance you may give? In my current paralegal position, I’m always told to use we so it refers more to the firm (as in “we note”, or “we would advise”). Is this a standard approach or...
  20. L

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    I don't think they're ones you can really practice for much if I'm honest. It's cliche but I would just answer them honestly; I've done the strategy before where you try to think of the "right" answer, but the obvious one often isn't right. I did both the BM and RS ones, and, like you, I got...

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