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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    What was the context behind you standing in a doorway for too long? I’m just astounded that something that trivial would be mentioned in the context of a 1/2 week scheme.
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    Wait I'm so confused. Is this you writing notes based on how you considered your own performance to have gone? Or did you ask your supervisor/interviewer and this is what you were given?
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    In what sense? If you've been offered vac schemes and you don't have any clashes, I don't think it's possible to have too many. They're amazing to add to a CV and it helps you compare different firms and know exactly what you're looking for before you sign a TC.
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    I wouldn’t label that a “sob story” at all, and I think you’re being overly critical of your performance. You provided context to the situation and why you resat, which is effective. You didn’t then spiral into how hard your life has been; it sounds like a tiny part of a bigger question. The...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    I’m so sorry to hear that but keep in mind you now have a VS from an elite law firm on your CV, which is like gold dust for future applications. Out of interest, how many were on the scheme and how many got TCs? I know they do a spring scheme too don’t they? I think with US firms, they...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    Sorry to hear that :( Why would you say you weren't surprised? Have you had specific feedback at this stage? As long as you use this experience as a learning curve, it can only be beneficial in the long run. To answer your question, there's nothing wrong with applying for VSs again, especially...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    I get it completely. The paralegal job market (and the job market in general) is incredibly tough, and you want to stand out. But please, do not go for this scheme. Paying around £2,000, which is a substantial amount of money for someone in your position, for a course which won't guarantee a...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    Thank you :) They said my use of eye contact was good, commended me for staying in the time limit and said it was excellent overall but when there’s only two people in the room, not sticking to a rigid script is better. However, he also said he “understood why I did it”, suppose as a calm the...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    Hi @Jessica Booker! I recently had a presentation as part of a VS and because it helps with my confidence and nerves, I decided to memorise it. I didn’t forget my lines and felt it went well. The Partner watching also said he thought it was excellent but said as a future tip, it would sound more...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    Thanks Jessica, that's really helpful! When you say more nuanced, how do you mean exactly? Would that be more culture related because your culture would have been limited until you've had that first-hand experience? Or have I misinterpreted you there?
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    Hi @Jessica Booker! I have a vacation scheme coming up next month and in terms of preparation, how much does it differ from preparation for an assessment centre? Would you just refreshen your knowledge of the firm, recent deals, brush up on commercial awareness and the like? I don't know if...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    @Jessica Booker Hi Jessica, If I've been offered a VS, do you have any examples of an email I could draft to my employer (I currently paralegal) in order to ask for time off? I have no intention of leaving anytime soon and want to express that. Would you recommend speaking to them in person...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    I’ve just received a VS offer and am overjoyed! I was wondering if anyone has worked out how to navigate accepting an offer when you’re already employed elsewhere? I know it would put me in technical breach of my contract if I don’t inform my employer? Or would it be fine to not disclose this...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    Taylor Wessing PFO post AC :( Absolutely gutted, was my favourite firm.
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    How much weight do interviewers hold in decision making at ACs? I feel I built a strong rapport with one of my interviewers but my written exercise was slightly weaker - do they hold much influence or is it really firm dependent?
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    Is anyone still waiting to hear back from Taylor Wessing after AC? I had mine earlier this month and heard nothing so don't know whether to assume a PFO at this point?
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    Thank you, that's reassuring :) I also got asked a question on what issues clients are facing and how the firm can help. If I spoke about the EU AI Act, rather an AI more broadly, and how they will have to prepare for these regulations to avoid fines, is that fine? I'm worried I didn't answer...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    I was asked in an interview, other than black letter law, what do you think our clients look to us for? I said value for money (how efficiently the firm can get tasks done, using AI etc) and expertise/reputation, which I linked to building longstanding client relationships, while referring to...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    When you say delivery, is that more in terms of confidence or structure? I feel nerves always get in the way of my ACs and feel that impacts my delivery. Does that harm my chances?
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

    Thank you Jessica, I've been worrying about it :) I know it will really depend, but what are the main things interviewers will look for when determining an outcome? Is it confidence? Quality of answers? Or is it often just how you compare to other candidates?

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The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

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