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

[antisocial applicant]

hey guys - I recently completed the SST for Kennedy’s and received an email with the feedback report but the email didn’t mention anything about whether I progressed onto the next stage - does this mean I’ve been rejected?

It doesn't mean you've been rejected. Everyone gets that report roughly 2 days after the SST via email.

 

[starbright]

Hogan Lovells AC!!! My first ever AC so any advice and tips would be much appreciated!

 

[AAA_a]

Anyone with experience/advice for King & Spalding AC? Literally no information whatsoever about the firm or the training contract anywhere online.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I secured a vacation scheme finally, however am still not relaxed for some reason. Does anyone know the average TC offer rate from vac schemes.
Endless haha

Really depends with the firm and the ratio of their VS to TC places. Also depends how thorough the VS recruitment process has been - some firms do quite a light touch process while others mirror the entire TC recruitment process.

My offer rates were usually somewhere between 65-85% but that was for firms with many more TC places than VS, and was also knowing that only 70-80% of people would typically accept our offers.

 

[TCApp2021]

Really depends with the firm and the ratio of their VS to TC places. Also depends how thorough the VS recruitment process has been - some firms do quite a light touch process while others mirror the entire TC recruitment process.

My offer rates were usually somewhere between 65-85% but that was for firms with many more TC places than VS, and was also knowing that only 70-80% of people would typically accept our offers.

If a more than expected number of successful candidates reject a TC offer (meaning there are TC places to fill), do firms ever offer these to VS candidates they had previously rejected (maybe the top-performing ones)?

 

[Alison C]

Hey guys, I need some advice because I'm not really sure what to do. I've been lucky in securing a fair few interviews this cycle but I've been unsuccessful after all of them. I think my commercial awareness is generally okay, and I don't think I do badly in researching the firms.

I think I fall short in answering the more casual questions (e.g. tell us about yourself) and maintaining a rapport with the interviewers. Basically, I'm not the most social, charming and confident person and I know that commercial law is a 'people' job. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do to improve? Or any success stories of people who weren't that confident still securing TCs to give me a boost of confidence? I'm losing hope but I really am determined to secure a TC in commercial law. Thanks in advance

To me, some of this sounds like dealing with your expectations of yourself, and some of it sounds like getting comfortable with your story. My suggestions won't necessarily change things overnight but if this is something you know needs working on, then there are many roads to Rome.

I don't think any of us are the most social, charming and confident people we know - but we can be some of those things some of the time and all of them in optimal circumstances. Agreeing with previous advice, attending events is really good for forcing you to participate. For instance, "Let's Chat Law" have a negotiation workshop next week; F-Lex runs a monthly lunch with LexisNexis; Idin (Little Law) does a Saturday study club, etc etc. The challenge of introducing yourself in the breakout room is one that keeps regenerating, but it does get easier and you learn to smile rather than apologising, which really changes the dynamic. You can also force yourself to ask questions at online events so you get used to it (you will soon find what works!). You might also try a drama or improvisation class.

I also wonder if you've done any volunteering - either pro bono or, eg with children or groups at weekends? This is a great way to put yourself into a frame of mind where you need to communicate and chit chat should be part of the way it unfolds. Children are hilariously unguarded in what they ask you and nothing keeps them quiet if they really want to tell you something. You might enjoy another sort of volunteering - about something you care about, either with people your own age or significantly older or younger. Your university or local authority might be able to help you to find something. If you can place yourself in situations where the agenda doesn't matter in the same way, you might be more relaxed about the outcome.

 

[Amanpreet Kaur]

Hogan Lovells AC!!! My first ever AC so any advice and tips would be much appreciated!

congrats!! i hate to be this person but when did you apply?

 

[Lilz]

Kennedys VI anyone?

Yes!!

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Yes!!

Which office and which role.

 

[John Travoni]

Yes!!

When did you receive your feedback for the SST?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

If a more than expected number of successful candidates reject a TC offer (meaning there are TC places to fill), do firms ever offer these to VS candidates they had previously rejected (maybe the top-performing ones)?

Possibly, but it is not always the case.

With many people who are unsuccessful in converting to TCs, it will be because either the firm doesn't think they are right for the firm or they haven't met the necessary standards. Many firms will also just offer more people via the direct training contract application route.

However, some firms will operate a "hold list" system for those who impressed on a vacation scheme but were just beaten to the offers by stronger candidates. However, firms will usually tell you that you are on this form of hold list. They then go to the hold list and offer more people if there has been a higher than expected renege or decline rate of the offers they have already made.

 

[M26]

Hi! Have received a VI invitation from Weil, can anyone share what their experience was like and what I should expect?

 

[M26]

Would also appreciate any tips for the Debevoise AC (which is structured as an Open Day followed by an interview)

 

[starbright]

congrats!! i hate to be this person but when did you apply?

Thank you!! And haha, no problem, I applied on 24th December.

 

[Miki3999]

Is anyone still waiting for Mayer Brown? I wonder if I should just let it go...

 

[lawgal101]

Have you got a VI invite.

Yes, for Manchester! I think they could be inviting in batches, so hopefully should hear soon. I did the SJT on the 22nd Jan and received my report on the 24th. This is for TC 2023.

 

[Orhsnxuozns]

So, I'm dealing with so much post interview anxiety following my AC last week because I know that there were at least 3-4 questions I answered awfully... anyone have any advice? I'm pretty much just a pile of sad and stressed out gloop at this point

 

[RoughWood]

Can anyone shed light on whether interviews would be the next stage?

I have absolutely no idea! This is the first time I have got to this stage at OC. It would be strange not to have an interview at all but the recruitment FAQ page says the below:
"For the Vacation Scheme and Training Contract, the application process will involve an online application, online verbal reasoning test and attendance at an assessment day."

In their write up on the application process it says:
Assessment Centre "The day consists of a few different elements including a group discussion, a partner interview and a Watson Glaser test (an aptitude test which assesses your critical thinking ability). "

But the email received with information about the day only says the below:
"In this assessment session you'll be completing a commercial exercise (including a presentation) and the Watson Glaser test. These exercises will enable us to find out more about your business awareness and understanding, analytical skills and verbal communication."

So all-in-all, I don't know but I would expect there to be an interview at some point in the process, and wouldn't be surprised if it was during the AC session considering the length of time, 2.5 hours seems like a lot for just a commercial exercise and watson glaser, but I may be wrong!

 

[GK8997]

VI with Weil Gotshal! Any advice would be so so welcome

Feel free to PM me!

 

[Hamilton]

Is anyone else currently preparing for the Reed Smith assessment centre and could share any insight/ideas on how they're readying themselves for the case study element? Haven't encountered a contract-based one before!