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

[NMA]

I'm not a recruiter but I don't think one 2.2 grade in isolation would be an immediate no for an applicant if they met the academic criteria, however I wouldn't describe the subject as naff in an interview if questioned on it. I have been questioned on my lowest grade in an interview and gave a reasoned response as to why I thought it was lower and in what I took from that experience to ensure I didn't get a grade that low again.

Where it will make more of a difference is if your app is already borderline that could be what tips it into the no pile or if it came down to two applicants and the only distinguishing feature was better academics from another. I can imagine that would be the same for any candidate, and that consistent 2.1 can mean different things, consistent 60/61 or 68/69 are very different.

Thank you! And yes of course, I would never say it was naff in an interview. Could I ask you how you answered that question? I know it would be personal for everyone, but I don't want really want to just say 'I found it quite difficult to understand'.

 

[James Carrabino]

I’ve never been asked what deals they’re currently working on. Has anyone been asked this in the past?

If it helps, for an AC where I was asked a deal I’ve found interesting, I stated what the deal was, why I personally found it interesting and then talked about why I thought it was relevant (a wider trend in emerging markets, etc) & if there was something particularly impressive about it (e.g. how it was financed, the number of jurisdictions involved, awards it won, etc). For its relevance, I Googled the deal beforehand, to see articles written about it outside of a law firm website/context. I don’t know if this is the right approach per say, but that’s what I did.

I didn’t speak for more than a minute, it came up towards the end because of something else I had mentioned. Overall, I don’t think firms are expecting you to recite those 3/4 paragraphs they write about the deal on the website, but it always helps to briefly outline the deal and why you picked that one. Of course, this is in the context of a deal that they’ve done, not sure if asking about an ongoing deal is common though. Hope it helps!

This is an excellent response! I agree that it would be unlikely for the question 'Do you know what deals we are currently working on?' to come up, but it is definitely still good to know about some deals so that you can bring them up of your own accord

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker can you possibly shed some light on how ACs were generally evaluated at the firms you worked at?

Sorry, I am not entirely sure what you mean here. Can you explain what you are trying to understand?

 

[CF12345]

really silly question but how do I check which of the two summer schemes I applied for? and is it possible to change?

 

[Jessica Booker]

really silly question but how do I check which of the two summer schemes I applied for? and is it possible to change?

Depends on the firm, but for many you don’t apply to a specific scheme, you just apply and will then be allocated at the point of being offered or accepting the offer.

If you were asked to select scheme dates, then you’ll need to check your application for those details.

I would only recommend informing a firm of changing dates of you are at a final interview stage or offer stage.

 

[fruiterloopers]

Sorry, I am not entirely sure what you mean here. Can you explain what you are trying to understand?

Hey! sorry for being unclear, I guess I'm just wondering how they are generally assessed, is it the interviewers choosing who to invite? Do they communicate with grad rec who decides? Are the written application and psychometric tests considered? How does the written assessment factor in etc. I guess I'd just like to know a bit more about the process of evaluating candidates. Thank you!

 

[CF12345]

Depends on the firm, but for many you don’t apply to a specific scheme, you just apply and will then be allocated at the point of being offered or accepting the offer.

If you were asked to select scheme dates, then you’ll need to check your application for those details.

I would only recommend informing a firm of changing dates of you are at a final interview stage or offer stage.

Thank you! Would it be wise to tell them if I have only got to AC stage or should I wait to see if I do get an offer?

 

[lawful_neutral216]

Hi all, has anybody ever taken a McQuaig Mental Agility test? I have been invited to take it for Trowers and haven't done it before. From my research, it seems like there will be mixed bag of 50 questions to answer in 15 mins and can vary from mathematical ability to general verbal reasoning. Trying to find some practice questions online.

If anybody has done it before, I would greatly appreciate any tips/practice resources. Thanks so much!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Thank you! Would it be wise to tell them if I have only got to AC stage or should I wait to see if I do get an offer?

If you are about to have your AC, mention it at the AC. If you have had your AC, then wait until they have informed you of the decision.

 

[Rachael.Elisa]

CRS VI!!

If anyone has any experience with this or tips on how to prepare please could you let me know as CRS is one of my top firms!! Thanks

 

[ellwilsen]

CRS VI!!

If anyone has any experience with this or tips on how to prepare please could you let me know as CRS is one of my top firms!! Thanks

Well done! Do you mind me asking when you applied?

 

[phurple]

People that have had a TI with NRF in the last 2 weeks, have you heard back?

 

[Laurenbt2110]

People that have had a TI with NRF in the last 2 weeks, have you heard back?

If you meant TI, then i was told they are running them until the 21st Feb so we wont hear back until after then

 

[Rachael.Elisa]

Well done! Do you mind me asking when you applied?

Thank you I applied on the 30th November

 

[thirdtimelucky]

People that have had a TI with NRF in the last 2 weeks, have you heard back?

For spring they took around 3 weeks to get back to me

 

[phurple]

If you meant TI, then i was told they are running them until the 21st Feb so we wont hear back until after then

Yeah, I did, I just edited the post. Ok thanks - saw that other people were getting ACs and didn't know what to assume

 

[mome101]

Just got Debevoise Waitlist (idk how to feel). Does anyone with previous experience have any idea what the chances of being bumped to attending the open day from the waitlist are?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Just got Debevoise Waitlist (idk how to feel). Does anyone with previous experience have any idea what the chances of being bumped to attending the open day from the waitlist are?

The chances are going to be so varied based on individual circumstances at that time. A good chance with the firm in the previous cycle doesn’t necessarily mean it will be a good chance this cycle.

By operating a waiting list, there clearly is a chance though, and that’s the positive to focus on.

 

[Vacationschemeapps]

If you meant TI, then i was told they are running them until the 21st Feb so we wont hear back until after then

Is this for summer?

 

[Vacationschemeapps]

For spring they took around 3 weeks to get back to me

Hey! Any clue whether Spring ACs and TIs are all over? I've been ghosted since my WG