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

[S87]

not to prolong this argument any further, but what s87 said was not “definitely inaccurate.”

law firms are very aware that black lawyers are underrepresented in the profession. diversity initiatives are tailored, in part, to remedy the problem. at present, it’s not clear just how successful such efforts have been in addressing said underrepresentation and we need further data on the matter. that being said, there is a wealth of empirical scholarship which examines barriers to the legal profession for black Americans and black Britons. and there is strong reason to think there is under representation.

pointing to the handful of black lawyers you know (or have read about at firms you like) doesn’t undermine this point - and it’s more likely that your sample size is biased.

but what do I know? i’m just an aspiring wine mum

Thank you and remind me to offer you some good wine!

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker
If Vero onboarding needs to verify my "highest education" does this mean just university results or GCSE/A Levels as well (can't locate my certificates for these!)

I would assume it just means your degree (if obtained). However, ask Vero to confirm what they need if you are unsure.

 

[User274302]

Is a SWOT/Pestle analysis for M&A case studies generally liked by firms? It's a concept I originally came across in like GCSE Business, so worried it may be seen as overly-simplistic? Also is there one that firms tend to prefer out of the two approaches? Would appreciate your thoughts @Jessica Booker !

 

[psr23]

Has anyone heard back from Orrick for the summer vac scheme?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Is a SWOT/Pestle analysis for M&A case studies generally liked by firms? It's a concept I originally came across in like GCSE Business, so worried it may be seen as overly-simplistic? Also is there one that firms tend to prefer out of the two approaches? Would appreciate your thoughts @Jessica Booker !

I really don’t think it’s as binary as either/or. You could use a range of different methods to present your thinking too.

Depending on the instructions, this type of analysis might not be needed at all.

If they are used, it won’t be considered too simplistic, just because you learnt it at GCSE. It’s a commonly used technique. The analysis within the model will be where the complexity is anyway.

 

[imdeded]

this is my first AC so i wanted to ask if when i book my ac matters? is it better if i do it earlier or can i give myself some more time to prepare

 

[mckelly]

When was the last time anyone heard anything from Sidley?

 

[futuretraineecity]

Would anyone be able to direct me to the list of 100 or so interview questions on here? Can't seem to find it

 

[CC03]

Would anyone be able to direct me to the list of 100 or so interview questions on here? Can't seem to find it

Here you go:

Free Resource: 200 Practice Interview Question Bank

Here is what you need to know about securing a training contract this year.

classes.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[futuretraineecity]

Here you go:

Free Resource: 200 Practice Interview Question Bank

Here is what you need to know about securing a training contract this year.

classes.thecorporatelawacademy.com

Thank you!!!

 

[Irisxy]

Has anyone done the Osborne Clarke AC yet?

Mine is on tmr? Have you completed it?

 

[lawvc2021]

Argh, I just tested positive for COVID and have three ACs this week - today, tomorrow and Thursday. Could not be worse timing! I am feeling pretty rotten and struggling to talk as my throat is so sore. Am not sure what to do.

 

[thirdtimelucky]

Argh, I just tested positive for COVID and have three ACs this week - today, tomorrow and Thursday. Could not be worse timing! I am feeling pretty rotten and struggling to talk as my throat is so sore. Am not sure what to do.

I am really sorry to hear this! I tested positive for covid before my AC too and it was not fun. The first thing I did was let graduate recruitment know and see if I could be moved (in my case this wasn’t possible). I also mentioned it to my interviewers. Honestly listen to your body, if you think you can do all three then get lots of rest and drink lots of water (the adrenaline pushes you through the AC!). I had several hot drinks by my side, drank paracetamol and had some fruits to snack on in between the different parts of my AC which helped!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Argh, I just tested positive for COVID and have three ACs this week - today, tomorrow and Thursday. Could not be worse timing! I am feeling pretty rotten and struggling to talk as my throat is so sore. Am not sure what to do.

Call today’s firm as soon as possible to explain the situation. They will understand and if they can offer you another date they will. It will only be if they are filling booked up for other dates that they may not be able to offer you an alternative.

Once you have spoken to today’s firm call the other firms to do the same.

You haven’t really got the time to rely on email, so definitely call.

 

[lawvc2021]

Call today’s firm as soon as possible to explain the situation. They will understand and if they can offer you another date they will. It will only be if they are filling booked up for other dates that they may not be able to offer you an alternative.

Once you have spoken to today’s firm call the other firms to do the same.

You haven’t really got the time to rely on email, so definitely call.

Thank you, Jessica!

 

[GXA123]

anybody heard back from ES post AC, I have seen some posts on LinkedIn!

 

[George Maxwell]

Just had my partner interview with MB! It's the first I've gotten before, and I just wanted to know...HOW DO YOU COPE WITH ALL OF THE FEELINGS AFTER?! It's only been a couple of hours, but I need to know how I did now lol. Waiting for 1-2 weeks is going to be a killer 🤣

Also, the interview went okay! It's always hard to tell, but this is THE firm for me so fingers crossed! Good luck to anyone else who has interviews or ACs today or this week!

Hey @AW_08,

How did the interview go? Congratulations for getting through it. Partner interviews are stressful and it is a serious achievement to have made it through!

Regarding post-interview anxiety, I really feel for you on this. For me I got through by 1. doing my best to throw myself into other things in a positive way* and 2. reminding myself that I had done my best and that worrying would not change anything (I realise that this is easier said than done).

*on this, I find in general that exercise is a great way to channel my anxiety. Often when I am feeling very anxious go for a run for example. That way at least, at the end of the day my anxiety had resulted in something positive that I could look back on and be proud of- rather than being upset with myself that I had remained in bed or not done much! Cooking and climbing are also great coping mechanisms as they are activities (for me) that require me to be present and focused on what I am doing.

Please do reach out if you would like any further support or help. My fingers are crossed for you 🤞

Hi all, just curious if you receive a TC from a spring VS, typically when do you need to accept/decline it? I know TCs from some summer VS have a ddl of acceptance until mid September, just wondering if spring is the same

Hey @YUKI1201,

I don't think that this has been responded to as yet, but if it has apologies!

My experience was that many firms offered me four from the offer date to respond. This is in line with the 'voluntary code of conduct for trainee solicitors' (see Chambers Student for an article on this).

If you are concerned that you may be forced into accepting one way or the other (because your summer vacation schemes start more than four weeks after your spring vacation scheme), I would be happy to share some thoughts on how to deal with this situation (from experience).

I hope that helps!

I just received an email saying to give them a call back. I had an interview with them last week. Is a phone call generally good news, and does anyone know specifically if Shearman sends a PFO post interview by email or phone call.

Hey @funstuff21,

I know that @Jessica Booker has replied to this already. I agree with her that it is difficult to answer what sort of news phonecall might be.

I just wanted to wish you the very best of luck for it. I know how scary phonecalls like that can be. If you feel comfortable I would love to hear what the news was!

I really hope that it was positive 🤞

I got a VS offer via phone call on Friday but haven’t had an email confirming the offer yet- is this normal? How long should I expect to wait until I receive the confirmation email?

Hey @Law2021vacschemer,

This was my experience for all of my offers! Congratulations for getting the scheme.

Which firm was it with? 🥳

oh god just dawn on me. I have an in person interview on Friday. Surely I don't shake their hand ? As although we are nearly out the pandemic its not really appropriate/ safe yet? lol don't mind me stressing about tiny issues

My suggestion is always to ask when you first meet them. It'll show your confidence and avoid a potentially-uncomfortable situation. Also gives you an immediate talking point!

@Jaysen I think that this is fantastic advice. My approach was always to just follow my interviewer, but I like how this demonstrates that you are confident, are sensitive to the needs of others and are capable of communicating clearly with colleagues.

Something to remember @manchester12 is that your interviewer will have experience of negotiating this difficulty (having worked during the pandemic). This is not an aspect of the interview that you need to take control of or worry about, although I do understand the anxiety.

Please do let us know how it goes! I would be interested how you found @Jaysen's advice in practice 🙌

 

[AK105]

Freshfields PFO

Me too 😞

 

[Law1099]

I’ve only seen one person get a london ac for addleshaw. Has anyone else had them? I did my VI 5 weeks ago

 

[Homer]

Me too 😞

Very sorry to hear this. May I ask if it was the vacation scheme or training contract?