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

[James Carrabino]

if you panic during a VI, and happen to press stop recording without answering the first question but continue to answer the next 4, how likely is it you’ve been written off the AC list?

…asking for a friend…

😌

I wouldn't think it would necessarily be a write-off but could you e-mail them to let them know that you unintentionally pressed stop recording? They may let you do the first question again

 

[James Carrabino]

Hiya, I'm just wondering with TC direct apps, when is recommended to submit them? Seeing as the application window is so wide

A lot of direct TC apps with spring/summer deadlines are non-rolling! Because a direct TC interview is the final stage of the process and the firm does not need to onboard candidates to a vac scheme, it is often easier for them to review apps altogether. If it is rolling then the standard as early as possible applies

 

[James Carrabino]

Is it normal for firms to interview/ offer ACs to spring vacation scheme applications before summer!! Sorry if this is a stupid question but I’m new to applications this cycle and haven’t heard back from quite a few summer 😰

Yes, firms will often do this!

 

[James Carrabino]

Are there any recommended resources on converting a VS into a TC?

I would recommend this article, @Jaysen's advice here, this guide here and finally a forum thread on the topic!

 

[amzey2]

For anyone who previously did 2 or more Vac Schemes in one cycle/is familiar with the matter: can the fact that someone just completed a Vac Scheme prevent the conflict of interests check from being cleared for the upcoming Vac Scheme?
Thx in advance!
@Jessica Booker

 

[CorporateLaw101]

Hi @CorporateLaw101, congratulations on getting your first AC!! I remember that moment (including the exact day and time 🤣) for me - it is a big step in this process and one that you should be proud of

My first tip is not to stress yourself out too much! Make sure you read up well on the firm, including its lawyers, clients and the work it does and prepare some answers about yourself as well as competency answers.

I have written a post here on how to prepare for an AC to a point that should make you feel ready! May I ask what exactly you mean by skills assessment? Is it like an online test?

There is not a lot that I would say not to do, except anything that could be construed as rude or strange in the context... which I am sure you won't

Thanks a lot! I’ll check out that post now.

Unfortunately I genuinely have no idea what is meant by skills assessment. The AC is in person, there is little information in terms of the recruitment cycle anywhere, on the forum or otherwise. I was hoping that someone here might be able to provide insight but Wedlake Bell is scarcely mentioned for some reason.

It literally just says that the day will involve an interview and a skills assessment (2 hours in total).

 

[Solicitorhopeful3000]

OC final AC. Any advice for the group exercise would be much appreciated!

 

[Deleted member 11671]

How important do you think it is to complete a forage virtual experience of the firm you have an upcoming AC for? I understand it shows a further investment in getting to know the firm but its so soon (alongside exams) that I'm stuck for time and would prefer to carry on with the other avenues of research. I'm not actually sure it's even checked and if I'd be asked about it but would love to know anyones thoughts.

I did a couple of these. It can't hurt but I didn't really mention it much during any interviews.

 

[TCG]

OC final AC. Any advice for the group exercise would be much appreciated!

Me too!!!
Never been to a group exercise... any tips would be appreciated!

 

[ozza989]

In late October I made the decision to hand in my notice and leave my role as a teacher to pursue a career in Commercial Law.

As a non law grad, I basically knew nothing of the industry. I spent November researching firms and December applying, alongside teaching. I’m happy to say that I received my final PFO last night so the results are in:

12 Apps
4 AC’s
2 Offers

Thank you so much for everyone on the forum for your posts and advice! They have been invaluable. You are all awesome.

Now to convert these VS’s into TC’s.

 

[thirdtimelucky]

In late October I made the decision to hand in my notice and leave my role as a teacher to pursue a career in Commercial Law.

As a non law grad, I basically knew nothing of the industry. I spent November researching firms and December applying, alongside teaching. I’m happy to say that I received my final PFO last night so the results are in:

12 Apps
4 AC’s
2 Offers

Thank you so much for everyone on the forum for your posts and advice! They have been invaluable. You are all awesome.

Now to convert these VS’s into TC’s.

This is amazing! Well done ⭐️

 

[olivia123]

Reed Smith summer VS offer! Do you know how many places in total they have on their vacation schemes?

 

[GXA123]

Can I reapply to Hogan if I was rejected for the Vac Scheme? I couldn't find anything online.

 

[Jooooopp7]

With law firms that hold two stage interviews - is the first stage purely to progress to the next or at the end of the two interviews, will your performance be considered holistically? for example if someone did much much better in their first interview and not as well in the second, will that be taken into account or will a VS offer be made only based on the second interview?
@Jessica Booker - perhaps you could give some insight?? thank you!

 

[Username9999]

Anyone who has done their Thrive for Ropes and wants to compare results lmk

 

[captainhilts]

@Jessica Booker If people who have completed an AC later than me (firm is Freshfields) but have been given offers before, does it mean that I've de facto been rejected? thanks

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker If people who have completed an AC later than me (firm is Freshfields) but have been given offers before, does it mean that I've de facto been rejected? thanks

No - definitely can’t come to that conclusion.

 

[Amanpreet Kaur]

A lot of direct TC apps with spring/summer deadlines are non-rolling! Because a direct TC interview is the final stage of the process and the firm does not need to onboard candidates to a vac scheme, it is often easier for them to review apps altogether. If it is rolling then the standard as early as possible applies

Thank you for the clarification! Also, are there any tips on how to prep for in house paralegal roles? I have one on Tuesday, but I'm unsure about how much research is required into the company itself

 

[captainhilts]

No - definitely can’t come to that conclusion.

Is there any reason why they're delaying their response to my app?

 

[GXA123]

A lot of direct TC apps with spring/summer deadlines are non-rolling! Because a direct TC interview is the final stage of the process and the firm does not need to onboard candidates to a vac scheme, it is often easier for them to review apps altogether. If it is rolling then the standard as early as possible applies

so it does not matter when we submit? right?