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

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Jessica Booker

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lol i rang them yesterday and they said that they might not respond for another few weeks...it's been over a month since my AC - @Jessica Booker do you have any thoughts on this?
These things happen - they have probably got other priorities right now to deal with and can afford to wait a few more weeks before reviewing applications.
 

AubreyW

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Jan 26, 2022
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Have Sidley VS AC and Kirkland TC AC coming up - if anyone has experience with either I would really appreciate any and all advice :)
Sidley was super PE focussed, luckily I had prepared so it was fine but I'd recommend brushing up on LBOs etc. Also asked a lot about other firms I'd applied to. Other than that just brush up on the usual Qs and you'll be fine. Partner was really nice.
 

John Doe

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@George Maxwell @James Carrabino I am tabbing both of you because you two have been great moderators for the forum! I thought my chances for this recruitment cycle were getting quite grim until I recently received an online test invite from a firm that has taken a while to get back to me (to put it diplomatically 😂)

Given the slight chance of me making my way into the AC, I thought it'd be prudent if I start to ramp up my AC preparation as well. Can you recommend/refer to me any forum post or TCLA course that can help on this? As a way to give me a head start?

Thank you all so much. I can't say enough how much I already appreciated the work that y'all have been doing!
 

James Carrabino

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@George Maxwell @James Carrabino I am tabbing both of you because you two have been great moderators for the forum! I thought my chances for this recruitment cycle were getting quite grim until I recently received an online test invite from a firm that has taken a while to get back to me (to put it diplomatically 😂)

Given the slight chance of me making my way into the AC, I thought it'd be prudent if I start to ramp up my AC preparation as well. Can you recommend/refer to me any forum post or TCLA course that can help on this? As a way to give me a head start?

Thank you all so much. I can't say enough how much I already appreciated the work that y'all have been doing!
Hi @John Doe,

Thank you so much for the kind words and congratulations on your progression with the firm 😊

I have written a post here on how to prepare for an AC to a point that should make you feel ready.

Also check out two great resources by @AvniD: Avni’s break down of ACs and Avni's thoughts on preparing for ACs!

I would also recommend perusing Preparing for ACs and interviews in general (compiled list included) and more specifically preparing for article interviews!

I have also written some advice on how to deal with nerves in advance of an AC here!

Do reach out if you have any further questions :)
 

tkwillbealawyer

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    I heard back Friday 6pm-ish by e-mail. Deffo check your junk, apply4law account, etc and then contact them ASAP because slots are on the 28th and 1st March. I booked mine straight away before anyone else did so I don't know how many slots are left. Good luck for your AC!!
    PFO for me unfortunately :((( Heard back around 2pm today. Hopefully the feedback is helpful as Farrer is a very similar format! Good luck for your interview!!
     
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    James Carrabino

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    Has anyone ever seen/heard of associates switching practice areas after they're qualified? Probably more so within the same field e.g. M&A to capital markets, as opposed to a drastic change like M&A to arbitration. Do you qualify as a solicitor generally, or as a solicitor in a specific practice area? I feel like the idea of staying in one area for the rest of my career is daunting, what if I don't like it anymore lol
    I know of associates who made a move from international arbitration to white collar crime, for example. Often if you are in a firm's 'Disputes' team or one of the corporate teams then your practice may be quite broad to start off with so there is room to specialise in different areas throughout your junior years.

    On one vac scheme I met a senior lawyer whose practice was split between two quite different departments (I wish I could remember what they were!) so I guess that is the epitome of keeping one's options open although I'm not sure how many people get the opportunity to do that 🤣
     
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    S87

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    I know of associates who made a move from international arbitration to white collar crime, for example. Often if you are in a firm's 'Disputes' team or one of the corporate teams then your practice may be quite broad to start off with so there is room to specialise in different areas throughout your junior years.

    On one vac scheme I met a senior lawyer whose practice was split between two quite different departments (I wish I could remember what they were!) so I guess that is the epitome of keeping one's options open although I'm not sure how many people get the opportunity to do that 🤣
    Well well white collar and arbitration require similar skills although the structures are quite different. But that would be a dream of mine! Send positive vibes guys!
     

    James Carrabino

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    How should I handle feeling burnt out from this cycle? I have an AC coming up and I feel like I’m not doing enough work for it :( but I feel super exhausted and anxious all the time!!
    Just don't worry too much about your preparation - when the AC comes I know you will be in the zone and you are probably more than well prepared enough already :) The feeling that 'I am not doing enough' can be the most draining sensation ever and really leave you with burnout - I've had it too.

    I have written a preparation checklist of sorts here - I found that I could diminish my anxiety by having such a checklist which would make me content about putting down tools after I completed it!
     
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