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

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker as a gold member how can I book a telephone session with you?

You can book via this page on our website.

1:1 Training Contract Advice - Book Now | The Corporate Law Academy

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[JSM123]

Does anyone know the minimum score needed to pass the Ashurst online tests? I have horrific math skills / cognitive math skills (E in GCSE maths lol) and haven't needed to use any maths throughout my degrees and previous law firm experience in London. So I am certain I did quite terribly.

I have an A-Level in maths and still did terribly aha

I went to an Ashurst event with the firm last year and unless anything has changed I was told by Grad Rec that if one component of your test isn't great (e.g. Cognify) they will often look past it assuming all other components (other test + app form) are strong

 

[TCApp2021]

When deciding on VS offers after final interviews, do firms assess your performance individually or you are scored and then ranked?

 

[ellwilsen]

It is unlikely both firms will allow you to only do one week each. It is best to ask if there are alternative vacation scheme dates

Thanks Jessica . is this likely to be the case where one firm has only one scheme & the other firm cannot accommodate me on the other scheme (but is aware that i have accepted a vs with another firm)?

 

[HopefulForALawJob]

Akin Gump PFO after 60 days of no replies post WG! Thanks Akin Gump super professional! Anyway, Cooley said they were getting back to candidates by today. Anyone heard anything yet? Manifesting positive vibes for us all for the rest of the week let's get after it!!!!!!

 

[lucciblanca]

Akin Gump PFO post-WG (completed my WG in mid-January), finally lol

In other news, I've went from receiving no offers last year to securing multiple offers from my dream US firms and even being put in a position where I've had to reject others. I hope that provides some type of reassurance to others who aren't having a successful application cycle - it's a steep learning curve but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Good luck to all those still waiting to hear back!

 

[M777]

Anyone heard from mofo post second round yet or are they ghosting unsuccessful candidates? Did my second round interview two months ago and followed up last week - they told me they were still making decisions so would revert ASAP.

However it's now less than a month until the scheme so my assumption is I wasn't successful.

 

[ZaraB]

PFO from Penningtons post-app, I have a feeling that I applied too late!

 

[TCG]

PFO from Penningtons post-app, I have a feeling that I applied too late!

The same happened to me. Just received the PFO and it sounded like that…

 

[GXA123]

What does everyone think of law firms closing their offices in Russia? (how to discuss it from a business point of view in interviews), @Jessica Booker would love to hear your thoughts.

 

[AubreyW]

Nothing from Hogan Lovells since completing their WG IN jANUARY

I only received my invitation to interview last week if that is any consolation. I think they have a really long interview/AC period

 

[TC fiend]

What does everyone think of law firms closing their offices in Russia? (how to discuss it from a business point of view in interviews), @Jessica Booker would love to hear your thoughts.

Probably not a subject I'd broach to be honest because it's very murky territory. For firms that have staff in Russian offices, they are now in an incredibly uncertain position as to their jobs which will be putting pressure on the firm. As for clients, you have to remember these are also long-standing relationships that have been cultivated and maintained throughout the years by the firm. I think you run the risk of ending up in a conversation about morality more than business and that's not something I'd ever want to broach in an interview.

 

[GXA123]

Probably not a subject I'd broach to be honest because it's very murky territory. For firms that have staff in Russian offices, they are now in an incredibly uncertain position as to their jobs which will be putting pressure on the firm. As for clients, you have to remember these are also long-standing relationships that have been cultivated and maintained throughout the years by the firm. I think you run the risk of ending up in a conversation about morality more than business and that's not something I'd ever want to broach in an interview.

I agree but I think it is a topic the interviewer might bring up..

 

[TC fiend]

I agree but I think it is a topic the interviewer might bring up..

I actually doubt it - a lot of firms have put out statements regarding their position, which means there will have been an internal email in the firm beforehand stating that if anyone is approached by the press for any sort of comments on the matter to please direct them to a press representative. Having an open discussion about it with you at an interview would put that "united front" image at risk.

If someone does somehow bring it up I'd just try to stay as vague and diplomatic as possible. Acknowledge it's a difficult spot to be in and it is a decision that affects a lot of people, and that hopefully it can be resolved swiftly.

 

[psr23]

Is anyone still waiting to hear from Akin Gump post WG? (Completed it 20 Jan) I assumed they’ve given out all vac scheme places now

 

[Crystal86]

Hi! For anyone who has done the HSF AC was there a Q&A session at the end?

 

[GXA123]

I actually doubt it - a lot of firms have put out statements regarding their position, which means there will have been an internal email in the firm beforehand stating that if anyone is approached by the press for any sort of comments on the matter to please direct them to a press representative. Having an open discussion about it with you at an interview would put that "united front" image at risk.

If someone does somehow bring it up I'd just try to stay as vague and diplomatic as possible. Acknowledge it's a difficult spot to be in and it is a decision that affects a lot of people, and that hopefully it can be resolved swiftly.

thank you!

 

[LawfulRed]

No - I rang today and asked just that. HR v helpful if you feel like giving them a call.

Thanks

 

[tryingforavacscheme]

Akin Gump PFO after 60 days of no replies post WG! Thanks Akin Gump super professional! Anyway, Cooley said they were getting back to candidates by today. Anyone heard anything yet? Manifesting positive vibes for us all for the rest of the week let's get after it!!!!!!

Haven't heard anything from cooley yet

 

[donxerxer]

Akin Gump PFO post-WG (completed my WG in mid-January), finally lol

In other news, I've went from receiving no offers last year to securing multiple offers from my dream US firms and even being put in a position where I've had to reject others. I hope that provides some type of reassurance to others who aren't having a successful application cycle - it's a steep learning curve but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Good luck to all those still waiting to hear back!

Please what's PFO. I'm new here and keep seeing PFOs