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

[BeGrateful.101]

Any tips for simmons judgement test?

 

[John Travoni]

Not sure exactly how long, but they did confirm that they will start inviting candidates for an assessment centre before the application deadline.

Every single GR member that I’ve spoken to and BAs have all nearly confirmed that it’s highly unlikely that normal candidates will hear back from DLA regarding ACs before December. This is because even though they are rolling basis, they operate on a system where they interview all those who were on the first year scheme first, and that only takes place at the start of November. Only after that do GR start looking at the rest of the candidates and start rejecting ppl and inviting the rest for ACs which are definitely all January onwards.
That’s why I’m not in a rush to apply bc I know ppl who have applied in the first week when applications opened and didn’t hear back until January and then I have friends who applied 2 days before the deadline and were successful in getting through to the AC and then onto the scheme itself.

hope that’s useful guys x

 

[ZaraB]

Every single GR member that I’ve spoken to and BAs have all nearly confirmed that it’s highly unlikely that normal candidates will hear back from DLA regarding ACs before December. This is because even though they are rolling basis, they operate on a system where they interview all those who were on the first year scheme first, and that only takes place at the start of November. Only after that do GR start looking at the rest of the candidates and start rejecting ppl and inviting the rest for ACs which are definitely all January onwards.
That’s why I’m not in a rush to apply bc I know ppl who have applied in the first week when applications opened and didn’t hear back until January and then I have friends who applied 2 days before the deadline and were successful in getting through to the AC and then onto the scheme itself.

hope that’s useful guys x

Thanks, that's helpful! My source was grad rec at last month's DLA event - "What to employers look for when reviewing CV's" and they didn't specify when exactly candidates would start being invited for AC's.

 

[Law2022]

Has anybody received the video interview link from Clyde & Co yet?

 

[GXA123]

Has anybody received the video interview link from Clyde & Co yet?

I only received the email, telling me how to prepare for it! that's all

 

[MizM]

For this question: Why would you like to pursue a career as a solicitor at Covington & Burling LLP (500 words) do we think that we need to hit both 'why law' and 'why them'?

 

[33c]

For this question: Why would you like to pursue a career as a solicitor at Covington & Burling LLP (500 words) do we think that we need to hit both 'why law' and 'why them'?

Yes, I would say so! I would try and write about 250 words for each, but don't worry if you write slight more for one part!

 

[Jessica Booker]

For this question: Why would you like to pursue a career as a solicitor at Covington & Burling LLP (500 words) do we think that we need to hit both 'why law' and 'why them'?

Yes, needs a bit of both.

 

[corplaw123]

Just got invited to A&O's assessment day for the winter VS! I would be really grateful if someone has any knowledge of the process could offer me some help? Thanks

 

[dangelataher]

Is there a list of which law firms are not too focused on grades? My A Levels aren’t great and my first two years at uni weren’t great either (they didn’t count towards the final grade).

 

[OB]

Is there a list of which law firms are not too focused on grades? My A Levels aren’t great and my first two years at uni weren’t great either (they didn’t count towards the final grade).

Legal Cheek is a handy way to see A Level grades for each firm quite easily - my A Level grades aren't the best but I have been progressed by firms who wanted higher and I applied anyway! So some are less fussed than others!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Is there a list of which law firms are not too focused on grades? My A Levels aren’t great and my first two years at uni weren’t great either (they didn’t count towards the final grade).

Application and selection criteria - Chambers Student Guide

The student’s guide to careers in the law. Gives the truth about law firms and the Bar. Based on thousands of interviews with trainees, pupils and market sources, this site offers the full package of careers advice to anyone entering the legal profession.

www.chambersstudent.co.uk

 

[tt_xo]

After applying about a month ago now, finally heard from A&O that I passed their SJT 😂 hopefully more good news to follow.

 

[LS12]

Just got invited to A&O's assessment day for the winter VS! I would be really grateful if someone has any knowledge of the process could offer me some help? Thanks

Out of interest when did you apply/submit SJT?

 

[corplaw123]

Out of interest when did you apply/submit SJT?

Hi! I applied on the 21st of September and submitted my SJT on the 22nd. I then received feedback on my SJT on the 28th of September.

 

[OB]

would you know the number for A&O? xx

is your profile picture the girl from the A&O SJT? 🧐

 

[M777]

Can anyone shed light on how A&O's timings are working this year? People have recalled grad rec saying it's non-rolling, then the website saying it's rolling, and then of course everyone's getting SJT invites/app outcomes at different times. The date you applied seems to have no bearing on it either. The deadline isn't until 12th oct.

For context I applied on the day it opened, got SJT outcome 28th september and haven't heard since.

 

[OB]

Can anyone shed light on how A&O's timings are working this year? People have recalled grad rec saying it's non-rolling, then the website saying it's rolling, and then of course everyone's getting SJT invites/app outcomes at different times. The date you applied seems to have no bearing on it either. The deadline isn't until 12th oct.

For context I applied on the day it opened, got SJT outcome 29th september and haven't heard since.

Of course I was the one who said that an A&O grad rec member said they were not rolling which confused me and the website seems vague on this. The actual page where you apply says rolling and the automatic reply I got on Friday when I contacted them also says they are rolling. So I assume rolling by the way they're progressing people, albeit maybe slower than previous cycles?

My story is - applied 9th Sept, did test on 10th Sept, had to ask for my SJT result

 

[M777]

Of course I was the one who said that an A&O grad rec member said they were not rolling which confused me and the website seems vague on this. The actual page where you apply says rolling and the automatic reply I got on Friday when I contacted them also says they are rolling. So I assume rolling by the way they're progressing people, albeit maybe slower than previous cycles?

My story is - applied 9th Sept, did test on 10th Sept, had to ask for my SJT result

Yeah, you're not the only one! Seen a few people on here saying that A&O's grad rec told them it was non-rolling. Not sure what's going on- though I think they were having tons of tech issues with SJT results coming through?

Any luck hearing back after your email?

 

[OB]

Yeah, you're not the only one! Seen a few people on here saying that A&O's grad rec told them it was non-rolling. Not sure what's going on- though I think they were having tons of tech issues with SJT results coming through?

Any luck hearing back after your email?

So I chased my email yesterday and got a response in minutes confirming I passed the SJT and that my application is under review. But I've seen people on here who applied after me get progressed, but then a few have also been rejected - so not sure what to think really!