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

[OB]

I was exactly like this last year. My inconsistency has since improved because I did so many practice tests and read so many guides. I would definitely search the web for some "cheat sheets" (or make one yourself!) that digests each WG section like a rulebook. It helped me understand the difference between deductions and interpretations and whether an inference is "true" or "probably true". Best of luck you'll improve in no time

@PirateShip - I second this entirely too! Also when doing practice tests like on the Clifford Chance website etc where it gives you your score breakdown for each section and you can target your weaker sections. Making my own cheat sheet and teaching myself what to look for/how to look at the questions in each section really helped me

 

[John Travoni]

Gosh, I forgot how draining doing the Mayer Brown tests were. Nearly took me 2 full hours to complete it all 😭

 

[S87]

Gosh, I forgot how draining doing the Mayer Brown tests were. Nearly took me 2 full hours to complete it all 😭

Jeez..what do tests include?

 

[S87]

Did you guys read the Linkedin Post published by the CC GRM? It scares me that it takes less than a minute to bin a vs/tc app!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Did you guys read the Linkedin Post published by the CC GRM? It scares me that it takes less than a minute to bin a vs/tc app!

This explains why it is so easy to make such a quick decision on many applications though:

I've read over 173 Training Contract applications this morning. Most of them unfortunately won't be progressed to the next stage - why?

I've read over 173 Training Contract applications this morning. Most of them unfortunately won't be progressed to the next stage - why? Failed to detail their degree - 2% of responses Failed to detail work exp - 12% of responses Failed to use the 600 words - 16% of responses All of the above - 71% o

www.linkedin.com

 

[Dfrtyh]

Has anyone had a AC with Hogan?

 

[S87]

This explains why it is so easy to make such a quick decision on many applications though:

I've read over 173 Training Contract applications this morning. Most of them unfortunately won't be progressed to the next stage - why?

I've read over 173 Training Contract applications this morning. Most of them unfortunately won't be progressed to the next stage - why? Failed to detail their degree - 2% of responses Failed to detail work exp - 12% of responses Failed to use the 600 words - 16% of responses All of the above - 71% o

www.linkedin.com

I am reading it now..you know that I respect this person..but I am worried

 

[Jessica Booker]

I am reading it now..you know that I respect this person..but I am worried

The thing to remember is that this is not about EVERY application. It’s about the majority.

For every good application received that takes 10 minutes to read, you’ll probably get 10-15 that you can decide on very quickly.

We sometimes forget in this forum (because everyone is so focused/bought in to getting a TC) that not everyone is like our community, and in reality our community is a minority in the applicant pool. There will be thousands of people submitting applications with little to no interest in law, but going for it because someone told them it was a good career to go into or because the money is good. There will be people applying who do it half heartedly just because they are caught up in all the noise of their fellow students applying, and they are told it is something they should do, rather than analyse whether it is something they want to do. It is the applications from those people that can be decided fairly quickly.

Back in my time, I could easily get rid of about 5% of applicants just because they had copied and pasted their answers and hadn’t changed the firm’s name!!

You ultimately bin applications quickly so you have time and energy to focus on the good applications.

 

[Leche_Deag]

Hey guys. I've recently completed the final assessment stage for the Stephenson Harwood winter vacation scheme, that being the written case study, on the 10th last week but am yet to hear back from them. Has anyone else received a reply?

 

[Slawrelated]

Does A&O require you to do a maths section for the SJT?

 

[Slawrelated]

and if A&O ASK you to do Maths,

Does A&O require you to do a maths section for the SJT?

what does the math section comprise of?

 

[Rob93]

Does A&O require you to do a maths section for the SJT?

Yes, although it's less about the maths - which is fairly simple - than about being able to correctly identify what bits of data are relevant & how they relate to each other/the question being asked.

 

[Rachael.Elisa]

I think this is a great example and you definitely don't have to have something academic as long as it is genuinely your proudest achievement. Be sure to demonstrate how it helped you develop resilience, resourcefulness, determination etc whatever skills and attributes that you think are appropriate! It is good to have personal examples and give them an idea as to what motivates you, being a solicitor will only be part of who you are after all!

Thank you so much for your reply, it's really helpful

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi everyone, I am applying to CRS and one of the questions asks 'which achievement are you most proud of and why?'. My proudest achievement is leaving an abusive relationship and bringing up my son as a very young single parent. Is this appropriate or should I got for something employment related/academic instead?

This is my first cycle and not exactly sure what firms are looking for.

Thanks!

It is something to use - I just advise on focusing on your efforts rather than the circumstances themselves. Yes, you’ll need to provide some context to the situation but try to keep this to the point so you can spend more of the word count explaining what you did rather than what you experienced.

 

[Nicole15]

I don’t think we will hear back from Baker McKenzie until after the 1st December! Spoke to a member of GR recently and she said they review all applications after the deadline. Hope that helps

I received a PFO a couple of days ago.

 

[S87]

Hey guys,

I am applying to Mayer Brown "Please use this section to tell us about any academic or non-academic achievements and interests not covered elsewhere in this application"

Should I use the STAR method? @Jessica Booker could I please have your opinion on this?

Thank you in advance

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hey guys,

I am applying to Mayer Brown "Please use this section to tell us about any academic or non-academic achievements and interests not covered elsewhere in this application"

Should I use the STAR method? @Jessica Booker could I please have your opinion on this?

Thank you in advance

I don’t think STAR is needed for this, as it isn’t a competency question. I would just focus on your responsibilities and impact/outcomes.

 

[S87]

I don’t think STAR is needed for this, as it isn’t a competency question. I would just focus on your responsibilities and impact/outcomes.

Thank you

 

[S87]

I don’t think STAR is needed for this, as it isn’t a competency question. I would just focus on your responsibilities and impact/outcomes.

Thank you

 

[S30]

I received a PFO a couple of days ago.

I spoke to Max from GR and he said applications will be reviewed after the deadline. So that’s so strange to hear!

Wish you all the best for your other applications