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

[21wajsz]

How long does it take for A&O to send a PFO or invite you to its AC/interview after sending an e-mail stating you passed the tests?

Thank you in advance!!

 

[Rob93]

Hi! I'm new to this forum and very glad it exists

Background: Biology graduate based in London looking to become a patent/IP attorney (need anymore info, let me know!)

I wanted to get some guidance from those who can provide some.

I recently applied for the Bristows STEM IP Workshop and received an email today to let me know that I have not been successful to attend. I thought it went okay. I was a bit nervous and just am generally, but prepared my answers for each question and thought I did well at answering each one, although for two of the questions I was quite brief.

Has anyone applied for a Bristows workshop this year and able to offer some tips on what they did to get through and what they may not have done well to get them through?

Also, does this mean I am automatically disqualified from applying for their TC as I would be noted on their system as having failed getting through to the workshop?

Also, anyone know of any other IP law firms based in London?

Any help and guidance would be really helpful!

Thanks!

Can't speak to Bristows specifically but in general failure to secure a place on open days or workshops has no bearing on TC eligibility - it certainly isn't read as some sort of stain on your record.

 

[Scandi]

Guys, sorry for asking this again. Clyde & Co's WVS is supposed to start next week, and I have not received any update after the initial screening VI - can I safely assume it is a PFO or deferral? (grad rec has not replied yet)

 

[mckelly]

I've committed the sin of spelling a partner's name in the final paragraph of my cover letter for the Slaughter and May application wrong. This is the only spelling mistake in my application - will it be wholly detrimental to my application?

 

[GOI983]

So I did the Simmons logical and verbal reasoning tests and I think the logical one went well as far as I am aware. However, I think I may have got 3 questions wrong on the verbal reasoning test, one of which was by mistake as I thought it asked me to select two, however, I needed to select one, so by the time the timer went down I selected another and that removed my other answer, which was the only one needed .

How do you think that will affect my chances? Will they screen the results alongside the VI/written exercise or is there a certain benchmark you have to reach on the tests first? Also, do you receive a report for the Simmons verbal and logical reasoning tests?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Guys, sorry for asking this again. Clyde & Co's WVS is supposed to start next week, and I have not received any update after the initial screening VI - can I safely assume it is a PFO or deferral? (grad rec has not replied yet)

I would assume so unfortunately. It would be practically no time to onboard you (which usually requires at least two weeks).

It’s not an impossibility that you could still be in consideration, I just think it’s very unlikely at this late stage.

 

[Jessica Booker]

I've committed the sin of spelling a partner's name in the final paragraph of my cover letter for the Slaughter and May application wrong. This is the only spelling mistake in my application - will it be wholly detrimental to my application?

It’s highly unlikely to make a decision on its own, especially if it is a subtle spelling error (eg Thomson vs Thompson).

 

[mckelly]

It’s highly unlikely to make a decision on its own, especially if it is a subtle spelling error (eg Thomson vs Thompson).

Ah let's hope not. I put an extra 'e' in their name

 

[zidoeslaw]

PFO received today from DLA

uhh so sorry!! fingers crossed for everything else <3 btw which office did you apply to?

 

[M777]

Does Reed Smith invite everyone to VI? At what stage do they review apps- or was my VI based only on my SJT score?

 

[kat_]

just received this from Reed Smith;
'Your application is still under review and we will be in touch with you closer to the application deadline which is 10th December.'
Does that mean that I'm basically on a reserve list? 🥲

 

[kat_]

Does Reed Smith invite everyone to VI? At what stage do they review apps- or was my VI based only on my SJT score?

I don't think they do, I think they review your app and SJT and either invite you to VI or not.
(might be wrong though).

 

[Lumree]

Reed Smith VI!

 

[John Travoni]

Reed Smith VI!

Have you acc received the VI or an email that you’ve moved to the next stage and that you will receive it soon?

 

[Anoned]

Reed Smith VI invite (once it's been set up by the firm)

 

[AspiringTrainee]

Have you acc received the VI or an email that you’ve moved to the next stage and that you will receive it soon?

That’s what I’ve received. I guess as it’s a new part of their process and they are getting used to it?

 

[Anoned]

Does Reed Smith invite everyone to VI? At what stage do they review apps- or was my VI based only on my SJT score?

Nope, you have to pass the benchmark for the SJT (per their website)

 

[Lumree]

Have you acc received the VI or an email that you’ve moved to the next stage and that you will receive it soon?

Same as others today - an email saying I’ll receive it soon. Has anyone completed it yet? I thought I saw people a few weeks ago preparing for it on here

 

[Anoned]

Same as others today - an email saying I’ll receive it soon. Has anyone completed it yet? I thought I saw people a few weeks ago preparing for it on here

I don't think so, one of me mates got an invite a couple of weeks ago now saying the same thing (still setting it up) and hasn't gotten any subsequent emails.

 

[Jessica Booker]

just received this from Reed Smith;
'Your application is still under review and we will be in touch with you closer to the application deadline which is 10th December.'
Does that mean that I'm basically on a reserve list? 🥲

I don’t think you can necessarily draw that conclusion unfortunately. It obviously could be the case, but it could also be that your application hasn’t been reviewed yet. It does mean you are still under consideration though!