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

[anon123456789]

I just got the same email and then two minutes later another one to say I had passed the test!

Congratulations!!! So exciting, fingers crossed for app review🥳🥳🥳

 

[kmax301]

Everyone is their own worst critic, so remain hopeful! Quick question how long did you get to prepare for each question?

Hi, I would say that in total around 3-5 hours excluding the time of the initial research I did before applying.

 

[Jessica Booker]

is this a standard rejection email - did anyone else get this for the WS? Look like a reserve list email maybe


Thank you for your application to Stephenson Harwood. I am writing to give you an update on your application.

As you may be aware competition for places has been very strong. With this in mind, we will not be proceeding with your application for our winter scheme but would still like to consider you for our spring and summer placement schemes and for a training contract in due course.

If you no longer wish to be considered for a placement scheme or training contract please do let me know. Otherwise we will be in touch soon with the progress of your application.

Thank you for your continued patience. In the meantime, please do let me know if you have any questions.

I don't think it is a reserve list as such but it isn't a rejection either. It seems like they have just filled their winter scheme and will consider moving people over to a later placement or training contract once they have reviewed your application. If you have a particular preference of which programme you'd like to be transferred over to, I would reply to the email stating this, but otherwise it will just be a wait and see, unfortunately.

 

[Cantab_95]

I don't think it is a reserve list as such but it isn't a rejection either. It seems like they have just filled their winter scheme and will consider moving people over to a later placement or training contract once they have reviewed your application. If you have a particular preference of which programme you'd like to be transferred over to, I would reply to the email stating this, but otherwise it will just be a wait and see, unfortunately.

Ah ok, thanks for clarifying. I applied quite early so I’m confused if they hadn’t got around to reviewing my application. Does it mean I didn’t stand out, possibly?

 

[GXA123]

Hi, I would say that in total around 3-5 hours excluding the time of the initial research I did before applying.

Everyone is their own worst critic, so remain hopeful! Quick question how long did you get to prepare for each question?

You get 2 mins to prepare, 2 mins to answer I believe this is your question.

 

[thirdtimelucky]

Sorry if this has been asked before, but when firms ask about positions of responsibility/extracurriculars, can you talk about things you did at university even if you've already graduated (in my case in 2018)?

 

[kmax301]

You get 2 mins to prepare, 2 mins to answer I believe this is your question.

Haha, yeah I misread the question. I spent 3-5 hours preparing beforehand but as correctly pointed out, you get 2 minutes.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Ah ok, thanks for clarifying. I applied quite early so I’m confused if they hadn’t got around to reviewing my application. Does it mean I didn’t stand out, possibly?

They may have done some form of quick review (e.g. does this person meet basic criteria) but not fully reviewed applications, or if there is any form of assessment prioritised applications based on the results. Applying early doesn't necessarily mean your application will be decided upon earlier.

You could be right and you could be in some form of "hold" pile while they work out what the quality of applications is like. I used to do this a lot, especially when we got more applications than expected. I used to score applicants but hold those around the benchmark score, until we knew how some of the interviews had gone/what our acceptance rate was etc.

 

[notyourcupofmilk]

Hi, I would say that in total around 3-5 hours excluding the time of the initial research I did before applying.

wait during the video interview? I thought it was either 30 sec or 2 minutes until they record ur response

 

[notyourcupofmilk]

You get 2 mins to prepare, 2 mins to answer I believe this is your question.

ohh right perfect!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Sorry if this has been asked before, but when firms ask about positions of responsibility/extracurriculars, can you talk about things you did at university even if you've already graduated (in my case in 2018)?

Yes, it is still relevant to provide this detail as it shows how busy you kept yourself during university. For instance, someone might have slightly lower grades but you'd weigh that up against their other commitments and therefore would take that into consideration against someone who had no extra curricular and had more time to study.

Such extracurriculars are also likely to show a range of transferable skills. If there is anything you are doing post uni (e.g. charity fundraising, "extracurriculars" in the work place, helping the local community), you can include these too.

 

[Miki3999]

Just completed the Mayer Brown JS. For all those who got the invite, it’s essentially a VI, written assessment & SJT rolled into one. That’s unfortunately as much info as I can give in order to preserve the integrity of the assessment and all, but preparing as you would for those individually will prepare you for it.

does it involve motivational questions as well? I guess it does

 

[Parsorandini]

I just absolutely tanked in the Irwin Mitchell VI My final answer didn't even save it seems - it just says that I ran out of time to answer. I've emailed them but I doubt it'll make a difference. Good luck to the rest of you and on to the next one I guess..

 

[djqb]

Would anybody know if Dentons sends out WG test invites automatically or after they've screened the application?

 

[elizabeth_98]

Would anybody know if Dentons sends out WG test invites automatically or after they've screened the application?

on their website it says 'If you meet our initial criteria in the application form, next up is the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test.' so they must look at parts of the application form at least

 

[djqb]

on their website it says 'If you meet our initial criteria in the application form, next up is the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test.' so they must look at parts of the application form at least

Thank u!!!

 

[George Maxwell]

Hi, Was slightly unsure how to approach Bird & Bird's questions and what exactly they were answering for... these are the 2 questions I was confused about:

1) Based on your research, what do you understand to be the biggest opportunity for one of the sectors in which we specialise?
Is this question asking what the biggest opportunity is for the tech industry for example in general or what is an opportunity that Bird & Bird can take advantage of in the tech industry? What should the tech industry focus on? Or what Bird & bird should focus on in the tech industry?

2) In your view, what will be the greatest innovation to influence the firm in the next 5 years and why?
What is the greatest innovation that will impact the way law firms are structured or the way its employees will work (for example new AI, document drafting tech etc) or what is a big innovation in the world in general that will bring in a lot of work for the firm?

Hope this makes sense and would appreciate if people could share how they are approaching these questions as I am super unsure

Hi @LSELawsolicitor,

These questions are absolutely valid. I had to re-read the first question a couple of times before I understood properly!

I will caveat this by saying this really is my opinion so I could easily be wrong!

1. I think that this is trying to test your commercial awareness. I interpreted this as asking about the biggest opportunity for businesses in that sector/the industry as a whole.

If B&B's application is like previous years, you will have very limited space, so perhaps would not be able to do this. But if you do have space (don't force it!), it might be a good idea to then link this back to the firm and how they might take advantage of this trend.

2. On my reading of the question, I think any of your interpretations could work. I actually think it's really impressive how many readings you have managed to draw out of this question.

That being said, in general, try to interpret questions in the most natural way. I would have interpreted this question in the second way you mention. But I do think the others work too!

Please do reach out if you would like any further thoughts on this or anything else 😇

I just absolutely tanked in the Irwin Mitchell VI My final answer didn't even save it seems - it just says that I ran out of time to answer. I've emailed them but I doubt it'll make a difference. Good luck to the rest of you and on to the next one I guess..

Hey @Parsorandini,

I am really sorry to hear about this. It sounds like it was an error on their end, not yours.

In my experience GR are very understanding about this sort of thing. I would honestly just wait to hear back and not to make any assumptions about what might happen. I was able to retake VIs where there was a technical glitch when I was applying for example!

Let us know what happens. I really hope IM get back to you soon 🤞

 

[CC03]

we should hear back by Friday about video interviews!

Oh! I only applied last week, day before the deadline? And haven’t received a WG yet!

 

[elizabeth_98]

Does anyone know how long A&O take to let you know whether you've passed their SJT?

 

[S30]

Does anyone know how long A&O take to let you know whether you've passed their SJT?

I got an email the following day saying I passed, literally 24 hours after I completed the test