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

[Asil Ahmad]

That's weird!

I sent my application but did not receive the confirmation email and the SJT. Do you guys think I should get in touch with the GR?

Did you request reasonable adjustments it might be because of that maybe.

 

[S87]

Did you request reasonable adjustments it might be because of that maybe.

Oh yes!

I am actually impressed that they are providing reasonable adjustments at this stage as firms like MB, Reeds and Links did not!

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Oh yes!

I am actually impressed that they are providing reasonable adjustments at this stage as firms like MB, Reeds and Links did not!

That might be why then.

 

[Sebastian Clark]

Has anyone heard from Reed Smith since being invited to VI? They said they were working on getting it ready back in November but I’m yet to hear anything since?

 

[futuretraineecity]

just got an email from HSF that my application will be withdrawn as there is no record of test. I took the test on Sunday so not really sure why I got this. Did anybody else have something similar happen?

 

[Asil Ahmad]

just got an email from HSF that my application will be withdrawn as there is no record of test. I took the test on Sunday so not really sure why I got this. Did anybody else have something similar happen?

I am so sorry to hear that did you get an email about the feedback report of the test or that you reached the benchmark for your application to be reviewed.

 

[futuretraineecity]

I am so sorry to hear that did you get an email about the feedback report of the test or that you reached the benchmark for your application to be reviewed.

No I received neither! 🙁

 

[Asil Ahmad]

No I received neither! 🙁

Dam I am sorry to hear that email them.

 

[OB]

just got an email from HSF that my application will be withdrawn as there is no record of test. I took the test on Sunday so not really sure why I got this. Did anybody else have something similar happen?

Email and point out that you did the test. They should rectify it

 

[Law2021vacschemer]

Applied 18/11
WG invite 29/11
Was meant to hear back by 10/12 about VI invite but nothing yet...

Is this for spring or summer scheme? I’ve applied for summer and heard nothing :/

 

[John Travoni]

Anyone heard back from PMC post application?

 

[tc.la.vs]

Yeah me too! I haven’t heard back from Bakers yet? Have you received the Watson glaser?

nope - nada. I passed it last year so wondering if they roll it over. seems unlikely tho?

 

[Bugsy Malone]

just got an email from HSF that my application will be withdrawn as there is no record of test. I took the test on Sunday so not really sure why I got this. Did anybody else have something similar happen?

The same thing happened to me last year. Just send them an email and they should rectify this

 

[James Carrabino]

CC 2023 AC!

CC AC OMGGGGGGG

Hi guys, just got through to my first ever assessment centre (CC). Feeling overwhelmingly anxious alongside the happiness so would be grateful if anyone could lend their expertise on how to prepare! Thanks!

got a CC AC too 😭😭😭

Wow everyone sorry I missed this, congratulations!!! Excellent to see our members getting ACs. I hope the ACs have gone/go well

 

[James Carrabino]

Hi All,

Just wondering re places like Weil who offer both a Spring and Summer Vac Scheme. It is to be noted that there are two different slots for the Summer session whereas just one for Spring. Does this make the Spring Scheme more selective?

Thank you

Usually I would avoid second-guessing things like this. Often they will progress everyone through the process together and ask which scheme you want to do again when they make you an offer

 

[James Carrabino]

Hi guys,
I'm unsure what the best way to order/list work experiences is. I've completed a few legal internships, worked with a startup on their business development and owned a business.
I'm confused as to whether I should
A] Mention non legal experiences first, followed by legal experiences - to show transferable skills and commercial experience; or
B] Mention the legal experiences first, followed by non legal ones - to demonstrate an understanding of what working in law entails (I'm a non-law applicant)
I'd be grateful if you could share your thoughts
@Jessica Booker @James Carrabino @George Maxwell @AvniD would love to hear your perspectives

PS am I overthinking this?

The main way I ordered my work experience was simply by reverse chronology. That also happened to involve having my legal work experience (vac schemes) up top, just because I was in the midst of an application cycle and so that was all I was doing work-wise. Nevertheless, I quite like having legal work experience at the top because if firms see one thing, they will see that

 

[James Carrabino]

Thanks, I had been told via an automated email to get in contacted with grad Rec about extra time in watson glaser. So I mentioned it when requesting the extra time but in the reply they gave the extra time but completely ignored the part about the additional masters? Not sure what to read into this @AvniD

Probably because it's not an issue!

 

[James Carrabino]

As I am currently applying to vacation schemes, I wanted to ask a question regarding my first-year grades. I’m currently in my third year.

My first-year grades were terrible. Overall I received a 2:2. My highest grade was 60 and lowest was 42. There are multiple reasons for this, Including some personal circumstances regarding my health.

Though, in my second year, my grades improved significantly. My overall grade was a high 2:1.

I just had a meeting with my personal tutor and he said that “If I’m applying to big city firms, I have to be realistic as they won’t take me because of my first-year grades”. I know full well that firms look at first grades and it could be a reason for a firm to reject me. But does that mean I shouldn’t apply to city firms like HSF? There are so many reasons as to why I want to become a city lawyer but it just feels like those 1st-year grades could hold me back.

I wanted to ask have people with low first-year grades but good 2nd and 3rd-year grades gone on to successfully join big city firms?

Thank you for your help.

Hi @Anonymous28377, it is great to hear from you and welcome to the forum!

First of all, congratulations on your second-year grades!! I have explained elsewhere that starting university with lower grades and bringing them up is absolutely the right way to be doing things. It is much more concerning when candidates seem to be struggling as their courses get harder. That said, it is possible that low first-year grades could concern a law firm, although you say that you have mitigating circumstances for this. If your mitigating circumstances are compelling (law firms may ask for evidence, although I think that a big improvement in grades in second and third year would be enough for many firms if you provide honest reasons for the circumstances) then law firms will absolutely take this into account.

If you go on to do well overall, then low first-year grades accounted for by mitigating circumstances should not jeopardise your chances of success with most firms. I can of course never say with certainty that this is the case for all firms, but I sincerely believe that you are not wasting your time by applying to the firms that you are applying to, especially as you have already been invited to complete a range of tests. Well done!

Candidates with all sorts of backgrounds obtain TCs at city firms like HSF. I have certainly heard of many who were very disappointed with their first-year grades getting top training contracts (as to how bad the grades were or which firms they were accepted at I am not quite sure). At the same time, some candidates with top grades really struggle to get TCs at big city firms due to the other components of their applications.

If you feel that you are able to make up for your low grades with strong experiences and motivations elsewhere then I see nothing preventing you from progressing with top firms. Not all firms will give you the time of day, but if you work on building up your work experience and then craft enough really excellent applications, I think that you should be in with as good a shot as anyone!

I hope that helps

 

[selfcarequeenzzz1]

Anyone heard from Reed Smith and the VI?

 

[James Carrabino]

I don't think the SST at Reed Smith is sent automatically. The website FAQ section says that if you are successful at the online application form you will then be asked to complete the SST. I think that's what Holly Allen (Grad recruitment) said at the open day as well. So you might have to wait for a while.

I disagree with this as everyone receives the test that applies.

Their faq says:

“The first stage of the process is an application form, which is completed online. If successful at this stage, you will then be asked to complete a situational strengths test (SST), again online. If you meet the standard on the SST, then you will be invited to undertake an on-demand strengths based video interview. Should you be successful at this stage, you will then be invited to undertake a case study exercise. The location of the case study exercise (virtual or in person) will depend on the Covid-19 situation and government guidelines at the time of interview.”

Have more faith in yourself. If you got to that stage you have progressed.

Reed Smith reviews first to make sure that you have met the correct benchmarks throughout your application, but does give the test to the vast majority as far as I am aware