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

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A92167!8

Valued Member
Junior Lawyer
Dec 6, 2020
107
42
Hey I'm sort of confused between the difference on the vac scheme and direct TC route for Farrer and Co. Their website mentions an AC for vac scheme and then 2 x video interviews and a case study for direct TC - does this mean there isn't an AC for the direct route?

Also do they recruit from the vac scheme?
 

golden99

Legendary Member
Premium Member
Jan 1, 2021
143
138
Hey, I could do with a bit of advice. I have had two AC's before (both unsuccessful)). My feedback for the first one was that I was a little over rehearsed and probably a little rigid (I think a lot of this related to nerves). In the second AC the feedback was mostly very positive, they said I spoke very well, gave strong, well-structured answers, for the competency interview (they gave no negative feedback here). And in the case study said my presentation was strong, detailed and I delivered it well. They said the one weak point was commerciality, and that whilst I was technically sound, when asked about non-technical commercial stuff my answers lacked depth.


Now I have two more upcoming AC's and really can't afford to not get these (one of them is with Clifford Chance, so would be absolutely gutted if I missed out). Would anyone have any advice on how I could go that extra step this time, to make sure I was successful?

(please let me know if there is a more applicable forum for this sort of question)
 

SCN

Valued Member
Junior Lawyer
Feb 20, 2020
109
366
Hey, I could do with a bit of advice. I have had two AC's before (both unsuccessful)). My feedback for the first one was that I was a little over rehearsed and probably a little rigid (I think a lot of this related to nerves). In the second AC the feedback was mostly very positive, they said I spoke very well, gave strong, well-structured answers, for the competency interview (they gave no negative feedback here). And in the case study said my presentation was strong, detailed and I delivered it well. They said the one weak point was commerciality, and that whilst I was technically sound, when asked about non-technical commercial stuff my answers lacked depth.


Now I have two more upcoming AC's and really can't afford to not get these (one of them is with Clifford Chance, so would be absolutely gutted if I missed out). Would anyone have any advice on how I could go that extra step this time, to make sure I was successful?

(please let me know if there is a more applicable forum for this sort of question)
Hmm, I'm guessing what they mean by non-technical commercial stuff is just commercial news/general awareness of what's going on in the world? Perhaps when describing topics think back to how this is relevant to the firm and its clients, give your opinion on it, discuss opportunities/challenges that it may bring. In addition, when discussing the topics, are you demonstrating interest/sound enthusiastic or is your tone starting to flat-line a little. Things like that
 
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average_jo123

Esteemed Member
Junior Lawyer
Sep 11, 2021
96
187
Hi @Jessica Booker , I received an invite to Latham's VI today (Friday), but I have not been sent the Launchpad email yet - I'm anticipating the Launchpad invite to arrive perhaps tomorrow or Monday? I will have 5 days from the arrival of the Launchpad email to complete the VI.

I'm in my second year of my LLB now and I have exams from Monday through to Friday next week, and I don't think I can write my exams and prep for the VI at the same time. Will it reflect badly on me if I emailed grad rec to ask for an extension to complete my Launchpad VI? Does grad rec generally expect candidates to follow through without any delays? I am aware that firms are willing to make reasonable adjustments for mitigating circumstances, but I'm pretty sure a VI deadline clash with uni exams doesn't count as a mitigating circumstance :( I'm really worried that I will come across as incompetent for telling them that I can't manage my exams and complete the VI at the same time.

If I do email them, I am prepared for them to say no and that I'm expected to stick to the deadline out of fairness to other candidates. If they say no, I'll of course find a way to juggle both, but I think it will severely impact my performance on both the VI and my exams, so would really appreciate it if it can be pushed back the week after. Any advice would be appreciated!
 

corplaw0702

Esteemed Member
Oct 15, 2020
94
79
Hi @Jessica Booker , I received an invite to Latham's VI today (Friday), but I have not been sent the Launchpad email yet - I'm anticipating the Launchpad invite to arrive perhaps tomorrow or Monday? I will have 5 days from the arrival of the Launchpad email to complete the VI.

I'm in my second year of my LLB now and I have exams from Monday through to Friday next week, and I don't think I can write my exams and prep for the VI at the same time. Will it reflect badly on me if I emailed grad rec to ask for an extension to complete my Launchpad VI? Does grad rec generally expect candidates to follow through without any delays? I am aware that firms are willing to make reasonable adjustments for mitigating circumstances, but I'm pretty sure a VI deadline clash with uni exams doesn't count as a mitigating circumstance :( I'm really worried that I will come across as incompetent for telling them that I can't manage my exams and complete the VI at the same time.

If I do email them, I am prepared for them to say no and that I'm expected to stick to the deadline out of fairness to other candidates. If they say no, I'll of course find a way to juggle both, but I think it will severely impact my performance on both the VI and my exams, so would really appreciate it if it can be pushed back the week after. Any advice would be appreciated!
I'm not Jessica but I've done this before and got progressed!
 
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