TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[applicant2023]

Hey does anyone know what the conversion rate for HSF vac scheme --> trainee is like, or just how many vacschemers HSF takes? (since they don't recruit through direct TC)

heya, just like @jnice mentioned above they take about 120 vac schemers (across 4 schemes - winter, spring and 2 summer schemes) for around 65 training contracts. However, I went to an open day with them this year and they said that their assessments for TCs are not competitive. If you meet the threshold for a TC by performing well and passing the written assessments, they will offer you one. This works out as some vac schemers will be non-law (so will be offered a later start date) or they may have availability in an earlier intake.

 

[Phoebe123451]

Hi everyone! Does anyone have any advice on how to answer an app question (as opposed to an interview question) on a recent commercial story you've found interesting? I am worried about not being analytical enough

@Jessica Booker or anyone else - any help would be greatly appreciated! The only firm I've ever had to do this for before rejected me straight away, and I think my answer to this particular question had been responsible for why 😂 😂

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi everyone! Does anyone have any advice on how to answer an app question (as opposed to an interview question) on a recent commercial story you've found interesting? I am worried about not being analytical enough

@Jessica Booker or anyone else - any help would be greatly appreciated! The only firm I've ever had to do this for before rejected me straight away, and I think my answer to this particular question had been responsible for why 😂 😂

Application answers are typically short (250-300 words), so it’s really about boiling it down to the most relevant parts of the story and making sure you explain why it is of specific interest to you. I don’t think you have to be analytical as such (you don’t really have the word count to do this).

Take an approach of how would you describe something in a limited number of words to someone who had no knowledge of the topic.

 

[academicweapon121]

Just checking we have all day tomorrow to do the wbd assessment? I know it says 11:59pm and I'm probably overthinking it 🙃

 

[SOAS22]

If anyone has done the WBD assessment please could you let me know if there is an opportunity to take it in two parts. For example, completing the SJT style questions first, and then the video interview? Thank you

 

[academicweapon121]

If anyone has done the WBD assessment please could you let me know if there is an opportunity to take it in two parts. For example, completing the SJT style questions first, and then the video interview? Thank you

The email states that it gets saved at each point, allowing us to leave and come back to it if needed.

 

[wz_13]

The email states that it gets saved at each point, allowing us to leave and come back to it if needed.

Is the whole thing recorded or just the VI?

 

[Phoebe123451]

Application answers are typically short (250-300 words), so it’s really about boiling it down to the most relevant parts of the story and making sure you explain why it is of specific interest to you. I don’t think you have to be analytical as such (you don’t really have the word count to do this).

Take an approach of how would you describe something in a limited number of words to someone who had no knowledge of the topic.

okay thank you!!!

 

[lawapplicant]

Hi guys

Does anyone know if Clifford Chance allow applications in the same academic year?
I applied to their TC in Dec 2022 and got rejected, and I now want to apply to their VS.

Thanks in advance!

CC don’t have a VS

 

[BeGrateful.101]

Is the whole thing recorded or just the VI?

The whole thing is recorded. They say it at the beginning that we won’t allow anyone cheating etc.. and take pictures so we are recording you fully throughout the assessment. You can leave and come back to it and your answers will be saved. The Software has some checks to see if you are screenshooting and stuff. They also want to see if there are any discrepancies in teh amount of time you spent per question apparently. There is a whole introduction at the beginning of the assessment warning of prosecution etc..

 

[BeGrateful.101]

Just checking we have all day tomorrow to do the wbd assessment? I know it says 11:59pm and I'm probably overthinking it 🙃

Yes tomorrow 11.59pm so you have till night. good luck!

 

[gabynosaure]

I know we hear back from Shoosmiths next week and Monday can't come soon enough

 

[academicweapon121]

The whole thing is recorded. They say it at the beginning that we won’t allow anyone cheating etc.. and take pictures so we are recording you fully throughout the assessment. You can leave and come back to it and your answers will be saved. The Software has some checks to see if you are screenshooting and stuff. They also want to see if there are any discrepancies in teh amount of time you spent per question apparently. There is a whole introduction at the beginning of the assessment warning of prosecution etc..

Does this include the thinking time for our VI? As its unlimited I assumed we would be able to make notes and stuff before recording but are they trying to prevent that?

 

[BeGrateful.101]

Does this include the thinking time for our VI? As its unlimited I assumed we would be able to make notes and stuff before recording but are they trying to prevent that?

No idea

 

[SuccessfulSolicitor]

Has anyone who was rejected from W&C post AC actually received their feedback yet? I haven’t

 

[BeGrateful.101]

When does spring vacation schemes generally starts?

 

[Law Student]

Any tips for Pinsent Masons AC? At this point, I don't want to go because I have no faith in myself. I have already failed one AC.

 

[Deleted member 24543]

Hi all! Also @Jessica Booker if you've got any insight on this!

I've been kinda spooked recently by hearing that choosing the second scheme for a scheme that has two periods (June and July periods) is a major disadvantage, is it true?

I was not able to do the first scheme for this particular firm which is truly my dream firm as I had another vac scheme offer, but it clashes with the dates of the first scheme of this firm. Though this is my dream firm, I wanted to spread risks and not put all my eggs in one basket. Will I be at a disadvantage purely by being on Scheme 2 rather than Scheme 1, in that it would be harder to impress the partners/associates and that you'd have to really "be a somebody" since offers would've been given for the first scheme? I'm scared now not gonna lie

 

[Jessica Booker]

When does spring vacation schemes generally starts?

Some started a week or two ago, while some are not starting until after the easter weekend - so they are spread over a good 4-6 week period.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi all! Also @Jessica Booker if you've got any insight on this!

I've been kinda spooked recently by hearing that choosing the second scheme for a scheme that has two periods (June and July periods) is a major disadvantage, is it true?

I was not able to do the first scheme for this particular firm which is truly my dream firm as I had another vac scheme offer, but it clashes with the dates of the first scheme of this firm. Though this is my dream firm, I wanted to spread risks and not put all my eggs in one basket. Will I be at a disadvantage purely by being on Scheme 2 rather than Scheme 1, in that it would be harder to impress the partners/associates and that you'd have to really "be a somebody" since offers would've been given for the first scheme? I'm scared now not gonna lie

I don't think that is true at all.

I don't see why it would be harder to impress people you met - people's expectations will be the same in that respect. And I very much expect firms to hold back on some offers knowing that some people on the second scheme will be people they want to offer. Firms don't take risks in over offering from the first scheme when there is a chance the second scheme candidates could be just as good (or even better). They can always offer people after both schemes have concluded.