TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[mdoeslaw]

I think it depends on the Q you're asked (e.g. you can afford to talk a little longer for open ended questions like "tell me about yourself") but generally 1-3mins is good. You don't want to be too brief otherwise your answers come across as too superficial but equally you don't want to be talking for too long because you want to show that you can communicate concisely. But honestly I've never paid attention to how long it takes me to answer a Q during an interview (and I don't think my interviewers counted the minutes either). Just focus on giving a structured and concise answer and you'll be good! A final thing to note is that you don't want to be talking too fast. Practice with friends/family and see if they fully understand what you're saying. I didn't realise I speak very fast during interviews until I practiced with friends and family and got their feedback. Interviewers have to listen to your answers, understand it and think of follow up questions pretty much at the same time. Make their lives easier by speaking clearly and slowly so they catch everything you're saying!

thank you so much !!! literally speaking fast is my biggest worry and im recording myself (its so cringe to look back afterwards lmao) but im trying to pace myself when explaining so it overruns a little bit over 3 mins which i was a bit concerned about

 

[lolamcd1]

Sorry if a stupid question, but how do I go about finding information about the biggest challenges in the legal sector?

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Sorry if a stupid question, but how do I go about finding information about the biggest challenges in the legal sector?

I just type it into google and look at articles.

 

[sxw517]

The watson glaser test was invented in 1952

By two sadists

 

[HopefulFutureTrainee123]

By two sadists

Shocking that it's so old. However, I never thought I'd say this when I took my first WG, but having completed a few written exercises (involving contracts and some interesting clauses) I can see why law firms use the WG! That type of thinking can actually be super useful.

 

[CorpLawyer00]

does anyone know if most firms assess VI with an app? or does it differ from firm to firm? e.g my Kirkland app was super strong (IMO) but I stuttered looked away and fumbled multiple times in the VI, I didnt even finish one of my answers and got cut off mid flow but still got to AC, whereas other firms I felt like I have done much better in VI but got a big ol' PFO

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Would it ever just be that there are too many people who are 'good enough', and there isn't enough space for all of them?

Even in these instances, the recruiter is making a decision that someone is not getting an offer over someone else. They should be explaining what contributed to that decision, even if it is something quite minor. If they thought you were good enough to be offered, they would offer you something, even if it was an alternative opportunity or a deferred place.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

does anyone know if most firms assess VI with an app? or does it differ from firm to firm? e.g my Kirkland app was super strong (IMO) but I stuttered looked away and fumbled multiple times in the VI, I didnt even finish one of my answers and got cut off mid flow but still got to AC, whereas other firms I felt like I have done much better in VI but got a big ol' PFO

Do you mean review the VI alongside reviewing your application?

 

[CorpLawyer00]

Do you mean review the VI alongside reviewing your application?

yes, sorry

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

yes, sorry

Then yes, does vary from firm to firm (and sometimes even from reviewer to reviewer, depending what their preferences are).

I wouldn’t worry about tripping up occasionally or answers sometimes cutting off though - I have seen plenty of candidates get through and do this occasionally.

 

[CorpLawyer00]

Then yes, does vary from firm to firm (and sometimes even from reviewer to reviewer, depending what their preferences are).

I wouldn’t worry about tripping up occasionally or answers sometimes cutting off though - I have seen plenty of candidates get through and do this occasionally.

thank you, do you know of any firms that use AI to assess VIs?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

thank you, do you know of any firms that use AI to assess VIs?

I don’t know of any that do. I only know of HireVue as a platform that would have AI technology built in. Most of the other providers don’t have that functionality. Some originations that use HireVue don’t even have their AI technology embedded.

Even where there is AI embedded, it doesn’t pick up things whether your answer cuts off or not.

 

[Turnthisstupidfatratyellow]

VI for addleshaw goddard! really happy but in a bit of a dilemma as i am mid exam season. to do the interview well, i would have to take two days out and hence squander my exams. i have an AC coming up after my exams so not sure if i should just focus on that. as i know that the degree is ultimately the priority. difficult one!

would be a much easier decision if all of my firms had replied to me

Which scheme is this?

 

[ssolicitorz]

Any news from Irwin Mitchell post VI?

 

[Samir_O]

Does anyone know if Hogan process direct TC applicants separate to vac schemers? i.e. I have yet to put in my application (due 31 jan) - if I pass written app and WG, which if i understand correctly are considered together, then will the ACs be with just other direct TC applicants?

 

[bhbuygu]

thank you, do you know of any firms that use AI to assess VIs?

That’s kinda mad. What does the AI assess and how? Like certain ‘buzz words,’ coherence etc?

 

[CorpLawyer00]

That’s kinda mad. What does the AI assess and how? Like certain ‘buzz words,’ coherence etc?

I suppose so, probably things like eye contact and body language too. I think that it is a way to avoid potential bias.

 

[sxw517]

Is it bad practice to ask a firm if they provide accommodation expenses ? I have a couple ACs in London next week and will have to travel the night before. One firm has offered to pay but the other hasn’t. Is it worth asking or j to take the L and shell out for a Spenny gaff to avoid annoying them?

I didn't even know firms would pay for accom for the night before an AC?

 

[CorpLawyer00]

I didn't even know firms would pay for accom for the night before an AC?

I have had one offer in the invite email - I’m travelling from far outside london so it’s either that or wake up at 5AM

 

[sxw517]

I have had one offer in the invite email - I’m travelling from far outside london so it’s either that or wake up at 5AM

I'd stay at Claridges then and ask the firm to foot the bill