TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[SS21]

I don't have a calculator either except for my phone, so whenever I do an assessment that needs it and the camera is on, at the start I show the camera that my phone is being used as a calculator, so that if they call me out on cheating, I can ask them to look at the footage and they will see. I'm probs being paranoid but it makes me feel better

Fairs thank you, I've just ordered a calculator rn so I don't have to worry about it haha

 

[TC seeker]

Hey , for Macfarlanes’ automatic assessment test is it basically just a SJT or is there numerical/verbal reasoning alongside?

just SJT

 

[LawyerUpPal]

Congrats! Mines on the 10th too - not sure how to prepare for it tho. Is yours the evening slot?

Thanks, no midday. Same! Their bread and butter is M&A so I'm guessing some case study around an M&A transaction that we'll have to advise a client

 

[MN3334]

Anyone that has done Mishcon´s AC this year or before, what can I expect / how can I best prepare?? Any help would be much appreciated

 

[hannabean]

Eversheds AC! Would really appreciate any advice or tips please

 

[SR99]

Is it okay to say in an app that a firm was ranked Tier 2 in a practice area by Legal500? Or should we only mention when they are ranked Tier 1?

 

[Winter]

Is it okay to say in an app that a firm was ranked Tier 2 in a practice area by Legal500? Or should we only mention when they are ranked Tier 1?

Hey! Just to quote on what Jessica said, of course you can, as long as you can substantiate your reasoning behind citing it

It’s not really a matter whether they are band 1 or 2 (or even 3), but you’ve got to explain why these rankings are going to be important to you/your experience as a trainee.

My first thought is whether the ranking is really adding anything to the point you are making? If you are applying to the London office and it has a lower ranking, can you just not focus on your interests in this work and they type of work the London office does without the reference to the ranking?

 

[manifestingtrainingcontract]

With firms that are reviewing applications on a rolling basis, do you think my chances are extremely low if I am submitting it on the deadline day? :/

Depends on the firm!

 

[manifestingtrainingcontract]

i sent in my HL app on the 25th and have yet to receive a link to the watson glaser. is anyone else waiting or should i email them just in case?

I was waiting for it and I received the email on Tuesday (I applied on the 22nd fyi)... SMHHH no point even applying before the deadline

 

[manifestingtrainingcontract]

I had technical errors also with Macfarlane's. Can I send them this as proof?

View attachment 5529

Hey, so I had a similar issue a few months ago. Candid closes the application exactly when the clock turns 23:59, rather than at midnight. For that reason, firms don't accept if you show them the screenshot taken after 23:59 ( I am very very sorry

 

[manifestingtrainingcontract]

Hey guys, I need urgent help with the Fieldfisher application (I know, I know, I am very last minute)

For their motivation questions, does anyone have any insight?

Specifically:

1. How long should my answers be
2. How should I structure my answer to this: "Please provide us with more details of your achievements, scholarships, positions of responsibility, insight schemes, open days and virtual work experience opportunities, extra-curricular activities and everything else that interests you *"? It seems horribly broad to try to answer

 

[legally.brown]

If you're spelling it as Macfarlane's, I wouldn't bother doing the test stage.

could have been a typo too! pls chill and be nice on this forum.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Is it okay to say in an app that a firm was ranked Tier 2 in a practice area by Legal500? Or should we only mention when they are ranked Tier 1?

Yes - that is not a problem at all.

 

[WN20]

Does anyone have any resources / websites I could use to familiarise myself with balance sheets? Do you usually need a strong understanding of these for ACs?

 

[manifestingtrainingcontract]

Akin Gump PFO post-test, Skadden PFO, Weil PFO post-application, Linklaters PFO after getting 93rd percentile on Watson Glaser and Willkie PFO post-application OMG can law firms give me a break today please no more PFO's today.

93rd percentile?? gosh I don't even have a chance with my 78th percentile lol... any advice on how to do better at the WG?

 

[Deleted member 17013]

93rd percentile?? gosh I don't even have a chance with my 78th percentile lol... any advice on how to do better at the WG?

Think they weigh CAPP more, so if you did super well in that you have a good chance

 

[Carrington Lane]

Does anyone have any resources / websites I could use to familiarise myself with balance sheets? Do you usually need a strong understanding of these for ACs?

I don't want to say this applies to all firms. But I think that 1) we are not applying for a banker job so the emphasis on balance sheet wouldn't be that much. 2) from my experience, e.g, if you are applying to a finance-focus law firm, they would like to see if you know what type of financing are there and the justification for each type... Or it could be whether if you understand the structure of an M&A, or understanding of the firm as a business... but trust me, in my past experience with CC, there was no balance sheet at all

 

[manifestingtrainingcontract]

w&c vi for spring - that was super quick i applied on the 28th dec

do you mind if I reach out for some tips and advice?

 

[Deleted member 27336]

do you mind if I reach out for some tips and advice?

i haven't done it yet! still preparing, so will not be much use

 

[Deleted member 17013]

i haven't done it yet! still preparing, so will not be much use

I have to do it today. Best of luck!