TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[manifestingtrainingcontract]

‘Wouldn’t bother doing the test’

I think I would’ve done fine on the Watson Glaser part of the test tbh.

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HOWWW

 

[laby201]

Out of curiosity, how long are people taking to write each application (+ research)? and for those completing them in one day, how are you doing it? Just curious as I have so many due applications within the next few weeks so any help or tips would be great!

It sounds obvious, but I really think it depends on the questions in the application form. When the questions are competency based, I generally have a set answer for these, so it's a case of modifying it slightly to more accurately reach the question or word count. This can take 20 minutes or so per question.

When they're "why this firm", this used to take me a while due to the research I thought was involved, but I think it is just about being clever in your approach. I use Chambers Student as a starting point, as that covers all the major selling points of the firm. Anything that is mentioned there that stands out, I explore that in further detail using the firm's website/Legal Cheek/LinkedIn/AllAboutLaw or any other sites you find useful. I think if you know why a certain area appeals to you (e.g. the M&A practice), if you can expand on this and find something particular about the firm that reflects this strength (e.g. a Band 1 ranking, a specific deal they worked on), it tends to speed up the process

 

[RANDOTRON]

Hello! Does anyone know whether (realistically) needing a visa will put me at a disadvantage for vacation schemes and training contracts? (I studied at a UK university but am from the EU and don't fit into the pre-settlement scheme). @Jessica Booker

Thank you!

Hi there! If you're applying to an international law firm, it probably won't matter to them that you need a visa. The only thing that might hold you back is the work restriction on your visa, which if I recall correctly is 20 hours per week during term time. Just make sure that any vacation schemes you do fall outside of term time so you're not bound by the restriction. Best of luck, and hope this helped!

 

[Anonynyno]

Hi! If anyone’s done the BBC VI - is it strength or competency based? Thank you so much!

It caught me completely off guard

 

[Anonynyno]

Has anyone done the VI for BBC yet?

I retried like 5 times😭

 

[LB24]

Anyone not heard anything from Fieldfisher? I applied on 24th December which I know was the Christmas period but people seem to have heard back from them quite quick so now I’m worried

 

[LawBrah]

How did people find the Reed Smith VI?

 

[Yesha.2]

is anyone still waiting on Kirkland & Ellis?

 

[user12345law]

Hi there! If you're applying to an international law firm, it probably won't matter to them that you need a visa. The only thing that might hold you back is the work restriction on your visa, which if I recall correctly is 20 hours per week during term time. Just make sure that any vacation schemes you do fall outside of term time so you're not bound by the restriction. Best of luck, and hope this helped!

Yes, so helpful! Thank you so much!

 

[arana11]

Eversheds AC! Would really appreciate any advice or tips please

Hey! Would you mind telling me what the questions were for the eversheds VI please? Doing mine tomorrow

 

[arana11]

Does anyone have any insight on Eversheds' virtual written exercise + AC?

Hey, just wanted to ask how you found the eversheds VI and if you don’t mind sharing the questions please? Doing mine tomorrow. Thanks

 

[arana11]

Eversheds AC!!! Honestly could not have done it without this forum

Eversheds AC!!! Honestly could not have done it without this forum

Congrats! Hope it goes well for you

How did you find the VI? And If you don’t mind me asking, what were the questions? I’m doing mine tomorrow. Thanks

 

[Jessica Booker]

What would you guys do when allhires has deleted an entire work experience that you included in a submitted application? I checked three times before sending my application, but from now on, I will take screenshots before sending my applications out! @Jessica Booker any suggestions? I am not even angry because I cannot change things, but I think that the system needs to be fixed!

I’d go to AllHires and ask them to manually change the form for you and to fix the issue.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hello! Does anyone know whether (realistically) needing a visa will put me at a disadvantage for vacation schemes and training contracts? (I studied at a UK university but am from the EU and don't fit into the pre-settlement scheme). @Jessica Booker

Thank you!

The disadvantage is indirect - firms are likely to have a cap on the number of TCs they can offer to those needing a work permit, and so if a firm has 50 TCs but can only offer a maximum of 10 of those 50 to people who need a work permit, there are effectively fewer training contracts you are competing for.

 

[hmarsden]

Hey, has anyone heard anything from Dentons, Linklaters or Bird & Bird? Thanks !

 

[S87]

I’d go to AllHires and ask them to manually change the form for you and to fix the issue.

Thank you, going to write them an email tomorrow morning first thing first.

 

[Izzy1026]

Does anyone know if Osborne Clarke fast tracks people from the insight scheme for VS applications?

 

[clo224455]

Simmons - yes 4 questions at the end
Mills & Reeve - no just a 500 word motivation question at the end

Is the Mills & Reeve question about motivation to the role/ firm and is it timed?

 

[OliviaPope]

I applied to Mayer Brown over a week ago and haven’t received the link for the test yet. How long did it take people to get sent the link after applying?

 

[wannabesheridansmith]

Just completed the Addleshaw Goddard VI and it was definitely a nicer VI format than the other one I did.

As they're rolling, even though deadline has gone, has anyone heard back after their VI at all?