TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[laby201]

Is it me, or is the whole process post-app taking far longer this year?

Last year, I heard back relatively quickly after applications (whether that be a progression onto the next round or a PFO) but right now I’m still waiting to hear from HSF, Dentons, Reed Smith, Bird & Bird, Cooley, Mishcon, Linklaters, and Hogan Lovells.

I know some have heard from Bird & Bird, Mishcon, and Reed Smith, so maybe I was just late with the rolling deadlines. It’s driving me insane though.

 

[TakeAChanceOnMe]

This should mean that your interviewers will not know any information about you beyond your name.

Could you elabourate a little on how this works? In the CC AC next week, interviews will be CV blind, so the interviewing partners will only have our application answers - no other substantive information.

As a career changer, I feel like this might make me quite uncomfortable in an interview because I really don't know what to expect. I'm nothing without my work experience ... Does it just mean when answering competency-based questions that I will need to give significantly more backstory, to take them through what is within my application but they can't see?

 

[aspiringsolicitor2000]

Can we assume all the spots on CMS AC's are now full and expect PFO's?

 

[EllaClayton]

Is anyone else still waiting on Simmons and Simmons post assessment? I took it mid December and heard nothing other than the report hahah

 

[Legalstalker]

Did anyone get terrible feedback post the Mills & Reeve test and progress?

I did decent in the tests, got awful feedback but i haven't heard of any progression as of yet... has anyone else?

 

[dms21]

May I ask those who did Mills & Reeve assessment, how long did you spend on the second part of the assessment? It says that it is untimed, but given that the question is 500 words, similar to the length of an actual application question - what is a realistic amount to spend writing it?

 

[RonRod13]

Is it me, or is the whole process post-app taking far longer this year?

Last year, I heard back relatively quickly after applications (whether that be a progression onto the next round or a PFO) but right now I’m still waiting to hear from HSF, Dentons, Reed Smith, Bird & Bird, Cooley, Mishcon, Linklaters, and Hogan Lovells.

I know some have heard from Bird & Bird, Mishcon, and Reed Smith, so maybe I was just late with the rolling deadlines. It’s driving me insane though.

yeah its honestly disgusting how long it takes some firms. They really have no respect or consideration for others peoples time or emotions. They could at least send a message saying theyre still reviewing applications or something?

 

[RonRod13]

Has anyone heard from Sullivan and Cromwell?

 

[dms21]

I did decent in the tests, got awful feedback but i haven't heard of any progression as of yet... has anyone else?

They're non-rolling if i'm not mistaken, so they might wait till everyone has completed the test (my deadline hasn't passed yet) which might be a reason why you're still waiting. All the best for your application!

 

[Lola333]

Can anyone who's done Kirkland VI pls PM me, thanks!

 

[Legalstalker]

They're non-rolling if i'm not mistaken, so they might wait till everyone has completed the test (my deadline hasn't passed yet) which might be a reason why you're still waiting. All the best for your application!

Ahh understandable i only did my test 5 days ago so I am in no rush to hear back anyway!
Thank you for the heads up

 

[m1474]

Can we assume all the spots on CMS AC's are now full and expect PFO's?

I wouldn’t say so. I wouldn’t be surprised if some more AC invites are sent out this week

 

[user12345law]

Are you a penultimate year undergraduate? One of the most common reasons people will be unsuccessful is because they are not eligible for the programme.

Can't believe I overlooked that! I applied for the VS but am in my final year of undergrad The TC application is still open but i'm guessing that there's nothing I can do about it now (given they only allow you to apply once per academic year)? @Jessica Booker

 

[EM23]

PFO from Burness Paul, made it to their fourth stage of pointless aptitude tests before getting rejected. Ridiculous that the firm increased the number of stages to 5 for a vac scheme. A year or two ago I would have made it at least to the assessment centre at this point.

 

[Miss Chocolate]

Does anyone have any resources/advice on how to prepare for the Macfarlanes online test? thanks xx

 

[legallybrunette8]

Did anyone get terrible feedback post the Mills & Reeve test and progress?

there was an email that said that they would get back to everyone after the 15th of jan i think

 

[saj2002]

Did anyone get terrible feedback post the Mills & Reeve test and progress?

Wondering too. I got the middle band for every trait.

 

[yasmars]

Does anyone have any resources/advice on how to prepare for the Macfarlanes online test? thanks xx

I found it very similar to Linklaters' Capp assessment if that's of any help.

 

[jplaw1010]

Anyone who applied to Fieldfisher following 30 Dec heard back?

 

[Iman99]

For anyone who's done the macfarlanes assessment, is it just stj? On there practice test there's additional sections as well but the email seems to say just scenario

It’s SJT and critical thinking