TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[I’m_Batman]

You've got this!! Imagine the day you will receive a call for a training contract offer

I'm sure my alarm clock will ring soon after.. haha

 

[axelbeugre]

Ugh. I don't know about anyone working a full-time job and doing VS applications, it's exhausting - I already feel burnt-out and like I want to cry most days.

@google_was_my_idea I have a couple of friends who are doing it and it is exhausting indeed and I am sorry you are in this position but I would focus on how courageous and resourceful you are by doing both, and how you excel at time management, all things you can actually put in your applications as reasons for you to be considered for a TC. So I am encouraging you to keep going and follow your dreams, all your hard work will pay off!

 

[prospectiveswitcher]

Ugh. I don't know about anyone working a full-time job and doing VS applications, it's exhausting - I already feel burnt-out and like I want to cry most days.

Here with you!
Pretty tough alright, already in a job which is demanding mentally and on my time. Spending the few hours I have in the evening trying to draft applications is tough and its hard to feel able to ever really 'switch off' [find I can't even enjoy a lazy Saturday morning now as I keep pressuring myself to work on drafts]. I just keep thinking it will be worth it in the end and I'll soon forget about all this. Keep going

 

[LawEnthus]

Hi @LawEnthus I am not entirely sure but I am assuming they mean interactions you had with the firm, people you talked to that might inspired you to apply or also reading some particular piece of news about them on forums, online journals, podcasts, interviews of important partners at the firm, things of that nature. I hope this is helpful and let me know if you have any other query!

Thank you! I was going to talk about a law fair I spoke to them at so this is reassuring.

 

[NJS]

Ugh. I don't know about anyone working a full-time job and doing VS applications, it's exhausting - I already feel burnt-out and like I want to cry most days.

Will be all worth it in the end 😫

 

[DKLaw]

If the deadline isn’t until late December or January, I would wait until late October and then apply

Thanks for the input Jessica 🙏

 

[islasorna]

Will I be at an advantage if I apply for a TC at a city firm (and office) I currently work at? Like will my current supervisor and line manager be asked about my performance? Or is recruitment completely separate?

 

[Untilwinter]

how long did it take to get invites to VI and SJT after submitting application for AO? I didn't get any email confirming my application has been submitted. is this ok?

 

[The6FigureSuccessfulSolicitor]

Just got rejected to attend an open day at Baker McKenzie - a little surprised and disappointed.
Does anyone know how competitive they are?

I felt I wrote a decent application and have been accepted to attend open days (at arguably more 'prestigious' firms) in the past.

Sorry to hear that!

I personally don't think they are overly prestigious and maybe others thought the same so there were lots of applicants.

Congrats on getting other open days, and if it makes you feel better - there are MUCH better firms to go to than Baker Mckenzie! Well Done again!

 

[The6FigureSuccessfulSolicitor]

how long did it take to get invites to VI and SJT after submitting application for AO? I didn't get any email confirming my application has been submitted. is this ok?

No idea, I'm submitting tmrw. Have you received it now?

 

[I’m_Batman]

Will I be at an advantage if I apply for a TC at a city firm (and office) I currently work at? Like will my current supervisor and line manager be asked about my performance? Or is recruitment completely separate?

This is hard to say and it depends on the firm. Generally, being an internal candidate can be a good thing as it flags that you work for the firm currently so have a good impression for what it is like. But generally, this is only good for getting you past the application stage and nothing more; the point of going through the same cycle as other candidates means you're not at an unfair advantage but it might mean you get there quickly (ie to the VI, AC etc.). Generally, you should apply to the firm, you'd be silly not to imo. I've done this with a couple firms I've worked at now with varying results but I don't think* I'd have made final stage without it at one big city firm.

 

[stone’sthrow]

@google_was_my_idea I have a couple of friends who are doing it and it is exhausting indeed and I am sorry you are in this position but I would focus on how courageous and resourceful you are by doing both, and how you excel at time management, all things you can actually put in your applications as reasons for you to be considered for a TC. So I am encouraging you to keep going and follow your dreams, all your hard work will pay off!

Hi Axel,

How did you practice for scenario case studies in interviews? Asking you about legal remedies and how you would advise a client?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Will I be at an advantage if I apply for a TC at a city firm (and office) I currently work at? Like will my current supervisor and line manager be asked about my performance? Or is recruitment completely separate?

I wouldn’t necessarily say a direct advantage, but many firms will get feedback from your department/supervisor to include in the decision making process, and that feedback can be beneficial in at least getting you an interview.

Some firms don’t do this and keep the process consistent, but many do. If you have been at you firm more than six months, it might be something to speak to either your line manager or HR about so you can understand the process.

 

[WindowsUpdate]

For those that have taken Clyde & Co's cappfinity online video assessment, what kind of questions did you get, how many etc.? And do you just get 2 minutes after reading the question to prepare or do you get unlimited prep time before recording an answer? Website not clear on this

 

[I’m_Batman]

For those that have taken Clyde & Co's cappfinity online video assessment, what kind of questions did you get, how many etc.? And do you just get 2 minutes after reading the question to prepare or do you get unlimited prep time before recording an answer? Website not clear on this

I think it's 3 questions with 15 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to answer and one practice question. Haven't done it yet though so unsure. I'm not sure you'll get anyone telling you the questions as it put other candidates, themselves included, at a disadvantage. I don't usually see anyone coming back to the platform and spilling beans on what questions they had.

 

[Zaakir]

anyone heard back from White & Case yet?

 

[LawIsInTheAir]

Does anybody have any insights into the Jones Day interview?

 

[mkt]

Anyone received HL WG for Winter VS app!

 

[prospectiveswitcher]

how long did it take to get invites to VI and SJT after submitting application for AO? I didn't get any email confirming my application has been submitted. is this ok?

I got one within the hour

 

[mc98]

Is there a list of law firms that sponsor Tier 2 visas?

Most of the magic circle and US/international law firms sponsor. I would recommend individually reach out to the graduate recruitment officers. You could email them or ask them on different law fairs and firm specific fairs.