TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Aaj03]

There is a really really good guide video on YouTube by YOUinConsulting that helped me prep for it... Ended up getting 93rd percentile so really recommend it!

Thank you so much!

 

[AlexJ]

Agreed, it would be good if there was a breakdown somewhere with this data (although the list of firms provided earlier was good). Does anyone also have an insight into what the conversation process is like for different firms. I.e. post vac scheme interviews/feedback from your supervisors, or do some VS just fast track you to a TC AC (in which case is it really worth it if one can also do a direct TC application)?

This depends a lot:

Some firms will set assessments during/ at the end of a VS and only assess through those assessments

Some firms will do assessments and judge based on these and feedback from supervisors

Some firms set no assessments at all and purely base it off feedback on performance.

However a VS is assessed, doing the scheme is a great experience and will give you the deepest possible insight into a firm without working there, helping you in interviews as well as also being helpful for future applications even if you don’t convert.

 

[Untilwinter]

I haven't

Oh i thought you said you received ti invite from nrf ?

 

[BM2004]

Oh i thought you said you received ti invite from nrf ?

NRF is being really weird and inconsistent, some people are getting the AS and WG and some people only WG or only AS. No idea why.

 

[Percypig12]

I did NRF AS last Monday but have yet to receive any TI invite. Should I take it as a PFO?

 

[LKG]

DWF insight day invite!

 

[catlover123]

NRF is being really weird and inconsistent, some people are getting the AS and WG and some people only WG or only AS. No idea why.

This is so weird! Can anyone clarify?

 

[mg1]

This is so weird! Can anyone clarify?

Copied from NRF website, which aligns with my own experience so far. No mention of WG and I certainly didn't do one before the telephone interview!

Application Process​

• Upon submitting your online application form, your application will be screened against our criteria and, if successful, you will be invited to complete an online NRF bespoke psychometric test.
• If you meet the minimum benchmark for our psychometric assessment you will be invited to conduct a telephone interview with a member of the Graduate Recruitment team. Passing this, you will be invited to a virtual assessment centre.

 

[catlover123]

Did you apply for the Winter VS?

Yes!

 

[catlover123]

i got two competency questions and one firm-related motivational question earlier this year. i remember it was 15s prep then 2min or 1min30s to answer?

Thank you so much! Really appreciate it

 

[aspiringlawyer47]

Application Update - Last posted 17/10/23

Bank of England Trainee solicitor programme - Completed online tests
White and Case WVS- Application sent
Hogan Lovell TC- Application sent
Hogan Lovell Lift off - WG Complete
NRF WVS - Application sent (No test received assuming PFO)
Stephenson Harwood WVS - Application sent
Cleary Gottlieb WVS - Application sent
Travers Smith WVS -Application sent
Gowling TC - Application sent
Mayer Brown TC - Application Sent
CMS TC - WG invite (to be completed)
A&O TC - Application Sent (test and Vi to be completed)

PFO Heaven
Sidley - PFO
Jones Day - PFO
Slaughter and May TC - PFO
Linklaters - Failed WG - PFO
Simmons - Failed VI - PFO
Clifford chance TC - Failed WG - PFO

Pending Applications
Mischon De Reya SVS - Application Pending
HSF SVS - Application Pending
Freshfields - Application pending

I am not applying to any Summer Vacation schemes online winter, possibly Spring and Direct TC.
Has anyone done of the firms above and have progressed further than I have and when did you apply?

Not feeling very hopeful at all!

Hey, when did you hear back from BoE?

 

[Jessica Booker]

This is so weird! Can anyone clarify?

Could possibly be that those who are only getting one test have done the other test before for another vacancy or in last year’s cycle?

 

[mg1]

Could possibly be that those who are only getting one test have done the other test before for another vacancy or in last year’s cycle?

This is my first ever app cycle (to NRF and commercial law in general) and I only received one Arctic Shores test :/

 

[Lawlawlawlaw]

I did NRF AS last Monday but have yet to receive any TI invite. Should I take it as a PFO?

I also did NRF AS last Monday and haven’t heard back - if finishing TI’s this week then I’m presuming PFO?!

 

[Louise59]

Covington & Burling AC for WVS. So I’m sure people will start to hear back soon!

I don't think they send invites in batches!

 

[hannahfl]

Oh i thought you said you received ti invite from nrf ?

Yes I did receive a TI invite but haven’t done the tests. This may be because I have applied to them previously and completed the tests then?

 

[NW Law]

I don't think they send invites in batches!

They might not, I am unsure! When I received my invite and had to book our group exercise (it felt a bit weird being able to choose when you did your group exercise!). I saw there were three slots available for both Wednesday and Thursday next week - none were greyed and all seemed pretty free still, so might have just rushed to book it!

 

[Legalstalker]

Hey, when did you hear back from BoE?

Submitted 08/10/23 and got the test invite 17/10/23 submitted test 19/10/23 and have not heard back as of yet. They screen applications before test invite as I didn't make it to testing stage last year.

 

[plteo22]

They might not, I am unsure! When I received my invite and had to book our group exercise (it felt a bit weird being able to choose when you did your group exercise!). I saw there were three slots available for both Wednesday and Thursday next week - none were greyed and all seemed pretty free still, so might have just rushed to book it!

Ah Congrats! Should I assume no news is bad news then or is it still too early to tell?

 

[aspiringlawyer47]

Submitted 08/10/23 and got the test invite 17/10/23 submitted test 19/10/23 and have not heard back as of yet. They screen applications before test invite as I didn't make it to testing stage last year.

So strange! I submitted my application the day after you did and I still haven’t heard back from them yet.