TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[laby201]

Is it too late to apply to BCLP seeing as ACs have already been given?

The deadline doesn’t close for over a month still; I don’t think there’s any harm in applying, regardless of ACs being sent out. They’d be missing out on a lot of potentially good candidates if they didn’t consider anyone sending an application in now.

 

[zizszhplum]

Akin TI! Would appreciate any advice, I really like this firm

 

[Hjaym]

Anyone who has done the Simmons & Simmons test and VI, could you let me know how long you have to answer the questions and think about them?

Looking for this too! Applied for position in Middle East and haven’t heard yet🫣

 

[Deleted member 32324]

They’re the same! Plus I’ve been to at least 3 in person events and 1 online event since October idk what to do

Sorry if you don't mind me asking, when did you apply to BCLP?

 

[missingh]

Hi, I've just applied for latham SVS and i was just wanting to check is the test deadline the 13th Dec as it said 3 days after the application deadline for London. I know its a bit pedantic but just wanted to make sure!!

 

[RK444]

I’ve just been offered a VS at DLA Piper! Did the AC today

 

[aspiringlawyer47]

Sorry if you don't mind me asking, when did you apply to BCLP?

I applied on 25th October, did my test on 29th October and got my PFO today

 

[hopefultrainee888]

Akin TI! Would appreciate any advice, I really like this firm

congrats !! when did you apply?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Was hoping for some advice surrounding what is classed as a mitigating circumstance. For example, would caring for an elderly relative during your studies count (even if you were not legally registered as a carer)

Not necessarily extenuating circumstances, as these are things that are unexpected/out of your control. However I can understand how caring for a relative could also be unexpected, so if this is the case you need to make this clear in how you describe it.

If it wasn’t unexpected but it still disrupted your studies (eg you couldn’t attend school/college/university) this should be something you highlight as a major commitment that conflicted with your studies though. It might be worthwhile flagging how many hours per week you were actively caring for the relative and also explain the time period it happened as well.

 

[Jessica Booker]

When a firm says they want applicants from a leading university, does this mean Russell group/ Oxbridge?

Which firm?

 

[susiewilliams]

Hey guys, Does anyone know how long you have to think for Pinsent Mason's 2 VI questions and how long you have to answer? Thanks.

Did you get an answer to how long you have to answer the question (as in how long your answer can be)?

 

[sxw517]

Mostly, they'll probably class St Andrews, Loughborough and Lancaster in that too

Bath as well, if they are still not Russell, they weren't when I was at uni.

 

[jplaw1010]

Not necessarily extenuating circumstances, as these are things that are unexpected/out of your control. However I can understand how caring for a relative could also be unexpected, so if this is the case you need to make this clear in how you describe it.

If it wasn’t unexpected but it still disrupted your studies (eg you couldn’t attend school/college/university) this should be something you highlight as a major commitment that conflicted with your studies though. It might be worthwhile flagging how many hours per week you were actively caring for the relative and also explain the time period it happened as well.

Thanks very much for the advice

 

[NJS]

Submitting a late app to Eversheds, the word count is 500 words, does this just mean I've been given more room to discuss my points? and the questions are all strength based, so is there any need to link to the firm (don't really know how you could with questions about my strenghts). Any thoughts appreciated @Jessica Booker @axelbeugre

 

[laby201]

Does anyone know the answer to this? Would be fairly ridiculous if that is the case tbh.

I'm not 100% sure (and I haven't had a response from them so far) but it does sound like it. I know some people have received test invites, so they've been sent out. Have to say, not even alerting people if they've been unsuccessful when they know the effort/time people put into single applications is pretty bad practice.

 

[Unknown]

Irwin mitchell VI invite, did the test on Monday
If anyone's done it, any tips would be really appreciated!!

Hi I've got the VI coming up! How did you find it? Do you have any tips you'd recommend? Would be very grateful for any advice!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Submitting a late app to Eversheds, the word count is 500 words, does this just mean I've been given more room to discuss my points? and the questions are all strength based, so is there any need to link to the firm (don't really know how you could with questions about my strenghts). Any thoughts appreciated @Jessica Booker @axelbeugre

What are the questions?

 

[Petallove1]

For anyone who has heard back from Bird&Bird post-app - how long did it take? I applied a few weeks ago and think it’s WG next (honestly loosing track) but haven’t heard back yet

 

[zizszhplum]

congrats !! when did you apply?

Thanks! applied 27/11 and did the test 4/12

 

[Cynthia14]

@Jessica Booker How should answer the question "How could CMS use technology to help you further your legal career?" should I mention something relate to Legal Tech?