TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Percypig12]

Thank you! I've done the practice test, but is there anything else you would advise? The verbal reasoning seems relatively standard.

Nah, the practice test was sufficient for me

 

[lawstudent0303]

hey everyone! quick question about latham vac scheme applications.

do we have to complete the behavioural assesment by the deadline? if so, what time is the deadline?

does the behaviour assessment include a video assessment at the end? i couldn't find any information about this on their website but someone on the forum said so.

thank you and best of luck with your applications

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi is anyone familiar with Freshfields' 8 seat system? I'm just wondering how helpful it is for feeling like you have actually learned new skills in a seat given that it is so short and if the short seat time would limit me if I moved to another firm in the future.

You don’t necessarily change seat every 3 months. There will be some three month seats, but some will be six months.

 

[lllaaawww098]

Wondering the same - anyone heard back from Latham post SJT/VI?

it's non-rolling so should be after deadline

 

[laby201]

What's the general approach towards shortening firm's names in applications? For instance, would it be fine to put "one reason I would choose to train at Latham & Watkins (Latham)" and then refer to the firm as "Latham" throughout? Or is it preferable to stick with the full name of the firm, as outlined in the original question?

 

[laby201]

hey everyone! quick question about latham vac scheme applications.

do we have to complete the behavioural assesment by the deadline? if so, what time is the deadline?

does the behaviour assessment include a video assessment at the end? i couldn't find any information about this on their website but someone on the forum said so.

thank you and best of luck with your applications

I know the deadline is 23:59pm tonight, so if they're still accepting written applications up to that point, I imagine you have a few days after the deadline to complete the behavioural assessment. I think someone mentioned having 3 days elsewhere, but don't quote me on that.

 

[Seven]

What's the general approach towards shortening firm's names in applications? For instance, would it be fine to put "one reason I would choose to train at Latham & Watkins (Latham)" and then refer to the firm as "Latham" throughout? Or is it preferable to stick with the full name of the firm, as outlined in the original question?

Your initial thought is right.

 

[laby201]

Your initial thought is right.

Thank you Definitely helps with the word count too!

 

[Jessica Booker]

What's the general approach towards shortening firm's names in applications? For instance, would it be fine to put "one reason I would choose to train at Latham & Watkins (Latham)" and then refer to the firm as "Latham" throughout? Or is it preferable to stick with the full name of the firm, as outlined in the original question?

Look at how the firm writes it on their marketing materials and generally go with this format. For instance, L&W use Latham on their own website, and therefore it is ok to use:

 

[sxw517]

Through conversation with the firm, or from previous experience, does anyone know when we should expect to hear back from Linklaters?

 

[The6FigureSuccessfulSolicitor]

You don’t necessarily change seat every 3 months. There will be some three month seats, but some will be six months.

Oh but on their website it says it's an 8 seat training programme so how else do they break it down? It's a very weird approach tbh

 

[Percypig12]

Oh but on their website it says it's an 8 seat training programme so how else do they break it down? It's a very weird approach tbh

You can double up a seat to make it 6 months or do 3 months in a seat, then return to that seat for another 3 months later on in your TC

 

[EllaClayton]

Considering that the deadline for the Bird & Bird vacation scheme is in a few days, is it still worth it to apply? I know the applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

I can’t speak specifically for Bird & Bird, but in previous cycles I’ve known many people to submit last minute rolling applications at firms and go far through stages and some even being offered the VS. In my opinion it’s always worth it. They wouldn’t set these final deadlines and keep applications open if they weren’t considering candidates applying at this time.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Oh but on their website it says it's an 8 seat training programme so how else do they break it down? It's a very weird approach tbh

They have referred to it as 8-seat for nearly two decades, but trainees very rarely do 8 seats. Somewhere between 4-6 is most common.

There is just the opportunity to rotate every 3 months, but many trainees will want to do six month seats where they can.

 

[Aaj03]

Is it just me or the Latham assessment feedback report only gave one top strength and nothing else was in the feedback report?

 

[LKG]

Does anyone have any tips for the Willkie VI? I’ve only done one VI before and I completely bombed it so any advice would be appreciated!

 

[mfuturetrainee]

hi, would you please kindly share what was the question of your VI in Latham and Watkins? Is there just one VI question? Thanks so much!

there is jus one vi q yes

 

[mfuturetrainee]

Thanks! would you please kindly share the question?

its competency based! best of luck

 

[191919191]

its competency based! best of luck

still thanks so much for this! Have a nice day!

 

[ssssmme]

Thanks! would you please kindly share the question?

For fairness sake isn’t it the rule of TCLA not to share VI questions?