TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[sibs23]

Anyone else yet to hear back from Taylor Wessing post test?

Yes, still waiting. I completed the test on the 8th of December.

 

[NMA]

Anyone heard from Vinson & Elkins?

 

[NStimpy]

Anyone heard from Skadden?

 

[Ghassen]

Hi all,
Hope this cycle is going well for everyone.
I am wondering whether Law Firms are taking slower steps or being lazy in processing applications this cycle. I have loads of applications pending in the first stage for firms applying on a rolling basis. Compared to last cycle end of the year, I had many interviews and tests to take or rejections.
Is anyone noticing the same ?
(This makes me feel less motivated to keep applying as I am not hearing outcomes)

 

[Ali A]

Is it advisable to attach a CV for freshfields?

From the application form, it seems as though it is mandatory. However, I have never applied. If someone has applied successfully before, can you advise whether you should attach your CV?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Is it advisable to attach a CV for freshfields?

This is not required - it is only really there for their other vacancies that also use the same applicant tracking system but are not relying on an application form. It will most likely not even be read if you do.

 

[Hana (aaah I want a TC)]

Hi all,
Hope this cycle is going well for everyone.
I am wondering whether Law Firms are taking slower steps or being lazy in processing applications this cycle. I have loads of applications pending in the first stage for firms applying on a rolling basis. Compared to last cycle end of the year, I had many interviews and tests to take or rejections.
Is anyone noticing the same ?
(This makes me feel less motivated to keep applying as I am not hearing outcomes)

I feel exactly the same. I have exams, and I'm also checking my emails every day. Sometimes I don't feel like doing anything because I'm waiting for something - anything. It's really stressful.

I also noticed that firms like Latham have had their deadline much earlier this year compared to last year (I think the deadline was the first week of January last year).

 

[Dwight]

I don’t think it matters either way. Maybe putting it after your signature, almost like a footnote (as long as it is easy to read) could work as the cover letter just focuses on all the positive evidence and the reference to your mitigating circumstances is more separate to that.

Thank you, that is a good point!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi all,
Hope this cycle is going well for everyone.
I am wondering whether Law Firms are taking slower steps or being lazy in processing applications this cycle. I have loads of applications pending in the first stage for firms applying on a rolling basis. Compared to last cycle end of the year, I had many interviews and tests to take or rejections.
Is anyone noticing the same ?
(This makes me feel less motivated to keep applying as I am not hearing outcomes)

These things tend to come in waves and trends.

Sometimes firms feels like they have to push their processes earlier to compete with other firms, only to find out that approach starts to harm them in other ways (eg if you complete earlier you may just have higher renege/drop out rates, or end up rejecting good applicants who are just a bit more “green” to recruitment processes).

It might be that they are monitoring things more closely too. It’s much more common to look at things like your diversity of hires during a live recruiting process now rather than just waiting for the cycle to complete and doing it retrospectively. If the diversity of candidates is not there, they might be doing more attraction work to try and get those diverse applicants into their pipeline.

 

[wz_13]

was hoping on some professional input into how to display working at my fathers law firm as a legal assistant on my cv/ application work experience sections. He is the sole practitioner and my responsibilities are limited to mostly admin and a little research, but is this still worth including? And in terms of presenting it, should I include that its my fathers firm or is the elaboration only necessary at interview/ further stages? = any insight would be much appreciated!

 

[Ghassen]

These things tend to come in waves and trends.

Sometimes firms feels like they have to push their processes earlier to compete with other firms, only to find out that approach starts to harm them in other ways (eg if you complete earlier you may just have higher renege/drop out rates, or end up rejecting good applicants who are just a bit more “green” to recruitment processes).

It might be that they are monitoring things more closely too. It’s much more common to look at things like your diversity of hires during a live recruiting process now rather than just waiting for the cycle to complete and doing it retrospectively. If the diversity of candidates is not there, they might be doing more attraction work to try and get those diverse applicants into their pipeline.

Fair explanation.
Thanks Jessica for your insight.

 

[Njaliwe Ungwe]

These things tend to come in waves and trends.

Sometimes firms feels like they have to push their processes earlier to compete with other firms, only to find out that approach starts to harm them in other ways (eg if you complete earlier you may just have higher renege/drop out rates, or end up rejecting good applicants who are just a bit more “green” to recruitment processes).

It might be that they are monitoring things more closely too. It’s much more common to look at things like your diversity of hires during a live recruiting process now rather than just waiting for the cycle to complete and doing it retrospectively. If the diversity of candidates is not there, they might be doing more attraction work to try and get those diverse applicants into their pipeline.

Sorry, what do you mean by ‘a bit more “green”’?

 

[axelbeugre]

Does anyone know if it’s too late to apply for Simmons & Simmons? I’ve seen people already receiving offers for SVS since it’s rolling. On their “Kickstart Your Career” page, it says applications are now closed, but on their “Graduate Opportunities” page, I can still access the form.

If it specifically says that they are closed on the website, I would not bother applying (also confirmed by the fact that there are people with offers already). I would email them to confirm this and see, rather than wasting time on it (even though I know it is quite short).

 

[estimur]

Does the Irwin Mitchell test have any recorded sections like a video interview ?

No
VI is the next stage after the test

 

[19.mfjones]

Anyone know what the format of the Mills & Reeve online assessment is?

Have they sent them out? I completed mine earlier this week and I've not been sent anything?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Sorry, what do you mean by ‘a bit more “green”’?

It means being a bit new to the process. For instance, the earlier in the cycle you do your interviews, the more likely you are to come across candidates who have never interviewed before, while later in the cycle it maybe that more candidate have had practice through being interviewed with other firms.

 

[user9809]

Is the akin test automatic? Any tips for the test if anyone has any!

 

[NMA]

Just completed the CMS VI, could anyone who has completed it DM me? Would like to clarify one of the Qs lol

 

[mg1]

Does anyone know if it’s too late to apply for Simmons & Simmons? I’ve seen people already receiving offers for SVS since it’s rolling. On their “Kickstart Your Career” page, it says applications are now closed, but on their “Graduate Opportunities” page, I can still access the form.

during the winter scheme grad rec said that some early offers were made because they were from the first year scheme. since the deadline is 31 december for the summer scheme, i think it's not too late. I applied a few days before the winter deadline and half of my AC got on the scheme!

 

[lawyerletsgo]

Akin sent me an invite to do an online assessment - is this everyone or does it mean I got through first bit of applications?