TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Cherikon]

I would avoid just jumping into examples - this isn't really what strengths based assessments are about. They want you to be forward looking rather than rely on past evidence.

Instead focus on what you would do, what factors you would need to consider, if needed explain any assumptions you are making about the scenario (e.g. "Assuming I had a strong working relationship with my supervisor, I would...."), and explain the key aspects that have influenced your thinking this is the right approach. With that last point, you can briefly reference previous times you have been put in similar situations, but if you do this you have to really explain the similarity in the circumstances, not just the similarity in the approach.

Thank you Jessica! I think I know why I failed some VIs now 😭 glad that I asked

 

[UnKnOwN5678]

Getting fed up now with HL. Honestly this is my 3rd cycle and haven't managed past the application stage. I literally did everything - their open day, virtual internship. Planning to become a billionaire at this stage so I can make law firms scramble to work for me

 

[axelbeugre]

@axelbeugre do you have any advice for this?

I think it is quite firm to say without knowing the firms and their strengths but generally speaking I would consider:

• the strengths of their practice areas compared to similar firms in the market
• their international presence: how is this different from their competitors? do they have more offices abroad then others?
• talent retention: what is the law firm doing which helps them to retain more talents compared to its competitors?

These are some of the things I would consider, I hope they are useful and good luck!

 

[LillyandSilver]

When I was applying to universities, I was told that if I got rejected from somewhere, it obviously wasn't right for me. It helps sometimes when I'm facing the emails. I hope it helps someone else.

 

[emily3827]

does anyone know any vac scheme apps still open?

 

[Farhan65756]

does anyone know any vac scheme apps still open?

Paul Hastings, Bevan Brittan and RWK Goodman

 

[Farhan65756]

Has anyone heard from Travers Smith post application for their summer vacation scheme?

 

[LillyandSilver]

does anyone know any vac scheme apps still open?

Search Law Careers.Net Solicitor Work Placement Deadlines, it should show a list of open ones.

 

[axelbeugre]

@axelbeugre Please could I quickly get your opinion on this.

I did a practice interview with someone from my uni's careers service and I explained that sometimes I exaggerate or make up examples for STAR answers and she said it's best to respond with "haven't been in that situation, but a similar position I have been in....I responded with..." or "I haven't experienced that yet, but this is how I would react in that position..."

What do you make of this? Thank you!!

I think it is an interesting take and if you cannot think of something to say on your feet, it might be a good strategy. I personally would recommend to always be honest, but sometimes it will happen that you might not have experienced a situation that they might ask you and I personally tried to use my recent experiences. I would encourage you to do what you think it's best for you and the situation but you should decide what to do!

 

[axelbeugre]

Hey everyone, Im applying to Paul Hastings work placement (their version of VC) and Im a bit confused about their questions;
Why do you wish to complete a work placement with us? and What has attracted you to Paul Hastings?

I feel like both questions are super similar: also can I discuss why I want to train at PH in the first question? I cant seem to find any info on the work placement

I think that in the first question you should highlight how doing a scheme with them will benefit you in terms of making you understand more about the firm, getting to hear the associates and partners' journeys to the firm, understanding what trainees do in different departments at the firm, what their pro bono initiative entails.

In the second one, I would mention the reasons why you want to join the firm in terms of practice areas the firm excels at and you are excited to be working in, diversity initiatives, culture or values of the firm you resonate with, specific deals that caught your attention or anything of that nature.

 

[axelbeugre]

If we’re still waiting to hear back from a firm post-AC, and have other offers coming in, could we email grad rec to ask for an update on our AC outcome? Or would it be unprofessional to do so?

I personally have done that and I got the offer two hours after my email when I applied last year. I would only recommend doing this when a considerable amount of time has passed (after the two weeks mark in my opinion).

 

[bella98]

This was my today VI

HAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH literally, me when I practice recording myself in preparation for a VI, but I can’t pronunce the words properly

 

[axelbeugre]

Invited to Baker McKenzie VI for Spring! But I’ve already secured a Spring VS elsewhere. Would it be possible for me to ask graduate recruitment to move my application for the direct TC as I can’t do the Summer VS either. Any thoughts on this would be much appreciated😊 @axelbeugre @Jessica Booker

Yes you can definitely do that, many people do that and I personally have done it last year too, it is not a big of a deal. Just be very nice in the email and very grateful. I would email them only after you got the offer, not now since you only got the video interview.

 

[B.B.]

Cooley pfo

 

[Untilwinter]

If last year's key commercial themes were generative AI and ESG, what would be some key themes this year?

 

[S87]

HAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH literally, me when I practice recording myself in preparation for a VI, but I can’t pronunce the words properly

I hope that the world will never see me practicing my Avis. So damn cringy!

 

[Miss Chocolate]

Guys, for Mishcon, you can't view applications once submitted and I forgot to save a copy to my computer:


So I emailed graduate recruitment and requested a copy but someone in the early talents team told me to sign into the portal and access details when I obviously cannot gain access to it because the portal doesn't store the applications.

Is it worth replying back or shall I stop being a nuisance? 💀

@Jessica Booker Do you think it's worth asking them one more time?

 

[jesslawapps]

@Jessica Booker @axelbeugre any advice on how to approach telling a firm you can’t attend their AC because you’ve already committed to another AC? I received the email tonight asking me to attend on the 13th Tues, but I’d already committed to an AC invitation 2 weeks ago on the same day. Should I tell them I can’t attend for another AC or just say I have a prior commitment ? Worried it will look like I am uninterested in the firm. Thanks in advance !

 

[affidavid]

If last year's key commercial themes were generative AI and ESG, what would be some key themes this year?

massive commercial real estate crisis
m&a comeback as interest rates fall
nearshoring (moving previously outsourced stuff nearer to ur/ to ur own country)

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker @axelbeugre any advice on how to approach telling a firm you can’t attend their AC because you’ve already committed to another AC? I received the email tonight asking me to attend on the 13th Tues, but I’d already committed to an AC invitation 2 weeks ago on the same day. Should I tell them I can’t attend for another AC or just say I have a prior commitment ? Worried it will look like I am uninterested in the firm. Thanks in advance !

You can state you have an appointment/meeting you cannot change the date of and ask them whether they have any alternative dates you can attend instead. You can reference it being another assessment centre if you want to, but you can just state it is an appointment you cannot change.

I’d give them a call rather than rely on email if you can.