TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[ADKM]

Is anyone else feeling a bit annoyed with the VIs? I am sure they are useful tools for the firms to use and choose between the applicants but it's so bizzare that you go through all that application writing process, write paragraphs on why x firm and then the x firm turns around and says, no summarise that in one minute and stare into a tiny white dot on your screen so we can decide if we want to give you a chance. I think I am getting moody because I have had too much to prepare lately 😭 and please no-one tell me why this is a good way for the firm to test how we can think under pressure or be succinct. I am aware. I just wish this isn't how they tested those skills. Also, finding a quiet spot when you live with others and finding a room to record yourself in on campus is a chore and a half.

I don't mean to be negative, but some of these questions are looooong and not something you can properly answer in 60 seconds. So what exactly are they testing? Anyway rant over, I will stop being negative now.

Hit the nail on the head with this post. This whole tc process is only inexplicable.

 

[neonorange]

Anybody have tips for the Fladgate VI? It’s only one question but I’d obviously prefer to be more than less prepared as I'm quite keen on them!

 

[yxngd2x]

They said by the end of the month but they forgot to mention which month 🤣🤣🤣

they're doing ACs until end of Feb

 

[trainingcontract]

Some of these law firm names really do tickle me. I was showing my partner the list of firms I've applied to and they asked "Do you really want to be a Wombler Bonder?" and it has set me off for the night 🫡

womble bomble dombleson

 

[bangarangbass39]

For those who have done an AC for Fieldfisher, I suggest checking your application on recruitment portal. Mine said I was "Declined/withdrawn". I did not withdraw my application so I can only assume the former. I have emailed recruitment for more details but I think its a sign of what their decision is. Not for certain but likely.

For more details, I took the AC on the 26th for the diversity scheme in Birmingham. Haven't heard anything since. Pretty sure its cause I fucked up the written assessment (it was too simplistic and I regurgitated the info from the memo) and I waffled on some answers in the interview. Hope this helps.

 

[trainingcontract]

staring at my post-VI reflection in the dimmed laptop screen slackjawed and hollow-eyed after yapping for 10 minutes about my passion and resilience. writing 250 words on how detail oriented i am, and then referring to them as "mayor brown" three different times. repeated watson glaser questions across different firms, answering something different every time. when will this end !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[sibs23]

Anybody have tips for the Fladgate VI? It’s only one question but I’d obviously prefer to be more than less prepared as I'm quite keen on them!

Well done on the VI 👏🏻 How soon after completing the tests did you get the invite?

 

[hopefultrainee888]

I’m so sorry. was this post vi, post ac or post app?

post app

 

[yeezyee]

i’ve been putting off doing the mishcon vi so much 🫣🫣 i’m too afraid lol it’s my first ever vi !! any tips advice anything please 🥲🥲

 

[SaLM]

For those who have done an AC for Fieldfisher, I suggest checking your application on recruitment portal. Mine said I was "Declined/withdrawn". I did not withdraw my application so I can only assume the former. I have emailed recruitment for more details but I think its a sign of what their decision is. Not for certain but likely.

For more details, I took the AC on the 26th for the diversity scheme in Birmingham. Haven't heard anything since. Pretty sure its cause I fucked up the written assessment (it was too simplistic and I regurgitated the info from the memo) and I waffled on some answers in the interview. Hope this helps.

Hey thank you for saying this!!! I just checked and mine has been updated to Offer Made (with no formal offer yet!)

To give you some hope this is sometimes a grad rec issue - I had it for my knight frank (non-law) internship application but msg'd grad rec and then progressed to an AC...praying for you 🙏

 

[tanamontana]

Is it okay in a VI for a 'why this firm' question to mention only 2 points but detail them ? Considering that the response time would be 90 seconds

 

[bangarangbass39]

Hey thank you for saying this!!! I just checked and mine has been updated to Offer Made (with no formal offer yet!)

To give you some hope this is sometimes a grad rec issue - I had it for my knight frank (non-law) internship application but msg'd grad rec and then progressed to an AC...praying for you 🙏

I appreciate the optimism. I think it's probably a negative sign. Not the end of the world. I don't think I was a "culture fit", considering the terminology and what firms are looking for these days. I just have to bank on doing well enough for other firms. They're just taking forever!!!

 

[lolololol]

anyone have any resources for the arctic shores assessment? never done it before

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

For Linklaters' Pathfinder programme for first years, there's a section for "professional qualifications" in the application form and I'm unsure whether this means I need to put in my educational qualifications like GSCEs etc? Because there's no space or section for educational qualifications otherwise. And if I move on from this section, I will not be able to return and edit it. Would love it if someone could provide insight into this x

 

[VV]

I attended. What do you want to know?

I've sent you my notes

Could you send them across to me as well? Thank you!

 

[pb15]

anyone who has done the V&E VI please message me!! will be super grateful, and happy to share insights on other firms VIs.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Is it okay in a VI for a 'why this firm' question to mention only 2 points but detail them ? Considering that the response time would be 90 seconds

Yes - that would be fine. You can always do a quick concluding sentence like “I am also impressed by the firm’s X and X, but the two key reasons for my application are those I have mentioned”.

 

[Marissa]

Anyone not heard anything at all from Baker McKenzie post-app or am I the only one in this boat?

 

[EM23]

Addleshaw Goddard vac scheme! 🎉

 

[JLaw56]

Debevoise PFO (yesterday)