TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[SaLM]

Ah where else did you apply? Funnily enough Mishcon was going to be my main firm for application season but the competition is too much so I backed out. Glad I did after I found out a Trainee is the child of one of the staff high up in the firm.

I applied for:
Bates Wells
MR
BDB
Linklaters - rejection
Need to finish off Womble Bond
Anthony Collins
Stephenson Harwood - Aspiring Solicitors
TLT
Irwin Mitchell

I really want Bates Wells cause of the Immigration and Charities seats but I majorly fucked up the App. I’m aiming for Mills and Reeve atm because it’s training is solid and I like the specialisation in Education.

My law apps were to BCLP (god save me), Travers, Fieldfisher, Clarion, Withers, Mishcon, & Farrers (Can you tell I like private client work lol) - despite how bad a rep BCLP has I've had a ton of great experiences with the firm and love working in CRE so sad I didn't get that 😭

My non-law apps were to PwC Audit, Savills & Knight Frank - I have ACs for all of these but dropped PwC on assessment centre day because their wage is less than I make now in a call centre which is CRIMINAL 😭😭😭

 

[midnightsky990422]

Helloooo does anyone know how long the questions and prep time are, and how many questions there are for the VI in the Gateley assessment?

Unlimited prep time and 2 mins to record. 4/5 questions I think (my brain was mush after finishing the test so that’s my best recollection)

 

[s9111]

Have Cleary Summer ACs already taken place? Should I assume a PFO?

 

[lawyerletsgo]

If Akin said theyd get back to me by the end of jan but I've still not heard bacl, should I assume PFO? Is it worth emailing to ask? cheers

 

[Jodie1]

I might be on the wrong forum; but if anyone can point me in the right direction would be fab. Secured a direct TC at CMS ; still doing the Insight Scheme in July. Would be great to get to know others in the same boat Jodie X

 

[77777law]

For those who had an AC with Bird & Bird do you know how long before the AC they sent you the preparation guide? It says on the email that they will send us one closer to the date of the AC but I haven’t received one yet. Thanks

 

[MrHubertLouis]

Does anyone know how long the prep/answer times are for Mishcon VI?

 

[ah898]

For those who had an AC with Bird & Bird do you know how long before the AC they sent you the preparation guide? It says on the email that they will send us one closer to the date of the AC but I haven’t received one yet. Thanks

I think I got sent it around 3-4 days before. It didn’t really tell you anything new though. Basically just said you can’t prepare for the written exercise and mentioned how you should really get to know the firms values and why u want to work there/be a trainee.

 

[AlCapone]

If you do a firm's Forage scheme - is there a chance that they will look at the tasks that you submitted if your application goes through to later stages. Or does iust just tick a box?

 

[Alwaysdreaming]

If 2 people from the same AC date as mine received an offer already, should I assume a rejection?

 

[77777law]

I think I got sent it around 3-4 days before. It didn’t really tell you anything new though. Basically just said you can’t prepare for the written exercise and mentioned how you should really get to know the firms values and why u want to work there/be a trainee.

Thank you !!

 

[77777law]

@Jessica Booker @axelbeugre- I am preparing for an interview and I'm wondering if 3min30 is too long for the 'Tell me about yourself' question? thanks!

 

[RonRod13]

@Jessica Booker @axelbeugre- I am preparing for an interview and I'm wondering if 3min30 is too long for the 'Tell me about yourself' question? thanks!

yeah 3 min 30 is extremely long, are you starting your response from birth? xD

 

[abhuzaifa]

Shoosmiths is a firm of individuals, with a culture that will actively allow you to grow your skills and challenge yourself. Focusing on one previous experience (in personal, work or study), what skills have you developed that will support your career as a solicitor? (300 words)

Guys, for this question, would you explain how the relevant skill would benefit your career as a solicitor with an example? Or, would you just use a STAR structure and explain what skill you have developed through your experience?

I’m asking this since the question doesn’t say “how” will ‘x’ skill support your career as a solicitor, so I’m not sure whether to explain that or not.

@Jessica Booker @axelbeugre

Thanks.

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

First ever Arctic Shores done and instant feedback report. At least it doesn't tell you that you are a dimwit!

 

[77777law]

yeah 3 min 30 is extremely long, are you starting your response from birth? xD

🤣 okay thanks will cut down on the details 😅

 

[Petallove1]

I read on here that some people have had feedback from firms on 'how do you differentiate yourself from other applicants' questions where they've said it's not sufficient to speak about skills that you've developed and how they would be applicable to the role (makes sense, but also explains why I've had trouble with this question haha). I've tried to think more about intrinsic traits I have rather than skills, like curiosity for example. Is that a good way of going about it or is there a better approach? @axelbeugre @Jessica Booker

 

[EM23]

Pinsent Masons AC anyone got any experience on what exactly the case study or business simulation exercises entail?

 

[Untilwinter]

Can confirm this is how it works. I work in BD in an international elite with a particular focus on client dev and no client as far as I am aware gives two hoots about degree. Most lawyers we put forward in pitches graduated years ago. At this point it matters more about DEI quota, hourly rates, and credentials ie matters worked on.

This is interesting. I never knew client cared that much about dei quota.
Why do some law firms care less/more about DEI quota than other firms though (from client/commercial perspective)?

 

[laby201]

Just completed a first ever Arctic Shoes for NRF and it was an experience 🤣 The face recognition one was particularly strange as there were 60 creepy faces that seemed practically identical.

I suppose you can't read too much into the feedback report at this stage? I'd say 90% of mine were in the middle, then a few to the right and a few to the left of the circles.