TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[legally.brown]

Here’s manifesting all of us get good news this week 🤝🏻❤️ Have a great week ahead guys!

 

[J53]

Hogan Lovells rejection post-AC😭 I don’t know what’s wrong with me
Despite my best efforts, it seems like I consistently struggle to advance past this particular stage in the recruitment process. Every time, I go in feeling prepared and come out thinking I've done okay, only to be met with disappointment.
I can't help but feel a bit lost as to how I can improve or what it is that I'm missing.

Is there a consistent theme to your feedback calls?

 

[studentdelaw786]

How did you guys prep for the game?

Watch this video below:

It gives a detailed insight into the games.

 

[F12M34L]

Anyone who haven’t heard back from RS?

 

[aspiringlawyer47]

Gowling Vac Scheme Offer 🥳😭

 

[aa1]

Hi guys. Hope you’re all well! Does anybody have any tips for fact finding exercises. How would you phrase questions around current / past litigation and negative press in a professional manner? Thank you!

 

[s9111]

Has anyone still not heard back from White & Case post-app (Summer VS)? Very frustrating

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

If I withdrew my application from a first-years scheme at a firm, will this be a disadvantage for when I apply to their vac scheme next year?

@Jessica Booker

 

[lawstudent2003]

Hi all! does anybody have any experience with WBD's assessment? I am not sure what to expect from the VI section as to whether they are strength / commercial / motivational questions and I would appreciate any insight!

 

[lllaaawww098]

Has dentons london office gone completely mia?

 

[whywhy88]

Hogan Lovells pfo post-AC
Really love the firm and am involved in their Lift Off scheme so was hoping for a better outcome, but it was my first AC so onwards and upwards I guess

 

[Legalstalker]

Gowling Vac Scheme Offer 🥳😭

Congrats!🎉 is that your second offer this cycle? That's amazing

 

[Maryem1998!]

Applied on 18 Jan and got the assessment on Monday, 22 Jan.

Have you received an outcome regarding the assessment yet?

 

[aspiringsolicitor1234]

Hogan Lovells pfo post-AC
Really love the firm and am involved in their Lift Off scheme so was hoping for a better outcome, but it was my first AC so onwards and upwards I guess

really sorry to hear this, massive congrats for having even got an AC though! do you by any chance know whether they are running more ACs or whether they have sent out all the invites?

 

[bella98]

Is there a consistent theme to your feedback calls?

It appears that my weakness has consistently been the case study interviews, though I believe I managed to navigate the one for HL quite well. Conversely, the situational interview was challenging since it was a new experience for me. I aimed for a structured approach, yet found myself rambling slightly despite my best efforts. The big problem is that I consistently reach the assessment centre stage and they reject me after that. It prompts me to wonder if the issue might lie with me...

Many people who make it to assessment centres often secure at least a vacation scheme. It's not a lot to ask for; it's just two weeks of work experience.
None of my ACs were perfect, but I thought they were good enough to get a vacation scheme 😫 i don’t know what to dooo

 

[mfuturetrainee]

It appears that my weakness has consistently been the case study interviews, though I believe I managed to navigate the one for HL quite well. Conversely, the situational interview was challenging since it was a new experience for me. I aimed for a structured approach, yet found myself rambling slightly despite my best efforts. The big problem is that I consistently reach the assessment centre stage and they reject me after that. It prompts me to wonder if the issue might lie with me...

Many people who make it to assessment centres often secure at least a vacation scheme. It's not a lot to ask for; it's just two weeks of work experience.
None of my ACs were perfect, but I thought they were good enough to get a vacation scheme 😫 i don’t know what to dooo

are you signed up with any mentoring schemes, like RARE or aspiring solcitiors? often you can connect with future trainees and they can help run an interview with you

tcla also offer running mock interviews

 

[neonorange]

Has anyone still not heard back from White & Case post-app (Summer VS)? Very frustrating

I applied on the 12th of Jan, got the email about them looking forward to reading my cover letter on the 26th, and silence since. Assuming a PFO at this point for the sake of my own happiness.

 

[s2203]

It appears that my weakness has consistently been the case study interviews, though I believe I managed to navigate the one for HL quite well. Conversely, the situational interview was challenging since it was a new experience for me. I aimed for a structured approach, yet found myself rambling slightly despite my best efforts. The big problem is that I consistently reach the assessment centre stage and they reject me after that. It prompts me to wonder if the issue might lie with me...

Many people who make it to assessment centres often secure at least a vacation scheme. It's not a lot to ask for; it's just two weeks of work experience.
None of my ACs were perfect, but I thought they were good enough to get a vacation scheme 😫 i don’t know what to dooo

Honestly, this was something I struggled with a lot. During my Slaughters interview last cycle, I found it difficult to defend my point when the Partner kept questioning my stance on the case study. It made me quite nervous and in the end I ended up agreeing with the Partner (which I shouldn’t have done, as they want you to consider both points and defend your initial opinion).

I believe, ultimately, case study interviews are down to both your commercial awareness AND your knowledge of the firm. Since the Slaughters interview, I was able to perform well at case study exercises by considering other commercial stories and how it is affecting the one I am discussing. I then link it back to the firm and how It can relate. I also just remain confident in my own opinion and try not to get thrown off by the Partner.

Just practice with some news stories from the FT or the Economist for an hour a week, it truly helps! You’ve been smashing it this cycle with ACs and I have no doubt you’ll secure a VS offer! Best of luck xx

 

[bella98]

really sorry to hear this, massive congrats for having even got an AC though! do you by any chance know whether they are running more ACs or whether they have sent out all the invites?

The final date available for scheduling my AC was February 20th, but I'm not sure if they've already reached capacity for that date or if they plan to organise a second set of ACs

 

[laby201]

For those who are still waiting for W&C post-app (of which I am one), I honestly would not worry or consider it a PFO.

I got to the AC last year and didn’t hear about a VI until the end of February and didn’t get an AC offer until the start of April. It then took them over a month to communicate the outcome to me.

I think they’re just slow at processing compared to other firms (or perhaps they have a lot more applicants, I’m not too sure). All in all though, you’re still in the race!