TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[axelbeugre]

bird & bird spring VS offer!!!!!!

Congratulations!

 

[Zaakir]

Yes! iI actually emailed for an earlier update the same day and they called me two hours later but I am assuming now that I just emailed on the right day anyway so I was lucky!

That’s amazing, I might give that a go!😭

 

[laby201]

anyone heard from Taylor Wessing yet post-AC? been almost three weeks for me now

I think they're likely to complete all the ACs before handing out offers. Mine is the start of March and think they finish on the 12th. Imagine you'll hear after then

 

[kmo20]

Does anyone know how many AC’s there are to number of places for W&C?

 

[Ali A]

Does anyone know how many AC’s there are to number of places for W&C?

They keep interviewing till they fill it with potential W&C people. This can mean they send out interview invites even in late March and April if they still have places. They don't have a number of interviews to places offered metric like other firms according to grad rec.

 

[axelbeugre]

Hi everyone, does anyone have any experience of asking firms for reasonable adjustments at assessment centres? I have dyslexia and receive extra time in university exams. I have an AC with AG coming up and feel I would benefit from extra time but not sure how this will be received - I wouldn't want for them to subconsciously discriminate because I took extra time to finish a task but equally want to make sure I perform to the best of my ability.

@Jessica Booker Do you know how AG deal with reasonable adjustments at AC's?

I think this is a valid request and I am sure they will gladly accomodate you, I would not worry about it!

Law firms are really understanding when it comes to things like this and they do comprehend that people face different issues and they should be accommodated to perform to the best of their abilities as you said.

 

[axelbeugre]

Read the article on [general topic]. A client has asked for an overview and the key points. In 600 words, please summarize the article.
Max 600 words

@Jessica Booker Hi For an application question like this, should I focus on summarizing the points within the article or is there a specific analysis that is required, i.e., highlighting the opportunities or challenges for the client? I mean I think I should focus only on the key points but I really don't need any more than 300 words so I don't know why it's allowing so much word count haha Thank you so, so much! 🙏

I shared some tips in this post some time ago and I think they can be helpful to you too: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....ns-discussion-thread-2023-24.8037/post-151489

Good luck with the application!

 

[axelbeugre]

How can I perhaps answer a question about why I want to pursue a career in Law in a specific region? @axelbeugre @Jessica Booker

I would highlight 3 reasons why you are making that decision:

• Is it because of the diverse clients the region has to offer?
• Is it because of the practice area you are interested in which is well positioned in the region compared to others?
• Is it because of the nature of the the deals and cases that region deals with?

These are some of the things I would consider and potentially discuss.

 

[axelbeugre]

Baker Mckenzie Spring vac scheme AC!!

Congratulations! Very well done!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi everyone, does anyone have any experience of asking firms for reasonable adjustments at assessment centres? I have dyslexia and receive extra time in university exams. I have an AC with AG coming up and feel I would benefit from extra time but not sure how this will be received - I wouldn't want for them to subconsciously discriminate because I took extra time to finish a task but equally want to make sure I perform to the best of my ability.

@Jessica Booker Do you know how AG deal with reasonable adjustments at AC's?

I don’t know how this firm specifically does but ultimately it should be the same way any firm does.

You don’t need to disclose your condition, you just need to disclose the reasonable adjustment you would require. The firm has the right to determine whether it is a reasonable adjustment or not. For instance with some group exercises they can’t give you additional time because everyone needs to be given the task at the same time.

But for anything that requires significant reading or writing, a 25% extra time adjustment is 1) a fairly common request and 2) fairly easy to add the additional time.

 

[ccfuturetraineesolicitor]

Literally, I was begging W&C to send me my rejection on the phone rn. I asked that I need to know if I am progressed to AC or not ASAP, as I have full time job and I should ask for my annual leave 6 weeks in advance. I applied to spring VS and I cannot postpone it to summer as it overlaps with another scheme that I secured already. Every time they say we will update you, but nothing. I literally said people were offered schemes already, so just this rejection so I can plan my life. I know it’s probably not the right thing to show impatience to GR, but I have my own circumstances, and they should adjust with personal requests, if reasonable.
Anyway, I will consider it as a rejection officially now, because I will decline in both situations…

I understand your frustration - it’s rather unfair to leave applicants hanging for so long, especially since there may be certain arrangements that need to be made to accommodate the ac timings they provide (and from my experience, the choices are very limited).

Did W&C’s grad rec mention what is taking them so long? I’ve definitely seen people on this forum, who were invited to complete the VI after me, progress to the AC.

 

[Ghassen]

I understand your frustration - it’s rather unfair to leave applicants hanging for so long, especially since there may be certain arrangements that need to be made to accommodate the ac timings they provide (and from my experience, the choices are very limited).

Did W&C’s grad rec mention what is taking them so long? I’ve definitely seen people on this forum, who were invited to complete the VI after me, progress to the AC.

Yeah I can tell you exactly the situation. I did my VI 7 weeks ago, and got the rejection today after insisting to get a response ASAP. I argued them that people doing VI after me getting AC invitation. So basically, they want to offer the people they like first and leave the rejection to the end, probably in case they fill one spot or two with those who are waiting. However, basically if you don’t get a response post VI within 2 to 3 weeks, it 90% a rejection. That’s what I understood from W&C process.
I got my rejection only when I insisted to get it.

 

[Bubbles]

Am i missing something or does Browne Jacobson not have any actual questions in its application? (only work experience section?)

 

[ccfuturetraineesolicitor]

Yeah I can tell you exactly the situation. I did my VI 7 weeks ago, and got the rejection today after insisting to get a response ASAP. I argued them that people doing VI after me getting AC invitation. So basically, they want to offer the people they like first and leave the rejection to the end, probably in case they fill one spot or two with those who are waiting. However, basically if you don’t get a response post VI within 2 to 3 weeks, it 90% a rejection. That’s what I understood from W&C process.
I got my rejection only when I insisted to get it.

Thank you for sharing this! Is this what they told you?? This is quite disheartening tbh - I feel like it’s better if they just ripped the plaster off sooner rather than later (so to speak).

Don’t let this experience put you down!! You still managed to secure a VS elsewhere. I would focus on the wins instead

 

[Sunshinepink]

I would highlight 3 reasons why you are making that decision:

• Is it because of the diverse clients the region has to offer?
• Is it because of the practice area you are interested in which is well positioned in the region compared to others?
• Is it because of the nature of the the deals and cases that region deals with?

These are some of the things I would consider and potentially discuss.

Thank you so much, this is really helpful!

 

[Sunshinepink]

Focus on the differences/uniqueness of that location compared to other locations you could choose, and explain why those elements align to your particular motivations or interests.

Okay, thank you so much. This is great!

 

[lawstudent15]

Fairs when did you guys do VI

14 Feb!

 

[EliteWhovian]

Just received an interview invite from Travers Smith but it was scheduled for literally tomorrow ☠️

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I hope its online otherwise thats brutal! You absolutely got this, good luck!

 

[farr_x]

For those waiting for Dentons I just had a call with GR and they said they take time to give people AC because they review applications in stages. So those waiting still be hopeful. Also once you’ve done the AC you hear back in a week

Hey, would you happen to know if they are doing ACs separately for direct TCs? I know people have been invited to their AC for the vac scheme, but heard nothing regarding direct TCs

 

[laby201]

When you're asked how a firm stands out from its competitors, should you generally take the angle of your personal perspective or from a client's perspective?