TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[axelbeugre]

Re-reading the application I sent to a firm in preparation for an interview, somehow wrote that I was interested in their private wealth team when I know the firm doesn't actually do any private wealth work. It was a passing mention amongst other areas they do practice in, but any suggestions for the best way to correct myself if they mention this at the interview?

I would stress how you are a very curious and inquisitive person and you are actually interested in more areas and sectors the firm works in such as xyz and dive deeper into those.

I think that in interviews there is a subtle way to diverge the conversation towards something you want to say and this might be the best way in my opinion.

Alternatively, you can pick up a certain aspect of private wealth such as working closely with clients and how you understand that there are other departments that can provide that too such M&A or something like that.

I hope this approach works and good luck with your interview and congratulations for obtaining in the first place!

 

[IshaHK]

Has anyone heard from TLT yet post vacation scheme application for London?

Nope!! Nothing from TLT yet

 

[kmo20]

For the W&C AC does anyone have any advice on what to prepare for any commercial questions and the written exercise?

 

[hannah04]

Does anyone know how far out from the start date paralegal positions recruit from?

 

[Metepow]

Anything from Slaughters this week?

 

[aspiringlawyer47]

Does anyone know how far out from the start date paralegal positions recruit from?

As early as 1 week post interview depending on the employer. Some employers may need you to undergo more rigorous checks such as security clearance which could end up pushing your start date back by a month or more!

 

[B.B.]

Does anyone have any advice for the Mayer Brown AC? Any tips would be really appreciated

 

[neonorange]

I would stress how you are a very curious and inquisitive person and you are actually interested in more areas and sectors the firm works in such as xyz and dive deeper into those.

I think that in interviews there is a subtle way to diverge the conversation towards something you want to say and this might be the best way in my opinion.

Alternatively, you can pick up a certain aspect of private wealth such as working closely with clients and how you understand that there are other departments that can provide that too such M&A or something like that.

I hope this approach works and good luck with your interview and congratulations for obtaining in the first place!

Thanks so much, that's really helpful advice!

 

[Fd321]

Spring Vac Scheme at Withers!!! ... its been three long cycles but we finally got there.

Congratulations! 🤩 do you know when you sent your app? 😊

 

[RonRod13]

View attachment 5823

Those who have taken Watson Glaser tests and understand the “assumption” part, please can someone explain this to me? I understand the other parts but for some reason when it gets to “assumption” I get confused.

Does “assumption not made” mean that the statement does not necessarily match with the assumption and “assumption made” would mean that the statement matches the assumption so correlates but is just re-worded?

Please could a question and answer be provided but also explained a little?

@axelbeugre @Jessica Booker do you perhaps have any tips on how I can better understand the “assumption” part of the WG? 😊

Basically, assumption made = is the assumption logically justified? In this case, its certainly reasonable to assume that managerial can be defined/quantified/measured etc.

 

[studentdelaw786]

anyone heard anything from SPB or NRF post-VI and post-games assessment?

 

[clo224455]

Can anyone please provide an insight into the Reed Smith AC? Thanks

 

[nliro85]

Ropes Gray anyone still waiting

 

[airyfairy123]

How long does everyone take to prepare for interviews including forming their competency examples and motivation answers to actually being able to speak freely in interviews?

For competency, it depends on how quickly you are able to draw examples from your experiences and flesh it out into STAR. Then practise until you are certain you'll be able to think of that example on the spot when asked during an interview.

For motivation, just go back over your application and maybe research more into those reasons to solidify them further. Practice as you would with the competency answers

 

[LehmanBrothersRiskManagementIntern]

Just received feedback from the US law that rejected me post AC. They told me that I excelled in the group exercise and I was good in the partner-technical interview (although I could elaborate more on some points). Apparently, the competency interview was my downfall. They told me that I didn't respect the 2 minute limit per question in 3 questions. That I shouldn't have talked for 3-4 minutes when answering the 3 questions. This is in stark contrast to a previous AC where I was told that I shouldn't be concise and I should speak for more than 2 minutes to elaborate more 😂.They also emphasised twice that it wasn't the content of my answers but the length of the 3 answers that was too much

 

[aspiringsolicitor2000]

Anything from Kennedys?

 

[lawbear123]

anything from gibson dunn post second stage?

 

[AnonKn635]

I would wait to get an actual offer before asking to be moved personally. Law firms are usually very understanding when it comes to situations like this so I would work hard to get the offer and then see what can be done to move you afterwards.

Ideally, if they are not able to move you to the summer scheme you could ask them to consider you for a direct training contract if possible.

Hi axel, I am in a similar position. How does one go about asking to be considered for a direct tc. Would you have to leverage other offers or just ask directly?

 

[diligentbean]

I don't think they're ones you can really practice for much if I'm honest. It's cliche but I would just answer them honestly; I've done the strategy before where you try to think of the "right" answer, but the obvious one often isn't right.

I did both the BM and RS ones, and, like you, I got dissimilar outcomes in each of the pillars, despite answering honestly in both. I don't get how I can be a 7/9 for grit in one test and 3/9 on another!

Thanks, your insight is really helpful! Yeah, my grit was significantly different in both of them. I also don’t understand how I could’ve shown anymore willingness to embrace digital solutions without selecting an answer that seemed like the wrong/ absolute last thing I should do as a trainee to a partner.

It’s a shame to complete the application process and get through to the next stage to have to rely on luck so much.

 

[diligentbean]

How heavily does Baker McKenzie assess A-Levels? It says they look for 'good' A-Level grades, has anyone had any experience applying with not as good grades?

I got ABC but have mitigating circumstances, and got through, if that helps.