TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Winter]

Haha sure, what price makes it reasonable?

Free

 

[axelbeugre]

Competency style questions are common in law firm interviews. What is the purpose behind them?

In a real life problem, I tend to tackle a problem based on the facts presented to me rather than think back to a time in the past I have faced a similar situation. I am sure that most lawyers will do the same in practice. In my opinion, it is unlikely that a trainee solicitor will think back to the time they worked well in a team or a time when they solved a complex problem if faced with a similar situation in practice.

I think that the purpose is to understand how someone deals with unprecedented circumstances/tasks/events which are very common in this industry, and it is paramount that you know how to conduct yourself even though you might not be served with the best cards.

I understand your confusion because I used to think the same when I was applying but retrospectively, I think it is a good way for them to test the maturity and self-confidence that a candidate have, as well as their resilience.

 

[axelbeugre]

@axelbeugre , do you know whether Goodwin send out offers in batches or all at once for their vacation schemes?

I think they call everyone all at once but I am not really sure so do not quote me on this but I feel like this is what they did last year.

 

[S87]

Two months of radio silence from AG London after the critical thinking test..I am on the verge of calling them just to force a rejection!

 

[axelbeugre]

Hey guys, when in an interview where you have been given the names of the interviewers is it okay to mention that you have had a similar experience to one of the interviewers (non-law related.) One of the panellists at the organisation volunteered at the same place I did when they were a student (found out by LinkedIn lurking), is it okay to make a passing comment like "I volunteered at the same place you did when you were a student Bob, the skills I have developed doing xyz..."

Would this be a good idea or be seen as too forward 😂

I would not bring it up like this but I would try to talk about that experience and hope that the partner resonate with that.

For example, when I was interviewing with a firm last year, I knew that one of the partners was very interested in ESG and human rights litigation and so I mentioned that I participated in a global debate competition around ESG and human rights considerations relating to a specific topic and she was so excited and we ended up talking about it for ages.

As you can see, I did not say that I found out that she was interested in the same thing I debated on but I was able to bring it up and the conversation went from there.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi Jessica would you say if an applicant worked in a company that was in defence/aerospace where you'd need Security clearance to work would fall under those who'd have to be allocated carefully or may not be able to undertake a VS?

I think from my scheme induction it said we cannot take further paid work would a VS fall under this?

It sounds like your current employer could block it rather than the law firm's conflict checks.

 

[tcplease2345]

With the gold TCLA membership is there only one application review allowed in a month?

Or one free review and the rest we have to purchase?

Sorry but I am kind of new here!

 

[tcplease2345]

Two months of radio silence from AG London after the critical thinking test..I am on the verge of calling them just to force a rejection!

I did not even get the test they just ghosted me.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I definitely agree with your statement. Which now goes back to my question - surely it is better to fabricate a scenario to answer a competency question where you have never been in such a situation so as to avoid being marked down for not being able to come up with a genuine example?

So many people aren't very good at being convincing on this and fall apart when questioned/probed further. I am sure some could do it, but its a risky approach!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

With the gold TCLA membership is there only one application review allowed in a month?

Or one free review and the rest we have to purchase?

Sorry but I am kind of new here!

One review per calendar month - any more you'd need to purchase, but you receive a 25% discount on these.

 

[futuretrainee2025]

I definitely agree with your statement. Which now goes back to my question - surely it is better to fabricate a scenario to answer a competency question where you have never been in such a situation so as to avoid being marked down for not being able to come up with a genuine example?

I would advise against it as ive always been probed further on my experiences. if you mention working in a team on a project they might ask more about the roles of each individual, the details about the project itself etc

 

[Arf1309]

TLT post-AC PFO 😭 😭

 

[Zaakir]

I think they call everyone all at once but I am not really sure so do not quote me on this but I feel like this is what they did last year.

I think they call everyone all at once but I am not really sure so do not quote me on this but I feel like this is what they did last year.

And did you apply for either VS or a specific one?

 

[tcplease2345]

One review per calendar month - any more you'd need to purchase, but you receive a 25% discount on these.

Thank you! so that means I can purchase as many reviews as I want in a month?

 

[axelbeugre]

And did you apply for either VS or a specific one?

I applied for either!

 

[anonymouscatboy]

Haha sure, what price makes it reasonable?

how far are you willing to go?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Thank you! so that means I can purchase as many reviews as I want in a month?

Yes - you can purchase as many as you want within your membership and you would receive that discount.

 

[axelbeugre]

Hey, guys I just have one question, I did apply to Baker McKenzie for Summer VC and received PFO. My question is can I apply for this firm's direct training contract application even if I have been rejected for their summer vc?

I personally would not apply unless many changes in your cv have occurred from the time you applied until now (maybe you have done some vacation schemes in the meantime or received important awards or undertaken an impressive project.

Chances are that if you apply with a similar application you might be rejected again since the direct training contract process is even more difficult than the vacation scheme one.

 

[axelbeugre]

I jumped the gun a bit too quick; Goodwin Summer VS!

Congratulations!! Very well done!

 

[axelbeugre]

Same!!! Got the call a few minutes ago for the summer vac scheme, did they mention anything about only doing their scheme by any chance? I want to email grad rec to clarify because I saw something on this thread about that but idk if they've changed their policy.

Congratulations!! This will only be relevant if you get the training contract not the vacation scheme offer! If you do the summer scheme, you are most likely going to be able to do other schemes before receive the outcome of the vacation scheme as they take a while to communicate those, usually 2/3 weeks.