TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[amy2002]

I was asked in an interview, other than black letter law, what do you think our clients look to us for?

I said value for money (how efficiently the firm can get tasks done, using AI etc) and expertise/reputation, which I linked to building longstanding client relationships, while referring to a client I knew had used the firm on multiple occasions.

Is this the kind of thing they were looking for or have I misinterpreted their question??

 

[Lilil]

Anyone heard back from TW who did their AC earlier this month?

I received a call on Wednesday

 

[Lawyering13]

I was asked in an interview, other than black letter law, what do you think our clients look to us for?

I said value for money (how efficiently the firm can get tasks done, using AI etc) and expertise/reputation, which I linked to building longstanding client relationships, while referring to a client I knew had used the firm on multiple occasions.

Is this the kind of thing they were looking for or have I misinterpreted their question??

I got this question at a recent successful interview and I said what you said + where they operate (jurisdictions) + how seriously the law firm takes ESG as well (so as not to damage reputation). So think ur ok!

 

[amy2002]

I got this question at a recent successful interview and I said what you said + where they operate (jurisdictions) + how seriously the law firm takes ESG as well (so as not to damage reputation). So think ur ok!

Thank you, that's reassuring I also got asked a question on what issues clients are facing and how the firm can help. If I spoke about the EU AI Act, rather an AI more broadly, and how they will have to prepare for these regulations to avoid fines, is that fine? I'm worried I didn't answer the question! I did throw in something about rising interest rates as a separate point but not sure with how much conviction!

 

[trainingcontractplz]

I received a call on Wednesday

Thanks When did you sit your AC if you don't mind me asking? I had mine on 5 March. Do you know if all offers have been handed out?

 

[l789]

Does anyone have notes from Mayer Brown's Open Day in December 2023? If so I would be grateful if you could PM me and share.

They held two open days, one in December and Janurary. They didn’t have enough spaces for everyone so held one in January- did you receive the email?

 

[legallybrunette8]

just got another pfo from brabners it was prob my strongest and longest application yet as I really loved the firm, trying not to be discouraged as I only have 1 firm left to hear from for vacation schemes. looks like I have to start applying for TCs now 😰

 

[codytrainee]

Anyone had an assessment centre at W&C and still not heard back? Did mine the first week of March and they said they'd get back to me at the end of the following week.

It's been 3 weeks now and still nothing. Should I phone?

 

[sm99]

CMS & Slaughters have revoked tcs too forSQE failed attempts 👀this is brutal

 

[sm99]

Is the test for Browne Jacobson automatic?

I haven’t received it yet.. how long did it take for everyone else?

 

[kmo20]

Anyone had an assessment centre at W&C and still not heard back? Did mine the first week of March and they said they'd get back to me at the end of the following week.

It's been 3 weeks now and still nothing. Should I phone?

Same here, did my AC last week of February and still haven’t had a response

 

[Jessica Booker]

I was asked in an interview, other than black letter law, what do you think our clients look to us for?

I said value for money (how efficiently the firm can get tasks done, using AI etc) and expertise/reputation, which I linked to building longstanding client relationships, while referring to a client I knew had used the firm on multiple occasions.

Is this the kind of thing they were looking for or have I misinterpreted their question??

Yes, that is what they are looking for. You haven’t misinterpreted the question.

 

[CallumJR]

CMS & Slaughters have revoked tcs too forSQE failed attempts 👀this is brutal

I have a good friend who failed SQE last year and they were offered a second attempt!

Seems unfair to me to allow 2nd attempt one year and revoke TC offer the next year.

 

[Miss Chocolate]

I can't stop overthinking the fact that I should have been more confident and really sell my experiences in the interview. I guess at least I will be sure to do that for the next one but still :/

 

[Sharon Wu]

They held two open days, one in December and Janurary. They didn’t have enough spaces for everyone so held one in January- did you receive the email?

I didn't apply to their December Open Day.
Thanks for the information.
If I don't get anything this cycle, I will certainly apply to attend their next one.

 

[l789]

I didn't apply to their December Open Day.
Thanks for the information.
If I don't get anything this cycle, I will certainly apply to attend their next one.

Ok, I’m out volunteering atm but will send you over my notes once I get home- I took ALOT of notes

Also just checking but do you know what’s happening with Latham first year scheme. I haven’t heard back yet and really really really am hoping for a place

 

[tanamontana]

Does anyone know when Baker McKenzie will hold the last batch of ACs?

 

[sm99]

I have a good friend who failed SQE last year and they were offered a second attempt!

Seems unfair to me to allow 2nd attempt one year and revoke TC offer the next year.

I hope they are at least reviewing second attempts holistically for each individual person then! I still think it’s a crazy stance to take given the SQE is holding you at NQ level compared to the LPC.

 

[sm99]

Just wanna say to anyone who has been rejected post-AC, once the initial disappointment wears off, to take some time to evaluate the experience. I’ve reached ACs with certain firms like CMS before and wasn’t successful - but ahead of finding that out, I knew it wasn’t the right firm for me just based on how I felt in the process. The ac being a two way street thing is so so true. You definitely get a feel / sense of a firm by how they treat you in the AC and how the interview goes, so don’t take that for granted. I reached AC with CMS twice and they encouraged me to reapply but I never have and never will, because now 2 years on, from having a few more experiences I know exactly what I value in firms and I’ve had such a shift in the firms that I apply to, and CMS does not fit that criteria for me anymore (and I don’t think it ever did)

I think a lot of people get wrapped up in certain prestige and by what everyone else judges the “perfect” firm to be but everyone’s checklists are different so don’t get sweeped up in that. I’m doing much better this cycle now that I’ve taken some time to really think logistically through my choices and look into other firms that I used to close off, because I used to think they weren’t “prestige” enough. Hope that ramble makes sense

 

[yxngd2x]

Is anyone stilling waiting for W/C post VI. It’s been 6 weeks for me I’m assuming pfo now .

I'm waiting -- other people ik have been rejected in the meantime -- and someone ik in year above at uni who got tc last year had to wait over a month to be invited to AC so I really wouldn't give it too much thought -- doesn't make sense to assume a pfo when you haven't actually received the email because if they weren't still considering the app they'd just reject you