TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Jessica Booker]

Do law firms give equal consideration to your applications if you re-apply the next cycle after being rejected for a first-stage interview in a previous cycle?

In some instances, yes. But if they hold your data beyond the period of time between your first and second application, or they ask you to disclose whether you have applied before, they are probably going to look more closely at what you have done since your last application - to see if there is growth and development since your unsuccessful application.

 

[tcplease2345]

In some instances, yes. But if they hold your data beyond the period of time between your first and second application, or they ask you to disclose whether you have applied before, they are probably going to look more closely at what you have done since your last application - to see if there is growth and development since your unsuccessful application.

Thank you!

 

[tcplease2345]

But it is possible to get a TC at a firm despite being rejected in previous cycles? even if it is after an interview.

 

[Jessica Booker]

But it is possible to get a TC at a firm despite being rejected in previous cycles? even if it is after an interview.

Yes, very much so. Seen it hundreds of times.

 

[nliro85]

Is Shoosmiths test automatic?

 

[A worried final year]

Probably not what you want to hear, but I think Mayer Brown just ghost if they’re not going to progress your application.

I haven't had one either sadly.

 

[A worried final year]

I received a job sim invite like 5 weeks after my SJT, so yh it does seem they just ghost you.

Someone I know got a rejection email only a few days back but it sometimes ends up in the spam folder.

 

[A worried final year]

Has anyone heard back from mayer brown post job sim?

It will be a while as some haven't even had the sims yet.

 

[Miss Chocolate]

Have my first round of interview with Bristows tomorrow - any tips appreciated by anyone who's been through it ) <3

 

[Lawyaa]

I haven't had one either sadly.

I received an invite today so it's not too late!

 

[lookingforaTC]

Was this post-VI? Because if so that's actually disgraceful. It's final stage for SH, people deserve to hear back whatever the outcome at that point of the process.

No post application.

 

[bangarangbass39]

Wow, that is amazing!! Congratulations!

Massive thanks! The advice from you and Jaysen was fantastic. The questions they asked were essentially what you guys suggested I be prepared to answer.

 

[lookingforaTC]

I think everyone would do the LPC over the SQE if that was possible. I think it is not possible anymore and some firms will not even accept you if you studied the LPC so SQE is the only way.

Why do people prefer LPC over SQE?

 

[amy2002]

How much weight do interviewers hold in decision making at ACs? I feel I built a strong rapport with one of my interviewers but my written exercise was slightly weaker - do they hold much influence or is it really firm dependent?

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

For a question asking to highlight interests and extracurricular activities/achievements/positions of responsibility, is it alright to bullet point my response? @Jessica Booker

 

[A worried final year]

Why do people prefer LPC over SQE?

Cheaper and a higher pass rate

 

[Apple]

@Jessica Booker

Do you think giving two sets of mitigating circumstances could be cause for concern to a law firm?

They are well-evidenced and supported by a letter from my university. However, they are for 3 modules that are all low 2:1 but were out of line with my other grades. Do you think I should include the mitigating circumstances to explain the drop in a few modules, or would I be better off simply not mentioning them at all since the grades are not disastrous, and the firm may perceive me to be an "inconsistent" candidate.

 

[lookingforaTC]

Cheaper and a higher pass rate

Cheaper? I thought SQE was cheaper?

 

[axelbeugre]

Why do people prefer LPC over SQE?

Because it feels as though the SQE might be harder and test skills which are not going to be necessarily the same as those necessary in practice. Doing 360 multiple choice questions in 10 hours does not necessarily capture how good of a lawyer someone will be and some people feel that the process, rather than diversifying the legal profession, is actually making it more unaccessible to marginalised communities.

 

[axelbeugre]

How much weight do interviewers hold in decision making at ACs? I feel I built a strong rapport with one of my interviewers but my written exercise was slightly weaker - do they hold much influence or is it really firm dependent?

It really depends on the firm and the evaluation process but they would definitely have a big say into whether you are offered a place or not. If you feel like you impressed them in a way, that is really positive and I would focus on the positive experience you had on the interview.

There is no point in stressing over your written exercise right now and I am sure you did not do as badly as you might think. I would personally say to be hopeful. I found myself in your situations a couple of times and I was so insecure about my written assessment, but I always came out on top so I would encourage you to be hopeful and focus on the overall positive experience you had at the firm.

Good luck with the result!