TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Miss Chocolate]

Just wanted to share that on my third cycle, fourth assessment centre, and however many applications, I have finally secured a VS.

I wouldn’t have been able to do it without this community and how supportive everyone is of each other. Know this is only 50% of the battle (and will still have to get clearance from my employer first 😬) but I’m overjoyed I’m in this position.

If you ever feel like giving up, take it from me: you only need one yes.

omg so so happy for you!! well done and celebrate this win!

 

[laby201]

omg so so happy for you!! well done and celebrate this win!

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it All the best to you for the rest of the cycle!

 

[anon12]

if im in my second year of uni studying law what intake for TC would I be?

 

[ayiiii05]

Any news from Faegre regarding the next stage? I've only seen one rejection on here.

 

[lawbear123]

if im in my second year of uni studying law what intake for TC would I be?

26 intake

 

[legal1803]

Anyone done the SH assessment and video interview yet?

 

[Jessica Booker]

if im in my second year of uni studying law what intake for TC would I be?

If you are on a three year course, the earliest you could start most TCs is September 2026 as you would not graduate until 2025 and will then need a year to study/pass the SQE.

 

[JLaw56]

Any news from Faegre regarding the next stage? I've only seen one rejection on here.

I received an interview invite on Tuesday.

 

[legal1803]

SH spring VS offer!

heyy, how was the assessment and video interview you? what sorts of things came up

 

[legal1803]

Is it unwise to repeat reasons/examples in a video interview that were used in the initial application?

 

[tealzeal]

In Withers' realm, I wait in vain,
Silence reigns, my hopes detain.
Test completed, no word returned,
In limbo, where dreams adjourned.

Withers' silence, a deafening cry,
Echoes of uncertainty amplify.
Yet still, I hope, for a response to be,
In the legal labyrinth, a chance for me.

Withers get back 2 me pls XOXO

honestly🤣 like should i just take it as a pfo at this point?? aside from one person i haven't heard of anyone who applied for the summer vs getting an interview! someone also said that grad rec said they're taking a longer time than usual to reply to candidates though, so idk

 

[Law10]

Has anyone not heard back from Stephenson Harwood for the Dubai VS?

 

[n1245678]

Hello everyone!

I'm currently completing a spring vac scheme, which involves completing two assessed taks. I've just finished my first week of the scheme, and, unfortunately, the pressure of time constraints and having to adjust to a new corporate environment really got to me, so I wasn't able to complete the first assessed task to the best of my abilities. Of the three parts to the task, I think I've managed to do the first two went alright, but I really ran out of time on the third section and didn't do a good job at all.

Do you think there's a chance I could make up for it during the second week of the scheme/final interview and still secure a training contract?

Thank you!

 

[Percypig12]

Hello everyone!

I'm currently completing a spring vac scheme, which involves completing two assessed taks. I've just finished my first week of the scheme, and, unfortunately, the pressure of time constraints and having to adjust to a new corporate environment really got to me, so I wasn't able to complete the first assessed task to the best of my abilities. Of the three parts to the task, I think I've managed to do the first two went alright, but I really ran out of time on the third section and didn't do a good job at all.

Do you think there's a chance I could make up for it during the second week of the scheme/final interview and still secure a training contract?

Thank you!

No one is gonna be able to give a definitive answer without knowing the firm's assessment processes.

What I will say is:
(1) You've probably done better than you think (they're not expecting perfection); and
(2) Just keep trying your best. There's nothing to be gained from worrying about something that is now in the past.

Good luck with the second week!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Is it unwise to repeat reasons/examples in a video interview that were used in the initial application?

It’s not a problem to repeat your motivations - firms won’t expect these to change. But answers should be delivered differently - how you write something is not how you would say something in person, and your answers are likely going to need more depth when speaking too.

The occasional competency example is fine to repeat but try to bring as much variety to your candidacy as possible by using a broad range of examples where you can.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hello everyone!

I'm currently completing a spring vac scheme, which involves completing two assessed taks. I've just finished my first week of the scheme, and, unfortunately, the pressure of time constraints and having to adjust to a new corporate environment really got to me, so I wasn't able to complete the first assessed task to the best of my abilities. Of the three parts to the task, I think I've managed to do the first two went alright, but I really ran out of time on the third section and didn't do a good job at all.

Do you think there's a chance I could make up for it during the second week of the scheme/final interview and still secure a training contract?

Thank you!

Perfection isn’t possible at any time, but particularly on first attempts and when learning.

You may not even need to “make this up”, but continue to strive to do your best in tasks next week to ensure you are in the strongest position. Also try and learn from any experience this time around and make changes to your approach so you can ensure you feel you are able to perform better next time.

 

[Percypig12]

Perfection isn’t possible at any time, but particularly on first attempts and when learning.

You may not even need to “make this up”, but continue to strive to do your best in tasks next week to ensure you are in the strongest position. Also try and learn from any experience this time around and make changes to your approach so you can ensure you feel you are able to perform better next time.

Hi Jessica,

In such a situation, do you think it's worth bringing up where you struggled with the assessed task in the final TC interview? The idea would be to show learning and self-reflection by discussing how you would approach the task next time

 

[amy2002]

@Jessica Booker

Hi Jessica,

If I've been offered a VS, do you have any examples of an email I could draft to my employer (I currently paralegal) in order to ask for time off? I have no intention of leaving anytime soon and want to express that. Would you recommend speaking to them in person beforehand to be upfront/respectful?

Also, when it comes to conflict checks, is that your responsibility to sort or the firm that offered me the VS? If it is mine, what steps ought to be taken?

Thank you!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi Jessica,

In such a situation, do you think it's worth bringing up where you struggled with the assessed task in the final TC interview? The idea would be to show learning and self-reflection by discussing how you would approach the task next time

I wouldn’t refer to it as “struggling” but you can put a more positive reflection on what you feel you could have improved on if asked in the interview.

 

[lawbear123]

what's the scene with W&C?