TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[MG020202]

still waiting on irwin mitchell after the ac!

Have you heard anything yet?

 

[Will123]

Is it possible to do the Stephenson Harwood assessment in two sittings? Do the test on one day and then the VI on another?

 

[LillyandSilver]

still waiting on irwin mitchell after the ac!

Did mine in Feb (rip). For some reason in my head, I had the week of 15th April, but someone on the thread said it would be end of April to hear back from them.

 

[SamiyaJ]

I did my NRF arctic shores assessment on Sunday, deadline was on Monday. Has anyone heard back for a TI? It's my first application so I've no idea how long to wait and couldn't compare the timeline to other threads on here.

 

[ja_mibe]

As someone who has never done an AC before, what should I expect? I know there is going to be an interview, a written exercise based on a hypothetical legal scenario, and a group exercise (a presentation, I think).

For the written exercise, what sort of prep should I be doing? Outside of sharpening my commercial awareness, would it require some technical knowledge of a particular practice area and do I therefore need to understand how multiple different practice areas work going into the AC?? Also, does 'hypothetical legal scenario' more likely mean a case study or could it also be a letter-writing or proof-reading exercise?

And for the group exercise, how do they actually assess you? As in, while your group is putting the presentation together, is there someone sitting in a corner observing you all and taking notes? I am coming into this with very minimal experience and have only done two video interviews and attended one (non-assessed) open day, so if anyone could share their past experience that would be massively helpful. Thank you!

 

[Zaidoz10]

Has anyone heard back from dentons ME insight scheme post VI?

 

[wawawa]

hi everyone! does anyone have any advice as to what to say to grad rec if you want to turn down a vac scheme that you previously accepted? i've been offered one that clashes which i want to prioritise but not sure what to say to the other GR and want to put it right

 

[Chlojane]

Did mine in Feb (rip). For some reason in my head, I had the week of 15th April, but someone on the thread said it would be end of April to hear back from them.

in mine they said “at the very latest the end of April” so I had hope it might’ve been earlier!

 

[LillyandSilver]

As someone who has never done an AC before, what should I expect? I know there is going to be an interview, a written exercise based on a hypothetical legal scenario, and a group exercise (a presentation, I think).

For the written exercise, what sort of prep should I be doing? Outside of sharpening my commercial awareness, would it require some technical knowledge of a particular practice area and do I therefore need to understand how multiple different practice areas work going into the AC?? Also, does 'hypothetical legal scenario' more likely mean a case study or could it also be a letter-writing or proof-reading exercise?

And for the group exercise, how do they actually assess you? As in, while your group is putting the presentation together, is there someone sitting in a corner observing you all and taking notes? I am coming into this with very minimal experience and have only done two video interviews and attended one (non-assessed) open day, so if anyone could share their past experience that would be massively helpful. Thank you!

What they normally do is give you a group task which you will then present to the assessors at the end together and maybe ask questions on. Can only speak from experience on group exercises, each firm might have different criteria but most of the time they are looking to see how you work in a team. Can you bring new perspectives and listen to other people, can you interact well with people and positively add to their ideas? Can you adapt your ideas when they are questioned and handle constructive criticism in a good way? Really it's just about being friendly. You don't have to lead anything if you don't want to, being a good listener who can offer insightful feedback will also be appreciated. I'm sure you will smash it.

 

[AlegalA]

in mine they said “at the very latest the end of April” so I had hope it might’ve been earlier!

They mentioned they wanted to give all answers, positive and negative out in the same week, so I reckon it will probably be next week.

IM, HD too I reckon and hopefully Withers!

 

[Izzy1026]

Would anyone be keen to share their successful (made it to AC) application to Orrick? The firm is not included in the database so I would really appreciate some insights. Happy to share my own apps to Slaughter, Cleary, White&Case, and Bristows in exchange x

 

[fusion]

Gateley PFO post assessment centre.
However, they have offered feedback, which is a first!

 

[Bubbles]

Do we assume PFO if we haven't heard back from Browne Jacobson post-TI at this point On the phone they said they'd let us know by last friday

I emailed them on Monday asking for an update because I got offered another role, and they still haven't gotten back to me ://

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Would anyone be keen to share their successful (made it to AC) application to Orrick? The firm is not included in the database so I would really appreciate some insights. Happy to share my own apps to Slaughter, Cleary, White&Case, and Bristows in exchange x

Would also love this. Can swap for applications that were successful for a variety of firms.

 

[SR99]

Browne Jacobson rejection post TI

 

[PinkZebra67]

Browne Jacobson rejection post TI

Same :/

 

[legallybrunette8]

Browne Jacobson pfo as well, but super happy that they provide feedback!

 

[ohnoselim]

anyone know some firms that have direct TC routes still open and they recruit an even ish number from that route in comparison to VS?

 

[futurerookytobe]

Gateley PFO post assessment centre.
However, they have offered feedback, which is a first!

Heyyy so sorry to hear this! Would you mind sharing the feedback? Like what kind of things were they looking for in candidates? Thanks a lot!

 

[Jessica Booker]

hi everyone! does anyone have any advice as to what to say to grad rec if you want to turn down a vac scheme that you previously accepted? i've been offered one that clashes which i want to prioritise but not sure what to say to the other GR and want to put it right

I wouldn’t overthink it - you just need to state you are withdrawing your acceptance. If you want to explain that is to attend another scheme, you can - the firm is likely to ask anyway.

It really depends if you want to/hope to go forward for a direct TC process with the firm instead. If that is the case, it is best to call the HR team rather than rely on email and discuss what the options are.