TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[S7321]

How quickly do you usually hear back after a VS on whether you've got a TC? I've got 2 VS back to back this summer so wondering when I'll need to make any decisions or weigh them up if I'm successful!

 

[suhana]

Huge congrats on getting a TC offer post Spring VS! That’s a major achievement!! 🥳

As for your question, I think it’s fine. I received a TC offer post Spring VS but have upcoming SVS’, so I reached out to the firm and negotiated an extension to accept the TC. 🥲

They gave me until around mid July (when the SVS’ are over). The main thing is to be honest about the reason you are seeking an extension of the deadline. Best of luck for the SVS! 😅​

Unfortunately the firm said no to extending the date!

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Unfortunately the firm said no to extending the date!

I'd take the TC. Don't risk it!

 

[Chris Brown]

I just got off a call with the firm, and they confirmed that they won't be able to extend the signing deadline. I'm now a bit unsure about how to proceed. There's nothing in my contract—either for the vacation scheme or the training contract—that states I can't undertake the vacation scheme if I already have a TC offer. However, should I inform the vacation scheme firm about my TC offer? Situation is a bit tricky

It might be better to accept the TC offer from the firm you did the Spring VS with. As there are no clauses prohibiting you from doing the Summer VS (from either firm), I would say do the Summer VS and if you convert it, potentially consider reneging on the Spring VS TC (if you feel you prefer the Summer VS firm). That is your safest option, instead of losing the Spring VS TC offer due to not accepting in time! 🙂​

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I just got off a call with the firm, and they confirmed that they won't be able to extend the signing deadline. I'm now a bit unsure about how to proceed. There's nothing in my contract—either for the vacation scheme or the training contract—that states I can't undertake the vacation scheme if I already have a TC offer. However, should I inform the vacation scheme firm about my TC offer? Situation is a bit tricky

At this stage I don’t see the value in telling your VS firm that you have accepted a TC offer. At some point they may ask you to provide this detail anyway, and you can explain the situation at that time.

The only reason to speak to the VS firm about it is if you feel you could ask them to consider you for a direct TC process and for you to get a decision on that in the coming weeks rather than waiting post VS.

 

[StickyToffeePud]

Has anyone heard back from Paul Hastings post interview yet?

 

[AS24]

Has anyone received a PFO from Mishcon after completing the AC for the summer VS? I am desperate!

 

[Amma Usman]

I have a virtual AC coming up. I’ve never done one virtually so does anyone have any advice on how to make sure I still come across well through the laptop?

Congratulations on getting the virtual interview! I’d say treat is as you would any normal interview - same level of preparation, confidence, and clarity you will adopt as if it were in-person. This may include building a good rapport from the start, just as you would at a face-to-face interview, relatively formal dressing, asking good questions along the way/at the end, etc.

 

[Amehta1]

Hi @Jessica Booker I was wondering if you could assist with this. Thanks in advance for your help!

My friend has an offer for a tc He's given reasons for wanting an earlier start and they've put him on a waiting list. What's the probability he gets to start earlier considering they said they're very backlogged.

Also, can you still apply to other firms even though you've accepted a tc offer.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi @Jessica Booker I was wondering if you could assist with this. Thanks in advance for your help!

My friend has an offer for a tc He's given reasons for wanting an earlier start and they've put him on a waiting list. What's the probability he gets to start earlier considering they said they're very backlogged.

Also, can you still apply to other firms even though you've accepted a tc offer.

I really can’t say what the probability is as it’s going to be determined by so many individual factors, many of which the graduate recruitment team won’t be able to predict. However, if they have said they are backlogged, it sounds less likely and that other people are ahead of him in the waiting list.

Generallt, you can apply to other firm unless you have received any financial support from the firm or have started the onboarding processes for a sponsored GDL/LPC/SQE course from the firm you have accepted the TC with.

 

[Legal Wizard]

@Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu How do I best answer this question: identify and Describe the ways in which policies/actions (EXCLUDING TARIFFS) of the Trump Admin are affecting businesses in the UK and Europe. Thanks 🙏

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu How do I best answer this question: identify and Describe the ways in which policies/actions (EXCLUDING TARIFFS) of the Trump Admin are affecting businesses in the UK and Europe. Thanks 🙏

What are your initial thoughts on this question?

 

[Legal Wizard]

What are your initial thoughts on this question?

I thought 1. Investment uncertainty-with Trump’s “America first” posture that definitely caused a stir in transatlantic business relations which caused uncertainty for businesses like BMW, VW and other European car manufacturers who paused planned investment in US operations; 2. Regulatory divergence given the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and the rollback of several environmental, financial and data/privacy regulations like the foreign corrupt practices Act (Spotify and data transfers between EU and the US due to the relaxed privacy laws of the admin vs GDPR’s more stringent provisions); 3. Weakened multilateral agreements like the threats of withdrawal from the WTO and NATO forcing businesses to reconsider reliance on these prior established international norms so FDI, Capital Investment, JV’s affected based on the isolationist stance of the admin. 4 There has also been a significant increase in EU and UK military stocks b/c of the admins clear message that they cannot rely on the US.

 

[panon]

Hi @Jessica Booker !!

I have an interview coming up for a work experience placement with AS. they are taking the interview virtually with 3-4 other candidates who will be able to hear each others' answers. however, they have also made it explicit that this is not a group exercise and we will be marked individually. the questions are likely to be the basic competency/motivation/ maybe commercial ones.

I have never navigated an interview like this so I am really confused what the expectations would be? any insight you may have on this would be super helpful! thank you so much in advance ))

 

[Legal Wizard]

Hi @Jessica Booker !!

I have an interview coming up for a work experience placement with AS. they are taking the interview virtually with 3-4 other candidates who will be able to hear each others' answers. however, they have also made it explicit that this is not a group exercise and we will be marked individually. the questions are likely to be the basic competency/motivation/ maybe commercial ones.

I have never navigated an interview like this so I am really confused what the expectations would be? any insight you may have on this would be super helpful! thank you so much in advance ))

Don’t overthink this. Prepare solid responses for why law, and in particular, commercial law; why you as in attributes that are unique to you that make you well suited to the profession. I would also prepare as much info as you can in the firm or company that the placement will be at because you will probably also be asked why your interest in that organisation. To that end, I would have 3 clear points starting with explaining your attraction to THE WORK that the firm/organisation does and tying that to past work you have done, your studies/ interests etc. Then you can go into things like culture, pro bono, diversity etc. I would imagine the group setting is just a time economising measure so don’t be put off by having to let your passion shine through in front of other applicants. Good luck!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi @Jessica Booker !!

I have an interview coming up for a work experience placement with AS. they are taking the interview virtually with 3-4 other candidates who will be able to hear each others' answers. however, they have also made it explicit that this is not a group exercise and we will be marked individually. the questions are likely to be the basic competency/motivation/ maybe commercial ones.

I have never navigated an interview like this so I am really confused what the expectations would be? any insight you may have on this would be super helpful! thank you so much in advance ))

The advice from @Legal Wizard above is great - I agree with what they have said.

I'd also add to try and not change your answers just because another candidate has said something you think is impressive. You can always be a bit clever with it and say something like "I agree with what Joe Bloggs said in their answer earlier but my additional thoughts are....". This shows you are actively listening to other people's answers while still making sure you present your thoughts rather than repeating what someone else may have said.

 

[AnAnonymousDuck]

Hi @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman

I have an upcoming ac and have to prepare a commercial story. I was thinking about talking about the labour government’s plans for a cleaner britain and renewable energy goals. I was also thinking about then linking it to the contentious work that could pop up about greenwashing claims. Do you have any thoughts on whether this is a good topic and how i could possibly outline this to make it as structured as possible?

 

[panon]

Don’t overthink this. Prepare solid responses for why law, and in particular, commercial law; why you as in attributes that are unique to you that make you well suited to the profession. I would also prepare as much info as you can in the firm or company that the placement will be at because you will probably also be asked why your interest in that organisation. To that end, I would have 3 clear points starting with explaining your attraction to THE WORK that the firm/organisation does and tying that to past work you have done, your studies/ interests etc. Then you can go into things like culture, pro bono, diversity etc. I would imagine the group setting is just a time economising measure so don’t be put off by having to let your passion shine through in front of other applicants. Good luck!

The advice from @Legal Wizard above is great - I agree with what they have said.

I'd also add to try and not change your answers just because another candidate has said something you think is impressive. You can always be a bit clever with it and say something like "I agree with what Joe Bloggs said in their answer earlier but my additional thoughts are....". This shows you are actively listening to other people's answers while still making sure you present your thoughts rather than repeating what someone else may have said.

Thank you so much both!! this is really helpful )

 

[mulan0]

Does anyone know what type of video interview Moore Barlow will be eg competency or strengths based? I can’t find any information!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman

I have an upcoming ac and have to prepare a commercial story. I was thinking about talking about the labour government’s plans for a cleaner britain and renewable energy goals. I was also thinking about then linking it to the contentious work that could pop up about greenwashing claims. Do you have any thoughts on whether this is a good topic and how i could possibly outline this to make it as structured as possible?

I am tagging in @ZNadeem as I know Ram, Andrei and Amma are quite busy with exams at the moment.

How long do you have to present/talk about this topic?